Thursday, December 29, 2011

Gallery Opening with Tal Roberts and Mary Stratton

For the first time ever, Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty is opening their office doors to the public for the December 30, 2011 Gallery Walk. We are hosting two artists; Mary Stratton and Tal Roberts.

Both artists use very different mediums so be prepared for encaustic painting as well as black and white action photography. Please join us Friday December 30, 5:00 - 8:00 pm for art and beverages.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Warren Miller's "How to Prepare for the Ski Season"

Tom left his Skiing Heritage Magazine in my car the other day, and this was on the back cover:

How to Prepare for the Ski Season

10. Visit your local butcher and pay $30 to sit in the walk-in freezer for half an hour. Afterwards, burn two $50 dollar bills to warm up.

9.  Go to the nearest hockey rink and walk across the ice 20 times in your ski boots carrying two pairs of skis, accessory bag and poles. Pretend you are looking for your car.

8.  For ski boot simulation at home, put a pebble in your street shoes and tighten a C-clamp around your toes.

7.  But a pair of gloves and immediately throw one away.

6.  Go to McDonald's and insist on paying $6.50 for a hamburger. Be sure to wait in the longest line.

5.  Clip a lift ticket to the zipper of your jacket and ride a motorcycle fast enough to make it lacerate your face.

4.  Drive slowly for five hours - anywhere - as long as it's in a snowstorm and you're following an 18-wheeler.

3.  Fill a blender with ice, hit the pulse button and let the spray blast your face. You'd almost believe you're skiing in front of a snowmaker!

2.  Dress up in as many clothes as you can and then proceed to take them off because you have to go to the bathroom.

1.  Repeat all of the above every Saturday and Sunday. - Warren Miller

Source: Skiing Heritage Magazine

Submitted by Katherine Wessel of Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Tranquility: Teahouse, Wellness, Cafe... and mostly gluten free!

Every Tuesday morning we hold our office meeting at one of our current, and usually new listings.... this week was a bit different. We were invited to Tranquility.


Recently, one of our agents, Pam Colesworthy, began a new venture. Pam wanted to bring something new to the Valley, and stemming from her love of teas and healthy foods, thus became Tranquility.

“Tranquility will offer our customers a place to relax, enjoy and exhale from everyday stress with teas from all over the world, gluten free and non-gluten foods and boutique gifts,“ said Colesworthy. “Our goal is to serve as a community gathering place that provides a sanctuary for general wellness and learning through the healing properties of tea and related products.”


Tranquility Teahouse, locally owned and operated by Pam Colesworthy, a Ketchum resident for 20 years, is now open Monday-Saturday from 10:00am-7:00pm. Located at 580 Washington St. N. in Ketchum, the new business fills a much needed desire and demand as the only dedicated teahouse in The Wood River Valley.

Along with 30 varieties of teas, Tranquility will feature a tasting bar where customers can sample their choice of different teas, including green, black, macha, and chai. A menu of savory bites such as soups and salads, hummus, tofu and edamame, all made from different teas bases, will complement the selection of sweet treats. Tranquility also plans to offer beer and wine on their menu in the very near future.

Assisting Pam are two Ketchum residents, Sylvie Dore’ and Tobin Jutte. Sylvie is Tranquility’s Tea Master with extensive knowledge of teas and a special interest in the healing properties’ of teas and herbs. In the kitchen, Tobin is the Food Curator, creating savory bites, hearty soups, a variety of salads, Panini and sweet treats at Tranquility. Both Sylvie and Tobin bring their experience and talents to the teahouse, creating a delicious and comforting respite for all.  Source: Tranquility Press Release


Not only do they sell tea, treats and gluten-free snacks, there is also a variety of gifts priced from $5-$20 including Leakey Jewelry that supports a school in Kenya, Bath Petals products made with sea salt and essential oils, teas from Tao of Tea, tea ware from a number of producers, plus essential oils diffusers from Floracopeia. Their array of crystals is from a local world-wide collector, and the Five Bee Honey is as local as it comes, produced in Hailey, Idaho!
And don't forget to check out their facebook page for a sneak peek at the delicious food that is served, or their website for a complete list of items (teas and snacks) on their menu. You will be pleasantly surprised at the prices and the cozy environment.

