Sun Valley Idaho Sporting Events

Ahhh, the reason d' etre. Let"s not kid ourselves, Sun Valley is the perfect environment for competition, perfectly groomed sloops, miles and miles of the best cross country trails, golf courses that make your palms itch, and trails that are unparalleled when it comes to mountain biking. It is no wonder there are so many sports events and competitions that take place in Sun Valley. Listed are a few yearly favorites. Check the calendar of events often as the events are always popping up.ATKINSONS’ MARKET KETCHUM CRITERIUM – The Ski Tour and Sawtooth Velo Cycling Clubare proud to announce the revival of the “Ketchum Crit” cycling race this Labor Day weekend.Sunday September 2, professional and semi-professional road cyclists from around the region will convenein downtown Ketchum to battle it out in a crowd thrilling criterium course right in the heart of town. The0.6 mile circuit will start/finish on Sun Valley Rd between East and Walnut Avenues with a counterclockwisecourse that will snake to the South and West to the corner of Leadville and First St. beforeheading back North and East to the corner of Spruce and Sun Valley Rd. A purse of $10K is up for grabsmaking this a category A event sponsored by Atkinsons’ Market and sanctioned by USA Cycling throughSawtooth Velo.The race is set to begin at high noon and last just over an hour. The awards ceremony will take place that evening at the Coors Light BaseCamp Music Experience stage just prior to Brandi Carlile’s performance.
The Wells Fargo Boulder Mountain Tour The 31st Annual Boulder Mountain Tour is one of the largest cross-country ski races in the US. The Wells Fargo Boulder Mountain Tour Organizing Committee and the three hundred plus volunteers that make it all possible would like to invite you to participate in one of the country's best cross country ski events.
The Ski Tour - "The Loudest Show on Snow" North America’s new elite, four-stop skiing competition features the world’s best halfpipe &skiercross skiers competing for $500,000 BaseCamp Music Experience to feature over 30 big-name music acts alongside multi-day alpine festival including photo competitions, film festivals, street bonfires, rail jams, and countless parties. Four hours of network television coverage planned for The Ski Tour!

The Holding Cup - Bring back the glory days and take on your old rivals in the 2008 Holding Cup Alumni Race in March. Put together a team of friends or ski team mates and come race in Sun Valley for the chance to win money for your college ski team. This year's event promises to fill your weekend with great events and social gatherings--and, all for a good cause.
The Sawtooth Relay- The 16th annual Sawtooth Relay will be held mid June 9, 2008. The course provides teams with a view of the Sawtooth Mountains at dawn. The Stanley to Ketchum course winds south along the Salmon Riverwill with views of the White Cloud Mountains. Don't miss the meadows of multi-colored wild flowers on each side of the highway along the Salmon River valley floor. Half way through the 62-mile course, participants will crest Galena Summit and view the Big Wood River drainage with vistas of the Pioneer and Boulder Mountain ranges.
Bill Janss Pro Am Classic - World class skiers from the past and present compete in a downhill event to benefit local ski programs. Snowboarding and freestyle exhibitions, opening night coctail party, auction and a gala dinner with awards and prizews for race winners. Call for further information.
Telemark Series - The All Terrain telemark event is in its 28th consecutive year as the longest continuously run telelmark series in the country.
Danny Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament - Celebrity golfers will hit the links for this 31st annual event raising money for leukemia and cancer research. August 22-25, 2007.
Sun Valley/Ketchum US Half Marathon - Join us in 2008 and run in the Half, 12K or 5K Walk on one of the most beautiful settings in the country. The US Half Marathon, Sun Valley * Ketchum loops from Sun Valley Village through Elkhorn, Ketchum, and Sun Valley. Enjoy brilliant views of Baldy as you pass alongside the Big Wood River and Trail Creek on the scenic Wood River and Sun Valley Trail.
Sawtooth Bike Trek - Looking for a fun, exciting, or leisurely ride? Whatever your tastes, you are going to love this fully supported bike ride! Its a 2 or 3 day 150 mile recreational expedition through Idaho's most scenic vistas, including the Sawtooth Mountains. The ride benefits the American Lung Association of Idaho and will be celebrating its 18th year September 8th-10th, 2007.

