A Snowy Ski Trip to Idaho

My adventure in Idaho took me to Boise and Sun Valley, where I got to explore a zoo in the snow, ski down a mountain, and enjoy fun treats in the village! Even though it was cold, I had an amazing time playing in the snow and trying new things.

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Road Trip from Boise to Sun Valley

After visiting Boise, we took a road trip to Sun Valley, which was about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

🚗 Driving through rural Idaho – The drive was really cool, with wide-open landscapes, snow-covered hills, and quiet small towns along the way.
❄️ A peaceful and scenic ride – Seeing the Idaho countryside covered in snow made the drive feel like a winter wonderland!

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: A long drive can be a great time to relax with music, an audiobook, or just watching the scenery.

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Exploring the Boise Zoo

My trip started in Boise, Idaho, where I visited the Boise Zoo. It was small but really cool!

🦁 Lazy animals in the snow – Since it was cold and snowy, most of the animals were sleeping or just relaxing.
🎠 A tiny but fun carousel – The zoo had a really small carousel, but it wasn’t moving because of the snow. Even though I didn’t get to ride it, it was still fun to see!
❄️ Snow-covered zoo – Walking around a zoo in the snow was a new experience for me, and it made everything feel so peaceful!

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: The Boise Zoo is small and easy to explore, making it great for visitors who don’t like big, overwhelming spaces.

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Staying at the Historic Sun Valley Inn

We stayed at the Sun Valley Inn, a beautiful and historic hotel in Sun Valley Village.

🏨 A hotel with history – The Sun Valley Inn opened in 1937 as part of the first destination ski resort in the U.S.. It has welcomed famous guests, including Hollywood stars, Olympians, and even U.S. presidents!
❄️ A cozy winter retreat – The inn felt warm and charming, with classic ski-lodge vibes and a perfect location right in the heart of the village.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: The Sun Valley Inn is calm and relaxing, making it a great place to unwind after a busy day.

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Sun Valley Village – A Winter Wonderland!

After arriving, I explored Sun Valley Village, a beautiful ski village with twinkling lights and fresh snow everywhere!

🏔️ Exploring the village – There were cute shops, restaurants, and places to sit by a warm fireplace.
❄️ Playing in the snow – It was a cold and snowy day, and I just had to run around and play in the snow!

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: Sun Valley Village is a great place to walk around at your own pace, with lots of quiet spots to take a break.

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Skiing at Dollar Mountain

One of the best parts of my trip was skiing at Dollar Mountain!

🎿 Great for beginners – Dollar Mountain is perfect for beginner skiers with a bunny slope that wasn’t too crowded.
⛷️ Lifts for all levels – There’s a short run for first-time skiers and a longer beginner run with a chair lift for those ready for a bigger challenge!
🏡 A historic ski lodge – Right at the bottom of the mountain is the ski lodge, an old chalet with a lot of history, where you can rent your ski gear and grab a bite to eat.

🎟️ Lift Tickets: $139 per day
🎿 Ski Rentals: Prices varied from $40–$60 per day, depending on promotions and rental packages.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: Skiing can be a great sensory-friendly activity because the snow muffles loud sounds, making the mountain feel calm and peaceful.

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Shopping at The Toy Store & Sun Valley Chocolate Foundry

After skiing, I explored some of the fun shops in the village!

🧸 The Toy Store – Sun Valley’s Toy Store is filled with fun games, puzzles, stuffed animals, and cool souvenirs!
🍫 Sun Valley Chocolate Foundry – This chocolate shop has a history, making delicious handmade chocolates for visitors to Sun Valley.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: If the shops feel too crowded, taking breaks outside in the fresh air can help reset before going back in.

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Eating at The Ram Restaurant

One of the highlights of my trip was eating at The Ram Restaurant in Sun Valley!

🍽️ Delicious food! – I ate so much amazing food, and it was one of my favorite meals of the trip.
🏡 A cozy atmosphere – The restaurant felt warm and welcoming, which was perfect after a cold day in the snow.

💙 Autism-Friendly Tip: If restaurants feel too noisy, asking to sit in a quieter corner or bringing headphones can make the meal more comfortable.

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Final Thoughts on My Idaho Adventure

Boise and Sun Valley were both awesome places to visit! I loved seeing animals in the snow, skiing on the mountain, playing in the village, and eating amazing food.

Would I go back? Yes! Sun Valley was the perfect place for a winter adventure, and I’d love to ski there again.

Until next time!

💙 Avery