Sun Valley, Idaho - Hidden History Unveiled

This episode explores the fascinating history of Sun Valley, America's first destination ski resort, delving into its pioneering innovations, celebrity connections, and transformation from mining town to world-class winter destination. The story begins with indigenous tribes who inhabited the Wood River Valley for over 10,000 years, before gold discovery in the 1870s brought dramatic changes. In 1935, Union Pacific Railroad chairman W. Averell Harriman envisioned creating a luxury ski resort rivaling European destinations. His vision materialized when Austrian Count Felix Schaffgotsch discovered Ketchum's perfect combination of reliable snowfall, abundant sunshine, and stunning mountain backdrop.
The resort revolutionized skiing with the world's first chairlift, ingeniously adapted from banana boat loading systems. Sun Valley quickly became a celebrity hotspot, hosting luminaries like Ernest Hemingway, who completed "For Whom the Bell Tolls" in the lodge. Through decades of innovation and expansion, including serving as a naval hospital during World War II and pioneering ski instruction techniques, Sun Valley evolved into a comprehensive mountain destination. Today, the resort balances tradition with cutting-edge technology, featuring extensive snowmaking capabilities, solar panels, and electric snowmobiles. Looking ahead, Sun Valley continues setting industry standards while maintaining its historic charm, scheduled to host the World Cup finals in March 2025.