Sun Valley
Sun Valley is a mountain resort in south-central Idaho, known for skiing in winter and hiking and fishing in summer.
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Sun Valley is a mountain resort area in Blaine County, in south-central Idaho, a short drive from the town of Ketchum. Union Pacific Railroad built it as a ski resort in the 1930s, and the Bald Mountain ski area is still the main draw in winter. Sun Valley also added the first chairlift in 1936.
Winter is the main season, when the runs are open and lodges and restaurants are busiest. Summer suits hikers, anglers and cyclists, with trails in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and lakes such as Redfish Lake. Ernest Hemingway lived in the area and is buried in Ketchum. Plan two to three days for a ski trip. The valley sits at about 5,750 feet, so the first day is best kept easy. Check trail and lift status before you go, since openings change with the season.
Sun Valley in five
- Fly into Friedman Memorial or drive from BoiseFriedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey is the closest airport, a short drive to Ketchum. If it has no flights on your dates, Boise (BOI) is the other main option, about three hours by car.
- Download offline maps before you leave the valley townsPhone signal is patchy along Highway 75 and at many trailheads. Save maps and trail routes offline before you go.Phones and eSIM
- Mind the altitude in KetchumKetchum sits at about 5,750 feet (1,750 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and keep the first hike easy, since the air is dry.
- Ride Mountain Rides buses between the townsMountain Rides buses link Ketchum, Hailey and the resort area. Check the current schedule before you plan a day.Getting around
- Book lodging early for festival weeksFestivals such as the Sun Valley Film Festival and the Writers' Conference bring extra visitors and can fill rooms. Check the festival dates before you fix your trip.Festivals
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA for Visa Waiver passports; other passports need a US visa Read more
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire or ambulance
- Tipping
- Expected at restaurants and bars, and for taxi drivers
- Time
- UTC-7 in winter, UTC-6 with daylight saving (Mountain Time)
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuarySki season
- FebruaryPeak snow
- MarchSpring skiing
- AprilMud season, quiet
- MayTrails thawing
- JuneLong days, lakes
- JulyWarm, dry
- AugustWarm, clear
- SeptemberAspens turning
- OctoberQuiet, cold
- NovemberCold, quiet
- DecemberHoliday ski
Right now in Sun Valley
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
7
- Feels like
- 3°
- Humidity
- 58%
- Wind
- 11 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Sun Valley
03:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today6°0°0%Monday: Fog. High 6°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue6°1°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 6°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed9°1°4%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 9°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Thu8°0°5%Thursday: Cloudy. High 8°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Fri10°0°6%Friday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Sat10°2°0%Saturday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun12°3°0%Sunday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 0%.
Updated 12:55 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Stanleyabout 1.5 to 2 hours by carA mountain town at the edge of the Sawtooths, with river access and hot springs nearby.
- Boiseabout 3 hours by carThe state capital, with the Old Idaho Penitentiary and a larger airport.
- Craters of the Moon National Monumentabout 2 to 2.5 hours by carA lava field and national monument, a long day trip with few services on the road.
Before you go to Sun Valley
Rules for Sun Valley, checked
- Many nationalities need a US visa. Visa Waiver Program travelers need ESTA approval before boarding. Check eligibility at travel.state.gov.Source
- Declare cash above the legal limit, and all food, plant and animal products, on the CBP form. Check the current rules at cbp.gov before you fly.Source
- The drinking age in Idaho is 21, and bars ask for photo ID. Carry your passport or a driver's license when you go out.
- Do not feed or approach wildlife. Check trail and campfire rules with the Sawtooth National Forest before you hike.
Plan around Sun Valley
The state around Sun Valley, from the Sawtooths to Boise and the Snake River
Read the guideWhere to stayLodging options for the resort, Ketchum and Hailey
Read the guideGetting aroundReaching the valley from the airport and moving between the towns
Read the guideSport in the valleySkiing, hiking and cycling events and activities in the valley
Read the guideFestivalsFestival dates, and the weeks to book lodging early
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs ESTA or a visa, and how to check before you fly
Read the guideSun Valley FAQ
How do you get to Sun Valley from Boise?
Drive about three hours by car. Flying into Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey is quicker if flights run on your dates.
Is Sun Valley worth visiting in summer?
Yes if you want hiking, cycling and the lakes in the Sawtooths. Book early if your dates overlap a festival.
When is the best time to visit Sun Valley?
Winter for skiing and summer for hiking and cycling. Spring and early fall are quieter, so check which trails and lifts are open.
Do you need a car in Sun Valley?
Probably, if you plan to leave the valley towns. Mountain Rides buses link Ketchum, Hailey and the resort area, but a car helps for trailheads and day trips.
Is Ketchum or Sun Valley better as a base?
Ketchum suits you for restaurants and a walkable main street. Sun Valley suits you for the resort and the lifts.
How many days do you need in Sun Valley?
Two to three days covers the resort, Ketchum and one hike or ride. Add a day for Stanley and the Sawtooths.