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River Run Plaza

4.8
·164 reviews·Ketchum, United States

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-week mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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River Run Plaza - Image 1

River Run Plaza

Best Time

Mid-week mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow

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.

4.8
(164 reviews)

"The lodge offers a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking Lodge Interior

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

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

Live Après-Ski Music

River Run Day Lodge

Enjoy local and regional musicians during the winter season. The end-of-season party is legendary!

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds at River Run

Arrive early to snag a good spot and beat the morning rush, especially on weekends. Consider visiting mid-week for a more relaxed experience. The Sun Valley website can be tricky, so plan ahead for lift times and pricing.

Foodie Finds & Après Vibes

While prices can be high, the food at River Run Lodge is surprisingly good, with gluten-free and dairy-free options. Don't miss the cookies and bison chili. The lodge also hosts live music for après-ski, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Best Times

When
Mid-week mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, late afternoon
Why
Après-ski vibes kick in
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

Don't Skip the Cookies! 🍪

These simple, whole-food ingredient cookies are a crowd-pleaser and a delicious treat. Reddit

reddit.com

First time to Sun Valley possibly this February. Lodging suggestions?

reddit.com

Tips for First Time to Sun Valley?

Check for Live Music 🎶

Enjoy local musicians during après-ski. Check schedules for a lively atmosphere. Reddit

Gluten & Dairy-Free Options 🌱

The soup bar often features delicious gluten-free and dairy-free choices. Reddit

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. Reddit

Don't Skip the Cookies! 🍪

These simple, whole-food ingredient cookies are a crowd-pleaser and a delicious treat. Reddit

Check for Live Music 🎶

Enjoy local musicians during après-ski. Check schedules for a lively atmosphere. Reddit

Gluten & Dairy-Free Options 🌱

The soup bar often features delicious gluten-free and dairy-free choices. Reddit

Website Can Be Tricky ⚠️

Plan ahead as the official website may lack crucial details like lift times. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(164 reviews)

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

Cozy lodge atmosphere
Delicious bison chili
Amazing cookies

What People Dislike

High food prices
Useless website

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

River Run Lodge offers a welcoming environment for families. The cozy atmosphere and fireplaces provide a great place for kids to warm up after playing in the snow. The lodge's dining options include kid-friendly choices like pizza and the highly-praised cookies. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Sun Valley can be a pricier destination, River Run Lodge offers some value. The food, though noted as potentially expensive, is surprisingly good and offers hearty options like bison chili, which can be a filling meal. The amazing cookies are also a relatively inexpensive treat. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The River Run Day Lodge Experience

The River Run Day Lodge is more than just a place to gear up; it's a destination in itself. Visitors consistently rave about its warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere, highlighted by beautiful decor and crackling fireplaces. It's the perfect spot to escape the cold, refuel, and soak in the mountain ambiance before or after hitting the slopes. The lodge offers a full range of amenities, from morning coffee and hot chocolate to a substantial lunch menu and a well-stocked bar. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating Sun Valley's Website & Planning

Planning a trip to Sun Valley can sometimes be a challenge due to the user-friendliness of its official website. Several visitors have noted that the website can be 'completely useless' for essential information such as lift opening times and half-day pricing. This lack of readily available information means that travelers often need to resort to calling the resort directly or relying on community forums and word-of-mouth for crucial details. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit