Sun Valley Skiing & Dining- Top Picks and One of the best ski resorts you will find- Feb. 2026
Sun Valley Ski Resort — A True Winter Paradise, Refined Over Decades
Some ski resorts impress you once. Sun Valley Ski Resort in Idaho is the kind of place that quietly earns your loyalty—run after run, season after season. It blends old-school skiing purity with modern efficiency, all wrapped in a relaxed, unpretentious mountain town vibe that feels increasingly rare.
From the moment you arrive, Sun Valley makes it easy to focus on what matters most: skiing great terrain, in great conditions, without the chaos.
Effortless Access From Airport to First Chair
One of Sun Valley’s biggest advantages is how seamless it is to get there. Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) sits just outside Hailey and is roughly a 25-minute drive to the resort. Nonstop flights from major hubs—including Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, and Salt Lake City—make travel refreshingly straightforward compared to many western ski destinations.
Ground transportation is equally painless. Aardvark Taxi is a standout local option, and owner Simon personally helps coordinate pickups and drop-offs. The vans are clean, comfortable, and designed to handle ski bags and boot luggage without the usual hassle. It’s the kind of smooth, professional service that sets the tone for the entire trip—stress-free from touchdown to departure. https://www.aardvarktaxi.com/
Two Mountains, One Legendary Experience
Sun Valley spans over 2,500 skiable acres across Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, offering 121 named runs with terrain that naturally favors intermediate and advanced skiers—without alienating beginners.
What truly separates Sun Valley from many marquee resorts is the lack of congestion. Lift lines are famously minimal, even during peak periods. That means more laps, more vertical, and more uninterrupted skiing.
Bald Mountain: Speed, Pitch, and Flow- The bigger mountain and more advanced one.
Bald Mountain is the heart and soul of Sun Valley skiing. With 3,400 vertical feet from summit to base, it offers sustained fall-line skiing that lets you carry speed with confidence. The pitch is consistent, the trails are wide, and visibility is excellent—perfect for skiers who love to open it up.
Some standout runs include:
- Limelight
A fast, stiff-pitch black diamond groomer and an absolute classic. It’s the kind of run that rewards strong edging and commitment, letting advanced skiers link powerful turns all the way to the bottom. On a clean corduroy morning, you can cruise top-to-bottom in about five minutes—and wish it were longer. This was my favorite run by far. - Flying Squirrel
A favorite among strong intermediates and advanced skiers, this run delivers long, rolling turns with a natural rhythm that keeps you locked in. It’s playful, confidence-building, and endlessly repeatable. - College
Officially rated green, but in true Sun Valley fashion, it skis more like a mellow blue. Its sustained pitch and length make it a fun challenge, especially for progressing skiers getting comfortable with speed. - Warm Springs Face & Seattle Ridge
For those who want steeper terrain, bumps, and off-piste options, these areas deliver variety and challenge without overwhelming crowds.
Lifts & Mountain Flow
Sun Valley’s lift system is designed for efficiency and smart terrain access. Key lifts include:
- River Run Gondola, which carries you to the iconic Roundhouse Restaurant at mid-mountain
- Challenger Lift, providing fast access to top-to-bottom laps
- Flying Squirrel Lift, ideal for cruising groomers
- Broadway and Christmas Lifts, which serve wide, rolling terrain perfect for high-speed carving
The layout encourages exploration but also makes it easy to settle into a rhythm and lap your favorite zones again and again.
Snowmaking & Grooming You Can Rely On
Sun Valley is known for having one of the most advanced snowmaking systems in North America, covering hundreds of acres across both mountains. This ensures consistent coverage even during drier periods, a huge advantage given Idaho’s generally sunny winter climate.
Grooming here is exceptional. Morning corduroy is crisp, predictable, and immaculately maintained, while afternoon conditions soften just enough to keep things playful without turning sloppy. Whether you’re chasing early-day speed or relaxed midday carving, conditions remain reliable throughout the season.
Rentals, Service & the Local Touch
A standout off the slopes is Pete Lane’s Mountain Sports, located directly across from the lodge near the gondola. It’s one of those shops that instantly makes you feel taken care of.
