Monday, June 7, 2010

Historic Sun Valley Resort - A National Treasure in Idaho

The difficulty level in planning a family vacation that pleases everyone often ranks around 9.5 out of 10. The Sun Valley Resort, in Idaho, has such a variety of top shelf amenities and activities, which should rank it near the top of all resort destination lists, that it greatly reduces family trip planning difficulty.

An All New Nine

In 2008, the resort opened a new nine holes, to add to its 18-hole championship golf course. The new nine, designed by golf course architect Don Knott, features challenging golf and breathtaking, panoramic views of the Northern Rockies that envelope the resort. An all new clubhouse, which doubles as the Nordic Center in winter, also opened in 2008. For guests who can't squeeze in 18-holes, or a quick nine, Sun Valley Resort has enhanced their golf practice facility. They now offer clinics as short as two-hours, as well as private instruction and a driving range for individual practice.

Golf is only the beginning of Sun Valley Resort's activities. The resort was the first to bring the look, feel and mystique of European ski resorts to America. Since 1936, the resort-goers have enjoyed world-class skiing on the 9,150 foot summit of Bald Mountain, as well as on the beginner-friendly Dollar Mountain.

Ice Skating Year-Round

The country's first ski destination also boasts the country's first year-round outdoor skating rink, allowing guests to skate under the sun, even during the hottest of summer days. Sun Valley's ice-skating rink has been named to Budget Travel's Top 10 list. Home to legendary ice shows that feature Olympic medalists and greats such as Scott Hamilton, Nancy Kerrigan, Sasha Cohen and the Canadian team of Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, Sun Valley's outdoor rink rests in the heart of the resort and offers spectacular views of the majestic mountains. The resort's ice skating complex also features an indoor rink for organized hockey.

According to Sun Valley's General Manager, Wallace Huffman, "Generations have enjoyed skating on our outdoor ice rink and it's an honor to be recognized as one of the country's top skating destinations. While the ice shows have drawn national attention, it's the countless guests who've enjoyed the rink that's most gratifying."

In addition to skiing, ice skating and golf, Sun Valley is flush with activities from horseback riding and hiking/biking, to an acclaimed tennis facility and gun range. The resort's Symphony Pavilion plays host to the Sun Valley Summer Symphony and other outdoor events.

What Else Could There Be?

Although too numerous to list everything else the resort provides, here is a short sampling of things that make Sun Valley Resort one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world:

•The Playschool - A full-service, licensed day-care center

•Young Summer Camp - Kids age 6-14 enjoy supervised swimming, ice skating, hay rides, barbecues, fishing, horseback riding, and tons more

•Sleigh Rides

•Ice Skating School/Lessons

•Salon and Day Spa

•Swimming and Fitness Center

•Movie and Opera House

It seems that any time is the right time to visit Sun Valley Resort, Idaho.

Image Courtesy CarolineJoan.