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SlopeGuide

© 2026 SlopeGuide. 2025-2026 season data. Resort information is provided for reference only. Verify conditions with official resort websites before traveling.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Sun Valley
🇺🇸

Idaho, United States

Sun Valley Ski Resort

Open NowOpen · ~27d left

2025-2026 season dates, 121 trails, lift pass pricing, and monthly snow conditions

Family Friendly
Snow Sure

9,150ft

Peak Elevation

3,400ft

Vertical Drop

121

Trails

220"

Annual Snow

Overview

Sun Valley is a ski resort located in Idaho, United States, sitting at an elevation range of 5,750ft (1753m) to 9,150ft (2789m). With a vertical drop of 3,400ft (1036m), the resort offers 121 trails served by 18 lifts across 2,154 skiable acres. The nearest airport is Friedman Memorial (SUN), approximately 15 minutes by car. The resort receives an average of 220 inches of snowfall annually. Snowmaking covers 65% of the terrain, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the season.

Season Overview

Season Timeline

Late November to Mid April

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Opens: Late NovemberCloses: Mid April
Peak Open Early Late Closed

Snow Conditions

Packed Powder

Groomed, consistent surface. Good skiing.

55cm

Snow Depth

(22")

-4°C

-14°C to -4°C

(7°F / 25°F)

220"

Annual Snowfall

(559cm)

65%

Snowmaking

coverage

Monthly Snowfall

Monthly Snowfall

220"

annual avg

55
Jan
50
Feb
45
Mar
15
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
3
Oct
20
Nov
45
Dec
Peak Open Early Latecm/month

Terrain & Trails

121

Total Trails

18

Lifts

2,154

Skiable Acres

3,400ft

Vertical Drop

Trail Difficulty Breakdown

36%
Beginner: 44 trails
42%
Intermediate: 51 trails
22%
Advanced: 27 trails
36%Beginner (44)
42%Intermediate (51)
22%Advanced (27)
0%Expert (0)

Sun Valley offers a balanced mix of terrain with 36% beginner, 42% intermediate, 22% advanced, and 0% expert-only runs. The generous proportion of green runs makes this a solid choice for beginners and families learning to ski.

Lift System & Elevation

18

Total Lifts

3,400ft

Vertical Drop

1,036m

(3,400ft)

Lift Types

Gondola1 (6%)
High-Speed Quad6 (33%)
Fixed-Grip Chair5 (28%)
Surface Lift6 (33%)

Elevation Profile

9,150ft

Peak

5,750ft

Base

Price Trends

Price Trends

Day pass pricing across the season

$182

avg/day

$199
Jan
$199
Feb
$179
Mar
$149
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
$159
Nov
$209
Dec
Peak Shoulder Off-PeakBest value: April ($149)

Best Month to Visit Sun Valley

Top Pick

January

Solid snowLow crowdsPeak conditions
65
score
55cm
Low
$199/day

January offers the best overall balance of snow quality, crowd levels, and pricing at Sun Valley. The snowpack is generally well-established with consistent groomed conditions. Lines are short and the mountain feels spacious.

Runner-Up

February

50cm snow, moderate crowds, $199/day

Best Value

April

$149/day, 15cm snow, low crowds

Monthly Conditions

Monthly Conditions

Best Month

January

Peak Season

55cm

snowfall

-4°/-14°

high/low °C

crowds

$199

day pass

February

Peak Season

50cm

snowfall

-2°/-12°

high/low °C

crowds

$199

day pass

March

Open

45cm

snowfall

3°/-7°

high/low °C

crowds

$179

day pass

April

Late Season

15cm

snowfall

9°/-1°

high/low °C

crowds

$149

day pass

November

Early Season

20cm

snowfall

1°/-8°

high/low °C

crowds

$159

day pass

December

Open

45cm

snowfall

-2°/-12°

high/low °C

crowds

$209

day pass

Monthly conditions are based on historical averages. Actual conditions vary year to year. Click on any month for detailed weather forecasts, crowd analysis, and packing tips for Sun Valley.

Lift Passes & Pricing

Adult Day Pass

$179

per day

Season Pass

$2,399

full season

Multi-Resort Pass Inclusion:

Epic

Day pass pricing at Sun Valley varies by date. Peak periods (holidays and weekends) may cost 10-15% more. Purchasing lift tickets online in advance typically saves $10-20 per ticket. Sun Valley is included on the Epic pass, which can offer significant savings for skiers visiting multiple resorts per season.

Getting to Sun Valley

Nearest Airport

Friedman Memorial (SUN)

Approx. 15 min drive

Location

Idaho, United States 🇺🇸

43.6966°N, 114.3481°W

Sun Valley is conveniently located within an hour's drive of Friedman Memorial. Most rental car agencies operate at the airport, and shuttle services are often available during peak season.

Where to Stay

Sun Valley offers a range of accommodation options for every budget. On-mountain lodging provides ski-in/ski-out convenience but typically costs 30-50% more than staying in the nearest town. Budget travelers can find hostel-style accommodations starting around $80 per night, while mid-range hotels and condos average $150-300 per night. Luxury ski-in/ski-out properties can exceed $500 per night during peak periods.

Booking 2-3 months in advance secures better rates, especially for holiday periods. Many resorts offer lift-and-lodging packages that bundle accommodation with multi-day tickets at a discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Sun Valley open for the 2025-2026 season?
Sun Valley typically opens in Late November and closes in Mid April. Exact dates depend on early-season snowfall and conditions. Check the official resort website for confirmed opening dates.
How much is a day lift pass at Sun Valley?
Adult day lift passes at Sun Valley start at $179 for the 2025-2026 season. Prices vary by date, with holiday and weekend periods typically costing 10-15% more. Booking online in advance often saves $10-20 per ticket.
Is Sun Valley good for beginners?
Yes, Sun Valley is well-suited for beginners with 36% of its 121 trails rated green (beginner). The resort offers ski school programs and dedicated learning areas.
How much snow does Sun Valley get per year?
Sun Valley receives an average of 220 inches (559cm) of snowfall per year. The resort supplements natural snow with snowmaking on 65% of its terrain.
What is the best month to ski at Sun Valley?
January is typically the best month to ski at Sun Valley, with peak snow conditions, an average of 55cm of snowfall, and low crowd levels. January and February generally offer the most reliable conditions.

Quick Stats

Elevation Range
5,750 - 9,150ft
Vertical Drop
3,400ft (1036m)
Trails
121
Lifts
18
Skiable Acres
2,154
Annual Snowfall
220" (559cm)
Season
Late November - Mid April
Day Pass
$179
Nearest Airport
SUN (15min)

Monthly Guides

JanFebMarAprNovDec

Compare With Nearby Resorts

Big Sky

Montana, United States🇺🇸

Open Now

11,166ft

Peak

317

Trails

4,366ft

Vertical

●
15%
■
25%
◆
35%
◆◆
25%
Late November – Mid April$189/day
Ikon

Snowbasin

Utah, United States🇺🇸

Open Now

9,350ft

Peak

104

Trails

2,959ft

Vertical

●
10%
■
50%
◆
30%
◆◆
10%
Late November – Mid April$149/day

Jackson Hole

Wyoming, United States🇺🇸

Open Now

10,450ft

Peak

131

Trails

4,139ft

Vertical

●
10%
■
40%
◆
40%
◆◆
10%
Early December – Early April$199/day
Ikon

Snowbird

Utah, United States🇺🇸

Open Now

11,000ft

Peak

169

Trails

3,240ft

Vertical

●
27%
■
38%
◆
35%
◆◆
0%
Mid November – Late May$159/day
Ikon