- The rental process is smooth and efficient
- The gear selection ranges from solid performance setups to higher-end options
- Overnight storage makes mornings effortless
The staff truly elevate the experience. Emily, the manager, goes out of her way to be accommodating, attentive, and genuinely helpful—especially for groups. It’s service with personality, not attitude.
Across the resort, that same tone carries through. Lift operators, mountain staff, and lodge employees are friendly, relaxed, and welcoming. Sun Valley feels like a place where people enjoy working—and skiing—which makes a difference you can feel.
Why Sun Valley Stands Apart
Sun Valley doesn’t chase trends. It doesn’t need to. Its appeal lies in doing the fundamentals exceptionally well:
- Easy access from airport to slopes
- World-class grooming and snowmaking
- Long, fast, confidence-inspiring terrain
- Minimal crowds and virtually no lift lines
- Local businesses that genuinely care
- A laid-back, authentic ski culture
It’s a mountain built for people who love to ski—not just visit ski resorts.
Sun Valley Skiing & Snowboarding
- Lift progression and other projects
- Forest Rehabilitation Project
- Ikon & Mountain Collective Pass Partnership
- Hosting the World Cup Alpine Finals in 2027 – Downhill, Super G, GS, and Slalom
Access
- Nonstop flights from 8 cities including LA, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Chicago.
- Also heard the Summers are just beautiful with extended light and plenty of activities, sports, music and more. If you come in January, check out the Sun Valley Food & Wine Festival. More on our food-wine festival page but here is the link to the festival. https://www.sunvalleyculinary.org/2026-food-and-wine-celebration
Final Takeaway
Sun Valley has earned its place as my favorite mountain. It’s refined without being flashy, challenging without being intimidating, and welcoming without trying too hard. If you value uninterrupted laps, beautifully groomed runs, and a stress-free ski experience from start to finish, Sun Valley isn’t just worth visiting—it’s worth coming back to. More at www.sunvalley.com
DINING:
Review: Grill at Knob Hill in Ketchum, Idaho
From the moment you step into Grill at Knob Hill, located inside Knob Hill Inn Sun Valley, you’re welcomed with warmth and genuine hospitality. Though attached to the historic Knob Hill Inn, the restaurant operates as a separate dining destination with its own vibe — relaxed yet refined, perfect for a special dinner or a memorable night out.
Atmosphere & Service
The staff here truly make the experience stand out. From the friendly greeting at the door to the attentiveness throughout your meal, service feels personal and polished. The general manager, Will, goes out of his way to be accommodating and welcoming, while your server Carolina impressed with her knowledge, friendly demeanor, and attentiveness — a combination that made the evening even more enjoyable.
The restaurant’s interior blends cozy comfort with a touch of sophistication, and during warmer months there’s outdoor seating that adds to the ambiance of this Northwest-inspired eatery.
Drinks & Starters
Kick off your evening with one of their signature cocktails or a glass of wine from their thoughtful beverage list — an excellent complement to the extensive menu. As soon as you’re seated, they bring out the famous popover rolls with honey butter — light, warm, and absolutely irresistible.
Your starters — the house salad and sautéed calamari with onions and tomatoes — are fresh and flavorful. The calamari, in particular, is perfectly cooked and seasoned, setting a high bar for the rest of the meal.
Entrees
The entrée selection is varied and showcases local and Northwest influences:
- Canadian walleye — a tender, flavorful white fish served with a mustard sauce and seasonal vegetables.
- Idaho trout — equally delicious, served with rice and vegetables and a delicate balance of flavors.
Both seafood dishes were standouts — fresh, well-prepared, and arguably the highlight of your meal.
Of course, they’re also known for their famous rack of lamb with whipped potatoes — rich, succulent, and beautifully presented. It’s a classic choice and a safe one if you’re craving something heartier.
