* WHAT...Light to moderate valley snow and heavy mountain snow. Several inches of accumulation below 7,000 feet, including 5 to 8 inches in Stanley and Ketchum. One to two feet accumulation above 7,000 feet, including two feet on Galena Summit. Wind gusts as high as around 45 mph. * WHERE...Big Lost Highlands/Copper Basin, Frank Church Wilderness, Sawtooth/Stanley Basin, and Sun Valley Region. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Winter is finally waking up at Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain this December 18, 2025. Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain is a top-rated ski resort in Idaho, offering some of the best ski trails in the region.
Wind
Humidity
After a slow start to the season, with snowpack depth lagging 74% below average at just 4", skiers can look forward to a much-needed change in conditions. Overnight temperatures touched a crisp 18.7°F, and snowmakers have been working overtime to bolster the base. Nature is also lending a hand—4.5" of fresh snow is forecasted in the next 24 hours, with totals building to a promising 35" over the next five days. That means powder days could return just in time for the holidays, finally opening up more terrain and improving coverage across Dollar Mountain.
In local updates, the resort has officially opened more terrain on Dollar, thanks in part to enhanced snowmaking and the approaching storm system. Despite a delayed opening, Sun Valley is ramping up for a dynamic season, bolstered by new amenities and safety enhancements. With a 51% chance of La Niña in play, long-term forecasts hint at improved snowfall patterns. Visitors are encouraged to grab discounted winter passes before the window closes and stay updated on safety advisories. For now, pack your powder skis—winter is ready to deliver.
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 9am. the snow could be heavy at times. high near 37. south southeast wind 3 to 8 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Sun Valley - Dollar Mountain is expected to receive up to 35.07" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley - Bald Mountain
Idaho is seeing significant snowfall accumulation in central and south-central regions, with the heaviest 5-day forecasts concentrated near ski areas like Vienna Mine (43”), Cool Creek (40”), and Chocolate Gulch (39”). Banner Summit and Atlanta Summit, near the Sawtooth and Boise National Forests, are both expecting 39” of snow this week. Brundage Mountain Resort, adjacent to Bear Basin and Brundage ... Read more