STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Sun Valley was designated as America’s first destination ski resort in 1936. Now, the resort has achieved another first—that of the nation’s first DarkSky Certified Resort.

The certification, awarded by the DarkSky Approved lodging program, recognizes Sun Valley’ Resort’s commitment to preserving night skies through responsible lighting practices and ongoing efforts to reduce light pollution in central Idaho’s high alpine environment.

The resort plans to follow up by providing guests and locals with guided stargazing experiences, astronomy-focused events, wellness offerings and educational initiatives centered around dark sky preservation.

While Sun Valley is being recognized as the nation’s first Dark Sky Resort, it was midday when photographers assembled on Bald Mountain slopes near Lookout Restaurant to capture the Total Solar Eclipse.

The first will be Stars Over Sun Valley, an opportunity to ascend Bald Mountain for the annual Perseid Meteor Shower on Aug. 12.

“At Sun Valley, the outdoors has always been at the center of the guest experience,” said Pete Sonntag, COO at Sun Valley Resort. “Preserving the natural beauty of this place, including the night sky, is an important part of protecting what makes the experience here so special for future generations. We hope this certification raises awareness and positions Sun Valley as a model for how resorts can do right by the environment and their guests."

Sun Valley’s high alpine terrain is located in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, which spans 1,416 square miles within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Established in 2017, it is the first and only gold-tier International Dark Sky Reserve in the United States, offering exceptional night sky visibility.

As part of the certification process, Sun Valley Resort demonstrated compliance with DarkSky International standards covering habitat protection, public awareness around light pollution and lighting practices that limit artificial light across the mountain and resort.

A Sun Valley Resort chef got into the hullabaloo, donning his eclipse glasses.

"We're excited to recognize and celebrate Sun Valley Resort's achievement as the first certified DarkSky Resort in North America," said James Brigagliano, Lighting Program Manager at DarkSky International. "Their work demonstrates how resorts can protect the night through responsible lighting practices, enhancing not only the experience of guests seeking star-filled skies, but also the health of the surrounding nocturnal environment. We hope their leadership serves as a model for destinations around the world."

Stars Over Sun Valley, from 9 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, will include a sunset gondola ride to the historic Roundhouse at 7,700 feet on Bald Mountain. There, participants will enjoy elevated bites, decadent desserts and beer, wine or a dark sky cocktail. An immersive astronomy program will be led by experts sharing stories, science and celestial wonders coupled with unparalleled viewing of the Perseids from Bald Mountain.

Guests will have access to professional-grade telescopes for up-close views of planets, constellations, star clusters and distant galaxies while keeping their eyes on the Perseid Meteor Shower, known for producing dozens of bright meteors an hour.

Tickets are $125 per person, available at https://www.sunvalley.com/events/stars-over-sun-valley/.

A ballcap showing Sun Valley trademark sun commemorated the Total Solar Eclipse.

Additionally, Sun Valley Resort is recommending these Stargazing Viewing Spots for guests:

●  Bald Mountain (Roundhouse) – The marquee experience with panoramic sky views above the valley light

●  Anywhere out Trail Creek (east of Sun Valley) – A classic Sun Valley setting with open meadow views and minimal surrounding light

●  Dollar Mountain Lodge – Wide open skies with a low ambient light footprint, perfect for stargazing without a telescope

This youngster even made sure his rubber chicken was appropriately outfitted to look at the eclipse while paragliders circled around him.

●  Sun Valley Resort – Resort-wide dark sky compliance means even the village offers a strong stargazing baseline - Check out the Sun Valley Pavilion Lawn, Whitecloud Trail System and the Hemingway Memorial areas.

●  Galena Summit (nearby, Hwy 75) – One of the darkest spots in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, approximately 30 miles north of Sun Valley