Sun Valley News

SAVOR SUN VALLEY – A CULINARY DESTINATIONSavor Sun Valley: A Culinary Destination highlights the Sun Valley Food & Wine Festival, the Sun Valley Wine Auction, the Sawtooth Botanical Garden's education and organic workshops, vacation packages and local products.
Outdoor Events & RecreationThe loudest show on earth is The Honda Ski Tour and Sun Valley is home to it twice a year! Basecamp and the Criterion Bike Race will take place over Labor Day weekend.
Wellness in the WildernessOngoing events and organizations are educating and unfolding the many levels of Wellness here in the Sawtooth wilderness including the Sun Valley Mountain Wellness Festival, The Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival, The Sun Valley Sustainability Conference, The Garden of Infinite Compassion and many vacation packages from Yoga Rafting Trips on the Middle Fork to the Diamond D Ranch's Mind-Body-Spirit week.
Hemingway's Grandson John Hemingway Keynote Speaker at Third Annual Hemingway Festival in September, 2007(Sun Valley, Idaho) – American novelist Ernest Hemingway’s grandson, John Hemingway, will deliver the keynote address at the Third Annual Ernest Hemingway Festival that runs September 20-23 in Sun Valley, Idaho. The third generation Hemingway will speak on “Hemingway in Paris: The Crazy Years,” on Thursday, September 20, at 7 p.m., at Carol’s Dollar Mountain Lodge. “Hemingway in Paris” is the theme of this year’s festival commemorating the life of the revered writer and his legacy in Sun Valley where he lived and wrote on and off for more than two decades until his death in 1961.
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, JULY 6 FOR LABOR DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL AND BIKE RACEJULY 5, 2007 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BRAVO CONTACT: Cassie Stoneberg cassie@bravobsp.com THE SKI TOUR CONTACT: Maureen Baker 208.725.4954 maureenbaker@theskitour.com COORS LIGHT BASECAMP MUSIC EXPERIENCE & ATKINSONS’ MARKET KETCHUM CRITERIUM Presented by The Ski Tour and Sawtooth Velo Cycling Club WHAT: Three Day Music Festival and U.S. Cycling Federation category 1, 2, and professional bike race WHERE: Ketchum, Idaho WHEN: Labor Day Weekend (Aug 31-Sept 2, 2007) TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, JULY 6 @ 10AM COORS LIGHT BASECAMP MUSIC EXPERIENCE – Tickets for the biggest multi-day music festival to ever come to Ketchum, Idaho will go on sale Friday, July 6th @ 10am through Ticketweb. The 3-day festival lineup features artists such as Chris Isaak, Kenny Loggins, Matisyahu, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Brandi Carlile, Rose Hill Drive, Joseph Israel, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Wisdom and more to be announced. The main stage shows will take place in the BaseCamp Music Pavilion on the 100 East Avenue Block in Downtown Ketchum. All Access Music Passes are available for $115 each and admit the ticket holder to all three nights of live entertainment. Individual concert tickets are also available and range from $39.75 to $49.75 per date. To purchase, please visit any Ticketweb outlet including Newt & Harolds, The Record Exchange, The Boise Co-Op, A New Vintage Wine Shop or Atkinsons’ Markets, order by phone at 1-800-965-4827, 1-208-466- TIXX or purchase online at www.ticketweb.com or visit www.theskitour.com or www.bravobsp.com. ATKINSONS’ MARKET KETCHUM CRITERIUM – The Ski Tour and Sawtooth Velo Cycling Club are proud to announce the revival of the “Ketchum Crit” cycling race this Labor Day weekend. Sunday September 2, professional and semi-professional road cyclists from around the region will convene on downtown Ketchum to battle it out in a crowd thrilling criterium course right in the heart of town. The 0.6 mile circuit will start/finish on Sun Valley Rd between East and Walnut Avenues with a counterclockwise course that will snake to the South and West to the corner of Leadville and First St. before heading back North and East to the corner of Spruce and Sun Valley Rd. A purse of $10K is up for grabs making this a category A event sponsored by Atkinsons’ Market and sanctioned by USA Cycling through Sawtooth Velo. The race is set to begin at high noon and last just over an hour. The awards ceremony will take place that evening at the Coors Light BaseCamp Music Experience stage just prior to Brandi Carlile’s performance. More information on exact show/race times, festival location, All Access Music Passes, and individual ticket prices can be found online at www.bravobsp.com and www.theskitour.com
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, JULY 6 FOR LABOR DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL AND BIKE RACECOORS LIGHT BASECAMP MUSIC EXPERIENCE & ATKINSONS’ MARKET KETCHUM CRITERIUM Presented by The Ski Tour and Sawtooth Velo Cycling Club WHAT: Three Day Music Festival and U.S. Cycling Federation category 1, 2, and professional bike race WHERE: Ketchum, Idaho WHEN: Labor Day Weekend (Aug 31-Sept 2, 2007) TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, JULY 6 @ 10AM
Fabulous Fall FestivalsHighlights for Fall Events including Ketchum's most popular event Wagon Days, the Sun Valley Spritual Film Festival, The Ernest Hemingway Festival, Trailing of the Sheep Festival and Sun Valley Swing-n-Dixie Jazz Jamboree now in its 18th year!
Trailing of the Sheep Festival Scheduled Oct. 12-14KTrailing of the Sheep Festival, Ketchum to Hailey, Idaho October 12 – 14, 2007 March 29, 2007 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: The Trailing of the Sheep Executive Director, Linnea Collins 1-208-720-0585 or svtots@yahoo.com www.Trailingofthesheep.org October 12 – 14, 2007 marks the 11th annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival, to be held in Hailey and Ketchum, Idaho. This year’s Festival will highlight the contributions brought to us by the Peruvian sheepherders to the history of the west.

