Elkhorn resort begins $5 million in renovations

By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer

A $5-million renovation to Sun Valley’s Elkhorn Resort began last week with the ground breaking for a new golf course clubhouse near the base of the Elkhorn lift.

The clubhouse and other scheduled improvements will constitute the resort’s largest renovations to date and are planned to be completed by late December.

"We want to be known as the accommodation of choice among any major U.S. ski market," said John Korpi, general manager of the resort. "To do this, we intend to carve a distinctive niche that will take us beyond current market positioning."

To carve this niche, the main lodge, lobby, restaurants, conference facilities and existing guest rooms will be updated. The new golf clubhouse will include a pro shop, expanded teaching and practicing facilities and a new putting green.

The improvements are planned to capitalize on the region’s history, according to a resort press release.

Shoshone-Bannock and Nez Perce Native American influences, local onsite mining heritage and the flavor of the western cowboy are expected to add to the character of the resort.

"Elkhorn Resort is committed to Sun Valley as a destination," said Helmut Horn, president of the Coastal Hotel Group, the resort’s management company. "The property’s makeover is one way the resort is demonstrating a willingness to move forward and be a valuable component to this Sun Valley lodging community."