Sun Valley
Ketchum / Sun Valley · Idaho · USA
1,036m
Vertical Drop
121
Runs
18
Lifts
900 ha
Skiable Area
508 cm
Avg Snowfall
Nov 2025 – Apr 2026
Season
Nearby town
Where workers live near Sun Valley
Closest first — click to see jobs & living info.
About
America's first destination ski resort, founded in 1936. Sun Valley's Bald Mountain is famous for perfectly groomed runs and consistent dry snow. A low-key, uncrowded alternative to larger resorts.
Terrain & Mountain Profile
Run Breakdown
Summit
2,789m
Base
1,752m
Vertical Drop
1,036m
Lift Breakdown
1
Gondolas
13
Chairlifts
4
Surface Lifts
Employment & Recruitment
Estimated Seasonal Staff
1,200–2,000
Main Employers
- Sun Valley Resort (resort operations)
- Sun Valley Lodge
- Sun Valley Inn
- Limelight Hotel Ketchum
- Ketchum restaurants & bars
- Sun Valley Ski & Snowboard School
Common Seasonal Jobs
Languages Required
- Visa Requirements
- International workers typically use J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (seasonal work) or H-2B temporary worker visa. J-1 requires a sponsor agency. Sun Valley Resort participates in J-1 visa hiring.
- Recruitment Timeline
- Hiring begins in September–October. Sun Valley Resort holds job fairs in early fall. Smaller resort community — positions fill moderately quickly.
Worker Amenities & Living
Staff Housing Available
- Cost of Living
- USD $300–$450 (housing, food, transport)
- Public Transport
- Free Mountain Rides public transit throughout Ketchum, Sun Valley, and Hailey. Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey, 15 min south. Boise 2.5 hrs.
Staff Perks
- Free or discounted season pass
- Staff meal discounts
- Pro deals on gear
- Staff events & parties
- Access to Sun Valley Lodge amenities (pool, ice rink)
Local Life & Community
- Après & Nightlife
- Low-key, upscale après. The Duchin Lounge at Sun Valley Lodge is classic. Whiskey Jacques' in Ketchum is the dive bar institution. Sawtooth Brewery taproom, The Casino (historic bar), and Grumpy's for burgers. Pioneer Saloon for steak dinners.
- Healthcare
- St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center in Ketchum with 24/7 emergency. Pharmacies in town (Atkinsons' Pharmacy). Larger hospital facilities in Twin Falls (1.5 hrs) or Boise (2.5 hrs).
- Shops & Services
- Well-stocked Ketchum with grocery stores (Atkinsons' Market, Giacobbi Square), banks, gear shops (Sturtevants, Backwoods Mountain Sports), and boutique shopping.
- International Community
- Small to moderate — some J-1 visa workers but smaller international community than major Colorado resorts. Strong local community with welcoming atmosphere.
Outdoor Activities (Non-Ski)
Nearby Towns
Ketchum
2 km awayThe town at the base of Sun Valley Resort — America's first destination ski resort (est. 1936). Ketchum has Hemingway heritage, excellent dining, and a relaxed Idaho mountain town vibe.
Open Positions
No jobs posted yet for this resort. Check back soon or sign up for alerts.
Browse all jobs at Sun Valley →Season
Nov 2025 – Apr 2026
Climate & Snow
- Winter Temps
- -14°C to -2°C
- Snow Reliability
- medium
- Snowmaking
- 30% of runs
- Avg Snowfall
- 508 cm/yr
Location
43.6977°N, -114.3514°W
Nearest town: Ketchum / Sun Valley