Summer Information For Sun Valley






Aug 27, 08

Sun Valley - Ketchum
Idaho

Outstanding Beauty

Sun Valley, in Idaho's Wood River Valley, was singled out in the 1930s to be America's first destination ski resort.

In 1935, Averell Harriman, chairman of the Union Pacific Railroad, hired Austrian count Felix Schaffgotsch to find a place with "the same character as the Swiss and Austrian Alps." His motive was to attract more customers to the Union Pacific line.

The Sun Valley Lodge was built in 1936 and attracted celebrities and statesmen with its amenities. The Lodge's glass enclosed pools, six-lane bowling alley, game room, beauty salon, massage center and four-star dining room made Sun Valley a playground for the stars.

Dining and Entertainment

Dining is an adventure in Sun Valley. Every Saturday, the Lodge hosts its famous Saturday Night Ice Show Buffet. Well-known skaters such as Oksana Baiul, Katarina Witt and Scott Hamilton are just a few of the stars that have performed here.

Besides the lodge and its legendary ice show, more than 70 diverse restaurants offer diners a wide selection. Everything from an authentic western barbecue to pub fare to white-gloved table service can be found.

Spectacular events add to the summer fun. The Sun Valley Film Festival and performances by the Sun Valley Summer Symphony are just a sampling of the delightful entertainment here.

More than 20 art galleries showcase local and national artists. And unique boutiques and antique shops provide a special flare. Surrounding all this luxury and entertainment is a spectacular outdoor paradise.

Fun in the Sun

Located in the heart of central Idaho, Sun Valley is in the midst of three mountain ranges. This, coupled with its 15 hours of sunshine a day, makes it perfect for outdoor enjoyment.

Hikers and mountain bikers will find an assortment of trails and paths. The chairlift takes you up to the top of Bald Mountain to explore the breathtaking beauty of the region. Take a trip down the mountain's switchbacks and view the spectacular wild flowers.

Miles and miles of paved trails offer bicyclists, hikers and in-line skaters a smooth option for seeing the area. The network of trails provides choices ranging from easy to strenuous. Explore woods and river valleys on the Blaine County Recreation Bike Trails -- 35 miles of paved path. There's even a new mountain bike park at River Run Plaza.

Numerous waterways also are accessible for recreational activities. The Middle Fork of the Salmon is perfect for white-water rafting. Fishing enthusiasts will feel right at home working Sun Valley's world famous streams. Silver Creek Preserve offers renowned fly-fishing as do the other blue-ribbon waters in the area.

The Sun Valley golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. This beautiful 18-hole course winds its way along scenic TrailCreek. The course's 6,565 yards have been said to provide golfers with "club-snapping" challenges.

Tennis fans will enjoy the 85 courts, including 18 at the Sun Valley Lodge alone. The Lodge was ranked in Tennis Magazine's top 50 resorts.

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