After the completion of its first class lodge, Sun Valley encountered further fame for the installation of the world’s first chair lift.\xa0 As word of such luxury innovations spread, the resort quickly became frequented by the likes of Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, and Ingrid Bergman.\xa0 These black & white movie stars gave further luster to the shine that Sun Valley commanded among skiers of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.\xa0 Contributing to the celebrity refuge that was Sun Valley was a local post-Depression populace devoid of pop & circumstance whose unpretentious nature contributed greatly to the comfort of such notable personalities interested less in being photographed by the prying eyes of paparazzi than partaking in Sun Valley’s bucolic terrain and wonderful après & evening settings.\xa0

Attractive to tinsel-town’s favorite actors and actresses, many such personalities were also drawn to Sun Valley’s ski school, considered by many to have been the first fully developed instructional corps of its kind in the United States.\xa0 As such, it was not uncommon to find the likes of Ava Gardner, Lucille Ball, and Desi Arnaz, or Marilyn Monroe unpretentiously enjoying private instruction at on Sun Valley’s then primary hill, Dollar Mountain. \xa0\xa0Beyond the opening excitement of the resort in the late 1930’s the mid-century witnessed the rise of Sun Valley’s cache as host to the legendary Rat Pack led by the incomparable Frank Sinatra. The likes of Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. would descend upon the resort, turning it into their private winter oasis. \xa0Today such an atmosphere and magnetic pull has made Sun Valley the winter home of actor Tom Hanks and media maven, Oprah Winfrey, consistent attendees of the intimate Sun Valley Film Festival.

Ultimately, Sun Valley Resort's history is a tale of glamour, adventure, and enduring allure. \xa0From its humble beginnings and post-depression rebirth as a winter destination boosted by Union Pacific railroad travel, the resort has evolved into a mecca for both outdoor enthusiasts and skiing celebrities alike. \xa0As the sun sets behind its rugged Smoky Mountain peaks, Sun Valley continues to weave its unique legacy, inviting celebrities and alpine enthusiasts to partake in the magic of this timeless retreat where luxury meets the untamed beauty of Idaho’s natural surroundings. \xa0With rustic & Western roots Sun Valley’s appeal derives from its traditional & authentic gravity as an isolated locale where the celebrities of the 1950’s could let their hair down while basking in sun-filled winter recreation. \xa0Today, Sun Valley’s star continues to shine bright as a first among worldwide ski resorts while commanding an iconic history & legacy of luxury alpine tradition.