How big is Sun Valley?
Sun Valley has 121 pistes served by 18 lifts — 12th for pistes of the 15 resorts we track in the USA. On lifts it ranks 11th of the 15.
Sun Valley resort guide
Idaho, USA
America's first destination ski resort
Sun Valley at a glance
121
Pistes
18
Lifts
3,048m
Top
1,774m
Base
1,274m
Vertical
SUN
Nearest airport, 20 km
36% beginner42% intermediate22% advanced
Sun Valley is America's first destination ski resort, offering legendary groomed runs, excellent snow, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Your questions about Sun Valley, answered
How high is Sun Valley?
The lifts run from 1774m at the base to 3048m at the top, a vertical of 1274m. Of the 15 resorts we track in the USA, that is the 13th highest, with the 2nd biggest vertical.
Is Sun Valley good for beginners or experts?
The pistes at Sun Valley split 36% beginner, 42% intermediate and 22% advanced, against an average of 19% beginner and 42% advanced across the resorts we track in the USA.
On those numbers it suits beginners.
When is the ski season at Sun Valley?
Over the last ten winters Sun Valley has typically held skiable snow at mid-mountain from around 14 December to 8 May, about 147 days.
February is the best all-round month on the record, with an average base of 85cm, 61cm of new snow and 2.5 bluebird days.
Month-by-month snow history →What is the nearest airport to Sun Valley?
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Friedman Memorial (SUN), 20km away in a straight line. Joslin Field Magic Valley Regional (TWF) is 134km, Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI) is 150km. Road distances are longer, often much longer in the mountains, and the nearest airport is not always the one with the most flights.
How much is a lift pass at Sun Valley?
A 6-day adult Sun Valley lift ticket costs US$1,580 for 2025/26, or US$263 a day. For value it ranks 9th of the 15 resorts we price in the USA.
Full lift pass prices and history →Airports near Sun Valley
Airports with scheduled flights, nearest first. Distances are straight-line; by road they are longer, and in the mountains often much longer.
- Friedman MemorialSUN20 km
- Joslin Field Magic Valley RegionalTWF134 km
- Boise Air Terminal/Gowen FieldBOI150 km · major airport
Travel time to Sun Valley
Pick the airport you fly from for an estimate of the journey to the resort.
- Fly to Friedman Memorial (SUN)Quickest
- Flight
- 10h 10m · 7,689 km
- Transfer by road
- 25m · 27 km
- Total
- ≈ 13h 5m
Likely needs a connection: 2h 30m added
- Fly to Joslin Field Magic Valley Regional (TWF)
- Flight
- 10h 15m · 7,789 km
- Transfer by road
- 2h 45m · 181 km
- Total
- ≈ 15h 30m
Likely needs a connection: 2h 30m added
- Fly to Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI)
- Flight
- 10h 15m · 7,777 km
- Transfer by road
- 3h 5m · 203 km
- Total
- ≈ 15h 50m
Likely needs a connection: 2h 30m added
Estimates from straight-line distances, not timetables: flights at typical cruising speed plus taxi and climb, transfers at an average 65 km/h by road. They leave out check-in and baggage time, and mountain roads in snow can take much longer. Check with airlines and transfer companies before booking.
Sun Valley lift pass 2025/26
US$1,5806-day adult Sun Valley lift ticket · ≈£1,184
US$263 per day · 0.6 km of piste per € · #9 of 15 for value in the USA
Dynamic pricing — book early for lower prices
17value scorePremium price
Sun Valley piste map
We publish a piste map only once we have checked it against the lift company's own file, and we do not yet have a verified map for Sun Valley. Most resorts release the new season's map between October and December, so this page will fill in as winter approaches. In the meantime, Sun Valley has 121 pistes and 18 lifts, running from 1,774m to 3,048m.
Why go to Sun Valley
- America's first destination ski resort
- Legendary groomed runs
- Excellent snow conditions
- Sophisticated atmosphere
- Less crowded
- Great facilities
Things to know
- Can be expensive
- Remote location
- Limited flight options
- Weather can be variable
Skiing and snowboarding Sun Valley by ability
Beginners
Sun Valley offers good beginner terrain with excellent grooming. Beginners will find well-maintained beginner runs and excellent ski schools. The resort is very beginner-friendly.
Intermediates
Sun Valley is excellent for intermediate skiers! The resort is famous for its perfectly groomed runs, perfect for cruising. Intermediate skiers will love the long, groomed trails.
Advanced
Sun Valley offers excellent advanced terrain! The resort has challenging expert runs, including the famous Warm Springs area. Advanced skiers will find plenty of challenging terrain and powder opportunities.
Our take on Sun Valley
Food & dining
Après-ski
Price level
Luxury
Facilities
Official resort website: sunvalley.com
More on Sun Valley
- Sun Valley snow reportLive conditions, snow depth and the 7-day forecast by elevation
- Sun Valley snow historyTen seasons of snowfall, snow depth, powder days and when the season ends
- Sun Valley lift pass pricesDay and week pass prices, how they have changed, and value for money
- Ski resorts in the USALive snow reports and a map of resorts, cities and airports in the USA
Ski resorts near Sun Valley
Distances are straight-line, not by road.