A fresh start to 2026 is underway at Sun Valley – Dollar Mountain, where skiers are ringing in the new year under chilly skies and soft turns. Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain is a top-rated ski resort in Idaho, offering some of the best ski trails in the region.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight temps dipped to a frosty 29°F, maintaining a modest snowpack depth of 19 inches—about 20% below average for this time of year. Despite the lean base, snowmakers have been working overtime to bolster the terrain, keeping beginner-friendly slopes groomed and rideable. Light snow is expected today with 1 inch forecasted in the next 24 hours, followed by a dusting through midweek. But the real excitement builds later this week: forecasts call for a significant 16-inch snow event over the next five days, promising deeper powder and improved conditions as the new year unfolds.
Recent news highlights include the long-anticipated opening of Dollar Mountain this weekend and the unfortunate cancellation of the torchlight parade and ice show—though the celebration continues with New Year’s fireworks and snow flurries lighting up the valley skies. With season passes now on sale and a growing snow base on the horizon, there's never been a better time to visit. Whether you’re returning for history-rich trails or discovering the mountain for the first time, Sun Valley is ready to welcome riders with open lifts and winter charm.
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
Northern Idaho is seeing the heaviest new snow and forecasts this week. The Schweitzer Basin near Sandpoint is forecasted to receive up to 16 inches of snow over the next five days, with a current snowpack of 43". Nearby sensors at Bear Mountain and Hidden Lake show similar snow activity, with 5-day forecasts of 19" and 22", respectively, making Schweitzer ... Read more