Sun Valley Guide
Activities
1) Bowling – Sun Valley Resort
This is the cutest bowling alley I’ve ever been to. It has recently been renovated and there are now 6 lanes. In addition to bowling there is a darling soda fountain and arcade to help keep kids (and adults) entertained for hours.
https://www.sunvalley.com/things-to-do/bowling/
2) Galena Lodge
Galena Lodge is about 40 minutes outside of Ketchum. There is cross-country skiing and snowshoeing available. It’s a beautiful drive and the food at the lodge is really excellent! They also have yurts available for overnight stays. They fill up quickly but for the more adventurous at heart it is an amazing experience to reconnect with your family and friends.
3) Ice Skating – Sun Valley Resort
One of the reasons I love Sun Valley is you really do feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The ice skating rink at the Sun Valley Resort is no exception. My kids spent a lot of time at the rink this year. They just loved getting their bearings (and balance) on the ice!
https://www.sunvalley.com/things-to-do/ice-skating/
4) Smiley Creek Snowmobiling
About 20-30 minutes beyond Galena Lodge is Smiley Creek. We had a huge group of kids & adults who rented snowmobiles from Smiley Creek Lodge. It was cold (-14 degrees) but nonetheless, was one of my favorite days of our Christmas break. It was beyond beautiful and so much fun snowmobiling out in the wilderness. The guides were incredibly nice and friendly to our group of city-slickers!
http://smileycreeklodge.com/snowmobile-rentals/
5) Baldy Mountain
Last but not least is downhill skiing. Baldy Mountain is a big mountain but at the same time it doesn’t feel overwhelming which is great for all levels of expertise. We were able to make our way down with our six-year old but my 11 year-old still had a great time too. This year there was a complete lack of snow around Christmas time but the mountains ability to make their own snow was pretty remarkable. Unless you were to look at the barren hills surrounding the ski runs you would have never guessed the snow was man-made. Needless to say, it was technology at its finest!
https://www.sunvalley.com/lift-tickets
Lodging
1) Sun Valley Resort
In regards to accommodation, The Sun Valley Resort provides several options. You can either stay in the newly renovated Lodge or the Sun Valley Inn where rooms are being renovated on an ongoing basis. You can also stay in a variety of Condos. Last but not least, my personal favorite happens to be staying in the Cottages. The Cottages are perfectly furnished homes. Some are small; 2 bedrooms and some are large; up to 7 bedrooms. My very favorite part is there is a much needed daily maid service which is impossible to come by in a VRBO house rental. I love the location of the Cottages as they are within walking distance of the Lodge which houses bowling, a pool, fitness area and Gretchen’s Restaurant & the Duchin Lounge. They are also just a stone’s throw away from the Village of Sun Valley that recently added Village Station which is a great restaurant serving everything from burgers, sandwiches, salads and pizzas. There is also plenty of fabulous shopping to do in the Village; Panache & SQN Sport along with a great toy store that my children love popping into.
https://www.sunvalley.com/lodging#/
2) Limelight
The newest addition to lodging is in Ketchum, ID in the heart of it all. Limelight is located on Main Street where you are near all of the shops and restaurants. It’s architecture is contemporary and they offer wonderful conveniences such as On-Site Rentals and they are Pet-Friendly. They also have The Lounge which serves breakfast, lunch & dinner along with shuffleboard and live music! A great spot for apres-ski!
https://www.limelighthotels.com/ketchum
3) VRBO
There are endless rentals listed on VRBO for Ketchum, Elkhorn, Hailey and beyond! It takes a bit more research but there are lots of options listed.
4) Auberge Resort Sun Valley
Construction is underway on a new property in downtown Ketchum which is just a half-block from the Limelight. When it opens in 2019 it will be managed by the Auberge Resort Collection. It will include 62 hotel accommodations and 12 residences along with a restaurant, bar, spa, gym and heated outdoor swimming pool.
https://aubergeresorts.com/resort/auberge-resorts-sun-valley/
Restaurants
1) Cristina’s
Located in downtown Ketchum and is a great spot for brunch! Having said this, their breakfast and lunch are mouthwatering too! There is an excellent selection of pastries, eggs, pancakes & french toast. For lunch there are delectable salads, sandwiches and pizzas. You really can’t go wrong here!
http://www.cristinasofsunvalley.com
2) Grumpy’s
Pretty much the opposite of Cristina’s. Burgers & Beers here but it is not to be missed. An institution in Ketchum and absolutely my husband’s favorite joint! Extremely low-key and down-home but the burger is pretty darn good if I say so myself.
3) Pioneer Saloon
A fabulous bar and wonderful place to grab a delicious steak. It can take hours for a table but it is well worth the wait. It is again another institution in town and not to be missed.
4) The Cellar Pub
A great bar with shuffleboard and pretty decent bar food. However, the shuffleboard and drinks are main stars at this downtown Ketchum pub.
5) Town Square Tavern
Also located in downtown Ketchum and is a terrific restaurant with a beautiful atmosphere and serves delicious world cuisine. It is probably one of the more sophisticated restaurants in town but proves to be not stuffy in the slightest. They pride themselves on fresh ingredients which taste incredible after a long day out in the crisp mountain air.
6) Village Station
This is a perfect place to grab a bite with kids for lunch or dinner. There is something for everyone and the atmosphere is hopping. There are comfortable booths and tv’s everywhere to watch the all-important football games!
https://www.sunvalley.com/dining/village-station/
7) Vintage
An incredibly small restaurant seating only 20 people making it extremely cozy and special. The food is out of this world. From the steak to the duck… it is all divine. It also boasts a wonderful wine list!