SUN VALLEY

city in Blaine county, Idaho, U.S. Sun Valley is a famous year-round recreation area and winter sports resort along the Big Wood River in Sawtooth National Forest, just east of Ketchum. Because of its fine snowpack and calm weather, it was developed by the Union Pacific Railroad, which built Sun Valley Lodge (1936). The skiing slopes of Dollar and Baldy mountains are protected from north winds by the Sawtooth Range. Elevation ranges from 6,000 feet (1,830 m) at the valley floor to 9,200 feet (2,800 m) atop Mount Baldy. Pop. (1992 est.) 997.