The Oldest Resort In America Is Right Here In Idaho And It’s Amazing
There are a lot of fantastic resorts scattered across the country, each with their own beautiful locations, lavish amenities, and – of course – incredible skiing. But few people know that America’s first ski destination resort is right here in Idaho – and it has quite the history buried beneath its picturesque surface. Fortunately, even for those who aren’t powder hounds or craving runs down a mountain, the Sun Valley Resort boasts endless things to do year-round, and in perfect mountain luxury.
It was also among the first resorts in the country to embrace snowboarding. In fact, an Idaho resident has represented the sport in every Olympic Games since it was introduced.
Having grown up in the Swiss Alps, a gentleman by the name of W. Averell Harriman was determined to bring a luxury alpine resort to North America. As the chairman of the Union Pacific, the goal was to increase rail traffic specifically. Hundreds of mountains were scouted across the west until Ketchum, Idaho took his breath away.
Before this, skiers either hauled their gear up the slopes or were pulled up by tugrope contraptions. The idea of being carried up the mountain - sitting - was luxury in itself.
While the beloved home and final resting place of Ernest Hemingway, the likes of Clark Gable, Tom Selleck, Harry Truman, James Earl Jones, Oprah, Schwarzenegger, homeowner Bruce Willis, and hundreds more have graced the slopes and the heart and soul of the resort - the Sun Valley Lodge - for decades. Each of their experiences are caught on film and preserved in the foyer of the lodge for visitors to pore over.
For novices, Dollar Mountain is the starting slope. Sun Valley Trekking and other local outfitters offer year-round hikes, yurt camping, and fat bike riding.
Complete overhauls of Hemingway's room, the recently added Terrace room, updated suites, brightened front lobby, and enhanced landscaping make the already show-stopping lodge - complete with flickering fireplaces and rustic mountain charm - an unforgettable experience.
Where’s your favorite winter getaway in Idaho?
