Featured Article
[Sponsored by Sun Valley Resort]
The scene is Idaho’s Wood River, which fresh snow has painted brilliant white. It’s a luxury for the eye enhanced all the more by the valley’s many days of iconic, vibrant sun. Yet visual opulence is only one aspect emphasizing winter as a prime season to experience this wonderful area and its crown jewel, Sun Valley Resort.
Since 1936, families and friends, representing all walks of life, have been arriving in a steady stream to Sun Valley in Idaho. That faithful visitation has grown the resort’s by-now iconic tradition: top-tier luxury made everyday accessible.
The region’s grounds and spacious vistas are the first visual indication of Sun Valley luxury. The clean, rolling hills encircling the resort are idyllic for winter day strolls. The un-crowded pathways of its village are clear of snow, lined with shops and lit by white light garlands that adorn both buildings and trees.
The resort village has been called “a living winter wonderland” and at its heart nestles the famous Sun Valley Lodge. The stately accommodation site is among the area’s oldest edifices, and most revered. Its four walls house a sumptuous spa facility replete with all-seasons pool and cutting edge fitness center. There’s fine dining as well and a roomy in-house cocktail lounge that rings with echoed laughter from history’s most prominent figures.
To exit the lodge enters a dreamscape of private delights. The classic Opera House cinema is a highlight. Across from that is The Ram restaurant. And Marilyn Monroe filmed Bus Stop at the neighboring Sun Valley Inn—which happens to host a second all-seasons pool as well as 24-hr fitness center. And horse-drawn sleighs wait to glide guests farther afield.
A favorite Sun Valley stop not far down a picturesque road is Trail Creek Cabin. Renowned historically as a sportsman’s refuge, Trail Creek was a favorite haunt of writer Ernest Hemingway. There, guests enjoy fine dining with rustic charm or gather for special events; either made all the more magical by the resort’s sleigh-style transport.
Guests to the Wood River and Sun Valley Resort are pleased to also discover public transit to be equally effortless valley-wide. Mountain Rides is an efficient, eco-conscious bus service connecting Bellevue, Hailey, and Ketchum to Sun Valley luxury—at no cost to riders. The free bus system is very popular with in-the-know locals as routes drop skiers and riders to the very doorstep of Bald or Dollar Mountain Lodges.
These mountain lodges seem to have bliss built into the architecture. There are antler-wreathed chandeliers, soft carpets, and cozy chairs—with knockout views. Dining and beverage options range from family picnic space to delicious meals prepared fresh. And then there are the washrooms. Though admittedly not a glamorous topic, Sun Valley Resort restrooms no less rank among its top lodge luxuries. They are spaciously ski gear friendly, clean, and gleam with marble and gold fixtures.
Waiting outside the lodge doors are the mountains of Sun Valley Resort and a definition of snow-born luxury.
Both Bald and Dollar Mountain feature state of the art snowmaking systems. Via that advanced technology, Sun Valley is able to offer guests a snow guarantee. Whatever the weather, the resort assures its slopes to be white. And the on-snow experience builds upon that impressive base.
The rich history of The Roundhouse waits up-slope on Bald Mountain as well. This lovely linchpin of lap skiing maintains its cavalier snow roots while at the same time defines the on-piste fine dining experience.
Inspired cuisine and lush surrounds are the cornerstones to Roundhouse’s foundation block role in Sun Valley ski tradition.
Indeed, whether on-snow or off-the-radar, Sun Valley is home to un-crowded luxury to suit every taste.
The resort’s stunning environment uniquely blends seclusion with socializing. Resulting from that mix is an atmosphere where the bride-to-be might pose for a picture with the extreme skier, the cowboy shares a laugh with a gallery aficionado, or kids splish-splash with their grandparents while mom and dad shake hands with a Hollywood movie star.
Sun Valley Resort tradition means unhurried luxury tailored personally to each guest.
Please stop, I live here and like my quiet no lift line resort. World class skiing and long great pitch and as you can see light snow with sunny days.