Sun Valley vs Schweitzer
One calibrated, SNOTEL-backed look at snowfall, forecast accuracy, and access — so you know which to ski.
Sun Valley
ID · 9,150 ft
Schweitzer
ID · 6,400 ft
Side-by-Side
| Metric | Sun Valley | Schweitzer |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Idaho ID | Idaho ID |
| Summit elevation | 9,150 ft 5,750 ft base | 6,400 ft 4,709 ft base |
| NWS accuracy grade | A NWS underpredicts | A NWS underpredicts |
| Calibrated season snowfall | 5" 12 storms | 60" 19 storms |
| Avg storm-day rate | 0.4"/day | 1.5"/day |
| Best storm | 25/100 Tracked | 58/100 Significant |
| Verified storms | 69 SNOTEL-verified | 171 SNOTEL-verified |
| Community reports | 6 TGR posts | 6 TGR posts |
| Nearest airport | SUN | GEG |
| Drive time | 0.25h 12 mi · SUN | 1.5h 80 mi · GEG |
| Access difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Pass | Ikon | Ikon |
Snowfall totals and NWS grades come from the same SNOTEL-verified data on each resort's own page. Blank or “pending” cells mean the data is still being verified — we never fill them with estimates.
The Verdict
Sun Valley and Schweitzer earn the same NWS accuracy grade of A, based on SNOTEL-verified storms.
Schweitzer got more snow this season — 60" of calibrated snowfall versus 5" at Sun Valley. Schweitzer also averaged 1.5"/storm-day.
Sun Valley is the easier trip — about 0.25h from SUN (Hailey), versus 1.5h from GEG for Schweitzer.
Best for
Sun Valley — quick-strike trips — the easier drive at ~0.25h from SUN.
Best for
Schweitzer — chasing the biggest totals — it out-snowed Sun Valley this season.
Local Knowledge
TGR Community IntelSun Valley
Local intel is still being compiled for Sun Valley.
Schweitzer
Schweitzer grooms aggressively during and after storms; firm corduroy conditions develop quickly.
FAQ
Does Sun Valley or Schweitzer get more snow?
Schweitzer got more snow this season — 60" of calibrated snowfall versus 5" at Sun Valley. Schweitzer also averaged 1.5"/storm-day.
Is Sun Valley or Schweitzer easier to get to?
Sun Valley is the easier trip — about 0.25h from SUN (Hailey), versus 1.5h from GEG for Schweitzer.
Which has the more accurate snow forecast, Sun Valley or Schweitzer?
Sun Valley and Schweitzer earn the same NWS accuracy grade of A, based on SNOTEL-verified storms.
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