Sun Valley Lodging

Lodging (37) All A - F G - L M - R S - Z
Airport Inn Box 984; Hailey, ID 83333

Add to Trip Planner Located at the south end of Hailey on the bike path and close to city and county offices. Conveniently located minutes from the airport. Comfortable rooms ranging from single queens to larger rooms w... more information... www.airportinnhailey.com Phone: 788-2477 Fax: 788-3195
AmericInn Lodge & Suites of Hailey 51 Cobblestone Lane; Hailey, ID 83333

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Add to Trip Planner As the newest lodging addition to the area, our 64 room lodge is the perfect place to stay in Sun Valley. The AmericInn features a variety of room types, including suites with hot tubs. Be... more information... www.haileyamericinn.com Tollfree: 800-634-3444 Phone: 208-788-7950
Bald Mountain Lodge 100 Picabo Street; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner Located 100 yards from the Warm Springs Ski Lifts, featuring elegant studios and suites with jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces.... more information... Tollfree: 1-866-389-0662 Phone: (208) 726-4776 Fax: (208) 726-4424
Best Western Kentwood Lodge 180 Main Street South, P.O. Box 2172; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner Beautiful downtown lodge with views of Bald Mountain's ski slopes. Walk to dining, dancing, theatre, and shopping. An all Non-Smoking lodge with custom designed log furniture, and redecorated rooms. A... more information... www.bestwestern.com/kentwoodlodge Tollfree: (800) 805-1001 Phone: (208) 726-4114 Fax: (208) 726-2417
Best Western Tyrolean Lodge 260 Cottonwood St.; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner Bavarian style lodge with hotel rooms and suites, just 400 yards from the base of River Run Lifts and 3 blocks into the town of Ketchum. Continental breakfast is served daily, amenities include ... more information... www.bestwestern.com/tyrolean Tollfree: (800) 333-7912 Phone: (208) 726-5336 Fax: (208) 726-2081
Blue Sky Adventures 130 Bordeaux Street; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner BLUE SKY ADVENTURES Blue Sky Adventures provides quality full-featured short-term lodging for discriminating guests, central to all Ketchum and Sun Valley activities. Especially appealing to those see... more information... www.sun-valley-vacation-rental.com Phone: (208) 726-2311, (415) 647-1894 Fax: (415) 647-1894
Boundary Picnic and Campground Trail Creek Road, 3 miles Northeast of Ketchum; Ketchum, ID 83340
Add to Trip Planner Access: 3 miles northeast of Ketchum on Trail Creek Rd.Amenities: 3 units, picnic tables, fire rings and grills, potable water, restrooms, next to Trail Creek.... more information...
Clarion Inn of Sun Valley 600 North Main Street; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner Ideally located in downtown Ketchum, just minutes from Sun Valley. Oversized rooms with air conditioning, some with fireplaces, balconies and views of Bald Mountain. Year-round heated pool and jacuzzi... more information... www.resortswest.net Tollfree: (800) 262-4833 Phone: (208) 726-5900 Fax: (208) 726-3761
Croney Cove Guest House 1007 Warm Springs Road; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner Imagine your own home five miles within the Sawtooth National Forest, one of the largest nature preserves in the United States.Imagine a 1500 square foot Bavarian-style chalet, complete with three f... more information... www.croneycove.com Phone: 208-726-2683
Days Inn - Jerome 1200 Centennial Spur; Jerome, ID

