There is no better way to enjoy the beauty of winter than spending a day in Sun Valley. Snow-covered hills rise up all around you, kids in ski boots clattering down the sidewalks, endless adventures in every direction, and locally sourced meals in cozy restaurants. The Sun Valley area is magical in every season, but there is a reason it was one of the country’s first destination ski resorts. Winter is the most magical time of year here. Come with us as we explore a day in Sun Valley full of fun and amazing local food.
Start Your Day
Greet the morning with a stroll through the historic Sun Valley Village to the Koditorei Bakery and Cafe. The warm, Austrian-inspired interior is sure to get you in an alpine state of mind. Order a cup of locally roasted coffee and a fresh pastry baked in-house, then sit back by the roaring fire and enjoy the ambiance of a mountain town waking up! Here’s a fun fact: Konditorei was the first in the ski industry to achieve 3-star certification by the Green Restaurant Association.
Choose your adventure
Now that you’re fueled up, it’s time to get out and get active in the outdoors. Our favorite activity: Cross-country skiing on the Blaine County Recreation District’s world-class network of winter trails. For easy and free access, head straight over to the Wood River Trail. This 32-kilometer groomed path connects the Wood River Valley from Bellevue to Sun Valley. Jump on the trail in Ketchum and cruise south for great views of the Big Wood River and surrounding mountains. For those looking for a more challenging ski, head north on Highway 75 to Galena Lodge (this is our favorite lunch spot…more on that later). Galena offers over 50 kilometers of groomed trails for all abilities and 25 kilometers of snowshoe tracks. This community-owned lodge and trail network is the magical center of winter in the Sun Valley Area. BCRD offers free ski days once a month. This winter you can ski any of their trails for free on January 8th, February 25th and March 22nd.
Lunch in a Log Cabin
If Galena Lodge was your morning activity choice, or even if it wasn’t, it is the perfect lunch spot. Hearty soups and sandwiches featuring locally sourced ingredients, hot and cold beverages, and a throwback to Galena’s mining days ambiance make Galena a crowd pleaser. We wouldn’t blame you if you spent the whole afternoon hanging out in the lodge, sipping hot cocoa, and reading a book. That sounds like an fantastic Sun Valley area afternoon.
A Sawtooth Valley Sojourn
For those hearty folks still looking for adventure after a stop at Galena, we recommend continuing over Galena Pass to visit the Sawtooth Valley. Dominated by the imposing and awe-inspiring Sawtooth Mountains, this valley is the heart of winter in central Idaho. Venture down to Stanley for a glide around the Stanley Ice Rink in Pioneer Park or a soak in a nearby hot springs. If you happen to while away the whole afternoon in Stanley (it’s easy to do), try out the locally inspired fare at the Stanley Supper Club.
Aprés Adventure
Nothing caps off a day of winter adventure better than a locally brewed beer. Sawtooth Brewery Public house on Main St. in Ketchum crafts and serves a wide selection of beer styles and delicious pub food. For a more refined sip, head down the street to Warfield Distillery and Brewery, where their talented bartenders will mix you up a delicious cocktail featuring their in-house and organic liquors. For the kids, ask about their selection of mocktails!
Capping Off a Day in Sun Valley
The Ketchum/Sun Valley area offers an amazing array of restaurants featuring locally grown food. Our online Locally Grown Guide is the best place to identify the best restaurant for your appetite and to see their local sources.
From locally sourced meals to big adventures, there is something for everyone in the Sun Valley area. We look forward to welcoming you!