You want to take a vacation to Sun Valley, but you don’t have a car? No problem, there’s a bus service that will get you there! Yup, it’s true, at least for those who don’t want to deal with the traffic on sunny days.
But what about getting to the airport, or to the hotel, once you arrive in town? How about finding a good restaurant or bar, or shopping for some winter clothes? Where you staying, what you doing for skiing, how much you spending, those are all important questions, and they’re all connected.
We’ve got you covered, with detailed travel guides and tips on how to get to and around Sun Valley Resort safely and enjoyably.
Table of Contents
When Is The Best Time To Visit Sun Valley?
As you might imagine, the best time to visit Sun Valley is in the winter. While the resort might not be as lively as in the summer, the cool temperatures allow you to truly take a break from your busy schedule and have some fun.
On the other hand, if you visit Sun Valley in the summer, you’ll want to make sure to bring along some warm clothes, as the temperatures at the resort can be pretty high. You might also want to pack your bathing suit, just in case you decide to go swimming after all!
Another important factor to consider is the weather. Just because it is cold and sunny where you are, it doesn’t mean that it will be the same at the other end of the spectrum, particularly if you are traveling from the northern part of the country. Check the weather reports before you leave so that you know what to expect and whether or not to bring along the appropriate clothing. Of course, you can always find a good weather report online before you leave, if you are technologically inclined!
Is It Safe To Visit Sun Valley During Inclement Weather?
Yes, it’s safe to visit Sun Valley during inclement weather, as long as you follow a few basic safety tips. Don’t go outside without an umbrella or raincoat, and wear sunscreen if you go outside. Also, make sure to tune into local news and weather forecasts before you leave, so that you know what weather conditions to expect at the other end of your journey. Many destinations in the United States get battered by storms and rough weather, so it’s important to be aware of what kinds of risks you’re taking by traveling during bad weather conditions. You should also research the best time to visit the destination that you’ve picked, so that you have the best possible chance of enjoying yourself. If you follow these safety measures, then you’ll be able to have a good time even if the weather isn’t perfect.
Where Is Sun Valley Located?
Sun Valley is located in the beautiful American state of Idaho. If you’re coming from the west, you’ll want to take US-95 east for about 45 minutes, then turn south on Sun Valley Road for about 10 minutes. From north to south, Sun Valley is approximately 22 miles long, and it’s about 5 miles wide. The resort is situated at an altitude of about 6,500 feet above sea level, and features 26 runs scattered around the mountain. There are also 26 trails located at the base of the resort, leading to the lifts and providing easy access to the terrain.
Thoughts On Transportation To And Around Sun Valley
Before you head off to Sun Valley, please think about the means of transportation that you’ll use. There isn’t a convenient mass transit system that goes directly to the resort, so you’ll either have to take a taxi, rent a car, or find a way to get there via bus. Let’s examine each one of these options and the advantages and disadvantages that they offer.
By far the cheapest and easiest option is to take a taxi to Sun Valley. These are usually available at the airport or downtown, and the cost should be around $30-35 to the airport and $40-45 to downtown. On the other hand, during the winter season it’s best to call a taxi service from Boulder, as there aren’t many available at the airport or downtown. You’ll want to avoid taking a taxi in the summer, as the cost will be higher and the traffic is likely to be terrible. In terms of safety, we would recommend selecting this option, as you’ll be traveling with a person who knows the area and can offer advice if you get lost. Disadvantages of taking a taxi to Sun Valley include the inability to control the vehicle’s speed, which can be extremely dangerous if you’re traveling at high speeds, the lack of privacy, and the impossibility of bringing along large amounts of luggage.
As we’ve established, going to Sun Valley by car is very convenient, and it’s the best option if you want to travel during the summer. However, if you’re going during the winter, you might want to rent a car instead, as it will be cheaper and easier to get around once you’re there. Disadvantages of renting a car include the inability to bring along large amounts of luggage, the high price of gas, and the lack of safety, particularly in unfamiliar areas.
If you’re driving your own car, you’ll want to make sure to pack things like chains, an umbrella, and raincoat, just in case you get stuck in the occasional downpour. Make sure to bring your driver’s license and credit card, in case you get into an accident or need to make a claim against the insurance company. Though it’s not likely, in case you do get into an accident, it’s good to know that you have insurance and a way to make a claim. Lastly, if you get a ticket while you’re there, don’t worry, it’s not that complicated. You’ll just need to call the rental car company and find out what kind of ticket you’ve received, so that they can update your records. It’s not that difficult to get a rental car in Sun Valley, you’ll just have to do a little bit of research beforehand.
The final option is to use the bus service. If you’ve never been there, the name Sun Valley probably doesn’t mean much to you, but you’ll want to get a bus line that goes directly to the resort. The advantage of using public transportation is that it’s usually available anywhere and anytime, and it’s relatively inexpensive. You’ll want to make sure to arrive at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before the bus leaves, so that you don’t miss it. It’ll also be better if you plan your trip a few days in advance, as the bus schedules can be quite complicated. Disadvantages include the inability to bring along large amounts of luggage, the lack of safety, and missing your flight due to the bus being late.
As you can see, there are a number of options for getting to Sun Valley. It really depends on what you’ve got planned and where you’re traveling from. If you’re driving, then you’ll want to take the I-90 west for about 40 minutes until you reach the Garden Cutoff. From there, take the Sun Valley Road south for about 14 miles until you reach the entrance of the resort. You can get a quick Google map here if you need help. Once you’re inside, you can find a taxi or rent a car to take you to your destination.