About Sun Valley
Sun Valley is a resort town and alpine ski resort in the western United States, in Blaine County, Idaho, adjacent to the city of Ketchum in the Wood River valley. The population was 1,783 at the 2020 census. The elevation of Sun Valley is 5,920 feet (1,805 m) above sea level.
Places to visit in Sun Valley
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Sun Valley Resort
LandmarkA classic mountain resort with a historic lodge, ice rink and pedestrian village, offering skiing in winter and golf, biking and outdoor concerts in summer.
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Bald Mountain
NatureKnown as Baldy, the main ski mountain for Sun Valley rises above Ketchum with long groomed runs in winter and a gondola and hiking and biking trails in summer.
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Ketchum
NeighborhoodThe neighboring town of Ketchum has a walkable downtown full of art galleries, outdoor outfitters, bookstores and restaurants, serving as the lively everyday base for visitors to the Sun Valley area.
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Ernest Hemingway Memorial
LandmarkA simple bust of Hemingway along Trail Creek honors the writer who lived and died in the area; his grave is in the nearby Ketchum Cemetery.
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Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Nature · 28 mi from centreNorth of Ketchum, this vast protected area offers jagged granite peaks, alpine lakes, natural hot springs and an extensive trail network for hiking, fishing and camping during the summer months.
Where to stay in Sun Valley
Popular hotels in Sun Valley, out of 10 properties you can book.
Sun Valley Resort
From $218 per night
Best Western Tyrolean Lodge
From $158 per night
Hotel Ketchum
From $190 per night
Best Western Plus Kentwood Lodge
From $189 per night
Limelight Hotel Ketchum
From $309 per night
Knob Hill Inn
From $307 per night
Hampton Inn by Hilton Hailey Sun Valley
From $132 per night
Silver Creek Hotel
From $151 per night
Tamarack Lodge
From $199 per night
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Hailey Sun Vall
From $176 per night
Best time to visit Sun Valley
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sun Valley is June to September, when average daytime highs are around 71–83°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Sun Valley weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 60° 43° 19%
- Thu 22 Oct 59° 44° 88%
- Fri 23 Oct 51° 37° 88%
- Sat 24 Oct 52° 33° 5%
- Sun 25 Oct 54° 34° 12%
- Mon 26 Oct 56° 36° 15%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/BoiseUTC−6
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Sun Valley
These are the airports closest to central Sun Valley. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- SUN Friedman Memorial Airport12 mi (20 km) from the city centre
Sun Valley travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Sun Valley?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sun Valley is June to September, when average daytime highs are around 71–83°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Sun Valley?
July is usually the warmest month in Sun Valley, with average highs of 83°F (28°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 9°F (-13°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 124 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Sun Valley?
Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) is the closest airport, about 12 miles (20 km) from the centre of Sun Valley.
What time zone is Sun Valley in?
Sun Valley uses the America/Boise time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
What are the best places to visit in Sun Valley?
Top sights in Sun Valley include Sun Valley Resort, Bald Mountain, Ketchum and Ernest Hemingway Memorial. A classic mountain resort with a historic lodge, ice rink and pedestrian village, offering skiing in winter and golf, biking and outdoor concerts in summer.
Where should I stay in Sun Valley?
Popular areas for hotels in Sun Valley include Ketchum, Hailey and Sun Valley. Well-reviewed options include Sun Valley Resort and Best Western Tyrolean Lodge.
How many hotels can I book in Sun Valley?
Destina Holidays currently lists 10 properties in and around Sun Valley, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.