GALENA LODGE – ALL WRAPPED UP IN A RED BOW FOR CHRISTMAS!

You can see it now! The halls are decked, and the stockings are hung with care. Ho! Ho! Ho! You are spending Christmas in Sun Valley, Idaho – the most magical of all winter wonderlands where kids of all ages partake in the season’s joy. Ketchum and Sun Valley will be wearing their best festive greenery accented with over-sized red ribbons and twinkling lights. You have booked your travel arrangements. You have secured a rental car. You can almost feel the excitement and anticipation in the crisp, cold, winter air.

Yes, there is plenty of Alpine skiing and snowboarding on Baldy and Dollar. There are lessons and clinics. There is ice skating. There is Gallery Walk. There is adventuring out to natural hot springs. There are excellent coffee shops and cuisine sprinkled through town. Yes! A vacation in Sun Valley is pretty incredible. But, what can you explore during your vacation to make it even better? It sounds like a day trip to Galena Lodge might just do the trick.

A day spent at Galena Lodge will not only get your adrenaline going but also rejuvenate your soul. Approximately 30 minutes north of Ketchum, Galena Lodge is a picturesque and historic log structure boasting rustic charm, a gourmet restaurant, a ski rental shop, and an outdoor deck.  Situated just below the summit and offering extraordinary views at every turn, Galena Lodge is the hub of access to skate skiing, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing trails. Whether you choose to relax inside with a micro-brew and a delicious meal or tackle the trails, Galena Lodge is calling your name.  And, you are ready!

Galena maintains over 25 kilometers of snowshoe trails for all skill levels making it a great place to give this favorite sport a try. Imagine being deep in Idaho’s backcountry as you follow the twists and turns of a snow-packed trail exploring what’s around. There are towering pines. There are open meadows. There are peaks. There is wildlife. There are views unlike any other place in the world. Snowshoe outings can range from 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on your sense of adventure. A snowshoe trail pass costs $5 and dogs are welcome to tag along for free. Everything you will need is available for rental at the ski shop and guides are available.

Want to give Nordic a try? You are in luck! With the North Valley Trail System and the Boulders as a backdrop, Galena Lodge is in the middle of some of the best cross-country skiing trails in the country! I kid you not! There are over 50 kilometers of groomed trails perfect for all abilities and skill levels. There are mellow loops and steeper inclines. The Harriman Trail, 30 kilometers south of Galena, offers gradual rolling trails and views! Whether adventuring out for skate skiing or cross-country, this will be fun for the whole family.

Okay – so now you have an appetite! Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00pm, Galena Lodge serves lunch from11:30am to 3:30pm. Occasionally, Galena Lodge will host dinners for special occasions like Thanksgiving, New Year’s, and Valentines.  They work with mother nature to plan Full Moon Dinners and their favorite wineries for the occasional Wine Dinner. Depending on your travel dates, check their calendar to see what’s cooking – literally and figuratively. And, if you can make it for dinner, bring your skis (or rent theirs) for a little après dinner adventure on the trails. Either way, you will add to the flavor of the night and your Christmas in Sun Valley experience.