Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain is ringing in the new year with solid early season conditions and a promising snow forecast. Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain is a top-rated ski resort in Idaho, offering some of the best ski trails in the region.
Wind
Humidity
As of January 2, 2026, the snowpack sits at 19 inches—about 15% above average for this time of year—setting a strong foundation for the weeks ahead. Temperatures dipped to 28.9°F overnight, maintaining the integrity of the snow. While the past 72 hours only brought a light 1.2 inches of fresh snow, skiers can look forward to a major refresh: the 5-day forecast predicts a generous 16 inches on the way. The Snow Water Equivalent measures at 5.8 inches, indicating a dense and healthy snowpack ideal for carving smooth turns across groomed runs.
Skiers and riders at Dollar Mountain will also benefit from Sun Valley Resort’s continued investment in terrain and instruction. The ski education program is gaining accolades, and the Snowsports School has been called the best in the region. Off the slopes, the area buzzes with events and activities, adding to the vibrant winter atmosphere. While nearby Bald Mountain has seen recent accidents making headlines, Dollar remains a safe, family-friendly alternative with softer terrain and expert instruction. With a winter storm warning pending and La Niña’s influence on the horizon, now is the perfect time to hit the slopes.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Chocolate Gulch.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Sun Valley Ski Resort in Idaho is located in the Wood River Valley and is surrounded by several mountain ranges. The most pertinent mountain range to the ski resort is the Pioneer Mountains to the west. This range includes peaks such as Hyndman Peak and Cobb Peak. To the east of the resort, the Boulder Mountains rise up with peaks like Taylor Peak and Kent Peak.
Dollar Mountain is the smaller of the two main mountains at Sun Valley Ski Resort and is known for its beginner and intermediate ski runs. It has a vertical rise of 628 feet and is popular for its terrain park and halfpipe. Sun Valley Resort itself is known for its diverse terrain and challenging runs, with Bald Mountain being the main mountain for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Bald Mountain has a vertical rise of 3,400 feet and offers a variety of runs, from groomed cruisers to steep mogul fields.
Overall, Sun Valley Ski Resort is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, providing breathtaking views and diverse terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
The mountain features a variety of runs for skiers of all levels, with many intermediate-level trails. An interesting fact about the resort is that it was the first destination ski resort in the United States, opening in 1936. For beginners, the resort's "Graduate" run is a great place to start. The resort also boasts a vibrant après-ski scene, with The Duchin Lounge and The Ram Bar being popular options for drinks and entertainment. Overall, Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain is an excellent choice for skiers looking for a rich history and fantastic skiing.
Established | 1937 |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Night Skiing | No |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow, mainly after 2pm. high near 39. light and variable wind. chance of precipitation is 80%. total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain is expected to receive up to 16.69" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley - Bald Mountain
Idaho ski conditions are shaping up for an excellent week, with several areas forecasting significant snowfall. The heaviest totals are expected in the northern and central regions. Hidden Lake and Lost Lake in northern Idaho lead the pack with 5-day snowfall forecasts of 23–25", impacting Schweitzer Mountain Resort near Sandpoint, which is expecting 20" and currently has a deep 45" ... Read more