SUN VALLEY, Idaho — Skies were blue and slopes were packed Thursday at Sun Valley, as the resort kicked off it’s 89th season. Hundreds brushed off the gear and rode the four open lifts, unveiling terrain from the summit to the lodge.
Mountain enthusiasts of all ages came out – not just to enjoy the slopes but to spend time together on Thanksgiving, as well.
“Everyone's happy, everyone's friendly,” said John Garrison, who has been skiing at Sun valley since 1968. “Sun Valley is a bubble, and it's a really good bubble.”
The resort has 19 lifts altogether – which are all expected to be open by Dec. 13, if conditions permit. Thursday was about getting everyone back out on the slopes to enjoy time outside, and together.
“It’s great to see the home crowd here and renew old ski friendships every opening day,” Garrison said.
The day started with live music from a DJ – and breakfast at River Run Lodge before heading up the mountain. Lifts stayed open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and then skiers and snowboarders enjoyed "après” by the fire inside – with Sun Valley’s Thanksgiving buffet from 3 to 9 p.m.
“You can never beat the first day on the mountain,” snowboarder Ki Irvine said.
Sun Valley is also celebrating a new lift – a 6-pack chairlift with expanded base area. The resort said it’ll reduce ride times and lift lines once it opens – which is dependant on snow conditions.
Season passes are still available, or you can purchase daily lift tickets online, before going to the mountain. For information about lessons and live trail updates, you can download the Sun Valley app.