Sun Valley, ID debuts new 380 acre area - Sunrise Zone

Sun Valley Idaho just turned up the stoke levels to 100 with the opening of their new terrain area Sunrise Zone. What used to be a backcountry / sidecountry area is now part of the actual resort. New chairlifts and new terrain is probably the most exciting news to come out of resorts and a major draw card for new visitors. This is part of the reason why Sun Valley, ID was awarded best resort in the west in the 2021 Ski Mag annual awards. We cant wait to visit Sun Valley when borders open up again to see what excitement is hidden within this resort.After getting 51” of record breaking Idaho powder in the 7 days leading up to the opening (Feb 3 2021) the lucky ones who got to be there would have been in for a treat!.Here is the full breakdown from Sun Valley, ID.380 Acres of Exciting New TerrainTucked away in a quiet nook on Bald Mountain’s southern flank, a hidden wonderland of skier’s delight awaits. Glide peacefully down a sun-drenched bowl. Dance through perfectly-spaced trees. Jam down steep chutes. Increasing Bald Mountain’s lift serviced terrain by nearly 20%, Sunrise is the first major terrain expansion on Baldy in over two decades.The expansion, which adds 380 acres of exciting new terrain, includes lengthening the gradually-pitched and oh-so-smooth Lower Broadway run, adding 25 high-efficiency snowmaking guns and opening up some of Baldy’s best and most challenging terrain, including a wide-open bowl and extensive tree skiing. Completed in the fall of 2020, our new high-speed detachable Broadway lift has replaced the resort’s oldest chairlift, Cold Springs (#4). The new lift, rising 1582 vertical feet in just over a mile, provides a seamless transition from the base of Lower Broadway run and the new Sunrise zone to the Roundhouse Restaurant, Roundhouse Express Gondola, and Christmas chairlift (#3). Accessed via Seattle Ridge, the new Sunrise zone has long been known by tight-lipped Sun Valley locals for its secret powder stashes, challenging rock drops, steep chutes, and epic corn skiing, and the expanded lift access to this area further establishes Sun Valley’s Bald Mountain as a crown jewel of destination ski resorts and a must-visit for every passionate snow rider. Demonstrating their deep commitment to creating the best possible ski experience and maintaining the natural legacy of this historic and world-class mountain resort, the Holding family has steadfastly pushed this expansion through to completion, and now you, our valued guests, get to reap the rewards. Enjoy! OverviewThe ski area within a ski area. A special place to glide down a wide-open bowl, navigate through trees, and descend steep chutes. The new Sunrise terrain has increased Sun Valley Resort's skiable area by over 380 acres.

Image - Sun Valley This project involved replacing the resort’s oldest chairlift, Cold Springs (#4), with a new high-speed detachable quad lift named Broadway, providing a seamless transition to the Roundhouse restaurant, the Roundhouse Express gondola, and Christmas (#3) chairlift. For those who prefer groomers and gradual pitches, the Lower Broadway run has been extended to reach the new chairlift and is lined with 25 new high-efficiency snowmaking guns.Work began in 2018 with the re-routing and redevelopment of the Cold Springs mountain bike trail, grading of the Lower Broadway run, tree removal, and excavation work. The project continued in summer 2019 with new snowmaking guns placed along the extended Lower Broadway run, glading of heavily-treed areas, and other terrain enhancements. The installation of utilities and the new Broadway chairlift took place during summer 2020.LocationThe location is in both USFS and BLM areas.The project is completely within the current Sun Valley Ski Area Special Use Permit.

Image - Sun Valley HighlightsReplacement of the Cold Springs (#4) ChairliftThe main purpose of the project was the replacement of the Cold Springs (#4) chairlift, the oldest lift still operating at the resort.The new Broadway chairlift is a high-speed detachable quad that has a vertical rise of 1582 feet and a total length of 5535 feet.It provides a seamless ride from the new lower lift terminal to the Roundhouse.Lower Broadway (similar width and gradient as existing ski run) has been extended by 4,200 feet.Increased Skiable TerrainSkiable acreage within the Sun Valley Resort boundary has increased from 2,054 acres to 2,434 acres thanks to the new Sunrise zone.Access is from the top of Seattle Ridge, where skiers and riders may descend into Sunrise Bowl, then proceed north for access to extensive tree skiing.Increased SnowmakingIncreased snowmaking with 25 highly-efficient snowmaking guns extending down Lower Broadway to the base of the new lift's lower terminal.Rerouted and Improved Cold Springs Mountain Bike TrailThe Cold Springs mountain bike trail has been rerouted and improved with more singletrack and shaded riding.Make sure you follow us on our socials!