My Mountain Fam’s summer vacation this year included a road trip to America’s first destination ski resort – Sun Valley Resort in Idaho. We loved it!

Summer at Sun Valley Resort

Established in 1936, Sun Valley is known as a quintessential mountain town – and for good reason. In the winter, Sun Valley Resort offers 2000 acres of skiable terrain, an outdoor ice skating rink, nordic skiing and sleigh rides. While those activities are worth a snowy visit, summer is actually more popular in Sun Valley.

Why? Oh so many reasons.

Scenery

Mountains. Wildflowers. Alpine fields and forests.

It’s no surprise my family loved the views. Sun Valley resort is surrounded by almost a million aces of mountainous beauty and this is MOUNTAIN Mom and Tots after all.

History

Did you know that Sun Valley Resort was America’s first destination ski resort? Hollywood legends made Sun Valley their mountain getaway.

Another fun history tidbit about Sun Valley is that the first chairlift was invented there. Seriously.

Activities

Summer at Sun Valley Resort in Idaho is perfect for families, especially if you like to ride bikes, hike or see beautiful mountain scenery.

At Sun Valley Resort you can:

• Golf
• Ice Skate
• Hike
• Bike
• Fly Fish
• Horseback Ride
• Shoot
• Bowl
• Swim
• Play Tennis
• Relax in the Spa
• Shop
• Dine
• Watch a live concert or Ice Skating Show
• and More

Family-Friendly Biking

The coolest part of a summer vacation to Sun Valley is the 30 plus miles of family-friendly paved bike paths that meander through the city of Ketchum, Idaho.

Biking with toddlers isn’t always easy, especially if you’re eyeing an off-road trail. Thanks to the paved city trails, you can ride from Sun Valley Village to River Run at Bald Mountain, passing shops and restaurants all through town. It’s the most bike-friendly town I’ve ever seen.

Sun Valley Resort on any budget

Ski resorts are known to be a retreat for the rich and super rich, but I was pleasantly surprised to find fun family vacation options for every budget at Sun Valley Resort. There’s lots to do for every budget.

Luxury

• Stay at Sun Valley Lodge in Sun Valley Village – $500+ per night.
• Enjoy an afternoon at the 20,000 square foot Spa at Sun Valley.
• Play a round of golf at one of the three Sun Valley golf courses.
• Put the kids in Kids Camp or Play Skool.
• Dinner at Ram’s Restaurant, renovated in 2015 in classic 1936 style.
• Enjoy an outdoor ice show featuring your favorite Olympian.
• Ride the Gondola at Bald Mountain – This is a must for every budget!
• Shop in Sun Valley Village at Brass Ranch, Panache, SQN Sport, Signatures & Gift Shop, Towne and Parke and The Toy Store

Mid-Range

• Stay at AmericInn in Hailey, Idaho. My kids loved the pool, included breakfast and free cookies in the lobby – $150+ per night.
• Eat breakfast at the Konditorei and enjoy the classic Austrian style that inspired Sun Valley’s creation back in 1936.
• Ride the Gondola at Bald Mountain.
• Lunch at The Roundhouse on the mountain with beautiful views.
• Hike Bald Mountain trail from Lookout point down to the gondola. Two miles downhill through alpine wildflower fields and tall pine forests.
• Mountain Bike the downhill trails on Bald Mountain.

On the Cheap

• Camp in nearby Sawtooth National Recreation Area – FREE to $10 per night.
• Bike the FREE White Clouds Mountain Biking Trail across from Sun Valley Village.
• Use the FREE Mountain Rides city bus system.
• Have a picnic at the riverside Rotary Park.
• Enjoy a FREE Fly Fishing clinic or Yoga Class at Sun Valley Village.
• Watch a $2 family summer movie at the Sun Valley Opera House.
• Play lawn games at Sun Valley Village.
• Bike around town on the FREE paved city bike path.

No matter your budget, you’re sure to have blast at Sun Valley Resort in Idaho.

Thanks to Ski Idaho and Sun Valley Resort for making this trip happen.