Sun Valley & Ketchum (Summer)

Sun Valley and Ketchum are Idaho's top destinations and arguably the most happening towns in the state. Sun Valley is a wealthy, European-inspired mountain community situated in central Idaho neighboring the city of Ketchum in Blaine County. Tourists from all over the world enjoy the pursuit of all things outdoorsy here. With the 2000 census reporting a population of less than 1,500, hardly any residents stay year-round. Instead, many use this marvelous place as a weekend getaway from their homes in Boise, Twin Falls, or farther out-of-state (many from California and Washington State). The Sun Valley Lodge sits 5,920 feet (1,804 m) above sea ...

Sun Valley and Ketchum are Idaho's top destinations and arguably the most happening towns in the state. Sun Valley is a wealthy, European-inspired mountain community situated in central Idaho neighboring the city of Ketchum in Blaine County. Tourists from all over the world enjoy the pursuit of all things outdoorsy here. With the 2000 census reporting a population of less than 1,500, hardly any residents stay year-round. Instead, many use this marvelous place as a weekend getaway from their homes in Boise, Twin Falls, or farther out-of-state (many from California and Washington State). The Sun Valley Lodge sits 5,920 feet (1,804 m) above sea level, has ski runs stretching over 2,054 acres, and is considered one of the best resorts in the USA. Ketchum is the region's commercial heart, with scores of dining, shopping and accommodations options. Nobel-prize winner and devoted outdoorsman Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) was passionate about the area and lived out his final days in Ketchum, where he's buried. The area offers four distinct seasons, sun-drenched days with starry nights, and is an excellent choice for a decidedly not run-of–the-mill holiday destination.

About the Expert

Aaron Anderson is coauthor of Lonely Planet's Washington, D.C. City Guide, a contributor on western states to Lonely Planet USA, and he wrote the Austria chapters for Lonely Planet's Western Europe and Europe on a Shoestring.