Valley’s landmark festivals slated for 2022, SV Resort ranks No.1 again
By Eric Valentine
As Valley voters headed out to the polls Tuesday to give their Valley leaders a job review—more or less, folks elsewhere seem to be pleased with life here. That is, if ski resort rankings and festival popularity are any indication. What follows is a rundown of some high-profile announcements by Valley institutions that were made over the last several days. One possible takeaway? Despite pandemics and housing crises, life in the Valley may be looking up.
Welcome Back Wellness
The alternate versions of the Sun Valley Wellness Festival thanks to COVID look to be a thing of the past. That’s because leaders of the longest-running wellness festival in the world have set June 10–13 as the dates for holding the festival’s 25th anniversary event. Sun Valley Wellness Festival Passes, for both in-person attendance and the Virtual SVWF Experience—a popular remnant of the pandemic—will go on sale in early November at sunvalleywellness.org. Passholders will have full access to all online session content through July 31, 2022. The festival said the Limelight Hotel in Ketchum will be serving as festival headquarters and is offering special discounted lodging rates for passholders.
The Sun Valley Wellness Festival, created in 1997 by a small but visionary group of community wellness experts and advocates, has grown into an internationally recognized event featuring top wellness experts at the Argyros Performing Arts Center and other locations. The festival will continue to offer an outdoor Experience Park at Sun Valley Festival Meadows showcasing live music, vendors, music, food, and movement classes, as well as unique outdoor wellness adventures. A speaker roster announcement is coming soon.
“As we look forward to our 25th anniversary festival, we are excited to bring in speakers that exemplify that rich history,” Sun Valley Wellness Festival Board President Geneal Thompson said.
Resort Report
The original North American destination ski resort isn’t just doing things right. It’s doing them best, according to readers at SKI Magazine. Sun Valley Ski Resort was ranked as the number one ski resort destination in the publication’s 2021-22 Annual Ski Resort Awards and Reader’s Poll.
“We are beyond excited. This is a true testament to the leadership of Tim Silva and the legacy he’s left for us at Sun Valley Resort, and I am honored to carry the torch into the near season ahead. Huge thanks goes out to our amazing Sun Valley team and our local community for creating the extraordinary atmosphere our guests love,” said Sun Valley Vice President and General Manager, Pete Sonntag.
Sonntag stressed that the recognition is “an acknowledgment of the incredible community we have here in Sun Valley.” He said the partnership between the resort and the community makes guests feel both welcome and special.
The annual Resort Guide is based on the results of the Reader Resort Survey, the most comprehensive, trusted and longest-running rankings in the industry. Specifically, Sun Valley ranked tops in Grooming, Lifts, Service, Dining, Lodging, Family, Local Flavor, and Overall Satisfaction. The resort’s Sunrise expansion of over 380 acres of expert terrain, a new Broadway high-speed quad chairlift, updated dining options, and reliable snowmaking helped secure the honor.
Sun Valley Resort piggybacked the accolades with an announcement that its 86th season will kick off on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, weather dependent. Hot cocoa, branded collector’s mugs, branded neckwear, and other give-aways will be handed out at River Run base throughout the morning along with live music entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Sunny the Bear will be sure to make an appearance to commemorate opening day and another huge win for Sun Valley Resort.
The resort said guests can expect to see some updates and improvements this year, including a new servery at River Run that will assist with guest flow. Local foodie favorite Konditorei has been added to River Run, so guests can enjoy fresh coffee and pastries at both River Run and Warm Springs this season, as well as the Wok and Bowl station that will feature delicious Asian cuisine. The resort will continue to have bag storage this year at River Run, as well as an Après Bar outside the Lodge, so that guests can choose to remain in the fresh air for delicious post-skiing treats.
Protocols and procedures will continue to align with the guidance and scientific expertise from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Idaho Department of Health, and Blaine County Health Department. Per city ordinances in Sun Valley and Ketchum, masks are required in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. The resort will not be requiring masks outdoors, including while in lift lines, on lifts, or in the Gondola but are encouraging guests to physically distance when possible. Guests are encouraged to continue to “Know Before You Go” and check the Sun Valley App or website for updates.
Ewe Are Happy
Even though this year’s Trailing of the Sheep Festival is in the rearview mirror, planning for next year moves ahead. Organizers announced this week the next festival is slated for Oct. 5–9, 2022.