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Sun Valley, Idaho Facts:
- County: Blaine
- Coverage Area (Total): 9.9 sq. miles
- Elevation: 5,945 ft.
- Population: 1,406
- Cities/Towns covered in local Names and Numbers Phone Book: Bellevue, Carey, Fairfield, Hailey, Ketchum, Stanley, Sun Valley
Sun Valley History
Sun Valley, developed by W. Averell Harriman in 1936, is considered the first destination winter resort established in the United States. Harriman was chairman of the Union Pacific Railroad at the time, and the town was primarily developed to increase passengers on Union Pacific trains in the West. The nearby location of the ever-popular Bald Mountain was one of the reasons for the site being selected to host the resort. Sun Valley was official incorporated in 1947.
The term "Sun Valley" is commonly used to speak of the region surrounding the city, including the areas of Ketchum and Hailey. From 1942-46, the resort was closed and converted into a hospital for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Over the years, many of Hollywood's elite celebrities have owned seasonal homes in the Sun Valley area, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, Clint Eastwood, and Bruce Willis.
Sun Valley Attractions
Sun Valley maintains a variety of attractions including:
