Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley, Idaho

In 1936 the Sun Valley Resort was constructed as a place that would rival the look of European Ski Resorts. The ski resort is more than just a place for winter. They have four seasons where visitors can take advantage of trails, sunny days, and beautiful nights. Count Felix Schaffgotsch set out in 1935 to find the best location for a ski resort in America. What he found was Sun Valley Idaho with gorgeous mountains. It took a year for him to find the area, and a few times he felt defeated according to written history. He heard about Ketchum, a mining town in Idaho. It was then that he finally found the home for the ski resort to mirror that of his home land. He called it a near example of Switzerland, Austria. He purchased 4,300 acres to build the resort on.

Sun Valley Resort has the distinction of seeing numerous Hollywood stars over the years. Clark Gable, Claudete Colbert, Bing Crosby, Gary Cooper, and Errol Flynn were regulars at the resort. Others like Don and Gretchen Fraser, Gracie Carter Lindley, and Andy Henning have used the mountain for Olympic training. In 1977 the resort found new ownership. The ski resort sits on Bald Mountain.

During the year there are plenty of activities to enjoy. At Sun Valley Resort guests can spend time on the Trail Creek Golf Course or the White Clouds course. Instruction and tournaments are available. The Trail Creek course has 18 holes over sloping hills, green fairways, and bunker littered grounds. Water hazards and trees line the course, with Bald Mountain rising in the background. This course was redesigned in the 1980's to be more challenging. Tennis, hiking, and biking are other activities for guests to enjoy.

For entertainment guests at Sun Valley Resort can go to the Sun Valley Pavilion, Duchin Lounge, Inn Lobby Lounge, Boiler Room, Movie and Opera House, River Run Lodge, or Warm Springs Lodge. These places all have live entertainment for guests throughout the year. Bowling, kids' activities and day care round out the choices for fun at Sun Valley Resort.

Swimming, day spa, salon, and fitness center are other recreational activities guests can enjoy while at the resort. A ski school is open during the winter months. The ski school has competitive pricing to help guests learn the basics of the runs. Each year guests of the Sun Valley Resort are able to get a resort card. This card works for all recreational activities and holds its value from one year to the next. The card can be used to buy products, get discounts, or golfing. The online store at the resort allows guests to re-up their card. The card is easier for guests to carry around since it has an ID and is the lift pass. This way the guests can eat their meals, visit the retail store, or enjoy activities without carrying around a wallet or purse. It is a pay as you go card.