Your Guide to Summer in Sun Valley at Every Time of Day

Your Guide to Summer in Sun Valley at Every Time of Day

With endless ways to get outside and explore, there’s a perfect summer day in Sun Valley for everyone. Famous for the wonder of our winters, our summers offer every bit of adventure and a range of ways to escape into the great outdoors. Whether you have a blank slate schedule to fill with a whole day of fun, or if you need some tips on how to fill some downtime here and there, keep reading for our insider’s guide to the very best of summer in Sun Valley at every time of day.


Fun at First Light

Mountain Top Yoga on Bald Mountain

Rise with the sun and take in the first hours of cooler air with one of the many hikes surrounding the resort. For impeccable views, the Proctor Mountain Loop is easily accessed just a short drive from the Sun Valley Village. An intermediate challenge, much of this trail overlooks the full expanse of Sun Valley below. Keep an eye out for sage-covered hillsides and fragrant fields of summer wildflowers. For more information on trails for every style of hiker, discover more on our hiking page. 

For those who prefer a slower start, ease into the day with a relaxing treatment at the Spa at Sun Valley. With sessions available as early as 8 AM, the Spa offers a wide variety of wellness benefits, including massage therapy, acupuncture, cupping, and a variety of fully immersive body rituals. 

Or, enjoy being both active and relaxed with our Summer Yoga Series. All levels are welcome to join these free one-hour classes. Grab a mat and meet us at the River Run Plaza on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer at 9 AM. For those who want to take their namaste to new heights, our Yoga on the Mountain classes combine gentle flow yoga with 9,150 ft. mountaintop views. More information and online reservations are available here


Mid-morning Movin’ & Groovin’

Horseback Riding on Dollar Mountain

Whether coming from the mountains or coming from a massage, refuel for the rest of the day with breakfast at Konditorei. Combining Austrian-inspired pastries and a chalet-inspired dining room, Konditorei is the coziest spot for a light bite or a full, hearty plate of classic breakfast fare. 

Refueled and ready to go, there are plenty of directions your morning in Sun Valley can take you. Challenge your partner or another pair to a match or two at the Tennis & Pickleball Center. Embrace the spirit of the West with a trip to the Sun Valley Stables. Fun for beginners and experienced riders alike, a trail ride around Dollar Mountain is a great way to slow down and take in the sights and sounds of our great outdoors. 

Or get back on the trails on two wheels! From the easier Lupine and Broadway trails to the more challenging Pale Rider and Warm Springs trails, the morning hours are perfect for cruising around the mountains. While the terrain on Bald Mountain is technical and rugged, and requires moderate biking experience, first-timers can enjoy exploring the more beginner-friendly White Clouds trail system. Bike rentals and expert advice are available from Pete Lane’s Mountain Sports. 


Not Your Average Lunch Break

Roundhouse Exterior in the Summer

While lunch is a meal often under-appreciated, mid-day dining at Sun Valley is sure to be the high point of the day. Accessed by a hike or a stunning ride up the Roundhouse Express Gondola, The Roundhouse, America’s original on-mountain dining experience, offers delicious dining and elegant ambiance at 7,700 feet of elevation. 

For stunning lunch views at a lower altitude, The Sun Valley Clubhouse presents al fresco dining at its finest. With a wraparound patio looking out on picturesque Bald Mountain, enjoy freshly prepared meals surrounded by the freshly maintained golf course greens. Top off your meal with a tee time at Trail Creek or an afternoon on the 18-hole Sawtooth Putting Course. 


An Afternoon of Adventure

Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink in the Summer with a backdrop of the Sun Valley Lodge

One of the only year-round rinks in the country, ice skating at Sun Valley is not exclusive to winter weather. Spend an afternoon skating under sunny skies. You may even get a glimpse of Olympic skaters practicing their routines! 

Or keep it cool by the water with an afternoon excursion on Sun Valley Lake. Whatever floats your boat–paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes can all be rented by the hour. Land-lovers rejoice! There’s plenty to do on shore–from horseshoe tossing to beach volleyball.

Take some time for some tunes. The Summer Series at River Run combines fresh air, good vibes, live music, with a portion of proceeds going to local nonprofits. Come out on Wednesdays, starting July 26th, from 5-8 PM for happy hour food & drinks and a performance from Kim Stocking Band. 


Take on the Twilight Hours

Exterior of the Sun Valley Opera House in Summer overlooking the Sun Valley Duck Pond

The party doesn’t stop at sundown. The Sun Valley Village has outlets and activities to enjoy throughout the evening hours. Enjoy a craft beer and ball game at Village Station, or classic cocktails in a cozy setting at The Ram Bar. 

Make it a movie night at the Opera House, where classic and current movies are shown on state-of-the-art equipment in the unique setting of this historic 1937 iconic structure. Or, take a trip down memory lane, and bowl a few frames at our historic Bowling Alley and Game Room. 

Or end your day on a magical note with Sun Valley on Ice. Featuring medal-winning headline skaters, witness the highest caliber of professional ice skating backdropped by the beauty of our Bald Mountain. Come experience a special performance from Olympic medalist Isabeau Levito on Saturday, July 22nd at 9:15 PM.


For more information on events and happenings around Sun Valley Resort this week, check out the Events Calendar