--- title: "Find your stay in Sun Valley" canonical: "https://www.firstchair.com/destinations/idaho/sun-valley" --- # Find your stay in Sun Valley [First Chair Destinations](https://www.firstchair.com/) › [Idaho](https://www.firstchair.com/destinations/idaho) › Sun Valley, Idaho Explore homes for every kind of mountain escape ## Where the chairlift was invented Sun Valley opened in December 1936 as America’s first destination ski resort, built by the Union Pacific Railroad in a mining town called Ketchum Its visitors enjoy long, evenly pitched runs paired with a walkable main street, premier accommodations, and an unusual amount of winter sunshine. Sun Valley splits across two mountains: Dollar Mountain is gentle and treeless, built for first-timers and early progression, while Bald Mountain drops 3,400 vertical feet at a consistent grade from summit to base: a pitch that requires almost no traversing and gives the mountain its reputation among strong skiers. Beyond the slopes, Ketchum sits a short distance from the resort village, with restaurants, galleries, and shops. ## Everything you need to know ### How do I get to Sun Valley? Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey sits about 12 miles south of Ketchum and Sun Valley, a 20 to 30 minute drive. It offers nonstop service from eight cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Chicago, on Alaska, Delta, United, and American. ### What if I don’t fly directly into Sun Valley? Boise is about two and a half hours away by car and typically offers more flights at lower fares. Twin Falls is roughly 90 minutes and Idaho Falls about 150 miles. Salt Lake City is around 300 miles, making it a long but manageable drive. ### What is the difference between Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain? Baldy is the main mountain, with a 9,150-foot summit and 3,400 feet of vertical across roughly 2,050 acres. Dollar Mountain is separate, treeless, and much gentler, with 628 feet of vertical. Beginners learn on Dollar; Baldy is where most of the skiing happens. ### Do I need a rental car in Sun Valley? Not necessarily. The Mountain Rides bus system runs free service throughout Ketchum, Sun Valley, and nearby areas, and rideshare is available in the valley. A car helps if you’re staying farther down the Wood River Valley or plan to explore beyond town. ### Is Sun Valley good for beginners? Yes, on Dollar Mountain, which was purpose-built for it. One caveat worth knowing: Baldy’s trail ratings run harder than average, and much of what’s marked easiest there would be rated intermediate at most resorts. Start on Dollar and move over once you’re comfortable. ### Is Sun Valley good for advanced skiers? Yes, though it’s known for sustained pitch rather than extreme terrain. Baldy drops 3,400 feet at a remarkably consistent grade, which means long uninterrupted runs with almost no traversing. The Challenger lift climbs 3,138 feet in about five minutes, the tallest single chairlift in North America. ### Is Sun Valley a good place to visit in the summer? Yes. The valley shifts to hiking, mountain biking, golf, and fly fishing on the Big Wood River, with the Sawtooth range nearby. Ketchum stays active with restaurants and events, and accommodations are typically more affordable than in the winter season. ### Why is Sun Valley historically significant? It opened in December 1936 as North America’s first destination ski resort, developed by Averell Harriman of the Union Pacific Railroad. The world’s first chairlift was built here, engineered from a system originally designed for loading bananas onto ships. Sun Valley is also considered the birthplace of freestyle skiing. ### Is Ketchum walkable? Yes. Ketchum’s downtown is compact, with restaurants, galleries, and shops concentrated within a few blocks. Sun Valley Village is walkable on its own, and the free Mountain Rides buses handle the short distance between them. ### How many days should I stay in Sun Valley? Four to five days works well. Baldy rewards multiple days given its size and consistent pitch, and most visitors want time in Ketchum. Groups renting a vacation home often stay a week, especially when flying in through Boise. ## All homes in Sun Valley - [1069 Atelier](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087885) · sleeps 2 - [A Sun Valley Serenity](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087904) · 1 bd · sleeps 4 - [Alpine Glow Getaway Sun Valley](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087912) · 3 bd · sleeps 7 - [Atelier 1015](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087881) · sleeps 2 - [Atelier 1086](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087877) · 2 bd · sleeps 4 - [Atelier 1101](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087827) · sleeps 