The 10 Best Winter Activities in Sun Valley Idaho

Sun Valley is known as one of the best ski resort towns in the Northwest and was actually the first ski hill in America! My parents live here, and winter is hands-down one of my favorite times to visit. Every winter, major celebrities and ski families come to Sun Valley to enjoy the sunshine, powdery snow, stunning views, and amazing winter activities the valley has to offer. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in Idaho, and I highly recommend going in the winter for all the fun snow activities—and, of course, après-ski! Plus, Sun Valley is surrounded by the Sawtooth Mountains and Sawtooth National Forest, making it a breathtaking place for the whole family to visit.

Planning to visit Sun Valley this winter? Here are my favorite things to do in the area during winter.

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The Best Winter Activities in Sun Valley Idaho

1. Ski or Snowboard on Bald Mountain or any of the Sun Valley Ski Resort hills

Sun Valley is known to be one of the steepest and toughest mountains in the Northwest, and it’s no joke. Bald Mountain is massive and really fun, but not for the faint of heart! If you’re like me, you’ll probably be sore afterward. If you want something a bit easier, try Dollar Mountain! Check out all of my favorite ski resorts in Idaho, here. And don’t worry if you don’t ski, there are great spots for apres ski and plenty of other winter activities to enjoy in Sun Valley!

Wondering what to pack for a ski trip? Check out my packing post.

2. Snowshoe or cross country ski at the Nordic Center or Galena Lodge

The Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center has over 40km of trails for you to snowshoe, cross-country ski, or skate ski.

Another excellent area for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is up at Galena Summit. At Galena Lodge, you can rent gear and head out on their trails. Once you’re done, you can head back and enjoy some lunch!

The 10 Best Winter Activities in Sun Valley Idaho

3. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride

These sleigh rides are so fun and beautiful! Take a ride from the Sun Valley Lodge and end up with a cozy dinner at Trail Creek Cabin! These rides are very popular, so be sure to book them in advance here! It’s one of my most treasured Christmas Eve traditions!

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4. Ice skate at the Sun Valley Lodge

This is one of my favorite winter activities to do in Sun Valley. The ice rink is right behind the Sun Valley Lodge and is a great day or night activity. You’ll skate where some of the most famous ice skaters have skated! On Christmas Eve, they also do a special ice show event with free hot chocolate, cider and cookies and then end with a torch parade and fireworks at Dollar Mountain. See hours and pricing here.

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5. Go to nice dinner out

There’s something special about eating out in Ketchum and Sun Valley in the winter. Be on the lookout for celebrities too! I’ve seen a lot while eating out.

The Pioneer Saloon – You must get a dirty martini and their famous prime rib. They don’t take reservations and get pretty packed in the winter, so be prepared to wait in the bar, or get there early to guarantee a seat.
Rickshaw – Amazing Asian fusion
The Covey – Farm to table in a fun atmosphere
Enoteca – Great selection of pizzas and wine
Vintage – One of the fancier restaurants in the area, but delish!
Fiamma – Live-fire, Italian-ispired cuisine
Michel’s Christiania – Upscale French cuisine
Despo’s – Great Mexican food
The Grill at Knob Hill – Upscale, Rocky Mountain cuisine
Grumpy’s or Lefty’s – For casual burgers and beer
Sawtooth Club – I love sitting in the bar area here and getting their apps!
The Lounge at Limelight – They have a nice lounge and casual atmosphere with fun live music some nights

6. Take a walk around the Sun Valley Village

The Sun Valley Village at the Sun Valley Resort is a great place to check out in the winter. It almost feels like a little Austrian winter wonderland. You’ll want to be sure to check out all of the ice sculptures and cute Austrian-inspired shops in the village. The pathways are heated, which makes it easy to walk around—especially if there’s lots of snow. Make sure to stop by the pond and the large sun sculpture in front of the Sun Valley Lodge. You’ll probably also spot some swans. One of my favorite things to do on a visit to Sun Valley!

Best Winter Activities in Sun Valley Idaho

7. Head over to one of the many hot springs in the area.

Hot springs are a special treat in Idaho. One of my favorites in the area is Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs which is about 10 miles from Ketchum. I also love driving to Stanley to enjoy the many hot springs there. If you decide to go, just make sure you use proper hot spring etiquette.

8. Grab a drink and aprés ski

Listen to the live music at Whiskey’s on Main or one of the lodges after skiing for great apres ski scene. You can also check out my post on Visit Idaho to see my entire list of best aprés ski spots in Sun Valley! If you want to go out to a bar, I recommend The Cellar Pub, The Casino Bar, Lefty’s or Grumpy’s.

9. Get a coffee in downtown Ketchum

Warm up with a coffee at Maude’s Coffee and Clothes, Java on 4th, or Hailey Coffee Company, and walk around downtown Ketchum. Ketchum also has one of the prettiest Starbucks I’ve ever seen so that it might be worth an Instagram photo on the outside of the building.

10. If you’re there during Christmas time:

Get a tree permit and cut down your own Christmas tree
Watch the tree lighting ceremony in mid-December
Grab hot chocolate and cookies at the Ice show at the Sun Valley Lodge on Christmas Eve
Watch the Christmas Eve fireworks and Torch Parade
Here is a list of upcoming Christmas season events!

NOTE: If you’re in Sun Valley for a girls’ weekend, be sure to check out my post about a Girls’ Weekend Guide in Sun Valley Idaho. Some of my tips are for a summer trip, but there are still tips that work for a winter girls’ weekend!

Where to stay in Sun Valley

If you’re looking for great places to stay in Sun Valley or Ketchum, Idaho area, check out my most updated blog with my favorite spots! At the top of the list are Hotel Ketchum and the Sun Valley Lodge! Both are perfect for a winter vacation.