Home to world-class terrain, dreamy snow and top-of-the-line parks, Sun Valley is a skiing haven that everyone needs to experience at some point. So, it came as no surprise when the Good Company ski crew chose to shoot its spring park session there for its most recent film, Vice Versa. This wasn’t the first time the resort’s park had been featured in a ski flick; it was the setting for Level 1’s Eye Trip in 2009 and many other classics throughout the years. The reason? Quite simply, spring at Sun Valley is absolutely awesome.
The segment features an impressive crew—Tim McChesney, Collin Collins, Andy Partridge, Will Berman, Dylan Sondrup and Karl Fostvedt—who held nothing back, all sending it on a massive booter under the spring sun. (Check out the full Vice Versa movie, here.)
Though the end of the season is drawing near, there’s still plenty of time to get out to Sun Valley yourself. The mountain officially closes on April 16, but will be re-opening for one last hurrah, dubbed Baldy Bash, April 21-23. There’ll be live music, food and drink specials, dancing, bowling, discounted lift tickets and lodging deals. And, speaking of lodging, the FREESKIER has a little pro tip for you: stay at the brand-new Limelight Hotel. We had the pleasure of staying there during our Elevated Après Tour, and it rocked our socks off. It’s an incredibly nice place—decked out with clean, high-quality rooms, as well as a long list of attractive amenities: daily breakfast buffet, multiple lounges to enjoy food and drinks in, pool, hot tub, gym, spa, game room and ski shop. To top it off, pets are also welcome, so feel free to bring along your four-legged friends.
Learn more about the Sun Valley’s spring offerings, then read up on how to experience the area like a local via Lexi duPont’s tips, below.
How to rock a trip to Sun Valley like a pro, by Lexi duPont
Compiled by Connor Davis
Lexi duPont lives, breathes and eats Sun Valley—literally. The Idaho Native knows every single thing about the area, from the best places to stay to the tastiest food options to the best zones to shred. With this in mind, we caught up with her and came up with the information, below: everything you need to know to crush a trip to Sun Valley like a champ. Browse through and make plans to get out there ASAP.
Best inbounds line:
Limelight, for sure. It offers 3,000 vertical feet of perfectly-sustained skiing. When you stand at the top, you can see town just over your ski tips, and it’s so fun to rip top-to-bottom with all the homies. There are also some epic cat tracks if you feel like getting sendy.
Best out-of-bounds line:
Scorpion is a classic out-of-bounds run; you can see it perfectly from the base of warm springs. They even have a race down it on closing day that’s an experience not to be missed. Full face helmets and special scorpion skis are required for the thrill of a life time. I have yet to participate in the contest because it is so sketchy, but it’s on my life checklist, for sure.
Best groomer run:
Warm springs T to B. Sun Valley is known for its grooming; they have it perfected around here. Never do you run into a ice chunk and the seams line up perfectly. This top-to-bottom run is fast and smooth; I’m getting super stoked just thinking of blasting down that thing.
Best coffee shop at the mountain:
The Warm Springs Lodge. There aren’t that many options for coffee at the base of the ski hill but this place has coffee hot and ready so you can swoop in real quick and drink it on the lift.
Best coffee shop in town:
Java, for sure; the place has been a staple since before I was born. I basically grew up there, and their Bowl of Soul is to die for. They make this homemade whipped cream, too, that every visitor needs to check out. I’m not too into sweets but that cream is my guilty pleasure. They also have an amazing breakfast selection. Burritos, anyone?
Best breakfast spot at the mountain:
The Warm Springs Lodge, again. It has more of a local vibe and its two minutes from my house so its my go-to lodge, for sure. Two words: epic pancakes.
Best breakfast spot in town:
Esta’s. Esta is one of my mom’s best friends and she has been making delicious food in the valley for my entire life. It’s jewish-inspired food, so you know you are getting the finest quality. She makes the best avocado toast and mac and cheese you will ever taste.
Best lunch spot on the mountain:
Apple’s Bar & Grill, at the base of Warm Springs. No question about it, they have the best food on the hill. They have an amazing après–ski scene and strong local vibes. I don’t think there is a day I go skiing without swinging by Apple’s at the end of the day to catchup with friends; probably my favorite spot in all of Sun Valley.
Best lunch spot in town:
Sub Shack… Best sub you have ever tasted. Johnny, the owner, has a memory like an elephant. You tell him your name once and he will remember it for life. They have a huge selection, beer on tap and great energy. I don’t come home without swinging by to say “hi” to the boys there.
Best dinner spot on the mountain:
Round House Lodge is so beautiful and serves up delicious food. You take the gondola up and sit around a four-way fire place eating cheese fondue. It is definitely fancy and probably the best place to take a hot date. Make a reservation and wine and dine your lover there. It will be a highlight of your trip, for sure.
Best dinner spot in town:
Globus, for sure. Such an amazing selection of fine wines and Asian fusion food; I love the crispy fish and the ribs. It’s also next to the movie theater if you want to do dinner and a movie. Its my favorite girls’ night spot.
Best après spot at the mountain:
Apple’s Bar & Grill! Again, can’t go wrong with Apple’s. It’s the local watering hole; local ski memorabilia all over the wall, ski racing blasting on the TVs, tall boy Tecates, strong goggle tans and amazing burgers.
Best place to grab an afternoon drink in town:
Grumpy’s. It’s this super-funky burger joint that serves the classic Grumpy’s Sooner, massive beers that taste so good after a big day in the mountains. Grump’s also has perfect afternoon sun. Even in the middle of winter, you can sit outside, look at the ski hill and get a tan and buzz going.
Best nightlife spot:
The Casino, no doubt. Super old-school Idaho vibes with pool tables and a jukebox. But you have to play by the rules if you want the true Idaho experience and only drink Hamm’s Beer. I sometimes take it to the next level and order a Hamm-Tini. You don’t know unless you go… You can also catch the Sheep Bridge Jumpers playing there every once in a while. A bunch of local rock ‘n’ roll/bluegrass/country shredders who really put on a show and make you want to dance your ass off. It’s always a good time at the Casino.
