
River Run Plaza
River Run Lodge: A cozy mountain hub with delicious food, live music, and stunning decor. Perfect for après-ski vibes and warming up by the fire.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

River Run Plaza
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
River Run Lodge: A cozy mountain hub with delicious food, live music, and stunning decor. Perfect for après-ski vibes and warming up by the fire.
"The lodge offers a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway."

Warm Up by the Fireplace 🔥
The lodge's fireplaces are a cozy highlight. Perfect for warming up after a cold day on the slopes.
Don't Skip the Cookies! 🍪
These simple, whole-food ingredient cookies are a crowd-pleaser and a delicious treat.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking Lodge Interior
River Run Day Lodge
Admire the stunning decor, roaring fireplaces, and cozy ambiance. A perfect spot to warm up before hitting the slopes.

Delicious Bison Chili & Cookies
River Run Day Lodge Dining
Indulge in hearty bison chili and amazing, simple-ingredient cookies. A must-try for a satisfying treat.

Live Après-Ski Music
River Run Day Lodge
Enjoy local and regional musicians during the winter season. The end-of-season party is legendary!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at River Run
Foodie Finds & Après Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Stay in Ketchum by lifts, or in the SV Lodge for spring skiing?
Warm Up by the Fireplace 🔥
The lodge's fireplaces are a cozy highlight. Perfect for warming up after a cold day on the slopes.
Don't Skip the Cookies! 🍪
These simple, whole-food ingredient cookies are a crowd-pleaser and a delicious treat.
First time to Sun Valley possibly this February. Lodging suggestions?
Tips for First Time to Sun Valley?
Check for Live Music 🎶
Enjoy local musicians during après-ski. Check schedules for a lively atmosphere.
Gluten & Dairy-Free Options 🌱
The soup bar often features delicious gluten-free and dairy-free choices.
Tips
from all over the internet
Warm Up by the Fireplace 🔥
The lodge's fireplaces are a cozy highlight. Perfect for warming up after a cold day on the slopes.
Don't Skip the Cookies! 🍪
These simple, whole-food ingredient cookies are a crowd-pleaser and a delicious treat.
Check for Live Music 🎶
Enjoy local musicians during après-ski. Check schedules for a lively atmosphere.
Gluten & Dairy-Free Options 🌱
The soup bar often features delicious gluten-free and dairy-free choices.
Website Can Be Tricky ⚠️
Plan ahead as the official website may lack crucial details like lift times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
River Run Lodge is praised for its incredibly warm and inviting atmosphere, featuring beautiful decor and cozy fireplaces. The food is surprisingly good, with unique options like bison chili and delicious cookies, and dietary needs are often accommodated. However, some visitors find the food prices to be high for the portion sizes, and the resort's website is noted for being difficult to navigate for essential information.
"Sun Valley's River Run Day Lodge is the place to be if you want to ski! It's a nice warm place to get ready to ski for the day. Everything you need is there. Coffee, hot chocolate, snacks for breakfast, an excellent lunch offering, a full bar, and if you're lucky, there might even be a live band playing, Yeehaw!"
John Rowe
"The food here is surprisingly good and made with quality ingredients. I love that they often have gluten free and dairy free options at the soup bar. The pizza is weirdly good. The cookies are amazing and made with simple, whole food ingredients. I highly recommend the bison chili. Plus, during the winter season they have Apres vibes featuring a rotation of local and regional musicians. The end of season party is also epic!"
Anthony Reese Schneider
"We went inside before going up the gondola and it's absolutely breathtaking inside. I loved the decor, the fireplaces and the overall vibe."
Karen Hoffman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
River Run Plaza is located at the base of the River Run Gondola in Sun Valley. If you're staying in Sun Valley, you can often access it via shuttle services or a short drive. Some accommodations, like the Sun Valley Inn, offer airport shuttles, which can be convenient for reaching the area.
Yes, there is typically parking available at River Run Plaza, especially for day visitors. Arriving early is recommended, particularly during peak season, to secure a spot.
Sun Valley offers various transportation options, including shuttle services that connect different areas of the resort. If you're staying at a lodge like the Sun Valley Inn, an airport shuttle might be included.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lift tickets can usually be purchased at the ticket windows at the base of the lifts, including at River Run Plaza. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Sun Valley website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on purchasing options and pricing, as the website can sometimes be difficult to navigate.
