Sun Valley Ski Resort | Idaho | 2026 Information

Sun Valley is located in Central Idaho, surrounded by the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests. The resort includes two ski areas, Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, with just over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and 10 terrain parks. The resort is known for consistent grooming, varied pitch, and a layout that keeps skiers moving without long traverses.

Snowfall and Conditions in Sun Valley

Sun Valley averages about 150 inches of snowfall each year. While the region isn’t known for deep snow totals, its dry climate creates light snow quality. Snowmaking and consistent grooming ensure reliable surface conditions throughout the season. Clear winter nights also highlight the area’s designation as the first gold-tier International Dark Sky Reserve, offering rare stargazing opportunities.

Find tonight’s forecast and a weather forecast here.

Winter at Sun Valley

Sun Valley has two distinct ski areas, and they are not connected by lifts or trails:

Bald Mountain (Baldy) Bald Mountain is the main ski area at Sun Valley, located on the west side of Ketchum, about 5 minutes from Sun Valley Village by car or 10–12 minutes by bus.

This is the larger of the two mountains, with 3,400 vertical feet and 120+ trails, known for its consistent pitch and uninterrupted downhill terrain.

Dollar Mountain A smaller, beginner-focused mountain located directly next to Sun Valley Village, you can walk from village lodging to the lifts in just a few minutes. Dollar has 16 trails, five lifts, and terrain parks, but no on-mountain connection to Baldy.

Guests typically ski Bald Mountain for full ski days and use Dollar Mountain for learning, shorter sessions, or terrain park laps. There are no additional ski areas within the resort itself, but the surrounding Wood River Valley has extensive Nordic skiing networks, including the Sun Valley Nordic Center near the village.

If you’re planning your first trip, see our guide: “First Time Visiting Sun Valley? Ski These Runs!”

Winter Activities at Sun Valley: Skiing and Snowboarding, Private and Group Lessons for Adults and Kids, Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing, Ice Skating, Sleigh Rides, Snowshoeing, Bowling, Movie Theatre.

Summer at Sun Valley

Situated at the edge of the Wood River Valley, Sun Valley enjoys a pleasant mountain desert climate, with long summer days perfect for outdoor adventures. The area has over 400 miles of single-track dirt trails, as well as 40 miles of paved bike paths for recreational cycling.

Golfers will find three championship courses across Sun Valley Resort and the surrounding area.

The year-round outdoor rink hosts the Summer Skating School, while Sun Valley on Ice brings weekly summer shows under the stars, often paired with fireworks.

The historic 1937 Opera House, now a movie theatre and performance venue, runs programming year-round. The Sun Valley Lodge also offers a bowling alley, and the resort is known for its tennis facilities, which include multiple outdoor courts and regular clinics.

Summer Activities at Sun Valley: Mountain Biking, Lessons and Clinics, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Wagon Rides, Golf, Virtual Golf, Ice Skating and Skating School, Sport Shooting, Fly FishingCanoeing and Paddleboating, Tennis and Pickleball, Bowling, Movie Theatre

Getting Around

Sun Valley Village, Dollar Mountain, Bald Mountain, and the town of Ketchum are much closer together than Aspen’s widely spread mountains, but not physically connected like Whistler and Blackcomb.

The Free Mountain Ride bus system connects each area (as well as both River Run and Warm Springs neighbourhoods). Buses run frequently, and it’s the most convenient way to move between the mountain bases if you’re not driving.

Taxis and rides providers operate within the area as well.