Ketchum (Blaine County)

Home to the world’s first chairlift and the birthplace of Powder Magazine, ski culture runs deep in this lively mountain town of 2,700. With more than 3,400 vertical feet, Sun Valley has become the training ground for dozens of Olympic skiers and snowboarders. But this premier American ski resort has plenty for all skill levels and ages as well.
This part of Idaho sees 250 days of sun per year, and Ketchum certainly doesn’t shut down when the snow melts. In 2014, Sun Valley opened up its lifts to mountain bikers, so now the downhill adrenaline rush can be experienced year round. If you prefer flat, paved terrain, the 18-mile Wood River bike path links Ketchum with its neighboring towns of Hailey and Bellevue, and hugs the beautiful cold mountain waterway that flows from the nearby Sawtooths. Hiking, hot springs, fly fishing, and horseback riding are also right on your doorstep.

Ketchum’s main drag is lined with great restaurants and bars like the Sawtooth Club and the Pioneer Saloon, which serve up traditional Idaho fare (think elk and bison), and boutique shops selling everything from local art and outdoor gear to high-end fashion. Hemingway fans will want to spend some time walking the halls at the Sun Valley Lodge, where the author worked on For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Definitely check out Sun Valley’s events calendar when you’re in town. There’s always a ton of stuff going on: jazz festivals, wine auctions, and a summer concert series (this year featuring the John Butler Trio and Wilco). And every October, Sun Valley hosts the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, paying homage to the West’s ranching heritage with five days of cooking classes, sheepdog competitions, wool workshops, and—of course—a sheep parade. There’s nothing quite like seeing 1,500 woolies strut their stuff down Ketchum’s main drag.