February 10, 2018

The darkest sky around!

Central Idaho (including Sun Valley and Ketchum) was recently recognized as America’s fist Gold Tier- International Dark Sky Reserve. This means that the Wood River Valley and surrounding area is the most accessible and well appointed location to see breathtaking displays of the Milky Way, Orion, Cassiopeia, and many of the lesser constellations that are difficult to see anywhere else. http://www.idahodarksky.org/

With a new moon coming up next week (the 15th-17th) this is a great time to come to Sun Valley to experience the brilliance of the night sky. After your eyes adjust for long enough it is even possible to see without a flashlight because of the brightness of the stars reflecting up from the snow covered ground!

To experience the purest night we suggest making the trek over Galena Pass and getting into the Sawtooth Valley, the heart of the Dark Sky Reserve. The 1 hour drive from Sun Valley is so worth it, especially if you do your stargazing at the natural Sunbeam Hot Springs just outside of Stanley.

For a more elegant experience take a nighttime ride up the Roundhouse Gondola and have dinner at the historic Roundhouse Lodge. Built in 1939 and perched at 7,727′ on Baldy you will have an incredible view of Sun Valley/Ketchum below and the expansive night sky above.  https://www.sunvalley.com/dining/the-roundhouse/

However you choose to spend your time here in Sun Valley we hope you take a moment to look up and enjoy what so many people never get a chance to see!