Sun Valley Resort marks 84th opening Thanksgiving Day
By Eric Valentine
The season for one of the biggest reasons residents and visitors love the Wood River Valley begins on the day all of us should have something to be thankful for. Sun Valley Resort is ready for its 84th winter season with the River Run side of Bald Mountain opening at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28.
In addition to the season opening, plenty of festivities such as giveaways, Sunny the Bear, and contests will be running during the weekend to kick off the winter in style. Last year’s season, which saw record snowfall in February, was a major success, seeing some of the highest-ever numbers of skiers and snowboarders at the resort.
Sun Valley clinched the most number of top spots than any other resort and was voted the second overall resort in the West in the SKI Magazine Readers’ Rankings for Winter 2019–20. The top categories were for lifts, service, lodging, down-day activities, family-friendly, charm, and overall satisfaction.
As for this year, guests can enjoy hot cocoa as they cross the bridge to River Run starting at 8 a.m. each day of the weekend. Once at the base area, the first eight people in line on opening day will receive an exclusive jersey and gift card to celebrate the start of the season.
Sunny the Bear will also be on hand for photos, and the first skiers in line can take their first ski run of the season with him. An Instagram scavenger hunt will happen on Saturday and Sunday, with prizes for skiers and riders following Sun Valley at @sunvalley.
The five lifts scheduled to be turning are River Run, Lookout Express, Christmas, Roundhouse Express Gondola, and the Kinderspielplatz. The 10 runs that will be open are Upper College, Lower College, 42nd Street, Lower River Run, Mid River Run, Lower Canyon, Roundhouse Slope, Sunset Strip, Roundhouse Lane, and Kinderspielplatz.
More trails might be added, weather and snow conditions permitting. Dollar Mountain will begin operations on Friday, Dec. 13.
Lodging specials are still available for opening weekend at the Sun Valley Lodge and Inn with special pricing on lift tickets and the Thanksgiving buffet for guests booking the Thanksgiving package, the resort said. Visit www.sunvalley.com/deals for more information.
Thanksgiving dining specials, live music during après-ski at River Run, and plenty of activities in the Sun Valley Village will provide a fun and festive weekend for the entire family.
To receive snow updates to your mobile device, text SVSNOW to 42427.
