In the early-and-mid 1800s, people flocked to the area to soak in the mineral-rich waters and hunt for gold. While they found very little gold, they found vast veins of lead and silver and began operating large mining camps. By the dawn of the 20th century, tourists had left, and the mining craze was over. Then, ranchers staked their claim to the land, where they raised over 2.65 million sheep. Only Sydney, Australia, had more sheep exports than this valley. Unfortunately, sheep ranching did not require a lot of people, and Sun Valley saw the population dwindle to about 100 people. Learn more by touring the Sun Valley Museum of History, located in a building that workers constructed for the U.S. Forest Service in 1913.
Union Pacific Railroad Chairman Averell Harriman instructed Austrian sportsman Count Felix Schaffgosch to build America's first destination ski resort. He reported back that Sun Valley was the perfect location because of its seclusion, cheap land, and the lack of people. He purchased 3,888 acres, formerly part of the Brass Ranch, at $4 per acre in 1937, and workers constructed a ski lodge within a year. Harriman decided to find a better way to get people up the mountain. Union Pacific engineer Jim Curran had watched workers load bananas onto boats in the Bahamas using a lift, and he adapted the technology to create the first chair lift. Workers installed three of them at this secluded location. Harriman hired Steve Hannagan, who had previously done the marketing used to attract people to the new town of Miami Beach, Florida, to market the new ski facility, and Hannagan named the area Sun Valley.
The city instantly became a hit with Hollywood's elite, except that there was not enough snow during the resort's early months to ski. Therefore, the elite organized some of the first après cocktail parties. These parties usually happened in the Sun Valley Lodge in a room decorated by Marjorie Duchin, one of New York City's most powerful socialites. You will want to head to the lodge to wine and dine at the establishment and see the historic photos hanging on their walls in the room that still has many Duchin-installed features. In 1939, Harrigan heard that Ernest Hemingway was in Montana on a hunting trip, and he sent his assistant to find Hemingway and offer him free room and board to come to Sun Valley. He agreed and completed For Whom the Bell Tolls while staying in the lodge. A year later, Hemingway returned and auditioned Clark Gable to star in that movie. As Hemingway, seen as America's greatest novelist at the time, sent out publicity photos, they each carried a marking showing Sun Valley as their location, and soon many more flocked to the valley to see what Hemingway was enjoying.
Sun Valley Music Festival – Participate in classical music workshops and hear symphony orchestras perform at this three-week festival held at various venues in Sun Valley.
Trailing of the Sheep Festival – Watch ranchers herd sheep down Sun Valley's main street before participating in family games and shopping with vendors during this festival.
Sawtoothfest – This June festival held at Festival Meadows kicks off summer in Sun Valley with a beer garden, live entertainment, and outstanding food.
Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival – For over 50 years, people have been flocking to this weekend festival held in Atkinson Park to visit art vendors from across the United States.
A unique, pet-friendly, and low-budget way to explore Sun Valley, Idaho, is with an RV from RVshare.Sun Valley, Idaho, is a destination that has something for everyone. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or cultural experiences, plenty of sights are worth exploring in this beautiful area.One notable attraction in Sun Valley is the Hemingway Memorial. The famous author Ernest Hemingway spent many winters here and even wrote part of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" during his visits. The memorial honours Hemingway's legacy and features displays about his life and work.If you're looking for outdoor activities, don't miss Dollar Mountain. This ski resort offers excellent terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, as well as other activities like tubing and ice skating. During the summer months, Dollar Mountain transforms into a mountain bike park with lift-served access.Another must-visit destination in Sun Valley is the White Clouds mountain range. This area boasts stunning views and plenty of hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.Whether you're visiting Sun Valley to hit the slopes or enjoy the scenery, there's no shortage of things to do and see here. So pack up your RV and come explore this beautiful region for yourself!
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Sun Valley, ID, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Sun Valley?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Sun Valley from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Sun Valley?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.