Feel free to give them a call for daily specials, questions and more information! 208.726.0095.






Friday, December 16, 2011

The Other Type of Skiing



Video courtesy of bcrd.org

When thinking of Sun Valley you immediately think about the best Alpine skiing on the planet, however Sun Valley boasts world class Nordic skiing throughout the Wood River valley. With 240 kilometers of groomed trails that the Sun Valley Company and the Blaine County Recreation Districts provides. There are trails for all abilities that include several trails for our four-legged friends; dogs might even like Nordic skiing better than their masters. From January 28th through February 5th, Sun Valley sponsors Nordic Week that includes a 33 kilometer race called the Boulder Mountain Tour and lots of other fun Nordic events. Sun Valley and Galena Lodge offer Nordic ski instruction to help get you on your skis quicker.  This is a great alternative to Alpine skiing, yet it is very complimentary to Alpine skiing in the sense of balance and strength. To learn more about the wonders of Nordic skiing check out the Blaine County Recreation District’s and the Sun Valley Company’s websites; www.bcrd.org and www.sunvalley.com/mountain/nordic 

Submitted by Tom Heinrich of Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Sun Valley Holiday Tree Lighting

On Saturday, December 17, the giant christmas tree in the Sun Valley Village will light up the night sky for the holidays. Festivities will begin around 5pm in the Sun Valley Village with free hot chocolate, cookies, ice & snow sculpture displays, Christmas Caroling and a special visit by Santa! Source: sunvalley.com

A great holiday event to attend with your visitors or family.  Don't forget your camera the ice sculptures are amazing! 

See you there, Hollie

Thursday, December 8, 2011

This weekend we celebrate the snow, the sun and the people that make Powder Magazine


There’s a 40th Birthday Party happening in Sun Valley this weekend unlike any celebration you have ever been to.  Born in Sun Valley, Idaho in 1972, Powder Magazine was the radical idea of local ski patrolman Jake Moe who wanted to publish a magazine focused on the emotion and sensations of powder skiing, with a heavy focus on photos and awe inspiring imagery. Jake Moe was living in paradise in Sun Valley in the 1970’s and was surrounded by many cool skiers that inspired his quest for a new type of ski magazine.  With a lot of help from his brother and other friends in Sun Valley, Powder Magazine published its first issue in 1972.  Now Powder is widely regarded as the premier ski magazine around the world. Known as the Skier’s Magazine, Powder takes its readers on a skiing adventure around the globe, giving insight on the culture and emotion that the die-hard skier experiences every time he clicks into his skis.

This weekend, Powder editors, writers, photographers and guests are bringing the celebration to Sun Valley. With the marquee event on Friday night, The Powder Prom, you can expect to see locals and Powder fans alike dressed in their 70’s best to celebrate the people, the snow and the culture that founder Jake Moe wanted to praise through the pages of the magazine. The fun continues on Baldy Saturday, with a hot dog contest, then there will be a Powder cover auction at Ochi Gallery followed by a Powder Party. All of the weekend’s festivities will support the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation.  Hope to see you all in your retro suits for another great weekend in Sun Valley!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Luxury Rentals - Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty Rental Division

Sun Valley Sotheby’s International Realty introduces another fine service for our real estate clients; short term vacation and long term rentals! 

With our worldwide presence in the real estate marketplace, and the fact that we remain the market leader in real estate sales in the Sun Valley area, we are busy adding beautiful well appointed homes and condominiums to our rental offerings. 

Let us share with you our charming communities, natural beauty, limitless outdoor activities, fine shopping, cultural events, and relaxing pace. Our rental agents will secure the perfect property for your visit here in the Sun Valley area, and provide a carefree vacation experience for all members of your family and friends.

