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Weather in Sun Valley
America's first destination ski resort
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About Sun Valley
Sun Valley pioneered American destination skiing in 1936, attracting celebrities to the Euro-style village in the Sawtooth Mountains. The lifts access high-altitude terrain. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, and fly-fishing to the same slopes.
Best months to visit
June, July, August, September
Things to do in Sun Valley
Ski or snowboard world-class terrain in winter
Mountain bike trails or hike in summer
Fly-fish pristine mountain streams
Relax at the outdoor heated Olympic-sized pool
Dine at fine restaurants in the village
Explore the historic lodge and its celebrity heritage
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
-1C
Cold, with some rainy days.
February
0C
Cold, with occasional showers.
March
4C
Cold, with some rainy days.
April
7C
Cold, with occasional showers.
May
14C
Cool, with some rainy days.
Recommended
June
21C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
July
27C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
August
26C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
September
20C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
October
12C
Cool, with occasional showers.
November
4C
Cold, with occasional showers.
December
-1C
Cold, with some rainy days.
Sun Valley was America's first purpose-built ski resort, opened in 1936, and still carries an air of old-Hollywood glamour alongside genuinely excellent skiing on Bald Mountain. In summer it transforms into a hiking, mountain biking, and fly-fishing destination, with the Sun Valley Music Festival drawing visitors to the nearby town of Ketchum, once home to Ernest Hemingway.
Best areas to stay in Sun Valley
Sun Valley Village
The original resort core, with the historic lodge, ice rink, and direct access to Dollar Mountain.
Ketchum
The adjoining town with most restaurants, shops, and lodging, a short walk or shuttle from the slopes.
Bald Mountain (Baldy)
The resort's main ski mountain, known for long groomed runs and consistently good snow.
Warm Springs
A quieter base area on Baldy's western side, popular with locals for its mellower atmosphere.
Getting to Sun Valley
✈
Flights
Fly into Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in nearby Hailey, about 15 minutes from Sun Valley, or via Boise (a 2.5-hour drive).
⏱
From London
~13–15 hours from London with two connections.
🚕
Getting around
A free local shuttle bus connects Ketchum, Sun Valley, and the ski areas; a car is useful for trips further into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Sun Valley?
Winter (December–March) for skiing on Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain; summer (June–September) for hiking, biking, and the music festival.
How do I get around Sun Valley?
A free shuttle connects Sun Valley, Ketchum, and the ski areas; a car is useful for exploring further into the Sawtooth Mountains.
Is Sun Valley good for beginner skiers?
Yes — Dollar Mountain is dedicated to beginners and families, while Bald Mountain offers terrain for intermediate to expert skiers.
What is there to do in summer?
Hiking and mountain biking on the resort's extensive trail network, fly-fishing on the Big Wood River, and the Sun Valley Music Festival.
What's the connection to Ernest Hemingway?
Hemingway lived in nearby Ketchum in his later years and is buried in the local cemetery; a memorial sits on a trail just outside town.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Bald Mountain has some of the best groomed skiing I've experienced in the US, and Ketchum is a charming, low-key town to base yourself in afterwards.
Charlotte E. · February 2024
★★★★★
Came for the Sun Valley Music Festival and stayed for the hiking — the trails right above town give incredible views over the Sawtooths.
Marcus G. · July 2023
★★★★☆
Quieter and more old-fashioned than the big Colorado resorts, in a good way. The free shuttle made getting around easy without a car.
Ella R. · March 2024
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