Sun Valley Ski Resort
Sun Valley, Idaho

With vast terrain on which to ski and snowboard and (unsurprisingly) an abundance of sunny days, it's clear why the Sun Valley area, in the Northern Rockies Region of south central Idaho, is consistently ranked among the continent's favorite ski resorts.

Resort stats: Started in 1936 by the Union Pacific Railroad company, Sun Valley was America's first destination resort. The resort has more than 2,000 skiable acres, with lots of ski instructors and runs for inexperienced skiers. Less vertical pursuits abound as well, including ice skating, cross-country skiing and sunset gazing. Sun Valley Village's bus system makes it easy to bop around town.

When to go: The resort stays open from Thanksgiving Day to the end of April each year.

Image courtesy Sun Vallley Ski Resort

Visit www.sunvalley.com for more information.