Taking a helicopter to remote mountaintops for the chance to ski untracked powder is often seen as something reserved for the most daring. But after sitting down with Sun Valley Heli Ski, I found out heli skiing is attainable for any intermediate skier, if you know a few basics before you go....
Sun Valley’s ski elite master the world’s big mountains
Over the course of two decades of big mountain skiing, Sun Valley locals like Kent Kreitler, Lynsey Dyer, Karl Fostvedt and McKenna Peterson continue to find themselves at the top of the skiing world, skiing the impossible and going bigger and better than ever before....
While Sun Valley is the oldest, it’s not the largest, nor does it get the most snow. However, the lasting effect of Sun Valley’s impact on the culture is felt throughout the world—and in Idaho itself.
While Sun Valley is the oldest, it’s not the largest, nor does it get the most snow. However, the lasting effect of Sun Valley’s impact on the culture is felt throughout the world—and in Idaho itself.
Sun Valley boasts a wide variety of trails, from the plunging Psycho near Galena Lodge to the flat cruising Durrance Loop near SNRA headquarters. Its trails are manicured daily, and it typically offers good snow conditions from November to May, drawing ski teams from Dartmouth and other colleges trying to get snow time to our local trails.
There are many ways to take in the beauty of Sun Valley: by foot on our many hiking trails, by bike on some of the splendid single-track, or by boat on our famous rivers. But for those who want a different perspective, why not get the bird’s-eye view by trying paragliding?
Matt Scrivner has been backpacking in Idaho most of his life. He’s been doing it professionally for Sawtooth Mountain Guides since 2012. When asked why people like to walk far distances with heavy things on their backs, he says, “Maybe they’ve been out on a hike and seen someone come down the trail. They’re dirty and smelly; for some reason, there’s an allure to a bigger adventure. They’re intrigued. It’s very human to want to know what’s out there.”
While there are many raft trip outfitters in the area—too many to fit here—we’ve picked five of our favorites who offer a variety of trips to meet your needs this summer.
The top ski mountains in Idaho (not named Sun Valley)
Jonathan Mentzer
While Sun Valley is the oldest, it’s not the largest, nor does it get the most snow. However, the lasting effect of Sun Valley’s impact on the culture is felt throughout the world—and in Idaho itself. [...]
Sun Valley's Nordic skiing emerges from rough stone to gem
Karen Bossick
Sun Valley boasts a wide variety of trails, from the plunging Psycho near Galena Lodge to the flat cruising Durrance Loop near SNRA headquarters. Its trails are manicured daily, and it typically offers good snow conditions from November to May, drawing ski teams from Dartmouth and other colleges trying to get snow time to our local trails. [...]
A bird's eye view and other top scenic flights in Idaho
Hayden Seder
There are many ways to take in the beauty of Sun Valley: by foot on our many hiking trails, by bike on some of the splendid single-track, or by boat on our famous rivers. But for those who want a different perspective, why not get the bird’s-eye view by trying paragliding? [...]
Tips, tricks and gear to help you navigate on the trail
Sarah Linville
Matt Scrivner has been backpacking in Idaho most of his life. He’s been doing it professionally for Sawtooth Mountain Guides since 2012. When asked why people like to walk far distances with heavy things on their backs, he says, “Maybe they’ve been out on a hike and seen someone come down the trail. They’re dirty and smelly; for some reason, there’s an allure to a bigger adventure. They’re intrigued. It’s very human to want to know what’s out there.” [...]
While there are many raft trip outfitters in the area—too many to fit here—we’ve picked five of our favorites who offer a variety of trips to meet your needs this summer. [...]
Trails, technologies and local shops help grow this snow sport
HAYDEN SEDER
Fat bikes are much like regular bikes, except their frames are built to hold a bigger tire, making it easier to glide over the snow. Think of it as pulling out your wide powder skis or board to help you float over the snow much more effortlessly. [...]