Sun Valley may offer various ticket options, including full-day and potentially half-day passes. Information on specific pricing and availability, especially for half-day tickets, might not always be clearly listed on their website, so direct inquiry is advised.
River Run Plaza typically opens in the morning to coincide with lift operations. The lodge itself offers services like food and drinks throughout the day. It's best to check the Sun Valley website or call for precise opening and closing times, especially for specific amenities like the bar or dining.
While River Run Plaza is a central hub, equipment rentals are usually available at dedicated rental shops within the Sun Valley resort area. It's advisable to confirm the exact location of rental services beforehand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
River Run Lodge offers a surprisingly good selection, including breakfast snacks, lunch options, and a full bar. Popular items include bison chili, pizza, and amazing cookies. They also often have gluten-free and dairy-free choices at the soup bar.
Yes, the lodge often provides gluten-free and dairy-free options, particularly at the soup bar, which can cater to vegetarian or vegan preferences. It's always a good idea to ask staff about specific ingredients.
While the food is generally well-regarded, some visitors find the prices to be on the higher side for what is offered. However, the quality and unique options like bison chili are often considered worth it by many.
Yes, River Run Lodge features a full bar, perfect for enjoying a drink after a day on the slopes. It's also a central spot for the lively après-ski scene.
📸 📸 Photography
The interior of the River Run Day Lodge itself is incredibly photogenic with its decor and fireplaces. Outside, the views of the surrounding mountains and the base of the gondola offer great opportunities.
Early morning light can be beautiful for capturing the lodge and mountain scenery. Late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, can also provide stunning light, and captures the lively après-ski atmosphere.
The combination of the rustic lodge interior, the majestic mountain backdrop, and the vibrant après-ski scene with live music offers many unique photo opportunities. Capturing the cozy fireplace ambiance is a must.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the lodge itself is family-friendly, parents should be aware that the official Sun Valley website might not provide all the necessary details for planning, such as specific lift ticket pricing or operating hours. It's advisable to call ahead or check community forums for the most accurate information to ensure a smooth family outing. The availability of gluten-free and dairy-free options is also a plus for families with dietary considerations.
💰 Budget Travelers
For budget-conscious travelers, consider visiting mid-week when crowds are lower and potentially prices for accommodation or activities might be more favorable. While the lodge itself has dining options, exploring nearby towns for more affordable meals could also be an option, though River Run's unique offerings are worth experiencing at least once.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The River Run Day Lodge Experience
The culinary offerings at River Run Lodge are a pleasant surprise for many. While some note that prices can be high, the quality of ingredients and the unique menu items often justify the cost. Standouts include the bison chili, which is frequently recommended, and surprisingly delicious pizza. For those with dietary restrictions, the lodge is noted for having gluten-free and dairy-free options, particularly at the soup bar. And don't forget the amazing cookies, made with simple, whole-food ingredients – a perfect sweet treat.
Beyond the food and comfort, River Run Lodge is known for its vibrant après-ski scene. During the winter season, the lodge frequently hosts live music, featuring a rotation of local and regional musicians. This adds a lively and festive element to the end of the ski day, creating a memorable experience. The end-of-season party is also described as particularly epic, making it a hub for both daytime activity and evening entertainment.
Navigating Sun Valley's Website & Planning
To ensure a smoother experience, it's highly recommended to plan your visit well in advance. Research accommodation options, considering factors like proximity to the slopes and included amenities like airport shuttles, as highlighted by travelers comparing the Sun Valley Inn and Best Western Tyrolean Lodge. When it comes to lift tickets, while they can typically be purchased on-site, confirming prices and availability beforehand is wise. Be prepared for potentially higher costs, as one review mentioned a $150 charge even with limited snow.
Despite these planning hurdles, the skiing experience itself is often praised. Visitors acknowledge that 'skiing was great for how much snow they had,' indicating that the quality of the slopes and the mountain experience can overcome some logistical frustrations. Focusing on the on-mountain activities and enjoying the amenities like the River Run Lodge can lead to a rewarding trip, even with a bit of extra planning required.
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