Ketchum, Idaho

Ketchum, Idaho, United States

Today, people still flock to Ketchum and Sun Valley both to relax and to seek adventure. Sun Valley is home to one of the country's most famous ski resorts, and Ketchum is considered the gateway to the Sun Valley Resort and the Sawtooth Recreation Area. Ketchum is also located close to the natural wonders of Big Wood River and parts of the Boise, Challis and Sawtooth National forests, thus providing visitors with a multitude of opportunities for fishing, hiking and trail riding.

Population:

2,689

Currency:

$1 U.S. Dollar = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

911

Opening Hours:

Newspapers:

Idaho Mountain Express
Ketchum Keystone
The Weekly Sun

The City

Both Ketchum and nearby Sun Valley are located in Wood River Valley, a region which is home to the Sun Valley Ski Resort, the Sawtooth National Forest, and the river from which it gets its name, Big Wood River. Originally named Leadville, Ketchum was founded in 1880 and grew around the lead and silver mining operations located there.

Named after David Ketchum, a famous local fur trapper and guide, the city of Ketchum has held onto the wild west spirit David Ketchum embodied. Once a prosperous mining town, Ketchum shifted its economy to sheep ranching and shipping once its mining operations subsided in the 1890s because of the decline in the price of silver.

Sun Valley isn't just for the rich and famous. It is consistently ranked in the top 10 ski resorts in the West by SKI Magazine. Despite its popularity, there are never lift lines because of the resorts' high capacity lifts. In total, Sun Valley is home to 33 mountains summits and peaks. It's central peak is Bald Mountain, which has a base elevation of 5,750 feet and a summit elevation of 9,150 feet. Also popular is Dollar Mountain, which is considered by skiers to be one of the best mountains in the world on which to learn the sport. Perfect winter weather conditions plus the world's largest automated snowmaking system give Sun Valley a long ski season, and its mild summer temperatures create the opportunity for outdoor fun for the family all year long.

Do & See

Aside from the abundant outdoor winter and summer activities available thanks to the Big Wood River, the Sawtooth and Charles National Forests and the Sun Valley ski resort. Ketchum and the Sun Valley region are full of activities for the whole family. A rich history and thriving art scene provide a multitude of cultural diversions.

Dining

It may not seem like the kind of place where epicures would feel right at home, but Sun Valley has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to culinary trends and innovation. Using local ingredients and sustainable practices was the norm in dining here for years, and the proprietors of the more than 100 restaurants in the area utilize the area's agricultural resources to create menus suited to every taste.

Cafes

Of course, there's a Starbucks. Aren't they everywhere these days? The big chains get some competition, though. There are some outstanding independent coffee shops and bakeries, each with something you won't find anywhere else.