Sun Valley Resort Achieves First-Ever Dark Sky Lodging & Resort Certification for a U.S. Resort
Recognition positions Sun Valley at the forefront of sustainable mountain tourism, kicking off the first of more dark sky events and experiences to come
Sun Valley, ID. (July 13, 2026) — Sun Valley Resort has been recognized as a DarkSky Certified Resort, becoming the first resort in the United States to receive the designation through the DarkSky Approved Lodging Program.
The certification recognizes Sun Valley Resort’s commitment to preserving night skies through responsible lighting practices, environmental stewardship, and ongoing efforts to reduce light pollution in central Idaho’s high alpine environment. DarkSky International is the leading global nonprofit dedicated to combating light pollution and protecting the night environment. Through vetted and verified certifications, they recognize communities, parks, reserves and resorts that preserve pristine night skies through responsible outdoor lighting and public education.
“At Sun Valley, the outdoors has always been at the center of the guest experience,” said Pete Sonntag, COO at Sun Valley Resort. “Preserving the natural beauty of this place, including the night sky, is an important part of protecting what makes the experience here so special for future generations. We hope this certification raises awareness and positions Sun Valley as a model for how resorts can do right by the environment and their guests.”
With exceptional night sky visibility and a setting uniquely suited for stargazing and nighttime recreation, Sun Valley’s high alpine terrain creates rare opportunities to experience the outdoors after dark. As part of the certification process, Sun Valley Resort demonstrated compliance with DarkSky standards covering habitat protection, public awareness around light pollution, and lighting practices that limit artificial light across the mountain.
Beyond its own mountain terrain, the certification demonstrates that world-class hospitality and environmental stewardship can coexist industry-wide. Every guest who visits Sun Valley now has the opportunity to experience the impact of reduced light pollution firsthand, and to leave with a deeper appreciation for the night sky.
“We’re excited to recognize and celebrate Sun Valley Resort’s achievement as the first certified DarkSky Resort in North America,” said James Brigagliano, Lighting Program Manager at DarkSky International. “Their work demonstrates how resorts can protect the night through responsible lighting practices, enhancing not only the experience of guests seeking star-filled skies, but also the health of the surrounding nocturnal environment. We hope their leadership serves as a model for destinations around the world.”
Recommended Stargazing Viewing Spots
● Bald Mountain (Roundhouse) – The marquee experience with panoramic sky views above the valley light
● Anywhere out Trail Creek (east of Sun Valley) – A classic Sun Valley setting with open meadow views and minimal surrounding light
● Dollar Mountain Lodge – Wide open skies with a low ambient light footprint, perfect for stargazing without a telescope
● Sun Valley Resort – Resort-wide dark sky compliance means even the village offers a strong stargazing baseline – Check out the Sun Valley Pavilion Lawn, Whitecloud Trail System and the Hemingway Memorial areas.
● Galena Summit (nearby, Hwy 75) – One of the darkest spots in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, approximately 30 miles north of Sun Valley
For nearly a century, Sun Valley has drawn visitors seeking a blend of outdoor adventure, arts and culture, wellness, and connection to nature. From hiking, biking, golf, and fly fishing to open-air concerts, festivals, and alpine evenings under the stars, the Sun Valley community shares a deep connection to the outdoors and the natural beauty of central Idaho.
Future offerings connected to the certification may include guided stargazing experiences, astronomy-focused events, wellness offerings, and additional educational initiatives centered around dark sky preservation.
Stars Over Sun Valley – Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 9-11PM
Timed to coincide with the peak of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower, Sun Valley Resort will host a rare opportunity to ascend Bald Mountain on August 12th for an unforgettable evening at the iconic Roundhouse restaurant, surrounded by some of the darkest and most awe-inspiring skies in North America.
Set within the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the limited-space experience will feature a scenic gondola ride to mid-mountain, elevated bites and refreshments, immersive astronomy programming led by experts, and unparalleled viewing of the Perseids. As one of the first opportunities to experience Sun Valley’s newly recognized DarkSky Resort status, Stars Over Sun Valley promises a truly exceptional evening where mountain adventure, cosmic wonder, and luxury hospitality converge.
Tickets are $125 per person and include gondola access, food and beverages, guided astronomy experiences, and exclusive access to this landmark celebration under the stars.
The full list of summer events can be found on the Sun Valley Events Calendar.
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About the DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resorts Program
Founded in 2023 and recently expanded to include larger resort properties, the DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resorts Program sets a new standard in the travel industry by encouraging hospitality companies to protect and preserve the nighttime environment through quality outdoor lighting. The program recognizes destinations that actively safeguard the night while providing guests with awe-inspiring and educational experiences under dark skies. Learn more atdarksky.org.
About Sun Valley Resort:
Sun Valley Resort was founded in 1936 as America’s first destination ski resort. Located in the Idaho mountains, it is truly a four-season resort with a wide array of activities. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts enjoy world-class skiing, snowboarding, skating, hiking, biking, golfing, fishing, shooting, concerts, shopping, restaurants, and conferences, and special event space. Sun Valley is a member of The Grand America Hotels and Resorts family. Sister properties include Snowbasin Ski Resort, The Grand America Hotel, Little America Hotel (all Salt Lake City, Utah); The Westgate Hotel, San Diego, Calif.; Little America Flagstaff, Ariz.; Little America, Wyo., and Little America, Cheyenne, Wyo.
Sun Valley is served by Hailey’s Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN). The airport is located 14 miles from the resort and is easily accessed from six major cities: San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX), Salt Lake City (SLC), Denver (DEN), and Chicago (ORD). All Sun Valley Resort guests receive complimentary roundtrip airport transportation.
www.sunvalley.com | 800.786.8259 | @sunvalley | #sunvalley