Sun Valley Resort opens their ski season on Thanksgiving Day, opening weekend will be for just season pass holders, and starting on Monday, the mountain will be open for everyone.
Sun Valley has some exciting news as they open their winter season, Ski Magazine named Sun Valley as the number one resort in the west, Sun Valley has consistently finished in the top five for several years in a row.
Several different rankings determine the best ski resorts in the country, Sun Valley ranked number one for lifts, down day activities, second in grooming and on-mountain food.
They also received a boost from the local community as they rank near the top in local flavor, charm and lodging.
"It is such a testament for the entire ski resort and the entire Sun Valley community," said Bridget Higgins of Sun Valley Resort. "It really is a tremendous honor, and everyone is so thrilled by it."
Thrilled to announce Sun Valley's No.1 spot in SKI Magazine 2021 Resort Awards! A massive thank you to all Sun Valley Resort community members! We look forward to some epic turns with you this season, and celebrating our new 380 acres!https://t.co/2FJ119pdwJ pic.twitter.com/BeB5mj5wGc
— Sun Valley Resort (@sunvalley) October 30, 2020
Traditionally Sun Valley Resort has not been ranked very high in terrain, but that could change as this year they will open up 380 acres of new terrain after replacing their oldest chair lift with a new high-speed quad.
"We are so thrilled to be opening this new expert terrain," said Higgins. "The new terrain is called sunrise, it has a big open bowl, it has some glade skiing and some expert shoots."
Like every other ski area in Idaho, the coronavirus forces Sun Valley to adjust to make sure they keep their guests and their staff safe during the pandemic.
Sun Valley will require masks in instances where people can't social distance, they have a policy of ride together take the lift together, and lounging in the lodges is no longer an option with reduced capacity.
Sun Valley has instituted some unique policies, including a grab-and-go food menu and a new baggage check for their guests.
They advise people to go to their website for more information and to purchase tickets online in advance.
The retail and rental shop at River Run will also be open, and guests who need to rent gear are also encouraged to do that online.
"All of our rentals will feature advance reservation, and there will be a check-in point at our front door where you will be able to show them your reservation and be escorted back to be fitted for your equipment safely," said Stacey Ehleringer of Brass Ranch. "For everything else, shopping will be based on capacity limitations in the store, but we are open and have beautiful things."
We're excited to announce that we will be open on Thanksgiving Day! 🦃 Take a peek at the conditions on the Bald One! Please make sure that you are up to date on our new winter protocols: https://t.co/tDxP8joGGl pic.twitter.com/vuAz8e0nzY
— Sun Valley Resort (@sunvalley) November 23, 2020
Sun Valley Resort looks forward to another ski season and upholding the honor of being ranked number one by Ski Magazine.
"We hope mother nature continues to bless us with great snow," said Higgins. "We have posted signage of our new protocols, but before you arrive, we ask that you please check our website, follow the guidelines and be kind to each other."