Add to Trip Planner Whether you are traveling on business or pleasure, we know you have a variety of hotels to choose from. The professional and friendly staffs at Days Inn hotels are committed to making your stay both e... more information... www.daysinn.com Phone: (208) 324-6400 Fax: (208) 324-9207
Distinctive Properties 191 Main Street North; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner LUXURY VACATION RENTALS * CONCIERGE SERVICES With over 200 luxury homes and condominiums in the Sun Valley / Ketchum area, Distinctive Properties combines premium vacation residences with our top of ... more information... www.svdp1.com Phone: (208) 726-7664 Fax: (208) 726-7653
FeatherBed Inn 416 First Ave North; Hailey, ID 83333

Add to Trip Planner Stylish living at thoughtful prices. In historic Old Hailey, the FeatherBed Inn is new and beautifully decorated with four bedrooms, each in a stylish mountain theme. Each room has a private bathroo... more information... www.featherbedinnidaho.com Phone: (208) 578-5227 Fax: (208) 578-5227
High Country Motel & Cabins 765 Main Street South; Bellevue, ID 83313

Add to Trip Planner At the gateway to Sun Valley, the newly refurbished, affordable and clean motel and rustic cabins. Comfortable standard rooms, king bed suites and spacious cabins all for a great value. Conveniently l... more information... Tollfree: (800) 692-2050 Phone: (208) 788-2050 Fax: (208) 725-0744
High Country Resort Properties 251 Main Street South; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner High Country Property Rentals & Management is proud to represent over 250 properties in the Wood River Valley, including condominiums, houses and townhomes. We have properties near the lifts, near... more information... www.highcountry-rentals.com Tollfree: (800) 726-7076 Phone: (208) 726-1256 Fax: (208) 726-8394
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch Highway 75, Milepost 180; Stanley, ID 83278
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Add to Trip Planner The living history of the Old West mingles with the solitude and peace of this historic 900-acre ranch, the ideal summer outdoor enthusiast’s getaway. Enjoy charming accommodations in cabins and... more information... www.idahorocky.com Phone: 208-774-3544 Fax: 208-774-3477
Ketchum Ranger District 206 Sun Valley Rd; Ketchum, ID 83340
Add to Trip Planner U.S. Forest Service government office. 22 campsites are available in campgrounds just outside of Ketchum.... more information... www.reserveusa.com/ Phone: (208) 622-5371 Fax: (208) 622-3923
Knob Hill Inn 960 Main Street North; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner Luxury Relais & Chateau Hotel on Ketchum's Main Street. Two restaurants, a fitness room, pool, and all amenities.... more information... www.knobhillinn.com Tollfree: (800) 526-8010 Phone: (208) 726-8010 Fax: (208) 726-2712
Les Saisons 680 Sun Valley Rd; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner Les Saisons, a five-star private residence resort located in the heart of Ketchum, on Sun Valley Road, offers two and three bedroom privately owned residences with limited rental availability. Each 19... more information... www.prr.net Tollfree: (866) 847-4200 Phone: (208) 727-1616 Fax: (208) 725-0234
Lift Tower Lodge 703 Main Street South; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner A cozy lodge featuring free continental breakfast, friendly people, wireless internet, and spectacular views of the River Run ski runs on Baldy. Take a free bus to the lifts, walk to the bike ... more information... Tollfree: (800) 462-8646 Phone: (208) 726-5163 Fax: (208) 726-0945
Meadows RV Park 13 Broadway Run, Hwy 75, 2 Miles S. of Ketchum; Ketchum, ID 83340
Add to Trip Planner Year-round recreational vehicle park with 41 spaces; 60 ft. pull-through sites, restrooms and showers for overnight guests, laundry facilities, and dump station. Tent sites also available.... more information... Phone: (208) 726-5445
Mountain Village Resort Foot of Sawtooth Mountains; Stanley, ID 83278

