by Rebecca Toy
two tiny sister towns have perfected adventure and luxurious relaxation amongst the peaks
IN A NARROW STRETCH amongst Idaho’s imposing Sawtooth Mountains, Sun Valley has been a celebrity favorite ski town and year-round adventure playground since 1935. Colloquially referred to as simply “Sun Valley,” the area consists of two tiny towns—Sun Valley (9.58 square miles) and Ketchum (3.08 square miles). Santa Fe is 37.4 square miles, for reference.
In the Golden Age of Hollywood, the rich and fabulous arrived via train, ready to frolic in the remote Swiss Alps–look-a-like complete with stars like Clark Gable, Ingrid Bergman, Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. The Hollywood connection continues, as Tom Hanks, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis reportedly own homes in the area today.
Even if you’re not a star, Sun Valley is the place to experience luxury without pretension. Both Ketchum and the Sun Valley Resort have world-class chefs, sommeliers, artists and curated shopping that rival any thrill found in the mountains—or those of larger ski towns.
Plated Perfection
Any local will confirm you can never go wrong with Enoteca. The Italian-inspired brick space spotlights a wood-fired oven that toasts pizzas to perfection. While other classics include burrata, panned chicken with tapenade and asiago-pesto meatballs, the restaurant leans into local ingredients with Idaho trout, lamb and pork cheeks. A diverse and ever-evolving wine list honors the Italian wine shops that serve as the restaurant’s namesake.
Asian street markets inspire Rickshaw’s menu and buzzy atmosphere. The Korean fried chicken and Thai beef salad are fan favorites. Ask for a side of sweet-soy sesame chili sauce to bring the flavor up a notch. The Sun Valley Culinary Institute has regular cooking classes and chef-partner dinners to support this nonprofit educational program.
Après, Artfully
Ketchum has a range of art galleries, from those with extensive collections to singular artists’ hidden gems. In addition to its exhibits, the Sun Valley Museum of Art can tell you what’s on show around town.
A local fine art institution since 1987, the Broschofsky Galleries showcase pieces from the 19th century to today, focusing on Indigenous and Western culture. Standouts include screenprints from Andy Warhol and Edward Curtis’ lustrous portraiture of Indigenous life at the turn of the 20th century. Longtime visitors note a shift that includes more abstract and modern methodologies and subjects.
Salud to Sun Valley
Offering more than 1,000 unique labels in a town of less than 4,000 residents is a feat, but Sun Valley Wine Company is full of surprises. The second-story space has two outdoor patios, an elegant lounge and dining space, and chef-driven seasonal menus to pair with a curated selection of wines. The range includes approachable everyday wines to rare bottles from around the globe.
Locals fill the Warfield Distillery and Brewery’s multiple stories and patios with warm camaraderie over various brews and cocktails. The barrel-aged gin is a house specialty.
A few blocks north is Sawtooth Brewery Public House, which serves classic and inventive brews like the Peanut Butter Milk Stout. Executive chef Doug Jensen also delivers elevated pub grub.
Distinctive Wares
True to Sun Valley’s personality, shopping in Ketchum embodies upscale apparel, eclectic decor and sporty mountain gear from independent shops. The town also specializes in high-end consignment that supports the community, with deals on designer apparel at Gold Mine Design, Capelet Design and Consign Design.
Maude’s Coffee and Clothes offers locally loved coffee and an eye-catching collection of fashionable vintage pieces.
Luxe Lodging
The Limelight Hotel’s spacious rooms in walkable Ketchum have floor-to-ceiling windows for striking views. The property offers a relaxed pool, a hopping patio and bar, and secure ground-floor storage for bikes and skis. Don’t miss the robust breakfast before taking in a complimentary car to explore.
Less than two miles north of Ketchum and the slopes, the legendary Sun Valley Lodge has been a retreat for the rich and famous since 1936. While you can still share the same views as Marilyn Monroe and Clint Eastwood, renovations added granite and cabinetry to expanded rooms and bathrooms, enhancing modern luxury. The resort includes two pools, a massive spa and several restaurants.
