Ski or Snowboard Sun Valley (Bald Mountain & Dollar Mountain), Idaho

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Sun Valley, Idaho with its two major ski areas, Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, is located in the Wood River Valley adjacent to Ketchum, Idaho. Bald Mountain rises to 2,789 meters and boasts a vertical drop of over a kilometer. Due to the typically windless conditions and varying challenges that appeal to all skill levels, Bald Mountain is often referred to as the best single ski mountain in the world. Sun Valley was developed as the first destination winter resort in the United States beginning in 1936, changing the face of a hard scrabble mining town into an international magnet for Alpine Skiing enthusiasts. The reputation of the resort grew exponentially over the years as it hosted society’s elite and celebrities like Ernest Hemingway (buried nearby), Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood and the Kennedy family. The “Grand Dame” of skiing in the USA with its motto of "winter sports under a summer sun" took its name from the reality that sunshine is virtually guaranteed 80% of the time during the ski season. 17 lifts between the 2 mountains with a capacity of nearly 30,000 skiers per hour insures limited wait time between runs. Skiers and riders enjoy the provided half-pipes, adventure trails and terrain parks with incredible views from the peaks and ridges. Sun Valley pioneered Helicopter Skiing in the United States. The region is home to some of the best back-country terrain in the USA with vast, open bowls and prolific tree-skiing that appeals to all levels of skiers. Ski schools abound teaching beginners the basics and helping enhance the skills of experts, be it Alpine, Nordic skiers or snowboarders. Alternatives to alpine skiing and snowboarding include Nordic skiing and snowshoeing with over 75 kilometers of groomed trails for the cross-country enthusiasts. Sleigh rides and a Snow Tubing Park also complement the winter experience for many families. The Sun Valley Village provides unmatched shopping for designer clothing, winter gear and gifts. Sun Valley maintains a thriving performing arts and fine arts scene with performances and exhibits among the diversions regularly offered to visitors. Dining options encompass the entire spectrum from pizza parlors and fast food to fine dining in historic cabins. Friedman Memorial Airport, less than 25 kilometers away in Hailey, Idaho is the primary gateway to Sun Valley. Flights from the gateway cities of Seattle, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City provide easy access to Sun Valley. Regularly scheduled buses and shuttles transport visitors from the local airport to their respective accommodations or the option of renting a car is also popular. A huge selection of accommodations ranging from cozy cottages and condominiums to luxury hotels satisfies most any visitor’s needs and budget. Consider including a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho on your list for a North American Alpine adventure at one of the world’s great winter resorts. Your dream of skiing under bright sunlight in ideal conditions can be fulfilled with this trip to Idaho, USA.

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