Sun Valley Resort
Sun Valley, Idaho
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By Roger Cox, Editor |
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Notwithstanding its reputation as a winter destination, Sun Valley 
is if anything even more appealing in summer. The ice-skating rink behind the fabled lodge operates year-round, but from June into fall it has to compete with tennis, golf, mountain biking, flyfishing, and a host of mountain recreation.
Its complex of 18 hard courts adjoins a large recreational swimming pool a short walk from the lodge. The outside deck at the modest pro shop has views across some of the courts at the grassy slopes of Bald Mountain.
Tennis Features
Pro Shop: 208-622-2156
Though its summer season is relatively short, Sun Valley runs a solid set of programs on its 18 hard courts, including occasional appearances by former touring pro and U.S. Davis Cup Captain Tom Gorman. Mark Frisby, who has run Nike Junior Tennis Camps in the valley for years, took over operation of the Sun Valley Tennis Center in the summer of 2001 and has infused new life into the programs. Game matching, once perfunctory, is now handled with aplomb as staff makes calls to other guests and local members. Attendance is up too in the three-hour morning clinics, the ladies days on Friday, and the Monday evening exhibitions and round robins. Families can get reduced court fees, and there are both Nike Junior Tennis Camps and two Nike Adult Camps during the summer.
"People come because they really like our staff," says Frisby. "We're trying to spend more time with those who come for one or two weeks and getting them involved with tennis. And we've really tried to get the local people involved so they're playing with the out-of-town people."
Other Recreation
Golf Courses.
Sun Valley Golf Course: Robert Trent Jones, Jr. redesigned these 18 holes back in 1980, but as recently as 2001 Golf Digest still regarded it as the No. 1 course in Idaho. Its fairways cross Trail Creek seven times, a natural repository of stray shots as are the ominous and well-positioned bunkers. 6,846 yards, Par 72.
Spa & Fitness Center. Sun Valley Village has a, frankly, minimalist fitness center, containing little more than a few cardiovascular machines and some free weights.
And ... Recreation within the resort includes the ice skating rinks, an equestrian center, a gun club, an Olympic-size swimming pool adjacent to the tennis center, and a bowling alley (downstairs in the Sun Valley Lodge), while the valley itself has a wealth of hiking, biking, and mountain bike trails, kayaking, fishing, and much, much more.
Children's Programs
The resort runs a summer day camp for kids ages 6-14 and a half-day or full-day Playschool for those as young as 6 months.
Lodging
The classic place to stay is, of course, the fabled Sun Valley Lodge. Built in 1936, this historic four-story hotel is a short walk from the tennis center. Its 148 rooms have French country interiors and furnishings, marble baths, and large-screen televisions. Otherwise options include the Sun Valley Inn, standard and deluxe condominiums, and cottages.
Restaurants
Options in the resort village range from delis to the Lodge Dining Room, but for more memorable cuisine head into town to places like the ever-popular Pioneer Saloon (steaks), Big Wood Bread Bakery (breads, homemade granola, soups, and sandwiches) or Michel's Christiania, to name a few.
Calendar
July 11-14, 2013: Nike Adult Tennis Camp
ussportscamps.com/tennis/nike/adult-nike-tennis-camp-at-sun-valley-resort/ Phone: 800-645-3226
For information and booking, visit US Sports Camps and say you were Referred by Tennis Resorts Online.
July 15-19, 2013: NIKE Junior Tennis Camp
ussportscamps.com/tennis/nike/nike-tennis-camp-at-sun-valley-resort/ Phone: 800-645-3226
This camp for kids ages 5 to 18 accepts players of all skill levels and includes an option for those 10 and under. For information and booking the camp, visit US Sports Camps and say Referred by Tennis Resorts Online.
July 22-26, 2013: NIKE Junior Tennis Camp
ussportscamps.com/tennis/nike/nike-tennis-camp-at-sun-valley-resort/ Phone: 800-645-3226
This camp for kids ages 5 to 18 accepts players of all skill levels and includes an option for those 10 and under. For information and booking the camp, visit US Sports Camps and say Referred by Tennis Resorts Online.
July 29-Aug. 2: NIKE Junior Tennis Camp
ussportscamps.com/tennis/nike/nike-tennis-camp-at-sun-valley-resort/ Phone: 800-645-3226
This camp for kids ages 5 to 18 accepts players of all skill levels and includes an option for those 10 and under. For information and booking the camp, visit US Sports Camps and say Referred by Tennis Resorts Online.
Aug. 5-9, 2013: NIKE Junior Tennis Camp
ussportscamps.com/tennis/nike/nike-tennis-camp-at-sun-valley-resort/ Phone: 800-645-3226
This camp for kids ages 5 to 18 accepts players of all skill levels and includes an option for those 10 and under. For information and booking the camp, visit US Sports Camps and say Referred by Tennis Resorts Online.
Aug. 12-16, 2013: NIKE Junior Tennis Camp
ussportscamps.com/tennis/nike/nike-tennis-camp-at-sun-valley-resort/ Phone: 800-645-3226
This camp for kids ages 5 to 18 accepts players of all skill levels and includes an option for those 10 and under. For information and booking the camp, visit US Sports Camps and say Referred by Tennis Resorts Online.
See Also
If you like the sound of Sun Valley, also check out these mountain resorts:
- The Bridges Family Resort & Tennis Club, Vermont
- Northstar California, California
- Sunriver, Oregon
- Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire
- Wintergreen Resort, South Carolina
Rates and Reservations
There are several choices of lodging: the famous Sun Valley Lodge, which has rooms and suites; the nearby Sun Valley Inn; two categories of condominiums—Standard, which have 1 to 4 bedrooms; and Deluxe, which include Lodge apartments and 2- or 3-bedroom units—and Cottages, which range in size from 2 to 5 bedrooms.
P.O. Box 10
Sun Valley, ID 83353
Travel Essentials
Travel Instructions. The resort is 12 miles north of Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey. Horizon Air and Delta's SkyWest provide service via such gateways as Boise, Seattle, and Salt Lake City. Ground transportation to the resort is available from Sun Valley Express (1-877-622-VANS). There are also several rental-car agencies at the airport.
General Tourist Information. For information about vacationing in Sun Valley, contact the Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 2420, Sun Valley, ID 83353; 800-634-3347.
"beautiful place"—J.J., Adv., April 2012