Winter Chic

THE VIBE
Old Hollywood meets Western mountain charm and winter sports chic.

THE TRIP
Three women on an adult Spring Break Ski Trip! Soaking up the scene and lazy relaxing hours from coffee to cocktails was our mission. Skiing optional.

Fun fact: Sun Valley is the country’s first ski destination and has attracted the Hollywood elite for the past 80 years. Hence the photos of famous faces framed in the Lodge and mention of famous residents. We had our eyes peeled for Bruce Springsteen and Tom Hanks, just in case!

WHERE TO STAY
There is no ski-in, ski-out in Sun Valley. Sun Valley Lodge is the center of it all where everyone staying in townhomes and condos on the property goes for spa appointments and cocktails. The pool, heated like a giant hot tub, is the place to be for at least an hour of aprés ski!

Shuttle buses run frequently so getting to and from the slopes and downtown for dinner and back is easy. We shared a Lodge King Suite. Perfect for 3 or 4.

WHERE TO EAT
The Pioneer Saloon for prime rib, Cabernet and a loaded Idaho spud potato! Reminiscent of the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole but more intimate. An old gambling house with all the Western feels, The Pioneer is a classic must!
The Pioneer Saloon, 320 North Main Street, Downtown Ketchum

Sushi on Second tantalized our desires for fresh fish and umami cravings, starting with sake cocktails and quail egg shooters. Specialty rolls and a few maki at Sushi on Second refueled us on more than one night for the next big breathtaking day.
Sushi on Second, 260 Second Street, Downtown Ketchum

Lunch everyday was sandwich-or-salad casual at the base or you can book a reservation to have a lunch on the mountain. We also plummeted into many baskets of chips with guacamole back at the Lodge!

BUT FIRST, COCKTAILS?
Margaritas abound in Sun Valley—a spicy mezcal margarita was our cocktail jam nearly every aprés ski!

If shopping around Downtown Ketchum, the Warfield Distillery & Brewery hit the spot for a few cocktails before dinner. We also recommend a Bloody Mary break at the River Run ski lift base in between skiing runs—and by late night, it was all about espresso martinis and “cheers” boomerangs!

SHOPPING SUN VALLEY
If you need to up your accessory game or invest in chic ski clothes, you won’t be stuck. Shops are plentiful and do not disappoint!

We loved Panache in the Sun Valley Resort Village for cute sweaters and contemporary lines. The Pete Lane’s location at the mountain base is where to shop for ski clothes and gear from luxe lines like Perfect Moment and Goldbergh.

HOW TO PACK FOR SV LIKE A PRO
The vintage ad campaign “Sun Valley: winter sports under a summer sun” was never a misnomer. It’s bright and sunny and was so warm during spring break, we didn’t need half of the layering pieces we packed!

Be a minimalist
Your aprés-ski boots will be comfy and appropriate everywhere, even to dinner. Resist the temptation to pack too many of one category. Aprés-ski style is an art but packing five pairs of sunglasses and multiple goggles will weigh you down.

Hats, plural
You’ll need a wide brim for sun, a beanie for warmth and your coolest trucker hat. Pro tip: fur ball beanies are twice the price in shops around Sun Valley. Here’s the same style I packed by Hola Guava. Wear the wide brim on the plane.

Fanny pack, yes
If you plan to ski (You can easily just shop, take tennis lessons or spa all day till aprés ski), don’t forget a nylon fanny pack for essentials.

 SPF!
Only truly essential skincare is needed like sunscreen and Vitamin C serum.

Bathing suit not optional
The thought of getting in a swimsuit made us nauseous, but you will regret not having one for hot tub cocktails. I packed a rash guard and swim legging set by Mott50 for both sun protection and coverage. We rocked hotel robes to and from the pool!

Add bling!
Sun Valley ski style is as bold as you want to be! We made a Milk Punch-style splash with our “ApresSki” nameplate necklaces and bedazzled insta-worthy goggles on the mountain.