Sun Valley Resort

America's first destination ski resort, still exuding old-world charm with excellent intermediate and beginner terrain.

Key Stats

Vertical Drop
1,067m (3,501ft)
The height difference between the top and bottom of the mountain
Summit Elevation
2,797m (9,177ft)
How high the highest lift or peak reaches
Base Elevation
1,735m (5,692ft)
Height of the main base village — higher means cooler, drier snow
Annual Snowfall
584cm (230in)
Average annual natural snowfall — higher is better for powder days
Trails
121
Total number of marked runs on the trail map
Lifts
18
Total number of lifts including chairlifts, gondolas, and t-bars
Resort Size
2,002 acres
Total groomed and patrolled terrain

Terrain Breakdown

The percentage of marked trails in each difficulty level. A higher beginner percentage means more terrain suitable for novices and families; a higher advanced percentage means more challenge for experts.

Beginner
36%
Intermediate
42%
Advanced
22%

Best For

BackcountryAprès-skiBeginnersFamiliesLuxurySki Villages

When to go

Average monthly snowfall and snowpack depth, with the typical operating window shaded.

Sun Valley Resort's heaviest snowfall lands in December; the snowpack peaks in February.

snowiestdeepestJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJun
Snowfall
peaks Dec
Snowpack
peaks Feb
Typical season
Nov – Apr

Snowfall: NOAA, 30-year normals (1991–2020).

Snow depth: NOAA, daily station data (1994–2023).

Location

Sun Valley sits in central Idaho's Wood River Valley, near the town of Ketchum in the Smoky Mountains. This is dry continental high country in the northern Rockies, with skiing that climbs well above the valley floor.

Getting there

Easy to reach

Fly into Sun Valley (SUN), about 30 minutes from the resort by road.

Compare Sun Valley Resort to

These are the resorts most similar to Sun Valley Resort. Pick one to see a side-by-side.

vs Tamarack Resortvs Telluride Ski Resortvs Beaver Creek Resortvs Breckenridgevs Aspen Mountainvs Deer Valley Resortvs Steamboat Ski Resortvs June Mountain

Explore Further

More ski resorts in United States →Official website →