How big is Sun Valley?
Sun Valley has 121 trails served by 18 lifts — 12th for trails 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
Trails
18
Lifts
10,000ft
Top
5,820ft
Base
4,180ft
Vertical
SUN
Nearest airport, 12 mi
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 5,820ft at the base to 10,000ft at the top, a vertical of 4,180ft. 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 trails 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 December 14 to May 8, about 147 days.
February is the best all-round month on the record, with an average base of 33in, 24in 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), 12 mi away in a straight line. Joslin Field Magic Valley Regional (TWF) is 83 mi, Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI) is 93 mi. 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 ticket at Sun Valley?
A 6-day adult Sun Valley lift ticket costs $1,580 for 2025/26, or $263 a day. For value it ranks 9th of the 15 resorts we price in the USA.
Full lift ticket 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 MemorialSUN12 mi
- Joslin Field Magic Valley RegionalTWF83 mi
- Boise Air Terminal/Gowen FieldBOI93 mi · 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
- 4h 45m · 2,067 mi
- Ground transfer
- 25m · 17 mi
- Total
- ≈ 5h 10m
- Fly to Joslin Field Magic Valley Regional (TWF)
- Flight
- 4h 50m · 2,088 mi
- Ground transfer
- 2h 45m · 112 mi
- Total
- ≈ 7h 35m
- Fly to Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI)
- Flight
- 5h · 2,162 mi
- Ground transfer
- 3h 5m · 126 mi
- Total
- ≈ 8h 5m
Estimates from straight-line distances, not timetables: flights at typical cruising speed plus taxi and climb, ground transfers at an average 40 mph. 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 ticket 2025/26
$1,5806-day adult Sun Valley lift ticket · ≈€1,379
$263 per day · 0.6 km of trails per € · #9 of 15 for value in the USA
Dynamic pricing — book early for lower prices
17value scorePremium price
Sun Valley trail map
We publish a trail map only once we have checked it against the resort'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 trails and 18 lifts, running from 5,820ft to 10,000ft.
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 level
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 ticket pricesDay and multi-day ticket 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.