The History of Sun Valley

Submitted by Tech Support on

If you've spent any time at all in Idaho, then you probably know a thing or two about Sun Valley. It's one of the state's premier locations, boasting stunning views, five-star accommodations, and activities to keep everyone entertained--but did you know that, when you enter Sun Valley, you're walking into a place where history and the future overlap?

A Trip to Remember

If the skiing, skating, horseback riding, biking, and overall beauty weren't enough to get you up to Sun Valley, then maybe the story will be. Plenty of places in the United States boast some kind of rich history, but few of them manage to be both historical icons and models of the bright and promising future. In Sun Valley, you can still learn about everything that made this place the nation's first destination ski resort, but you can do it from the comfort of your resort hotel. Even traveling to Sun Valley is part of the excitement: when you catch the Sun Valley Express, you get to see the gorgeous scenery, itself a mix of historic charm and futuristic efficiency, without the stress, high cost, or time constraint of driving yourself.

The Story of Sun Valley

So, what is the story behind Sun Valley? Here's a quick look!

The location for this stunning resort was first discovered in 1936 by a skier named Count Felix Schaffgotsch, who had been hired to pick the perfect place for North America's premier ski resort. It was originally designed as a way to get people to ride the budding Union Pacific Railroad--but it became so much more.

Backcountry skiing in the U.S. also started here in the 1930s. Also in the 1930s, the world's first chairlift was born in Sun Valley!

When you go to Sun Valley today, you'll be greeted by chair lifts that are brimming with luxury. This is one of those places where history and the future overlap: these chairlifts were the first of their kind in the world. Before them, skiers had to be dragged while standing up.

One of Sun Valley's claims to fame is that it remains homegrown. It pays respect to its rural surroundings but doesn't neglect comfort and luxury. It embraces local talent and has been family-owned since the beginning. This resort is truly one of a kind.

Today, people from all over the world visit the valley to ski, hike, shop, and more. It's a popular place for celebrities, as well—some notable residents have included Adam West, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, and Demi Moore. 

Want to travel to Sun Valley and experience the place where history and the future overlap? Looking to catch the Sun Valley Express shuttle? Contact us today!