In the tracks of Sonja Henie
Sun Valley rolls out the red carpet for the ultimate Hollywood ski getaway
Image courtesy of Sun Valley Resort
Buses arrive at the fabled Sun Valley Lodge in 1941.
Lori Ann Reinhall
The Norwegian American
A ski vacation should be one of the highlights of your year, and you want it to be just perfect. You want beautiful accommodations, top-notch cuisine, unforgettable scenery, and world-class instruction on the slopes. And most of all, you want an unforgettable experience.
But if you can’t go all the way to Norway for your ultimate experience, you may find it closer to home in Idaho, at the famous Sun Valley Resort. There are many different vacation packages available, but the Sun Valley Film Festival Ultimate Hollywood Ski Getaway is hands down the most exclusive. Its combination of sports and entertainment will provide you with once-in-a-lifetime moments, with Hollywood heritage haunts, celebrity experiences, skiing with a legend, and the ultimate access to the Sun Valley Film Festival (SVFF).
Image courtesy of Sun Valley Resort
Movie poster for Sun Valley Serenade 1941.
On the celebrity trail
When you treat yourself to the ultimate luxury VIP getaway at one of the world’s most glamorous ski destinations, you will follow in the footsteps of Averell Harriman (Sun Valley’s founder), Ernest Hemingway, Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood—and, of course, Sonja Henie.
You will also have access to an exclusive experience during the Sun Valley Film Festival, where you will see the gems of the independent film circuit at one of the most sought-after places to be on the planet.
From the moment you arrive in the Wood River Valley, you will be treated like royalty. You will spend three nights at the historic and completely remodeled Sun Valley Lodge, home to the stars. You may find yourself in the Hemingway Suite, where Ernest Hemingway finished his famous novel For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940).
Each celebrity suite at the fabled lodge is a nod to its famous guests of the past, including Sonja Henie. The lodge has been restored with careful attention to detail and modern updates to ensure that nothing is lacking.
With cozy fireplaces, living rooms with flat screen HD TVs, and a large bedroom, you will experience comfort and luxury, from beginning to end. A sitting room features a pullout sofa, a spacious spa-like en suite bathroom, a huge closet for all your ski clothes—and much more.
The insider’s view
This ultimate package includes two SVFF Insiders Passes, the highest-level passes to the film festival, which provide priority access to all films, panels, and parties. Additionally, you will gain access to an exclusive private screening of a festival film in the historic Sun Valley Opera House.
You will also be invited to attend the SVFF Screenwriters Lab Cocktail Reception, hosted by Oscar-winning screenwriter Stephen Gaghan. In addition, two seats will be reserved for you at the head table for the coveted Vision Dinner. Previous honorees include Gwyneth Paltrow, Clint Eastwood, Geena Davis, Meg Ryan, and Oliver Stone. To get ready for your special night, you will be pampered at a personalized spa day at the luxurious Spa at Sun Valley.
And of course, there is the skiing. Experience early ups on Bald Mountain with your own personal ski legend: you can hit the slopes before the resort opens to the public, with lessons available from the best of the best. In the tracks of Sonja Henie, expect to find yourself skiing with a famous ski movie star or former national ski team member in the magical kingdom of Sun Valley.
The once-in-a-lifetime vacation is available for $20,000 per couple. Package dates are March 18-22, 2020. Space is limited and subject to availability. To reserve, call (310) 586-7111, or visit www.sunvalley.com to learn more about Sun Valley, with variety of vacation packages offered in a wide range of price points.
This article originally appeared in the February 7, 2020, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
