Blue Collar Partners with Iconic Ski Resort

Count Felix Schaffgosch arrived in the Valley on January 16, 1936. The Count had been hired by Union Pacific Chairman, Averell Harriman, to scout the West for the finest spot to build a destination ski resort. Within three days of arriving in Ketchum, the Count wired Harriman:

“Among the many attractive spots I have visited, this combines the more delightful features of any place I have seen in the United States, Switzerland, or Austria for a winter ski resort.”

In less than a year, the luxurious Sun Valley Resort was completed. The world’s first chairlifts were installed (constructed from banana plantation load conveyors and retro-fitted to carry people) and the doors were open to international publicity. The
Sun Valley/Ketchum area was on the map. Skiing was changed forever.

Sun Valley has maintained a very unique and subdued celebrity presence while maintaining a genuine vibe and true mountain town charm. Ernest Hemingway fell in love with Sun Valley and eventually made it his home; he finished For Whom the Bell Tolls in Suite 206 of the Sun Valley Lodge.

Today, Sun Valley is a World Class Resort offering a premier winter and summer experience. Whether it’s taking advantage of the 3400 feet of vertical on skis, snowboard or mountain bike, having a Parisian dining experience in an elegant mountain atmosphere, relaxing at a world-class spa, or working on your golf handicap, Sun Valley will leave a lasting impression. It will leave you wanting more.

“Sun Valley is the last of the really special ski resorts. It is a grand destination that is being reborn. We needed more than just an agency to help us with this transformation. We needed to find a true partner— a partner who relates to the Sun Valley experience and has the ability to effectively communicate our message. The Blue Collar team understands where Sun Valley has been and where it is going. We believe Blue Collar will be a trusted partner in promoting the resort and it’s surrounding offerings.” Jack Sibbach, Director of Marketing & PR, Sun Valley Resort