Featured below are rentals still available for Christmas, so act fast!
This beautifully designed furnished French-inspired stone and stucco cottage is located in a lovely, quiet neighborhood in Ketchum. The property is near Atkinson's Park, public tennis courts, and a public ice rink in winter. Sun Valley Rides provides free bus and van service area wide, with stops nearby. The open floor plan of the main floor offers a beautiful kitchen complete with custom cabinets, granite counters, Subzero, Dacor and Bosch appliances, stone floors, dining area, and living room with wood burning fireplace, and powder room. French doors open to stone terraces, and a beautiful private garden with hot tub. Main floor master bedroom has a soaking tub, shower and pedestal sink. French doors access the terrace and garden. A chestnut and iron winding staircase climbs to a carpeted landing with a seating area, second master bedroom with Queen four-poster bed, office/twin bedroom, bathroom with shower, WC, pedestal sink, limestone floors, and balcony. A finished basement with chest freezer, washer and dryer, storage with exterior access completes the cottage. A one-bedroom apartment with an efficiency kitchen, bathroom, and washer and dryer is accessed through a private entry over a detached two-car garage. Click here for photos and property details.



Quiet location in a popular Ketchum neighborhood. Three queen bedrooms, four bathrooms, one handicap shower, fully equipped kitchen, dining room with wood burning fireplace, and private fenced yard. Eclectic furnishings have a wonderful western feel of comfort and quality. Public tennis courts, ice skating rink in winter, and resort shuttle nearby. Attached garage adds convenience. Pricing varies with season. Click here for photos and property details.








Within minutes of the year round resort communities of Ketchum and Sun Valley, this expertly designed and furnished five bedroom home includes a main floor master suite with fireplace, his and her bathrooms, whirlpool tub and two showers, open dine-in chef's kitchen, gracious living room with fireplace, private study, office, laundry room and powder room. Four second floor bedrooms including a Queen with private bathroom, two twins with private bath with shower, suite with Queen room and twin room with large shared bath. 4500 square feet single family home in golf course community, Clubhouse with pool, spa, and tennis courts - Summer only. Zenergy Health Spa minutes away. Fully equipped kitchen with six burner gas cook top and griddle, two dishwashers, bar sink, warming oven, kitchen/dining area fireplace, breakfast counter with three bar stools, wood, marble and stone counter surfaces. Seating for eight at dining table with additional seating for four at breakfast table plus counter provides seating for fifteen guests. Click here for photos and property details.

This luxury three bedroom and four bath townhome at beautiful Ski View is available for rent. The design and quality of construction are superb. The property is located directly on Trail Creek, and lives up to its name with amazing views of Bald Mountain's River Run ski runs and the newly installed gondola. The sound of the creek can be enjoyed from the decks located on each level. This quiet retreat is accessed by a heated paver driveway, and features an attached heated two car garage. The home is professionally decorated with select local custom-made furnishings. Large windows embrace the panoramic views. Enjoy three flat screen high-definition televisions, including one in the lower level media room. Take time to relax in your private hot tub overlooking Trail Creek. The townhome enjoys a fantastic location. It's an easy few blocks walk to downtown Ketchum where you will find plenty of entertainment, dining and shopping. It's only a two minute drive to the River Run parking to enjoy your day of skiing. Otherwise, walk, jog, or bike to the trail. Don't feel like driving, just leave your car at home and hop the free shuttle bus near the Ski View entrance. The kitchen is well-equipped and features granite countertops, an island with bar stools, stained alder cabinets and stainless steel appliances. The built-in custom dining table will comfortably seat eight people. Enjoy the adjacent living room, sitting on the leather couch while reading or watching the flat screen TV located above the raised stone hearth fireplace. Relax in the lower level media/TV room complete with powder room, microwave and refrigerator. All three bedrooms are located on separate floors allowing for privacy throughout the home. The exquisite master suite is located on the top floor with views of Baldy and a large flat screen TV. A king size bed with luxury custom bedspread awaits you. The spacious master bath features oversized separate shower, soaking tub, and extensive use of marble throughout. An office area is available just outside the master bedroom. The second master enjoys a custom queen size bed with luxurious bedspread. The attached bathroom features extensive use of slate. The spacious hot tub is located on the adjacent deck overlooking Trail Creek and Baldy. The first floor bedroom features queen sized bunk beds and a large bathroom with separate sinks. There is plenty of closet space throughout. A generous walk in laundry room features side by side front load washer and dryer. Ski View also offers a community hot tub to its guests. Click here for photos and property details.

Please follow the link below to view all of our current rental properties: