Above and beyond the slopes at Sun Valley

Sunset, Feb, 1985

Before Sun Valley became the West's first ski resort, people journeyed to the mountains just to breathe the icy air and rejuvenate. Inhaling seems a little tame for most of us, but along with skiing, celebrity spotting, and shopping, this Idaho resort offers a variety of huff-and-puff options. Consider the traditional pleasures of skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and sleighing. Or you can try hot-air balloons, gliders, and helicopter tours.

Direct flights from Seattle and San Francisco now make Sun Valley much more accessible (details on page 56). But once there, finding events or attractions can sometimes be confusing for the first-time visitor. That's partly because there's so much to do, and also because "Sun Valley" in the widest sense is really five communities strung through the Wood River Valley--Bellevue, Elkhorn Village, Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley. Ketchum, on State Highway 75, is the hub; Sun Valley is 1 mile northeast.

The single best source of visitor information is the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber of Commerce, Box 2420, Sun Valley 83353; telephone (208) 726-3423. It will supply maps of the five-town area and much other useful information. The office, at Fourth and Main streets in Ketchum, is open 10 to 4 Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 3 Sundays.

Two local planning agents can help you book a room or a flight, rent a car, or find a baby-sitter. For clients who book rooms with them, the agencies can make reservations for the nonski activities we list. Try Sun Valley Central Reservations, Box 979, Sun Valley 83353, (208) 726-0147; or Sun Valley Area Reservations, Box 1710, Sun Valley 83353, 726-3660.

Expect to pay $40 and up for double rooms here. Choose from hotels, motels, condominiums, lodges, and private houses. Check package plans for lower nightly rates. The chamber of commerce has comprehensive information. Ice-skating to glider rides

Reservations are required for most organized tours listed here, and some require booking at least a day in advance. All telephone area codes are 208.

Dogsledding. Cameron Daggett leads daily tours into the mountains at the head of Baker Creek, north of Ketchum. Half-day tours run from 9 to 1 ($60 for two), full-day tours from 9 to 4 ($120 for two, including hot lunch). He'll pick you up at your lodgings. To reserve, call 726-4024.

Fishing. Big wood River, 12 miles north of Ketchum, opens for winter fishing for the first time in many years. You can rent a complete fly-fishing outfit for $20 a day from Silver Creek Outfitters, 507 N. Main Street, Ketchum; 726-5282. They also have half-day guided trips for $110.

Glider rides. Sun Valley Soaring operates daily, 10 A.M. to sunset, weather permitting. The half-hour scenic ride (two passengers plus pilot) takes you over ski runs on Bald Mountain and costs $50 for one, $70 for two. The glider station is across State 75 from Friedman Airport, 1 mile south of Hailey and 16 miles south of Ketchum.

Helicopter sightseeing. Sun Valley Helicopter Ski Guides offers a 15-minute scenic ride ($135 for four passengers). Tours are offered daily from 4 P.M. and take you over Bald Mountain and the Pioneer and Boulder ranges. A group of 11 is required (operator will help assemble) for the 2-hour lunch tour to a mountain viewpoint or yurt. Custom trips are also available. All departures are from Sun Valley Gun Club, 1 mile northeast of Sun Valley on Trail Creek Road. For reservations, call 622-3108.

Hot-air ballooning. Sun Air Inc. offers daily 1-hour trips ($75 for the first person, $130 for two, $195 for three); meeting places vary. For reservations, call 726-7325.

Ice-skating. You'll find public skating daily from 10 to 10 at the outdoor rink just behind Sun Valley Lodge, 1 mile northeast of Ketchum on Sun Valley Road. Cost is $4 for adults, $3.25 for ages 13 and under; skate rental is $1. Classes are available.

Sledding. You can purchases sleds or saucers in Ketchum, or bring your own; no rentals. Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) headquarters, 8 miles north of Ketchum on State 75, has maps and information about good sledding spots. Hours are 8 to 5:30 Mondays through Saturdays, 9 to 4:30 Sundays. Write to SNRA, Star Route, Ketchum 83340, or call 726-8291.

Sleigh rides. Sawtooth Sleights offers half-hour rides on four-person, one-horse sleighs. Tours depart dailyi every half-hour between 3 and 8:30 P.M.; cost is $10 per person. Two-hour group rides (up to 12) leave at 3,5, and 7 P.M. and cost $12 for adults, $8 for ages 11 and under. Another choice is a 4-hour dinner ride leaving at 6 (dinner is served in a large, heated tent); maximum 28 persons ($30 for adults, $25 for children 12 and under). Meet for all trips Big Wood Ski Touring Center, 1 mile north of Ketchum on State 75. Reserve a space by calling 726-4024.

Sun Valley Sleigh Rides schedules four dinner rides to Trail Creek Cabin every evening, beginning at 6 (four seatings for entertainment and dinner at the restaurant). Rides cost $8.50 for adults, $6.50 for children 12 and under; dinner is an additional $12 to $19. For reservations, call 622-4111, ext. 2435. Book well ahead.