Sun Valley
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING
(208) 622-2250
1 Sun Valley Road, Sun Valley, ID 83353
Sun Valley, Idaho is the birthplace of destination skiing. Ketchum is the heart of the Wood River Valley and the Sun Valley Nordic and Snowshoe Center is just two miles east only a mile from the Sun Valley Lodge. The center is known for its trail quality, training programs, clinics, rentals and a state-of-the-art clubhouse for skiers of all levels and it is part of the Sun Valley Resort that also offers the famous alpine ski area, lodging, dining, The Spa and Fitness Center, and a magical travel experience.
Most of the 40 km cross country ski trails, which are groomed for skate or classic skiers, and 15 km of snowshoe trails are on and above the Sun Valley Golf Course that weaves up Trail Creek. The trails are gentle and easy but there is also plenty of challenging terrain. The Diamondback loop takes skiers up to a high point with fantastic views up and down the valley and of the Pioneer Mountains.
The daily trail fee is $32, and and it is lower for children and seniors (65+). The Value Season is opening day to Dec 16 and Jan 3 to the closing day. There are higher prices for Peak Season which is Dec 17- Jan 2. Private lessons (includes trail pass, $135 for first skier and $30 for each additional) are available. Rental equipment is available at $32 a day for adults and seniors and $15 for youth. There are lower half day rates at 1:00 PM. There are also clinics at 10 AM for 75 minutes limited to six participants for $140 which includes a daily trail pass - on Sundays clinics for classic skiing are Jan 9, 16, 23 and 30 and for skate skiing on Mondays, Jan 10, 17, 24, and 31. In February, the classic clinics are Sundays February 6, 13, 20 and 27 and skate clinics are the following Mondays.
The center has designated snowshoe trails available to hike for a $10 trail fee. Snowshoe rentals include the trail pass and are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors or youth. Half day rates start at 1:00 PM. The Sun Valley Nordic and Snowshoe Center has the largest ski school in the region available for lessons for all levels. Click here for the Nordic Trails Grooming Report.
Home to over 200 km of world-class Nordic trails and an Olympic training center, Sun Valley is a Nordic mecca offering shopping for the best Nordic equipment and skiwear from brands like Swix, Salomon, Craft, Icelandic, Neve, Urban Laundry, Ibex, Toko, One Way, Bliz Eyewear and others. Skate or classic, aerobic warrior or outback adventurer, they've got the gear and tune shop for you. See the selection of the latest skis and boots as well as coming in to chat and get the latest on conditions in the Valley.
Sun Valley offers a plethora of lodging options, including the historic and recently renovated Sun Valley Lodge, the Sun Valley Inn, an assortment of condominiums, and cottages - a bit of a misnomer, given the rental home’s sprawling floorplans and high-end furnishings. Click here to explore lodging options and book a stay.
The Spa at Sun Valley, which was recently ranked the # 1 spa in Idaho, offers guests a variety of luxurious ways to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate. The stunning two-story reception area welcomes spa-goers of all ages, while the state-of-the-art fitness facility, spacious locker rooms, and refined amenities make the Spa at Sun Valley a destination to experience. The fitness center at the Spa is outfitted with spin bikes, Precor aerobic equipment, Hoist weight machines, Hampton weights, and a serene yoga Room. Views of the expansive Sun Valley Lodge pool and Bald Mountain are sure to inspire you to push your workout just a bit harder. Use of the pool and fitness center amenities are included with the purchase of a spa treatment.
Alpine Skiing
With more than 3,400 vertical feet and over 2,400 acres of diverse terrain, Sun Valley offers skiers and boarders something special on two distinct mountains. Bald Mountain's consistent pitch, lack of lift lines, and variety of terrain have earned it a reputation as one of the world's finest ski mountains. Baldy, as it’s known to locals, boasts 12 chairlifts and more than 100 unique runs, including the resort’s recently-opened Sunrise terrain, featuring more than 380 acres of backcountry-style terrain for expert skiers and riders. Meanwhile Dollar Mountain located just across town, features mellower slopes and is the perfect place for kids and beginners to build their on-snow confidence and improve their skiing and snowboarding skills.
Getting There
Sun Valley’s Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) located just a few miles south of the ski resort in the neighboring town of Hailey, has seasonal nonstop flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver and Chicago. Once in the area, you won't need your car, because part of the adventure of Sun Valley is getting around - it's just a short stroll to just about anything you could want to see, do, or eat. And if your legs need a break, the Mountain Rides bus service offers free transportation throughout the entire area, including round trips from the Sun Valley Village to both Dollar and Bald Mountains. Sun Valley Nordic Center is a CCSAA member.