Add to Trip Planner Mountain Village Resort encompasses a 60 unit lodge, full service restaurant & lounge, service station, mercantile, liquor store and enclosed natural hot spring.... more information... www.mountainvillage.com Tollfree: (800) 843-5475 Phone: (208) 774-4688 Fax: (208) 774-3761
Pennay's at River Run 300 Wood River Drive; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner SKI FROM YOUR DOOR! We offer the ultimate luxury of a location neighboring magnificent River Run Plaza and Chairlift. Here you will find a new an intimate experience in condominium lodging, plus a lit... more information... www.pennays-sunvalley.com Tollfree: (800) 736-7503 Phone: (208) 726-9086 Fax: (208) 726-4541
Premier Resorts Sun Valley 333 Main Street South; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner Premier Resorts Sun Valley proudly offers the largest selection of homes and condominiums in the area. We manage over 125 condominiums in all of the 5 distinctive neighborhoods including: Ketchum, War... more information... www.premier-sunvalley.com Tollfree: (800) 635-4444 Phone: (208) 727-4000 Fax: (208) 725-0193
Redfish Lake Lodge Redfish Lake, Hwy 75, 60 miles North of Ketchum; Stanley, ID 83278

Add to Trip Planner A full service resort surrounded by the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains on the shores of Redfish Lake. Redfish Lake Lodge was built for the sportsman, nature lover, photographer, horseback rider and natu... more information... www.redfishlake.com Phone: (208) 774-3536 winter res. (208) 644-90 Fax: (208) 774-3546
Resort Quest Sun Valley Vacation Rentals 200 River Street West, #101; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner Choose from over 190 ResortQuest Sun Valley rental condominiums, townhomes or vacation homes in the greater Sun Valley area, and you will enjoy luxurious space, multiple rooms, fully appointed inter... more information... www.resortquestsunvalley.com Tollfree: (800) 521-2515 Phone: (208) 726-5601 Fax: (208) 726-5617
Riverside Motel & Sawtooth Rentals Hwy 75; Stanley, ID 83278

Add to Trip Planner New log motel built in 1996 on the Salmon River. Rental equipment available for rafts, inflatable kayaks, bikes, and canoes.... more information... www.riversidemotel.biz Tollfree: (800) 284-3185 Phone: (208) 774-3409 Fax: 733-8715
Sawtooth National Recreation Area Hwy 75, 10 miles N of Ketchum; Ketchum, ID 83340
Add to Trip Planner Sun Valley is the gateway to one of the most stunning and rugged wilderness areas in the West, The Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA). The SNRA, home to the spectacular Sawtooth Mountains (also ... more information... www.fs.fed.us/r4/sawtooth Tollfree: (800) 280-CAMP Phone: (208) 727-5013 Fax: (208) 727-5029
Sawtooth Property Management

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Add to Trip Planner Sawtooth Property Management offers vacation properties located in the Sun Valley\Ketchum area. Please visit our website for a full description and photos of our available properties. We a... more information... www.svrentals.net Tollfree: 888-729-8684 Phone: 208-720-0252 Fax: 208-726-1012
Smiley Creek Lodge 16546 North Highway 75; Sawtooth City, ID

Add to Trip Planner A rustic and classic lodge located 37 miles north of Sun Valley/Ketchum on Highway 75 in the Stanley Basin, offering a hearty breakfast, delightful lunch and tasty dinner menu. Other amenities include... more information... Phone: (208) 774-3547 Fax: 208-774-3547
Sun Valley Property Management Services Sun Valley, ID

Add to Trip Planner Sun Valley Property Management services is proud to provide beautiful properties in historic Sun Valley. Our properties include condominiums, houses and townhomes. We have properties near ... more information... Tollfree: 1-888-729-9183 Phone: 208-622-3510 Fax: 1-888-729-9183
Sun Valley Resort 1 Sun Valley Rd; Sun Valley, ID 83353

