Baldy

Day 2:
So bright and early we checked out of The Lodge and headed out to the mountain. Now I'd recommend parking on the side that is right off the main drag and not on Warm Springs road. There's a upper parking lot that is further away and the lower one right next to the lodge. The reason I recommend this side is because all the best runs are on the sunny side of the mountain and Warm Springs is not the sunny side. Now even though we got our tickets as a gift I would still recommend staying at The Lodge and getting your ski package though them because it is incredibly cheaper than the lift tickets alone, and you have the bonus of an overnight stay!
The ski lodge was very fancy and had a nice outdoor fire you can relax at if you get hurt ( which I unfortunately did) and if you think ski lodge food is expensive elsewhere then double it in Sun Valley ouch! So I'd recommend packing some food. But they did have dollar canned beers which was nice, but back to the mountain. The best part was by far the gondola! I've never ridden on one and it was awesome! Everyone was very nice to us and the ride was beautiful, warm, and relaxing to the top! And did I mention fast! I'm telling you I think every mountain should have one of these!
Now we were there a little early in the year and a little early in a bad snow year to top it off so all the snow there was man made. Now if the man made snow is fresh it's not so bad but if it's been gone over at all it turns rock hard and very icy! In that case I'd highly recommend following the snowmakers all the way down the mountain for the best ride especially if the natural snow isn't so good! Now I also noticed that I was one of the only snowboarders, I later found out that this is because the mountain is so steep and gets so hard it is much easier to maneuver on skis. I rode the gondola and then took the lift to the top and I loved how long we had on the mountain before having to ride back up! Best mountain and lift ride experience but worst snow this time but it was worth the trip because the mountain is something you really have to see! I was told there is about 3000 feet from top to bottom and you can feel it! Your ears will pop every time you ride the gondola! It was great! The snow (as I mentioned earlier) was rock hard and I hurt my tail bone very severely third run of the day so I was bummed out I couldn't ride anymore but I will definitely save up a little to try this again next year! Over all it was a fairly budget friendly trip and I would live to try it again! I hope you learned all you were looking for and check out these places! Until next adventure!

If you want to come check it out visit http://skibaldmountain.com/

Sun Valley Continued

If you are ever in the Sun Valley/ Hailey area the first (or last depending on where you are coming from or going) place you need to eat at is called the Snow Bunny. It's the best burgers you can find with a super cheap price! Everyone who eats there always seems to be in a great mood so the crowd is nice and they have a fire place ( or pellet stove I can't remember right now) that is so nice in the cold mountain weather!
When I was out exploring the town I dropped by Whiskey Jacques' for a drink. It had a fun atmosphere with a live band and games such as pool, air hockey, foosball, and a couple little racing games that are always fun. If you are ever looking for it the prices weren't bad and it's right on the main drag so you really can't miss it.
Now for dinner this is the place that you really have to check out if you want a local experience! The bartender at the lodge recommended it to us and I'm so glad we went. This place is called Grumpys. It's just a little hole in the wall joint that serves 32 oz beers for dirt cheep and awesome, cheep food for a steal in Sun Valley standards. Or anywhere for that matter. Everyone there seems to know each other and the place is full of atmosphere and character. It's right there on Warm Springs Rd. ( which if you are unfamiliar with the area it's the road that lines up with the main drag and the restaurant that looks like a train car.) and while you're at it if you keep going down Warm Springs Rd might as well keep going and take a soak in Frenchmen's Hotsprings. Just go all the way and you can't miss it ( and it's free!) anyways back to Grumpys I'll post some pictures of the place but you really need to check it out for yourself to know what I mean.
To finish off the night I walked back to my car (another thing I forgot to mention- this is an awesome place to go walking everywhere it's often sunny and everything is nice and close- very fun) and noticed an awesome park I didn't even see in the day time. It has everything you need including; benches, warmth from three nice fires, and clean bathrooms with soap and running water all right there! This is right next door to the Starbucks ( which is also very nice inside) and I love it so much I wish every town had a park like this! I'd spend so much time there. Why invite your friends over to your cramped house when you can be warm in the great outdoors! Well that was all in day one. If you want to know more about how world famous bald mountain was check out my next post and don't forget to look at this days pics!

Sun Valley Trip

 I don't have a lot of money but love to go and do. My awesome friends got me a trip to stay at the lodge and ski package for a present this year so I found myself in a new opportunity to explore Sun Valley like never before! Usually I've had quite a time issue so spending the night was awesome. The lodge is a fun classy place with an amazing hot pool that anyone could appreciate! I love that when in the pool you couldn't even see the other side due to the size of the pool and the steam in the air. Also at The Lodge I heard there was $4 margaritas so I went to take advantage and met a super nice bartender that was super helpful at giving me suggestions on cheep entertainment while I was out and about. After getting a nice drink ( that can be delivered to the pool also btw) I headed to town to sightsee. The first place I hit was Tully's Coffee to see if my picture was still there. If you are ever in Sun Valley go check it out- my brother is a photographer and the large print of a girl in a sunflower on tile is me in 2001! The funny part about that place is my friend and I actually had more fun running through the hallways behind the coffee shop then actually in the coffee shop ( the kid in me I suppose) just follow the bathroom sign and you'll know what I mean. Next we headed out to see the art shops and stores which is always sorta fun. Check out my next post to hear about the best places we found food and drinks!