STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Sun Valley has been the epitome of a winter wonderland since early November when the heavens opened and dumped a bunch of white gold on the valley.
But the fun quotient goes up today as Sun Valley Resort kicks off its Winter Wonderland Festival, as the resort shifts full steam ahead to Christmas.
Festivities begin today--Saturday, Dec. 10--and last through New Year’s.
SATURDAY, DEC. 10
Dollar Mountain is celebrating its opening from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with music, giveaways, a scavenger hunt, Sunny the Bear and more.
Over on Bald Mountain, the historic Roundhouse Restaurant has opened for the winter season. Those who wish a lunch with a view may avail themselves of a fondue and a signature cocktail.
Children can visit with Santa in the Boiler Room in Sun Valley Village from noon to 4 p.m. today. Children can also purchase and decorate cookies for $12.50 each while carolers add a festive note.
While there, vote on your favorite gingerbread house made by Wood River Valley residents—the top three will win between $1,000 and $3,000 for local nonprofits.
Don’t be afraid to shop, either! A percentage of all purchases at stores in the Village will support the local nonprofits 43 North, NAMI-WRV and the Senior Connection. The Shop for a Cause at Brass Ranch, Pete Lane’s Signatures, the Lodge Gift Shop and Panache will be held all day Saturday. Brass Ranch will have brand representatives on hand and will offer champagne and small bites.
A showing of “Elf” will take place at 4:30 p.m. at the Sun Valley Opera House. Tickets are $5, available at the Opera House or in advance at the Recreation Office in the Village.
And be sure to check out Sun Valley Lodge where Mark and Sean Sheehan are beginning to carve a trademark sun out of a block of ice.
THURSDAY, DEC. 15
Sun Valley Resort will present its 14th annual classic Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. at the Sun Valley Opera House. Tickets are $20 and $25, available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/14th-annual-classic-christmas-concert-tickets-467701225957?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
FRIDAY, DEC. 16
Local performers will take part in Sun Valley’s 14th annual Classic Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. at the Sun Valley Opera House. For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/14th-annual-classic-christmas-concert-tickets-467770984607?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
The resort will hold an Open Air Market from 2 to 7 p.m. near the Duck Pond with a variety of handcrafted one-of-a-kind gifts by local artisans. The Open Air Market continues on Saturday and Sunday.
SATURDAY, DEC. 17
Sun Valley Resort will hold its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony near the duck pond in front of the Sun Valley Inn.
The Faculty Lounge carolers made up of teachers from Sun Valley Community School will present a cappella versions of “Frosty the Snowman,” Christmas carols and, of course, “It Happened in Sun Valley” at 5:30 p.m. The tree lighting taking place at 6 sharp.
Meanwhile, the Open Air Market will continue from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ice carvers will show off their masterpieces. And there will be complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, as well as a cash bar.
SUNDAY, DEC. 18
The Open Air Market continues in Sun Valley Village.
FRIDAY and SATURDAY, DEC. 23-24
Enjoy Brunch with Santa from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sun Valley Clubhouse. There’ll be a special holiday buffet with kid-friendly dishes and live festive music. For reservations call 208-622-2919.
SATURDAY, DEC. 24
The Sun Valley Carolers will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. with Christmas favorites followed by a live, festive reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Then, Sun Valley ski instructors will color Dollar Mountain red as they snake down the mountain in their annual torchlight parade.
The parade will be followed by a fireworks show, and complimentary cookies and coca will be served on the Lodge Terrace.
There will be no Christmas Eve Ice Show this year as the outdoor and indoor rink are being outfitted with 10 miles of new plumbing. Sun Valley Resort hopes to reopen both venues by June in time for the popular summer ice shows.
SATURDAY, DEC. 31
Sun Valley will ring in the New year with a New Year’s Eve Night Skiing at Dollar Mountain.
There’ll be music under the stars and fireworks at 9. Lift tickets cost $50 for adults and $35 for kids (season passes are not valid for this night only.) Food and Beverage options will be available inside Carol’s Lodge.
OTHER HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS:
Apres Ski Live Music
December 17th, 23rd-24th & 27th-31st
River Run Lodge | 2-5pm | Free
Holiday Children's Storytelling with the Community Library
December 19th & 21st
Lodge Sun Room | 3:30-4:30pm | Free
Sun Valley Serenade Screening
December 19th & 20th
Opera House | 5pm | Free
Warren Miller's "Daymaker"
December 19th & 20th
Opera House | 7pm | $10 at the door
Feature Film: "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish"
December 21st-29th
Opera House | 4:30pm & 6:45pm | $12/adult, $10/child