Add to Trip Planner A complete four season, destination, full service resort ideal for meetings, groups and families. The original Lodge, Inn, homes and condominiums are available year-round.... more information... www.sunvalley.com Tollfree: (800) 786-8259 Phone: (208) 622-4111 Fax: (208) 622-2015
Tamarack Lodge 291 Walnut Ave; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner We are excited to share with you all the improvements we have made to the Tamarack Lodge over the past year! Whether you're hear for a family vacation or a romantic get-away, our newly lan... more information... www.tamaracksunvalley.com Tollfree: (800) 521-5379 Phone: (208) 726-3344 Fax: (208) 726-3347
The Inn at Ellsworth Estate 702 Third Ave South; Hailey, ID 83333

Add to Trip Planner Welcome to The Inn at Ellsworth Estate, a beautiful nine-room bed and breakfast serving Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley. Built in 1915 as a private residence, the Inn has undergone renovation ... more information... www.ellsworthestate.com Tollfree: (866) 788-6354 Phone: (208) 788-6354 Fax: (208) 788-6317
Thunder Spring Condominium Owners Association 124 Saddle Road; Ketchum, ID 83340

Add to Trip Planner Thunder Spring-Sun Valley's prestigious residential community is maintenance-free, luxury condominium living at its best. Fabulous amenities include Zenergy, a full-service fitness and health facility... more information... www.thunderspring.com Phone: (208) 727-9635 Fax: (208) 727-9091
Valley Creek Motel and RV Park 62 Eva Falls Avenue; Stanley, ID 83278
Add to Trip Planner Valley Creek Motel is located at the western end of Stanley, next to the River Company, and close to dining and entertainment facilities, yet away from the noisy center of town. Amenities include; fan... more information... www.visitsunvalley.com Phone: (208) 774-3606 Fax: (208) 774-3606
Wild Horse Creek Ranch 4387 Wild Horse Creek Road; Mackay, ID 83251

Add to Trip Planner Wild Horse Creek Ranch is a full service guest ranch located in the beautiful Lost River Valley, close to Sun Valley. Wild Horse Creek Ranch offers a unique group setting for special events such as we... more information... www.wildhorsecreekranch.net Phone: (208) 588-2575
Wood River Inn 603 Main Street North; Hailey, ID 83333

Bald Mountain in Sun Valley Idaho

While Bald Mountain was one of the reasons for the selection of the site, it was not initially part of the resort. The plan was to develop it as a ski mountain, but sometime in the future. Alpine skiing was still in its infancy in America, and it was believed by management that there were not enough accomplished skiers to justify its development in 1936. But it was quickly realized by the resort's restless Austrian ski instructors that this fantastic mountain needed to be opened to the skiing public (and promoted) as soon as possible. The instructors had been hiking up and skiing down Baldy on their off days during the resort's first few seasons. These men were among the best skiers in the world, and had fled Austria just before it had come under control of the Nazis in 1938 (Anschluss).

Historic Ski School Sign
For Sun Valley's fourth season, three chairlifts (in series) were installed on Bald Mountain during the summer of 1939, in the River Run area, the northeast face of the mountain overlooking Ketchum and Sun Valley. Ski runs had been cut out of the forest during the summers of 1938 & 1939. Friedl Pfeiffer, the new head of the ski school from St. Anton, Austria, wanted the lifts to go to the very top of the mountain, something that had yet to be done anywhere, even in Europe.
The loading point of the lowest chairlift (River) was on the Ketchum side of the Big Wood River, at an elevation of 5,750 feet (1,752 m). The single chairs loaded near the parking lot, then horizontally crossed the river (about eight feet above the water) before ascending the mountain, gaining 600 vertical feet (183 m). The middle lift (Canyon) gained over 1,300 vertical feet and unloaded at the Roundhouse (a day lodge at 7,700' (2347 m), built in 1939). The upper lift (Ridge) also climbed over 1,300 vertical feet (396 m), unloading at just above 9,000 feet (2,743 m) AMSL. Its lift capacity was a mere 426 skiers per hour (7 per minute). The three chairlifts that are in approximately the same lines today (2006) are: River Run (quad), Exhibition (triple), and Christmas (quad). The original lower single chairlift was replaced in the 1960s and the loading base was moved across the river; a footbridge provides walking access from the parking lot to the River Run base area.

