Every year, winter sport lovers lament the end of the winter season. They want to squeeze the exhilaration out of every run while the snow is still there. So how about one last hurrah down the slopes in Sun Valley? We have a great option for the perfect winter trip for your end of ski season celebration.
First and foremost: the weather needs to be your friend. Luckily, late season storms this year have kept the lifts churning at resorts across the country, especially in the Mountain West. Snowy Ketchum, Idaho is home to Sun Valley — “America’s First Destination Ski Resort” — and is the perfect place for snow bunnies (and non skiers who still enjoy the snow) to eek out one last winter trip.
Wake up at The Limelight Ketchum. The hotel opened in 2017 and was Ketchum’s first new hotel in two decades. It has since been heralded a local favorite, thanks to its come-one, come-all free live music in the Lounge (along with a fantastic happy hour and wood-fired pizzas). A breakfast to keep you fueled up is included with your room. Take advantage of the complimentary “Inside Tracks” program which gets you access to the slopes of Bald Mountain before the general public — catching any fresh powder or corduroy (what skiers call the freshly groomed tracks) before anyone else does.
Here’s an LG Exclusive tip: Skiers on Bald and Dollar Mountains (the two mountains that comprise Sun Valley resort) enjoy almost no lines for the lifts all winter long, not to mention a nearly cloud-free one. And late season like now, there are no crowds in sight.
Non-alpine skiers who still want to play in the snow should head to Galena Lodge, for snowshoeing or Nordic skiing opportunities. Lessons are available, along with rental equipment. Don’t miss a chance to cozy up by the fire and enjoy lunch, espresso drinks and cocktails. It’s the winter lodge fantasy you have dreamed about… and there is still time to make it happen.
Zenergy Health Club and Spa is a favorite for skiers and non skiers alike with a full menu of spa services and programs like tennis, pilates, yoga and personal training. It has been called one of the world’s most beautiful gyms and don’t miss the heated outdoor saltwater pool, if you can tear yourself away from the 42,000 square feet of indoor activities. LG Tip: Guests of The Limelight get a special day rate. https://zenergysv.com/spa/
After all the activity and spa-ing, you’ll need a drink. Head to Warfield Distillery & Brewery to try some locally made options. Favorites include their own No Return Gin, a small batch, pot still gin created with organic botanicals endemic to the Northern Rockies, and Mayday Vodka, distilled from Idaho wheat and corn.
For dinner, go old school. Sun Valley’s original restaurant, The Ram has been warming and welcoming diners since 1937. This rustic-yet-elegant dinner house has been recently modernized, while still preserving its historic charm. Be sure to order off the nightly “Heritage Menu”— a series of historic dishes such as pork tenderloin schnitzel, Hungarian goulash, and the famous Ram fondue—resurrected from the restaurant’s long and storied culinary tradition.
Summer and the swimsuit can wait. So what are you waiting for? Make your plans and reservations now as bluebird skies, and sweet powpow are in Sun Valley, Ketchum, Idaho, waiting for you to say one fond farewell to winter.