I just got back from yet another epic girl’s weekend. This time, instead of warmth, we packed up our skis, boots and poles and headed north to Sun Valley, Idaho. More specifically, Ketchum. In a nutshell, the skiing was awesome, the après skiing was even better and friendships were made and strengthened. I highly suggest rounding up your friends and heading out on an adventure together – and if you need help planning one, just ask!
Tip #1 – Packing
For the perfect ski trip, packing is essential. No, not for your luggage, but your ski jacket. There are 10 essential items I find mandatory for those pockets before you head to the slopes.
- for hydration, a small 6 oz. water bottle
- for chapped lips, lip rescue therapy (balm)
- for lift tickets and drinks, a credit card
- for headaches due to altitude, Advil
- for energy, 20g protein bar
- for sniffly noses, Kleenex
- for looking chic, polarized Oakley sunglasses
- for tips to ski instructors, cash
- for texting, Instagramming or snap chatting, your cell phone
- for wiping off goggles, a cloth (attached in most jackets)
Tip #2 – Skiing
During our trip, we skied at two different places; Dollar and Bald Mountain. Since some of us had not skied in a while, we took the safe route and skied Dollar the first day, the best for beginners, and Baldy, the second day, which had the best views and best runs. Dollar was docile and Baldy was a blast! At the end of each day of skiing, who doesn't love après skiing? I recommend River Run Lodge at the bottom of Bald Mountain for a quick drink. Plus, there's usually a small band playing which makes it a nice place to unwind. However, the best place for après skiing is Pioneer Saloon, or as the locals say, Pio. It’s super casual and has great waiters and food (chicken wings!). I especially liked it because it’s a "no-frills" type of place. We walked in off the slopes with our snow pants, shoes and hats all still affixed to our bodies! Good thing I had a hat on, to hide the helmet and goggle imprints on my forehead! Yikes!
Tip #3 – Dining
We tried a few of the new up and coming restaurants such as Boca, a tapas-style restaurant. That was our first place and we really got an earful from our waiter who told us ALL about where to ski, what to do, just about everything you can imagine. :) The second restaurant we ventured into was called Globus. It had the best service! We loved Wendy, the owner. The best place for a great glass of wine and dinner was Enoteca, located right next door to Pio. The best breakfast place was hands down, Cristina's! And as an added bonus, all the restaurants in Ketchum that I've mentioned are pretty much in walking distance from each other and are all fabulous!
Tip #4 – Shopping
For the best shopping, I love the Bald Mountain ski resort shop at the foot of the mountain. I bought this really cute long-sleeved t-shirt that said, "It happened in Sun Valley," Hmmmm…that saying is actually based on a famous old movie. I also really like Bellissimo for the one-of-a-kind gifts. I especially like the napkins, placemats and dishes that are tucked away in all parts of this adorable store. And if you’re looking for groceries, Atkinson's is the best. They offer a variety of items on every price level. From $4.00 bottles of olive oil to $100 bottles. It's definitely a store you want to venture into and explore.
Tip #5 – Music
The right music can make any trip memorable. Especially when you’re singing along with your friends! The best song we listened to in Sun Valley? Stay by Rihanna.
Katch ya in Ketchum!
