If L.A.’s perennial sunshine leaves you cold, warm up to Sun Valley, Idaho, home of world-class slopes, cozy lodges, and, at one time, Ernest Hemingway (“Papa” lived in neighboring Ketchum).
Even if Hemingway’s favorite suite (No. 206) at Sun Valley Lodge is booked, you’ll still find plenty of charm at the historic four-star resort, complete with a bowling alley and outdoor skating rink.
If you’d prefer Ketchum as your home base, the newly renovated Knob Hill Inn offers luxe chalet-style decor, in-room fireplaces, and free buses that shuttle guests around town.
Start off with a fireside feast at Cristina’s Restaurant and Bakery, where fine-tuned breakfast fare is paired with a side of low-key celeb spotting.
For midday munchies, grab a made-to-order deli sandwich and gourmet goodies at Main St. Market. Cornerstone Bar and Grill whets après-ski appetites with hearty seasonal dishes (beef short ribs, organic molasses-brined chicken) and handcrafted cocktails.
There’s gold in that thar Gold Mine Thrift Store (sartorially speaking, of course). Precious finds range from ’80s ski gear to designer cashmere, with a portion of sales benefiting the Community Library.
Speaking of books, swing by indie Iconoclast Books for new and used tomes, all things Hemingway, and a mug of locally roasted brew.
If you prefer a visual feast, stroll down Ketchum’s art gallery-checkered First Avenue (pictured is Gallery de Novo).
Serious trailblazers hit Bald Mountain for 645 acres of pristine powder.
After you’ve worked up a healthy thirst, snowshoe (or stroll) over to the divey Grumpy’s Burgers & Beers for a schooner of suds with the locals. Unwind hearthside with vino and artisanal cheeses at Sun Valley Wine Company. If you’re a fan of taxidermy (and who isn’t?), then The Pioneer Saloon, with its mounted menagerie, is your watering hole.
If you’ve exorcised your speed demons, head to Galena Lodge, a community-owned day lodge that offers snowshoeing as well as Nordic and backcountry skiing.
At the day’s end, defrost under a mound of blankets during a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride to dinner at the rustic Trail Creek Cabin.
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