Skiing the Sun Valley High Country

You may have heard that it rained here in Ketchum a couple days ago. While most driveways turned to mush and the warm temps had people shedding their down parkas like it was May, Baldy and the surrounding high country got their fair share of the fluffy white stuff. In fact, our very own Jon Gilmour, scored a coveted seat on Sun Valley Heli Ski’s chopper and caught a glimpse of how truly amazing backcountry skiing is this time of year.



First off, if you haven’t tried it already, let’s get something out of the way… YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE AN EXPERT! One of the most common misconceptions about heli skiing is that you have to be a pro to do it. We’re not talking about first descents in Alaska. There are a number of destinations in Sun Valley Heli Ski’s 750,000 acres of terrain that offer slopes of varying degree. And the short, fat skis that most people are skiing on today, really make powder skiing effortless.



Sun Valley Heli Ski offers a number of different ski and lodging packages. For more information, please talk to the Concierge at Les Saisons.

Local Knowledge: Do You Know the History of Sun Valley?

Ask any local around town for a bit of advice (i.e. best après ski bar, restaurant or rental shop) and they’ll be more than happy to share everything they know and then some about whatever it is you’re looking for. But when it comes to something dating back to before they first started ski bumming here, only the weathered few may be able to help you.



Sun Valley has always been touted as the Alps of North America, the playground for the rich and famous. But what about before they installed one of the world’s first chairlifts on Proctor Mountain in 1936?

Before Sun Valley became a winter destination, an Austrian count named Felix Schaffgotsch, was hired by Averell Harriman to scout the US for a good place to build a winter resort. After a long search throughout the west, the town of Ketchum appealed to him because of the proximity of Baldy and the surrounding mountains to Ketchum, the adequate snow fall and generally sunny weather.

Harriman visited Ketchum several weeks later. Pleased with the location, he purchased a 3,888 parcel of land, then known as the Brass Ranch, for $4 per acre. Sun Valley Lodge was built in the next seven months and Steve Hannigan, a successful publicist from Miami Beach, was hired to name the new resort “Sun Valley.” The resort opened in December of 1936!

Severe Weather Alert Brings 10 Inches to Baldy

For the last couple of weeks our weather report has warned of a hazardous storm settling in the valley. While we haven’t been pounded like the Sierras (who wants to shovel all that snow anyway?), ten inches of fresh snow on the top of Baldy never hurts.

The skiing is great and with President’s weekend winding down, lift lines should be zipping along. Better yet, flights are still coming in and out of the Hailey Airport so no need to worry about a last minute bus ride for now.

Relax, Unwind and Recover at Les Saisons' Spa

Come enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the Les Saisons Spa! Located conveniently on the second floor of the Les Saisons building, we offer wonderful services including facials, hot stone massage, full body wraps, scrubs, and hair removal.

Here's what we suggest... Relax in our steam room and sauna first, then indulge in one of our many treatments. You'll really warm up this winter with our 90 minute Healing Body Treatment. This service not only exfoliates your skin, it detoxifies, hydrates, relaxes and pampers all in one decadent session!

And you can't leave without trying our amazing Face-lift Facial. This facial gives you noticeable results in just one session!

To schedule an appointment, please call Amber Morgan at 208.720.6093 or Les Saisons' Concierge at 208.727.1616 and feel free to stop by our lobby for a brochure.