World First Chairlift

The world's first chairlifts were installed on the resort's Proctor and Dollar Mountains in the fall of 1936. (Proctor Mountain is northeast of Dollar Mountain). The chairlift design was adapted from banana loading equipment used on fruit ships in the tropics. The single-seat chairlifts were developed at the Union Pacific headquarters in Omaha in the summer of 1936. The chairlift went on to replace the primitive rope tow and other technologies used at ski areas at the time.

History of Sun Valley

Union Pacific Railroad (1936-64)
The first destination winter resort in the U.S. was developed by W. Averell Harriman, the chairman of the Union Pacific Railroad, primarily to increase ridership on passenger trains. The success of the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, spurred an increase in participation in winter sports (and alpine skiing in particular). A lifelong skier, Harriman determined that America would embrace a destination mountain resort, similar to those in the European Alps, such as St. Moritz. During the winter of 1935-1936, Harriman enlisted the services of an Austrian count, Felix Schaffgotsch, to travel across the western U.S. to locate an ideal site for a winter resort. The Count toured Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Yosemite, the San Bernardino Mountains, Zion National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, the Wasatch Mountains, Pocatello, Jackson Hole, and Grand Targhee areas. Late in his trip and on the verge of abandoning his search, he was steered to the Ketchum area in central Idaho. A Union Pacific employee had mentioned that the rail line to Ketchum had cost the company more money for snow removal than any other branch line.
Schaffgotsch was impressed by the combination of Bald Mountain and its surrounding mountains, adequate snowfall, abundant sunshine, moderate elevation, and absence of wind, and selected it as the site. Harriman visited several weeks later and agreed. The 3,888-acre Brass Ranch was purchased for about $4 per acre and construction commenced that spring; it was built in seven months for $1.5 million.
Pioneering publicist Steve Hannigan, who had successfully promoted Miami Beach, was hired and named the resort "Sun Valley." (Count Schaffgotsch returned to Austria and was killed on the Eastern Front during World War II.)
The centerpiece of the new resort was the Sun Valley Lodge, which opened in December 1936. The 220-room, X-shaped lodge's exterior was constructed of concrete, poured inside rough-sawn forms. The wood grain was impressed on the concrete finish, which was acid-stained brown to imitate wood.

Challenger Inn (Sun Valley Inn)
The Swiss-style Challenger Inn (now Sun Valley Inn) and village were also part of the initial resort, opening in 1937. Hannigan wanted swimming pools at the resort, "so people won't think skiing is too cold." Both the Lodge and the Inn had heated outdoor swimming pools, circular in shape. Hannigan had the pools designed this way, unique at the time, in the hope they would be widely photographed, providing free publicity. It worked.

More About Sun Valley Idaho

Sun Valley is an affluent resort community in central Idaho adjacent to the city of Ketchum in Blaine County. Tourists from around the world enjoy its skiing, hiking, ice skating, trail riding, tennis, and more. The population was 1,427 at the 2000 census. Very few of its residents stay there year-round, with many having primary homes in Boise, Twin Falls, or out-of-state (with many from California and Washington). The elevation of Sun Valley (at the Lodge) is 5920 feet (1804 m) above sea level. The area is served by Friedman Memorial Airport.
The term, "Sun Valley," among skiers, refers to the alpine ski area, which consists of Bald Mountain, the main ski mountain, and Dollar Mountain, which is geared toward novice and lower intermediate skiers. Bald Mountain, or "Baldy," has a summit of 9150 feet (2789 m) and a vertical drop of 3400 feet (1036 m). With its abundance of constant-pitch terrain, at varying degrees of difficulty, coupled with its substantial vertical drop and absence of wind, Baldy has often been referred to as the best single ski mountain in the world. The treeless "Dollar" at 6638 feet (2023 m) has a vertical drop of only 628 feet (191 m).
The term "Sun Valley" is also used more generally to speak of the region surrounding the city, including the neighboring city of Ketchum and the valley area winding south to Hailey. The region has been home to the rich, famous, and powerful, including Mats Wilander, Walter Annenberg, Adam West, Ernest Hemingway, Teresa Heinz Kerry, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.