Sun Valley in May

Winter is peak season for obvious reasons. December through February brings the best powder, but also the biggest crowds and highest prices. January can be brutally cold – we're talking single digits – but the skiing is pristine. March and April offer a sweet spot: still great snow, longer days, and slightly lower rates. Plus, you might catch the famous Sun Valley Film Festival in March. Summer transforms the place completely. June through September means hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing. The Sun Valley Music Festival runs July through August, bringing world-class classical and jazz performances to outdoor venues. Hotel rates drop by half, and you can actually get dinner reservations. Here's what locals know: September is magical. Aspens turn golden, crowds thin out, but weather stays warm enough for hiking. Many restaurants and shops close briefly in November and May – the shoulder seasons when even locals take vacations.