The Sun Valley center is about the area of Downtown Sun Valley and 1 mile northwest of Downtown Boise / State Capital.
For winter activities, December through February is when peak skiing conditions occur, so if you are coming to Sun Valley to play in the snow, book your rooms well in advance, and expect to pay the highest rates of the year.
If you are visiting Sun Valley to enjoy the mountains in the summer for hiking, fishing, and summer events, then know that June through September is a busy time. Again, rooms fill up quickly and rates are high, so don't hesitate to make your reservations early.
March through May is often considered “mud season” as the snow is melting and there normally isn't enough snow to ski on. However, this is the time of year when the wildflowers begin to bloom, the days are getting longer, and because there are fewer tourists, you can easily score a room and find good deals.
October through January are also the slow months, as the days begin to get quite cold, yet there isn't enough snow to play on. Fishing is still good in the early part of fall, and there is something magical about being in the mountains when fall begins. You shouldn't have any trouble booking a room during the autumn months.
There are! The Best Western Plus Kentwood Lodge offers AAA members a nice discount and the hotel offers nice amenities that you would expect from a nice Best Western. All rooms come with a mini fridge and microwave and you can relax on premium bedding watching cable shows on the 42-inch television. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi and enjoy a free breakfast at the on-site restaurant. Enjoy a dip in the indoor pool and hot tub, workout in the exercise room, or just relax in your room enjoying the views.
If you don't mind staying out-of-town, the Americinn by Wyndham Hailey Sun Valley offers discounts for AAA members, seniors, and AARP members. The hotel offers barbecue grills for you to use and they have free breakfast and free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected. The bedding is comfortable and you can watch shows on the flat-screen HDTV with cable. Enjoy the convenience of having a microwave and mini fridge in your room as well as a coffee maker. Take a dip in the indoor pool, relax in the hot tub, or grab a workout in the fitness center.
For a nice mid-range hotel in town, choose the Hotel Ketchum. This boutique hotel features select rooms with fireplaces and mountain views. The rooms are spacious and airy and are made for the modern traveler with plenty of outlets and USB charging ports. Search the internet using free Wi-Fi, and watch TV on a 50-inch HD flat-screen. Sleep on a Euro Top Simmons mattress with hypoallergenic bedding and high-thread-count sheets. Relax in the outdoor hot tub or swim in the heated outdoor pool, workout in the fitness center, and enjoy the free continental breakfast.
Skiing is the main attraction in Sun Valley and there are no shortages of trails. Dollar Mountain is great for novice to intermediate skiers and it's perfect for the kids. Enroll them in ski school, and in no time they will be whooshing down the mountain with you. Bald Mountain is a big mountain with lots of ski trails and is best left to more experienced skiers, especially on the upper trails.
In the summer, you can enjoy hiking the trails, or take the lift to the top and enjoy lunch at the restaurant. You can even bring your mountain bike up the lift and zoom down for an adrenaline rush.
Enjoy sweeping scenic views when you hop in the saddle for a horse ride from Sun Valley Stables. Take a guided tour, book private or group lessons, and feel like you are in the wild-west riding through the mountains. There is no shortage of breweries in Sun Valley and Ketchum so make sure you plan time to visit the Sawtooth Brewery Public House for pub fare and beers, or the Sun Valley Brewing Company for interesting foods and beers.
There are plenty of fine dining opportunities as well and you won't want to miss a visit to The Ram which is the original and first restaurant to open in Sun Valley in 1937. Every night they offer a different heritage dinner from their menus of over 80 years, such as Hungarian goulash from 1966, or 1967-era stuffed sole. The food is magnificent, and it's pretty amazing to dine where so many celebrities once ate.
Whether you are staying for a few days or a couple of weeks, Sun Valley has the perfect accommodation to fit your needs.
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in Sun Valley, ID excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to Blaine / Elmore
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 1, 2026, 2025 | March 31, 2027, 2027 | $316.00 | $80.00 |
| April 1, 2027, 2027 | May 31, 2027, 2027 | $183.00 | $80.00 |
| June 1, 2027, 2027 | September 30, 2027, 2027 | $293.00 | $80.00 |
Below are reviews of the city of Sun Valley, ID from an actual visitor's perspective.
The "city" is charming, although primarily the accommodations and some shops. Having Ketchum nearby with shuttle service from the Lodge compliments Sun Valley well, offering more stores services and dining options.