What’s referred to as “Sun Valley” encompasses a wide area, typically referring to both the towns of Ketchum and Sun Valley. The ski resort of Sun Valley on Bald Mountain is actually in the town of Ketchum, as are most of the area’s amenities. The small town of Sun Valley encompasses the non-ski portion of the resort. Whether you choose to stay in Sun Valley or Ketchum (or the town of Hailey, located 12 miles south), it’s easy to get around. Ketchum is highly walkable, as is Sun Valley, and the two are only a couple miles apart. While walking between them isn’t difficult, given cold winter temps and possibly icy conditions, you might want to take the free bus. There are several different lines that will take you around town, to either side of the mountain, or between the sides of the mountain. The TransLoc app can tell you the nearest bus stop and show you routes and departure and arrival times.

For those staying in Ketchum, head to the iconic Java on Fourth, a longstanding coffee shop with an edge. The line is often long here most mornings, but it moves quickly and it’s worth the wait. Coffee options include standard go-tos along with originals, like the famous Bowl of Soul, while breakfast ranges from croissant sandwiches to huevos rancheros (as well as their many house-made baked goods).

If you’re staying in the Sun Valley Resort, head to Austrian-inspired Konditorei, where you can sit for a full breakfast or skip the wait and get a coffee to go with one of their fresh pastries. You can’t go wrong with the Morning Bun.

There are two sides to Bald Mountain: the River Run side, easily accessed from Ketchum, or the Warm Springs side, a couple minutes away from downtown in the Warm Springs area of town. Both offer two lift options and have base lodges for you to buy or rent gear, warm up, dine, or take in live outdoor music during the spring. Be sure to ski Upper and Lower College, considered a mainstay run for all.

There are four lodges on the mountain: two at the base, one at the top, and one in the Seattle Ridge area, all with their own dazzling views and varied lunch menus. For non-resort dining, head down to the Warm Springs side to try local favorite Apple’s, a bar and grill serving pitchers of beer, burgers, and a rowdy après scene. For those on a budget, hot dog stand Irving’s, also located on the Warm Springs side, serves up a hot dog and chips for about $5.

After getting in some serious vertical, it’s time to take a load off at one of many après options in Ketchum. Longtime favorite Grumpy’s serves up 32 oz. schooners of beer for about $9, and you may find locals singing along to “Sweet Caroline” on the jukebox. Main Street’s Warfield is a distillery and brewery with cocktails and beer on tap along with contemporary pub food bites. The Cellar Pub is a no-frills establishment where you can get a cocktail or beer and enjoy some shuffleboard or Buck Hunter.

The Sun Valley area has long been home to celebrities seeking a break from the spotlight, and perhaps none is more famous than Ernest Hemingway, who visited often and spent his life’s final two years in the town. Visit many of his old haunts that are still around today, like the Sawtooth Club and Pioneer Saloon, as well as his grave (where many leave small items) and the Hemingway Memorial.

Head to Enoteca on Main Street, serving Italian-inspired cuisine accompanied by a lengthy wine list. Ordering one of their artisan wood-fired pizzas is a must. For the feel of old-school Ketchum, try Michel’s Christiana, a French restaurant founded by a former Olympian coach—photos of him and the many skiers he coached over the years line the bar. For something a little more upscale, try Fiamma, a live-fire, Italian-inspired restaurant. The Grill at Knob Hill serves excellent Pacific Northwest–inspired cuisine, and their popovers alone are worth a visit.

To fuel up for another high-activity day, breakfast at The Kneadery will hit the spot. Founded in 1974, this rustic, Western-inspired eatery serves up all the breakfast classics, from benedicts to pancakes, omelets, and more. For something a little lighter, grab coffee and toast from coffee shop Maude’s, where you can admire the unique décor lining the walls or peruse the clothing store attached, with plenty of vintage scores waiting to be found.

From Ketchum, drive north of town to Galena Lodge, a thirty-minute drive into the Boulder Mountains. This quaint lodge is surrounded by more than 30 miles of groomed Nordic trails for both skate and classic skiing and more than 15 miles of snowshoe trails. All equipment is available to rent at the shop on site.

After exploring the trails, head into the lodge for a spectacular lunch—everything at Galena is made from scratch using fresh ingredients. The menu isn’t your standard lunch fare. From bahn mi sandwiches to bison burgers, there are lots of innovative options (along with items clearly marked for dietary restrictions). A hearty mug of their soup or chili of the day will warm you up, and be sure to grab a Don Bar at the register on your way out.

Ketchum’s downtown is packed with shops to explore. For the latest outdoor gear, check out Sturtevant’s, the Elephant’s Perch, and Backwoods Sports. For clothing, try Sway Boutique or Girl Friday. If you’re into art, there are plenty of galleries across town, and once a month there’s a free gallery walk. For fun souvenirs, try Country Cousin or Independent Goods.

Hop on the bus or drive the two miles to Sun Valley to stroll through the Austrian-inspired Sun Valley Village. The historic Sun Valley Lodge is worth a stop, where you can grab a drink at the Duchin Lounge in the lobby and watch figure skaters on the outdoor rink. If it’s during the Christmas season, the Village hosts numerous activities, like a tree-lighting ceremony and gingerbread house competition.

The Roundhouse is a restaurant perched at 7,700 feet on Bald Mountain. The iconic octagonal restaurant has been serving dinner with panoramic views since 1939. Gondola access, located on the River Run side of the mountain, is included in prix fixe dinner reservations. After your ride, warm up around the four-sided fireplace at the center of the restaurant before enjoying several courses of new American cuisine.

Located an hour north of Ketchum, the small town of Stanley makes for a great day trip. The drive winds through the mountains, giving you beautiful views of snow-capped peaks and endless blue skies. While Stanley may be a small town (population roughly 125), its location at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains and the banks of the Salmon River make it a jumping-off point for outdoor recreation and a beautiful spot to visit. The area is home to numerous hot springs, from small river pools that can be found simply by looking for steam off the side of Highway 75 to the established Mountain Village Resort hot spring, which requires a reservation and use fee. If you’re in town during Presidents’ Day Weekend, be sure to check out the town’s Winterfest, a mashup of quirky events including an outhouse race. For dinner, check out the James Beard Award–nominated Supper Club.