We spent New Year’s weekend in one of the most iconic winter destinations in the U.S. – Sun Valley, Idaho. Sun Valley was the country’s first destination ski resort, and since then celebrities have flocked here. Ernest Hemingway was even a fan and completed For Whom the Bell Tolls in the Sun Valley Lodge (pictured below).
There is so much to do in Sun Valley during the winter, but with only two days to enjoy this popular destination we had had to be selective. It was an action-packed weekend full of great food, shopping, swimming, live music, and playing in the Sun Valley snow.
Family-friendly Sun Valley Hotels
Our two favorite Sun Valley hotels are the Sun Valley Resort and the Limelight Ketchum. However, since we brought our puppy on this trip we stayed at the Limelight Ketchum, which is truly dog friendly at its finest! There are so many good things to say about the Limelight Ketchum – Heated outdoor pool, live music, delicious food, shuttle to skiing, modern rooms with tons of storage, and dog friendly! But for more information on the Limelight Hotel Ketchum, read this post.
In this area, Ketchum is where most of the shopping and restaurants are located. Ketchum and Sun Valley are connected and often assumed to be one town, so whether you are technically staying in Sun Valley or Ketchum you’ll be able to easily enjoy what both towns have to offer.
Favorite Sun Valley Restaurants for Dinner
The Limelight Lounge is a must do when in Sun Valley. There’s always great food and drinks on the menu, and usually an entertaining band that gets the crowd dancing. There’s a fun vibe at the Limelight Lounge, and somehow it feels very adult while also being kid friendly. Tip: If you want to stay or dine at the Limelight Hotel everyone over the age of 12 will need to show proof of COVID vaccination or negative test. Visit the Limelight Hotel for more information.
Another highlight of this recent trip was Gretchen’s Sun Valley. The food was amazing! Gretchen’s is located inside the Sun Valley Lodge, right next to the famous, and always busy, Duchin Lounge. Gretchen’s is quaint with approximately 15 tables, and a great choice for a family that wants an upscale dining experience that isn’t too stuffy feeling. Bonus is that you have a perfect view of the outdoor ice-skating rink while dining. Tip: order the tempura green beans and hot toddy!
Sun Valley Resort
Although we technically stayed in Ketchum, we spent a lot of our time at the Sun Valley Resort enjoying ice skating, shopping, and fine dining. On another visit we ditched the dog (sorry, Cooper) and stayed at the Sun Valley Lodge so that we could take full advantage of the resort’s amenities. Highlights include heated outdoor pools, world-class spa, bowling alley, movie theater, Nordic Center, and so much more.
Playing in the Sun Valley Snow at Galena Lodge
The Sun Valley snow is always incredible, and there’s plenty to do if you don’t want to ski or snowboard. This trip we ventured to Galena Lodge, which is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Ketchum. The drive to Galena Lodge is beautiful, and once you arrive, you’re transported to a magical winter wonderland. There are miles and miles of clearly marked and groomed trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Everywhere you look is pristine white snow and all you can hear is the crunch of your snowshoes. If you’re bringing a dog, they are welcome on the trails as well. You can purchase a day pass at the lodge upon arrival.
After you’re done playing in the snow, then you should grab a bite to eat at Galena Lodge. They have delicious food, warm drinks, and a full bar – and packaged with amazing service. A little bonus we discovered while here, there’s a sledding hill right next to the Lodge. If you don’t have a sled, the Limelight has community sleds which you can borrow.
Downtown Ketchum and Shopping in Sun Valley
Make sure to take time to walk, shop, and dine your way through downtown Ketchum. If you’re staying at the Limelight Hotel downtown is right out of the front lobby. Two of our favorite stores are Thunderpaws Pet Shop (or son loves to pet the resident cats) and the Toy Store Sun Valley, which has two locations. There are many unique shops and restaurants that you will stumble upon whether downtown or at the Sun Valley Resort, so make sure to save time to just bundle up and meander.
