Friedman Memorial

Hailey, ID USA (KSUN / SUN)

Sun Valley was the brainchild of W. Averell Harriman, chief executive of the Union Pacific Railroad and future governor of New York. The businessman in Harriman was looking for way to build passenger traffic to the West, and the avid skier in him wanted a venue that evoked the old world charm of the Swiss and Austrian Alps. To these ends he commissioned a young count, Felix Schaffgotsch to scour the country for the perfect site, and in 1936 (after the likes of Aspen, Yosemite and Mt. Rainier were passed up) Ketchum was "discovered". In just 7 months and at a cost of $1.5 million, four-story lodge was constructed on the former Brass Ranch lands, and ski runs were created on Dollar and Proctor Mountains. (Bald Mountain wasn't even part of the original plans, as it was beyond the ski technology of the 1930's. Compare the current vertical drop of Baldy's runs at 3,400 feet with Dollar's 628 feet.)

Sun Valley's natural beauty and outdoor recreation continue to be complimented by its sophisticated amenities, a combination that has matured into a vivacious, cultural lifestyle. The area has attracted a more stable population of talented, professionals, including medical experts and information technologists, as well as those in the arts and entertainment industry. Visitors and residents can enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment on a par with large cities.

Another local innovator, is Access Air. Known as Idaho's, California's and Sun Valley's natural choice when it comes to rapid and professional air charter solutions, Access Air offers LearJet and Westwind service to and from the Bay Area of San Francisco as well as Boise and Sun Valley, Idaho. Access Air is also the proud sponsor of the Stockton (KSCK), Boise (KBOI) and Sun Valley (KSUN) as a regional air charter company staking its claim to its western airports.