When you want to slow it down, loosen up and have a heart-to-heart chat with nature, the one of the best jewels for elite travelers is Sun Valley, in the heart of Idaho’s Rocky Mountains.

The valley has transitioned from a sleepy gold rush town to one of the world's most exclusive ski destinations. When you want to escape to perfectly conserved ecosystems and ethereal mountain landscapes inspiring unfettered adventures, Sun Valley has it in droves.

Here you will find a veritable paradise of world-class ski slopes. Twenty-five miles of groomed trails are assured to give you a fill of the pristine outdoors. A robust, elite infrastructure – including gastronomy, high-end retail, and rejuvenating spas – have affirmed this resort town's reputation as a beacon of fine living.

Have a peek at some of the things to which you can look forward should you choose to ski Sun Valley this season:

Fine Places to Wine and Dine

Michel’s Christiana

Since 1994, Chef Owner Michel Rudigoz has combined his love of skiing and ski race coaching with his passion for cooking into a mountain town blend of adventure and comfort cuisine. Michel and his staff will greet you warmly, will share a story or two about skiing or summer in Sun Valley, and will make your dining experience unforgettable. Start with a delicious and hearty classic – French onion soup with croutons and Emmental cheese. Pair it with house-made paté. Move on to grilled wild salmon with champagne cream sauce and finish with an espresso and sweet crepes.

Il Naso

If you fancy hearty Italian cuisine, Il Naso is the ideal venue. This eatery has been a part of the Sun Valley landscape for more than a quarter century. Jim Fosler, an avid skier and cyclist, purchased the restaurant in 2012. His vision for the valley dining institution was to nurture the cozy, romantic vibe, build an unparalleled wine list, and continue to serve comforting Italian fare sourced from high quality, local ingredients. True to that commitment, Il Naso has received Wine Spectator awards year after year for its extensive and refined selections. We recommend the seared sashimi tuna with pistachio mint. Serrano pesto and Calabrese chili to start followed by pan seared ribeye Florentine with lemon, herbs, chickpeas, and caramelized sweet onion.

The Roundhouse

High atop the Roundhouse Express gondola at 7,700 feet of elevation on Bald Mountain, The Roundhouse has been serving memorable meals, soul-warming drinks, and stunning views since 1939. The Roundhouse is America's original on-mountain dining experience and offers the authentic charm and unmatched elegance for which Sun Valley is known. The breathtaking view is an added jewel in your dining experience. To start, we recommend the truffle fries with parmesan reggiano, fine herbs, and truffle salt.

Rominna's

Rominna’s is a terrific restaurant with delicious, wonderful food and amazing service. The place has a cozy vibe and warmth to it. As an appetizer, you might choose the roasted pear, pecans, Gorgonzola dolce, sweet peppers, spring mix with balsamic bianco. For your entrée, the grilled pork tenderloin, baked white corn polenta, broccolini, orange tomato chutney in Madera sage wine sauce is a contender.

Stay Entertained without Skiing

There are many other things likely to hold your interest in Sun Valley this winter besides (or in addition to) skiing. Here are a few you might enjoy:

Fat Biking

Looking for a good workout but not a fan of skiing or snowboarding? You might want to hop on a fat bike! With oversized tires and minimal tire pressure, fat biking brings a new perspective to the two-wheeled experience. You might find riding will become a year-round part of your Sun Valley experience. Rent a bike from The Elephant’s Perch or Sturtevant’s and hit either the Wood River Trail running up and down the valley or hit the Boundary Loop at Trail Creek.

Fly Fishing

Fishing still happens in the valley when the ground is snow covered. In fact, it is one of the best times to fish since you’re likely to have the river mostly all to yourself. Ideal for days when the temperature is above freezing, see a whole new side of Sun Valley while enjoying a professionally guided trip from one of the local outfitters. Silver Creek Outfitters and Lost River Outfitters both have knowledgeable guides and the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art equipment.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

Create a winter memory that will last a lifetime with either a romantic or family sleigh ride. Let the horses do the work as you cuddle under blankets while dashing through the snow in a classic horse-drawn sleigh. A one-hour tour takes you past the snowy hills of Sun Valley and Ernest Hemingway’s Memorial or you can make an evening out of it by including a fantastic dinner at Trail Creek Cabin.

Day Spa Visit

Treating yourself is good for the soul. Massages, facials, and other spa treatments can all be found at either Zenergy or the Spa at Sun Valley Lodge. Both have outdoor hot pools, full service spa amenities including a fitness center and yoga studios, and professional and friendly staff members. This rejuvenating experience will prep you for a fun-filled night out on the town or soothe your muscles for more skiing!

Villa Fleuve

Villa Fleuve redefines alpine luxury and is the ideal luxury vacation villa in Sun Valley. Moments away from the Sun Valley Resort, this awe-inspiring chalet sits on more than seven acres of spellbinding terrain along the banks of the Big Wood River and fuses an enchanting wilderness setting with state-of-the-art amenities and white glove services. Villa Fleuve offers no shortage of fantastic common areas for mass-scale entertaining. Nine fantastic bedrooms – for up to 20 guests – are configured between the main house, guest apartment, and retreat building, offering unmatched discretion and autonomy. Amenities include, yet are not limited to, a fantastic media room, gym, office, wine cellar and outdoor hot tub. This residence includes a glass greenhouse, and toy barn covering all the bases from recreation, rejuvenation, and leisure. Ideal for those seeking reconnection with the elements and those seeking to conquer them, Villa Fleuve is poised in proximity to famed ski slopes and beautiful hiking trails.

Exclusive Shopping

There are a number of high-end shops in the valley worth exploring. You never know what amazing, new pieces you might find. Here are a few shops for your consideration:

Panache

For luxury fashion in Sun Valley and Park City, a visit to Panache is a must. Here, you can shop the latest styles, designer brands and new collections. Find that perfect ensemble for yourself or a gift for someone special.

Blagojce Fine Art Collection

This artist-owned gallery exhibits premier contemporary art displaying fascinating depictions of Macedonia, the artist’s home country. You can find paintings, drawings, sculptures, murals, reliefs, etchings, and posters. Blagojce Stojanovski says his art is inspired by his thoughts, words, body language, mind and soul. “Through my art I want to unite the people of every color, class and country, from every place in the world and to remind them that we are all sons and daughters of mother earth, that we must share this land and love each other because that's the only way to achieve happiness,” he adds.

Taylormade Pottery

Producing distinctive and functional pieces by hand, Taylormade Pottery is a retail shop with a unique style. Works by other local prominent potters and artists are also displayed in the store. Elmer Taylor began working in Clay in 1966. Sadly, the artist died in 2016, but his wife, Dianne, who is also an artist, keeps the shop going.

Overland Sheepskin Co.

The first Overland Sheepskin opened in 1973 in a small adobe storefront in Taos, New Mexico, offering sheepskin apparel made with meticulous craftsmanship. More than 40 years, 16 more stores, and one thriving internet business later, the small family shop atmosphere has remained the backbone of the business, a passion for quality matched with exceptional service. The Sun Valley shop carries men’s and women’s clothing, boots, outerwear, slippers, rugs and home accessories.

When you choose Sun Valley, Idaho for your winter escape, you can be assured LVH will provide you with the most luxurious accommodations complete with full services and support and will also create a custom itinerary for you with other experiences making your trip an exceptional one. We invite you to contact an LVH client relations team member to get the wheels in motion for your ski adventure in Sun Valley where you will be sure to create magical memories!