72 Hours in Sun Valley

America’s oldest ski resort is full of character and action all year long. Just because there isn’t snow doesn’t mean there isn’t adventure to be had! From shopping to dining, golfing to hiking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this quaint mountain hideaway. Enjoy three perfect summer days in Sun Valley, Idaho, with this itinerary.

What To Do

Day 1

9 a.m. | Fuel up for your day of adventure with breakfast at local favorite spot, The Kneadery. This top-rated restaurant features homestyle cookin’, Idaho-style. Cowboy up with the Cowboy Benny, featuring a poached egg with flat iron steak, sliced avocado, and jalapeños topped with house-made hollandaise sauce. It’s served up with golden hashbrowns and toast for a delicious meal.

11 a.m. | It’s hard to beat the rush of adrenaline as you fly down trails on a mountain bike rented from Sturtevants of Sun Valley. At Mt. Baldy, experience trails from beginner to advanced. Take the gondola to the top so you can ride your bike back down, or test your legs on any number of adventurous mountain trails.

3 p.m. | It’s time to shop! Wander Main Street’s eclectic mix of shops for unique gifts and apparel inspired by the mountains. If it’s a Tuesday afternoon, peruse the farmer’s market for fresh finds. Otherwise, pop your head into the stores for anything from first-edition Hemingway books to T-shirts.

6 p.m. | For dinner tonight head to Rickshaw, a cozy restaurant serving up memorable small plates inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asia. Sip a glass of wine while passing plates of Chiang Mai curry noodles, green papaya salad, Hoisin cashew shrimp, and Thai chicken satay skewers. Sit outside on the patio and enjoy the warm Idaho night.

Day 2

8 a.m. | Head to Bigwood Bread for breakfast this morning, a local bakery with fresh bread and dishes created from sustainable sources. Try the Bigwood tartine, crafted with two eggs any style on top of toasted bread with avocado, sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh cracked pepper served open-faced with a side of roasted potatoes. Be sure to grab to-go sandwiches made on their fresh-baked bread to take on your hike this afternoon.

12 p.m. | Hundreds of trails lie within easy reach of downtown Ketchum, making Sun Valley a hiker’s paradise for all ages and skill levels. For beginners, hop on the White Clouds Loop, a 4-mile jaunt over rolling hills with stunning mountain views. Advanced hikers can venture to high alpine lakes on the Sawtooth Lake trail, an 8.5-mile trek awarding beautiful water views.

3 p.m. | Unwind at your mountain oasis, The Spa at Sun Valley, a day spa featuring a wide range of luxury treatments to pamper your body and soul. Let a massage soothe your hiking-sore muscles.

6 p.m. | It’s time for some family fun at Sun Valley Lodge’s bowling alley and game room, one of the Northwest’s oldest bowling alleys. Recently renovated, it features regulation-length lanes, a refreshed arcade, and a newly updated bar and food service. Grab a bite and get to bowling!

Day 3

9 a.m. | Tee up for a round of golf at Elkhorn Golf Club, ranked one of the top 75 resort golf courses in North America by Golf Digest. The large, undulating green features over 100 sand traps and bunkers.

10 a.m. | If summertime golfing isn’t for you, head over to Sawtooth Adventure for a family day of rafting amidst the gorgeous canyon of the Salmon River, complete with lunch. Great for beginners and experienced rafters alike, feel the rush of water beneath your raft as your guide steers you through Class III rapids.

5 p.m. | Cheers to a vacation well-spent at Whiskey Jacques, a watering hole and live music venue favored by locals and tourists alike. Experience the valley’s best musicians over a pint of local brew before heading out to dinner.

7 p.m. | For an intimate dining experience, head to The Covey. Watch the chefs at work in their open kitchen while dining on American fare among a cozy ambiance.

Where To Stay

Les Saisons Residence

With incredible views of the nearby Trail Creek Summit, The Club's three-bedroom, condo-style mountain residence is perched above charming downtown Ketchum, the hub of Sun Valley, in a residential building called Les Saisons on iconic Sun Valley Road. This two-story residence boasts dual master suites (one on each level) with king beds, steam showers, and jetted tubs, as well as a third bedroom offering two double beds. A fully-equipped gourmet kitchen, a small electric grill on the balcony, and ultra-plush finishes like distressed hickory floors, rich alder wood accents, and a stone fireplace make the living spaces on the main level beautiful and comfortable.

Adults and families with children of all ages will enjoy the resort amenities of Les Saisons, including a small fitness center, rooftop swimming pool and two hot tubs, and complimentary valet service to the slopes of Bald Mountain, just 10 minutes away. In the summer, grab complimentary mountain bikes and helmets to explore the area’s many singletrack, gravel, and paved bike trails. Converted from the old railroad tracks that used to carry skiers into town, this "rails to trails" network is not to be missed! Enjoy any of the three golf courses within five minutes of this residence, accessible by the complimentary shuttle. And stroll the streets of Ketchum in summer or winter, where restaurants and shops are plentiful.