View from the top Bald Mtn 9,105 ft Sun Valley, ID on a Bluebird Day
photo purevisionstudios.com
photo purevisionstudios.com
Top 5 The Best Things to Do in Sun Valley Idaho
1. Go Bluebird on Baldy!
Last year Sun Valley Resort celebrated its 75th year as the United States first and consistently one of its most successful ski resorts. Successful for many reasons, they just simply do it right. Laying down some fresh tracks on Baldy on one of its many "bluebird days" is hands down the best thing to do in Sun Valley. With a total Lift Capacity Per Hour of 26,780 even on a big powder day the smiling crowds are not waiting in line (per skier, Sun Valley has more uphill capacity than any other ski area). Sun Valley has something for everyone from the super family friendly Dollar Mountain with a new "state of the sport" terrain parks to a Gondola ride up to the famous Roundhouse Restaurant for an unforgettable dinner.
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The Big Hitch, Wagon Days! photo purevisionstudios.com
2. Travel Back in Time with Wagon Days
As celebrations go in Ketchum, Sun Valley, Idaho it doesn't get any bigger than Wagon Days. The Big Hitch Parade is the highlight of the celebration. It has grown into the largest non-motorized parade in the West, displaying more than a hundred museum-quality buggies, carriages, tacks, carts, buckboards, and wagons of every variety in existence today. The Wagon Days Big Hitch, historic wagons used to haul ore from the area, are powered by an authentic 20-draft mule jerkline. Adding spice to the parade is a lively assortment of authentically costumed individuals, numerous breeds of horses, from Arabs to Morgans to Pasos. Plus, professional and scholastic marching bands from around the state and the intermountain west. It's a blast from the past not to be missed! Parties and special events abound all through Labor Day Weekend. A perfect way to wrap up the summer.
Wagon Days "Shootout Gang" photo purevisionstudios.com
3. Enjoy a Perfect Cut at the Pioneer Saloon
There's a reason why "The Pio", as it is affectionately called by locals, is often the first recommendation any local will give you for a fun place for a drink and a really great meal. The atmosphere reflects the true grit spirit and the adventurous heart of so many people in this beautiful wild western valley. For 30 years owner Duffy Whitmer is often seen working shoulder to shoulder with his staff making sure he personally welcomes his guests. The Pioneer Saloon treats you to a casual, friendly atmosphere with an offering of a wide variety of beers, wine and liquors then it dazzles you with perfectly prepared cuts of beef, seafood, fresh trout and the absolute, real deal overstuffed Idaho potato.
The author, Teri Lee Niedrich, enjoying the end of a Mountain Bike ride in Sun Valley
"ahhhhh the flats"...Now for some "Despos"
4. Get in the Zone on a Mountain Bike Trail
The Sun Valley area offers outstanding mountain bike trails! In fact, Sun Valley Idaho hosted the very successful USA Cycling Cross Country Mountain Bike National Championships
July 14-17, 2011 and will host again July 12-15, 2012 . Quoting local, Rebecca Rusch to USA Cycling on usacycling.org “I have traveled the world and the U.S. for races and I live in the Sun Valley area of Idaho because it has some of the best trails I’ve ever ridden as well as welcoming cycling community,” explains three-time 24 Hour Mountain Bike World Champion Rebecca Rusch. “I already know this place is world-class and I’m really looking forward to sharing what Idaho has to offer with the best cyclists in the U.S.” What else can I say? Single track through the woods to die for... I will add that local trails vary from the beginner friendly Harriman Trail to trails that challenge the most passionate mountain biking enthusiast. PS ..a few of them can turn out to be "a three hour tour" if you know what I mean so be sure to buy one of the local trail books. By the way if you are a "roadie", Sun Valley has an excellent bike path and plenty of challenging road cycling. For more info on rallies and competitions check out visitsunvalley.com
Claudette Colbert and Gary Cooper at Sun Valley Photo Courtesy: SVR
5. Dig the Historical Vibe of the Sun Valley Lodge Resort
Okay, this last one was a hard one. I have to be honest there are so many really cool festivals and events worth mentioning in this amazing town like the Wellness Festival in the spring, The Trailing of the Sheep festival in the fall and the Nordic Festival in the winter but the winner is...anytime at the The Sun Valley Lodge Resort. Seriously, I am a local and I stay at the lodge and play tourist in my home town quite frequently. I am connected with the Sun Valley Resort in no way but sheer admiration. There is such a great vibe at the Sun Valley Lodge. The Lodge has been meticulously maintained and upgraded with luxurious details for 75 years. Walking down the hallways and enjoying a little time travel with the old celebrity photographs is a treat. Be sure to have a mug of beer, glass of wine or better yet a glass of champagne with you to make it fun. Enjoy the old school Duchin Room named for Eddie Duchin, an American popular pianist and bandleader of the 1930s and '40s, famous for his engaging onstage personality and his elegant piano style. You will be sure to hear some classic jazz entertainment. Sit in the "gangster" corner in the back. Very private and dark but big enough for your entourage. If you want to stay in the vibe, have dinner at the Ram Restaurant. If you are on a tight budget, just have a drink and the escargot (killer), then have pizza later. Just go with it and hang out. Who knows who you will meet? Maybe Warren Miller , Arnold Schwarzenegger , Steve Miller, or Mark Zuckerberg will walk by. Sure there are many newer ski resorts to enjoy today. In fact, since Sun Valley was the very first....ALL of them are newer. However, Sun Valley Resort with all of the latest technologies and amenities boasts 75 years of eloquent history. This grand ole dame has mastered the art of staying young at heart. Enjoy.