4 - [Bluff 4018](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087879) · 2 bd · sleeps 4 - [Cozy Cottonwood Getaway](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087878) · 2 bd · sleeps 6 - [Creekside Center](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087829) · 2 bd · sleeps 6 - [Creekside Escape](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087906) · 2 bd · sleeps 4 - [Delightful Atelier Getaway](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087874) · sleeps 2 - [Dollar Meadow 1385, 2 bedroom + Loft with two twin beds ; 2 bathrooms; sleeps 6](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087896) · 2 bd · sleeps 6 - [Dollar Meadows 1370](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087876) · 2 bd · sleeps 4 - [Dollar Meadows 1372](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087823) · 4 bd · sleeps 8 - [Dollar Meadows 1383](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087820) · 5 bd · sleeps 10 - [Elkhorn Angani 54](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087875) · sleeps 2 - [Elkhorn Escape](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087843) · sleeps 4 - [Elkhorn Springs Retreat](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087882) · 4 bd · sleeps 8 - [Fairway 9 4311](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087886) · 2 bd · sleeps 6 - [Fun In the Sun Valley](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087892) · 1 bd · sleeps 4 - [Indian Springs with a View](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087836) · 2 bd · sleeps 6 - [Juniper Haven Retreat](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087895) · 4 bd · sleeps 10 - [Legends Hideout](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087852) · 3 bd · sleeps 6 - [Lower Ranch Condo](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087891) · 2 bd · sleeps 4 - [Modern Alpine Getaway](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087871) · 1 bd · sleeps 5 - [Ridge Hideaway](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087872) · 1 bd · sleeps 4 - [Sanctuary on Snow Creek](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087910) · 1 bd · sleeps 4 - [Single Level Ranch Condo in Elkhorn](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087817) · 2 bd · sleeps 4 - [Snowcreek 1520](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087839) · 2 bd · sleeps 6 - [Snowcreek 1580](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087837) · 3 bd · sleeps 6 - [Snowcreek Delight](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087832) · 1 bd · sleeps 4 - [Sun & Ski](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087838) · 2 bd · sleeps 5 - [Sun Valley Atelier Studio - Serenade](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087814) · sleeps 4 - [Sun Valley Escape](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087905) · 3 bd · sleeps 6 - [Sun Valley Retreat](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087889) · 3 bd · sleeps 6 - [Sun Valley Serenity](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087840) · 2 bd · sleeps 6 - [Sun Valley Sun Snowcreek](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087835) · 1 bd · sleeps 4 - [The Atelier Advantage](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087884) · sleeps 2 - [The Bluff Mountain Charmer](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087830) · 2 bd · sleeps 5 - [The Mountain Modern Escape](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087898) · 1 bd · sleeps 4 - [Tranquil Family Retreat](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087828) · 3 bd · sleeps 6 - [Val D Sol #23](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087825) · 3 bd · sleeps 6 - [Val D Sol #6](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087824) · 2 bd · sleeps 4 - [Valley Gem Entire Home](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087868) · 3 bd · sleeps 7 - [Valley Gem Lower](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087887) · 1 bd · sleeps 2 - [Valley Gem Upper](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087869) · 2 bd · sleeps 5 - [Valley Perch](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087888) · 2 bd · sleeps 4 - [Villager Condominium Retreat](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087899) · 2 bd · sleeps 5 - [Western Dreams](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087883) · 2 bd · sleeps 7 - [Western Welcome Snowcreek](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087826) · 1 bd · sleeps 4 - [Wildflower Luxury 3BR 3BA Condo](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1087860) · 3 bd · sleeps 6 --- For photos, current rates and availability, see the page: https://www.firstchair.com/destinations/idaho/sun-valley