The Spread:
Since 1936, Sun Valley has drawn European royalty, Hollywood stars, and America's most accomplished athletes both winter and summer. Its four thousand acres encompass mountain peaks, rolling hills, and meadows blanketed with wildflowers, and at the heart of it all is a charming village. The resort has Idaho's top-ranked golf course and the ski slopes here are legendary.

At historic Sun Valley Lodge, guests "rough it in luxury." Each of the 148 rooms features French country décor and marble bathrooms. For more space, book one of the resort's 82 condos or one of the six cottages.

Why Families Love It:
Ice skating in summer? You bet, when you're talking about the rink where skating's biggest stars have trained and performed. Rent skates and rub elbows with aspiring athletes practicing their routines. Or bowl a game at Sun Valley Lodge Bowling Alley, then take in a movie at the Opera House. Resort guests have use of three pools and two fitness centers; on Bald and Dollar mountains enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and horseback riding. Guests 12 and older can practice trap shooting at the Gun Club, while tennis-loving families can join clinics for adults and kids at the renowned Tennis Center.

Sun Valley also has a licensed day care center (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday; ages six months to two years: $74 for half-day, $92 for full day; potty trained and older: $65 for half-day, $76 for full day). Kids six to 14 can join the Summer Camp (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; half-day costs $65, full day $76), with activities include swimming, ice skating, chair-lift rides, hayrides, paddle boating, and fly-fishing clinics.

Special Events & Activities:
June to September, Olympic and world-class skaters perform in Sun Valley's Saturday ice shows. Shows start at dusk and last about an hour, making them a good bet for all ages.