Friday, September 20, 2013

Sun Valley ranked 4th best ski resort

Destination praised as a ‘five-star experience’


By GREGORY FOLEY
Express Staff Writer

SKI magazine’s Top 10 Western resorts

1)   Jackson Hole, Wyo.

2)   Deer Valley, Utah

3)   Vail, Colo.

4)   Sun Valley, Idaho

5)   Park City, Utah

6)   Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.

7)   Telluride, Colo.

8)   Steamboat, Colo.

9)   Snowmass, Colo.

10) Canyons, Utah


     Sun Valley may no longer be the singular choice of mountain resorts for big-time celebrities, but it is still considered one of the most elite ski destinations in North America, a recent survey of skiers suggests.

     In the October issue of Ski magazine, to be released this month, Sun Valley is ranked No. 4 of all ski resorts in the West, placing it above popular ski destinations such as Aspen, Colo., Steamboat, Colo., and Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia. The No. 4 ranking for 2014 moves Sun Valley up three spots from its No. 7 ranking last year.

     The classification came in the Colorado-based magazine’s annual “Reader Resort Survey,” which asks magazine readers to rate North America’s ski resorts based on categories that include snow conditions, nightlife, dining, grooming and terrain.

     On the magazine’s website, the story quotes one reader praising Sun Valley by saying: “No lines, incredible grooming and amazing scenery, not to mention gold-plated commodes and granite countertops in all the ski lodges. Sun Valley is a five-star experience.”

     Another reader said: “It is that perfect little ski town that you read about in books. With ice skating, shopping and dinner all within a short walk, this is a place you will enjoy visiting.”

     Sun Valley earned high marks for grooming (2nd overall), lifts (2nd), dining (2nd), on-mountain food (2nd), service (3rd), lodging (4th), overall satisfaction (5th), character (6th), and weather (8th). The overall ranking was brought down in the categories of accessibility (51st), snow (49th), and challenge (35th).

     Jack Sibbach, Sun Valley Resort’s director of marketing, said the resort—which often ranks in the Top 10—is proud to have garnered such a high rating from skiers and travelers.

     “We want to thank all of our employees and our guests whose contributions to this survey gave Sun Valley one of its best annual rankings,” he said.

     First in the reader survey was Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming. It was praised for its “go-for-it” vibe and wide variety of skiing terrain. Ski magazine readers rated Deer Valley, Utah, as the No. 2 resort, followed by Vail, Colo., at No. 3.




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