Dessert
Though you were too full to indulge, the dessert offerings looked tempting — a sweet finish to a satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
The Grill at Knob Hill blends exceptional service, welcoming hospitality, and a menu that celebrates both local ingredients and classic preparation. Whether you’re visiting the Knob Hill Inn or just stopping in for dinner, this is a restaurant worth experiencing — especially if you enjoy fresh seafood and thoughtful culinary touches.
Hours (typically): Open nightly for dinner (around 5:30 PM–9:00 PM).
Website: https://www.grillatknobhill.com/
Walking up the street to Fiamma, we knew we were in for something truly exceptional. This isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a destination, an experience, and a celebration of food, fire, and hospitality that lingers long after the last bite. Named after the Italian word for “little flame,” Fiamma beautifully embodies its ethos with a live-fire, Italian-inspired menu that sings with flavor and soul.
What made our evening even more memorable was meeting the partners behind the magic — Kinsey and celebrity chef Britt Rescigno (pictured above)— who were as gracious and down-to-earth as they come. Their warmth set the tone for an evening of indulgence and connection in an upscale yet inviting setting. The atmosphere here is electric yet refined: an open kitchen alive with culinary theater, a breathtaking bar that beckons conversation, and an ambiance that perfectly balances elevated dining with heartfelt hospitality. Our server Milenka was knowledgeable, helpful and attentive.
We kicked off the meal with their tasty Caesar salad — crisp, fresh, and perfectly seasoned — followed by the octopus with potatoes appetizer, tender and smoky with just the right touch of char that showcased the open-flame cooking so central to Fiamma’s identity.
The pasta selections are nothing short of divine — a variety of shapes, sauces, and inspirations that cater to every palate. Truly, you can’t go wrong here. For our entrées, we chose the Wagyu flank steak and the swordfish served over a pillowy polenta cake — both stunning, beautifully plated masterpieces. To elevate the feast even further, we added the lobster tail enhancement and a side of wild mushrooms; the result was off the charts, marrying richness, balance, and crave-worthy depth in every bite.
Dessert was just as thoughtfully curated. While Fiamma boasts a wonderful variety of sweets, we opted for the classic tiramisu — luxuriously layered and perfectly balanced — and a decaf affogato that was the ideal cap to a flawless meal.
Throughout the evening, the hospitality was impeccable — warm, intuitive, and truly genuine. It’s clear that Chef Britt’s vision extends far beyond the kitchen, fostering a sense of community and connection with every guest. Since opening roughly one year ago, Fiamma has already become a jewel in the Sun Valley culinary scene — a place locals rave about and visitors plan their trips around.
If you’re looking for a dining experience that combines phenomenal food, an unforgettable atmosphere, and heartfelt hospitality — this is it. Make reservations early and be prepared to fall in love with every aspect of Fiamma. Find more and book a table at their official website: https://www.fiammasunvalley.com.
The Warfield – Sun Valley
The Warfield delivers a delightful dining experience that balances creativity, comfort, and impeccable service. From the first bites, it’s clear this kitchen knows how to keep rhythm and flavor in perfect sync.
Don’t miss the Don’t Miss the Beet salad, a vibrant and satisfying opener, or the spicy tuna poke, beautifully seasoned and served with green onions and crisp lettuce cups—fresh, light, and full of flavor.
For entrées, the black miso cod was very good, silky and rich, paired nicely with a pea purée and tender asparagus. But the undeniable star of the night was the bison osso bucco. Served over saffron risotto, it was absolutely delicious—lean, deeply flavorful, and perfectly cooked. A standout dish that’s worth the visit alone.
The cocktail program is equally impressive. Be sure to try the Passion in the Sky, made with vodka distilled in house—smooth, refreshing, and expertly balanced. And whatever you do, save room for dessert: the carrot cake is the perfect sweet finish.
Service elevated the entire experience. My server, Lisa, was top-notch—super attentive, warm, and professional, striking that perfect balance that makes a great meal even better.
Overall, a truly delightful meal from start to finish.
Visit them online at www.thewarfieldsunvalley.com
Also got to meet, ski and have a meal with executive director, Ray Gadd, from Visit Sun Valley, who was amazing & helpful. You can find a bunch of info, suggestions and more at visitsunvalley.com