The Valley Sun

Sun Valley Powder Festival – The Ultimate Snow Dance Weekend

With a new gondola, skiing from top to bottom, and plenty of blue sky and sunshine, Sun Valley kicked off their 74^th winter season today. Lines were long, but once 9 o’clock rolled around, skiers and boarders clamored to board the River Run gondola or the Challenger quad on the Warm Springs side, eager to start the season. With nine runs open, like Upper College, Flying Squirrel, Lower Picabo, Lower Warm Springs, Mid and Lower River run, the combination of man-made and natural snow made for some of the best Opening Day conditions in memory. As further proof of ideal conditions, quality snow, decent light, and a good crowd, by noon today the Sun Valley Ski Patrol had no significant accidents to report.

At half day, the skier count estimate was already around 2,500 and between the plethora of Opening Day options, the terrain park features on Lower River Run, the reopening of the legendary Roundhouse, and plenty of sunny deck-space at Warm Springs and River Run Lodges, everyone was stoked to be back in their boots and back on their boards.

Everyone seemed to be out to enjoy the day, as there were reports of celebrity sightings of Bruce Willis and the Crist brothers, as well as local stars like Radio DJ Lenny Joseph, ski team director Don Wiseman, and climbing legend Nappy Neaman. But more importantly, there were plenty of satisfied, exhausted, and woozy-legged skiers and boarders in bright colors, crazy hats, fancy pants with smiles on their faces soaking in the sun on the slopes on our beloved Bald Mountain and enjoying views, French fries, picnics, and PBR’s on the decks of Baldy’s three open lodges.

Happy Thanksgiving and see you on the slopes this weekend!

Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain open for Sun Valley’s 74th winter Season on Thanksgiving Day!

4 – 8 P.M.

Featuring the Leana Leach Trio

Adults $39.50 ~ Children (under age 12) $22.50

Buffet tickets may be purchased at the Sun Valley Recreation Center or at the door.

(208) 622-2135

November 26th seating for all locations will be provided on an "As Available" basis only.

Reservations not accepted. For more information please call 622-2800.

4 – 9 P.M.

Larry Harshbarger on Piano

November 26th seating for all locations will be provided on an "As Available" basis only.

Reservations not accepted. For more information please call 622-2800.

11A.M. - 10P.M.

November 26th seating for all locations will be provided on an "As Available" basis only.

Reservations not accepted. For more information please call 622-2800.

The Lodge Dining Room from 3 – 8P.M.

Featuring The SunValley Trio

November 26th seating for all locations will be provided on an "As Available" basis only.

Reservations not accepted. For more information please call 622-2800.

Leave the cooking to Sun Valley Resort chefs this Thanksgiving! Our restaurants will prepare excellent traditional and non-traditional gourmet Thanksgiving feasts on Thursday, November 26.

• The Lodge Dining Room will be serving dinner from 3-8pm and will feature the Sun Valley Trio for your entertainment.
• Gretchen’s Restaurant will serve a traditional Thanksgiving menu as well as their regular menu from 11am-10pm
• The Ram Restaurant will serve a few different entrees including Roasted Free-Range Turkey with all the trimmings, Salmon a la Barigoule, Lamb Shank and Filet of Beef. Larry Harshbarger will perform. Hours 4-9pm.
• Finally, there will be a gourmet Thanksgiving buffet in the Sun Valley Inn Limelight Room from 4-8pm featuring the Leana Leach Trio for your entertainment.
  Buffet tickets: Adults $39.50 / Kids under age 12 $22.50. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at the Sun Valley Recreation Center at (208) 622-2135.

Thanksgiving dinner reservations will not be taken at any restaurant. Seating for all locations will be provided on an “as available” basis only.

For more restaurant information call (208) 622-2800.