Photo of Sun Valley

About Sun Valley

The USA’s very first destination resort, Idaho's Sun Valley has been popular since the 1930s, when it was built by the Union Pacific Railroad. Now an adventure sports hub in both the summer and winter months, this is a superb spot for a holiday as a couple, or with family and friends. Accommodation options range from simple modern hotels to expansive lodges with heaps of facilities, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Sun Valley are clustered in the friendly town of Ketchum, but one of our favourite is hidden higher on the slopes, perfect for keen explorers.

Offering two Northern Rockies mountains criss-crossed with 2,000 acres of slopes suited to everyone from eager beginners to experienced thrill-seekers, Sun Valley is a fabulous place to ski and snowboard. Winter visitors can also try snowmobiling, heli-skiing, Nordic skiing, ice-skating and snowshoeing. Families will find reputable ski schools for little ones, beautiful sleigh rides and a friendly après-ski vibe.

Come in the summer months for excellent hiking, mountain biking and horse riding along hundreds of miles of trails. Play a round of golf at Trail Creek, White Clouds or the Sawtooth Putting Course, go wildlife-spotting in the forests, or fish for rainbows, browns, brooks, cutthroats and steelheads. Water sports enthusiasts can also enjoy rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and waterskiing on the Sun Valley Lake and nearby.

Join fellow adventurers at the bars and eateries of Ketchum for sociable evenings out, or catch a show at the charming, 1937-built Opera House, before retreating to one of the best places to stay in Sun Valley. Tomorrow’s excitement awaits!

The Best Places to Stay in Sun Valley

For Great Value

  • Tamarack Lodge is a simple, stylish choice in downtown Ketchum. The huge indoor pool and outdoor hot tub are wonderfully refreshing after big days out. Guests can make the most of a discount at the hotel's sister property for breakfast and coffee, or sample the area's many eateries. Families are welcome! Friendly and affordable.

For Contemporary Cool

  • Hotel Ketchum is a chic, contemporary spot with airy rooms featuring crsip white linens and mountain views. The lively Barrio 75 resto-bar serves tacos and tequila, and the vibe is relaxed and sociable. Ideal for couples, families or groups of friends. Very central.
  • Limelight Ketchum has minimalist rooms, suites and multi-room residences with pale wooden furnishings and appealing mountain panoramas. Expect casual dining, live music, a swimming pool and a playroom for little ones. Great for families or couples looking to stay in Ketchum itself.

For Romance

  • Knob Hill Inn offers elegant, traditional interiors in rooms with oversized soaking tubs and private terraces. With a restaurant focused on locally sourced fare, a heated swimming pool and a hot tub, this is a gorgeous choice for an indulgent couples' escape. For a chalet-style vibe.

For the Ultimate Active Holiday

  • Sun Valley Lodge is a sprawling mountain retreat, with a collection of 108 comfortable rooms and multi-room suites. Highlights include the 20,000 square foot spa, world-class fitness centre, multiple restaurants, tennis courts and refreshing swimming pool. An idyllic resort for active travellers of all ages, with skiing, hiking, cycling, horse riding and ice-skating galore in beautiful surroundings.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Friedman Memorial Airport, just 13 miles from Sun Valley. Travel to your hotel by shuttle bus or taxi.
  • Idaho is ideal for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel between December and March for the best skiing, or come in the summer months for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking.

STILL NOT SURE?

Best Hotels in Sun Valley

  • Tamarack Lodge Sun Valley (Idaho) 45 rooms from CA$145

    Active Holiday  -  The Sun Valley is a real outdoor adventurer's dream with year-round activities ranging from skiing to mountain biking
    Value chic  -  With stylish rooms, an indulgent outdoor hot tub, and an indoor pool you are getting a lot for your money here
    Skiing  -  Sun Valley Resort is a world-class ski region with slopes to suit all abilities
    Great walks  -  During the summer months, there are miles of hiking trails to explore
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolPet friendlyParking

    A stylish modern hotel set in the heart of downtown Ketchum. Spacious rooms are simple and contemporary in design with crisp white linen, expansive windows and soft grey hues. An indoor pool and large outdoor hot tub are a welcome respite after a day outdoors. Friendly and very reasonably priced. See More

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  • Hotel Ketchum Sun Valley (Idaho) 58 rooms from CA$199

    Skiing  -  Skiing is what the area is famed for; choose between pisted runs or off road trails. Ski hire can be organised from the hotel
    Active Holiday  -  Year-round the mountains provide the perfect playground for outdoor adventure enthusiasts
    Great walks  -  From a few hours' ramble to day long hikes, there is a wide variety of scenic walking trails
    Restaurant  -  Breakfast and coffee is served in The Hangout while Barrio 75 is a taco and tequila lounge
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A chic hotel offering easy access to the slopes and contemporary design. Spacious rooms are light and airy with modern artworks, crisp white linen, and picture windows lending mountain views. A lively restaurant and bar serve tacos and tequila. A cool base to return to after a day outdoors. See More

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  • Sun Valley Lodge Sun Valley (Idaho) 108 rooms from CA$222

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor swimming pool
    Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
    Kids Club  -  Fully staffed.
    Tennis
    TennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Sprawling retreat in Idaho's Sun Valley with year-round recreational activities. Rooms and cottages are spacious and warm, with earth tones, wool carpets and walk-in showers, making your stay supremely comfortable. With added Spa, gym and pool. Dine on a huge range of American and European cuisines. See More

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  • Knob Hill Inn Sun Valley (Idaho) 29 rooms from CA$262

    Active Holiday  -  Ketchum is an outdoor adventurer's dream with a wide choice of activities possible throughout the year
    Skiing  -  Sun Valley is a world-class resort with powder snow and 75 runs with something for all abilities
    Restaurant  -  The Grill offers local cuisine such as rainbow trout, prime steaks, local lamb, and wild game.
    Great walks  -  During the summer months there are miles of hiking routes to explore
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    An elegant chalet-style inn in Ketchum boasting wonderful mountain views. Spacious rooms are traditionally styled; all have an oversized soaking tub and many have private terraces. With a locally-focused restaurant, a heated pool, and a hot tub this is an indulgent choice for an outdoorsy break. See More

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  • Limelight Ketchum Sun Valley (Idaho) 99 rooms from CA$315

    Skiing  -  Sun Valley's two mountains, 3,400-vertical feet, and 2,000 acres of terrain means that there are slopes for all abilities
    Active Holiday  -  This is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with adventure acitivies throughout the year ranging from rafting to skiing
    Families  -  Two, Three, and Four bedroom Residences with living areas and full kitchens are ideal for families
    Kids Club  -  The Kids Room is packed full of games, toys, and books to keep children entertained
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyViewsParking

    A chic contemporary hotel well positioned in laid-back Ketchum. Minimalist rooms, suites, and residences feature picture windows overlooking the mountains and pale wood floors and furniture. Expect casual dining, live music, a pool and a kids playroom — well suited to families or couples. See More

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