Sun Valley Ski Vacation: 5 Adventures you Must Make Time For

We know you planned your trip to Ketchum, Idaho to ski over 2,000 acres of terrain at Sun Valley Resort. But truthfully, skiing down 3,400 fee of vert can really do a number to your legs and body after a few days. Luckily for you, Ketchum is a wonderland in the winter (hey, there’s a reason Ernest Hemingway and Clark Gable called it home). Here are a few winter adventures that you have to make time for on your next ski trip to Sun Valley. 

Fly Fishing

You probably tend to think of fly fishing as a summer sport, but the guides at Lost River Outfitters will tell you that nothing beats a warm winter day on the Big Wood or Big Lost Rivers. As the temperatures begin to rise on a winter afternoon, the guides will attest that the action begins to heat up on the river. Give your legs a rest, and try your luck on the river.

Hot springs

If you’ve properly skied Sun Valley, your legs will be absolutely useless after day 2. In the 1880’s Ketchum was famous for the healing power of their hot springs. We are here to tell you that they are still just as restorative. If you spend much time on social media, you’ve probably seen the famous Boat Box hot springs outside of Ketchum in Stanley. Sunbeam hot springs is just another iconic spot to soak near Sun Valley. If you do a little research, you’ll find a handful of hidden gems in the area.

Local Brewery and Distilleries

The lifts might have stopped spinning for the evening, but you still have a few hours of fun ahead of you. Remember how we said Ernest Hemingway made Sun Valley home? Ketchum knows how to have a good time. Whether you try ​“Gretchen’s Gold Lager” brewed at Sun Valley Brewery, the gin distilled at Warfield, or head to the Sawtooth Public house for its wide selection of beer and famous buttermilk organic fried chicken, we promise you are going to have a good time. 

Nordic Skiing

Speaking of good times, wake up with a little altitude hangover? One of our favorite ways to clear our head is with some vigorous exercise and brisk mountain air. Sun Valley offers world class cross country skiing. As a matter of fact, it was the first Olympic training site in the country. Don’t feel overwhelmed if you are new to the sport, with onsite rentals you’ll be set up to explore the 200kms of groomed trails.

Ice Skating

We know your trip to Sun Valley has been magical, but if you really want to put it over the top, spend an evening ice skating at Christina Potter’s outdoor ice rink, one of the largest outdoor rinks in the country. Work some different muscles while you breathe the sharp evening winter air. But watch out. There’s something about gliding on the ice under the winter stars that might make you fall in love.

Check out our Local’s Guide for more ideas of fun in the area. We are looking forward to seeing you in Sun Valley, and helping you get set up. Make your reservations here to have your gear delivered right to your door. 

Sun Valley already checked off your list? Let Ski Butlers take care of you at one of our other locations around the world. See you on the slopes.