Last updated November 14, 2026 · By Seth Semilof
Sun Valley is one of the easiest big-name ski towns to reach by private jet: Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) sits in Hailey, in the same Wood River Valley as Ketchum and the resort. It also has firm limits on weight, wingspan and night operations that decide which jet you book and when you fly. This guide covers the airport rules, the 2026–27 dates worth planning around, including the World Cup Finals in March 2027, flight distances and the backup airports.
Friedman Memorial (SUN): the airport for Sun Valley
Friedman Memorial is the airport 1 mile southeast of Hailey, Idaho, and about 13 miles in a straight line south of Ketchum. The FAA airport record effective October 29, 2026 lists:
- Runway: one runway, 13/31, 7,550 by 100 ft, grooved asphalt.
- Elevation: 5,319.5 ft. High-altitude takeoffs need more runway, especially on warm days or with a full load.
- Weight limit: the runway is limited to aircraft of 95,000 lb maximum takeoff weight or less. Dual-wheel aircraft heavier than that need prior permission from the airport manager 48 hours ahead.
- Wingspan: prior permission is required for wingspans over 100 ft.
- Night operations: the control tower runs 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. There is a voluntary “Fly Quiet” curfew from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., and airport rescue and firefighting cover is unavailable during those hours. The FAA notes mountainous terrain and says night use is not recommended.
- Winter: SUN is a cold-temperature airport, with altitude corrections required at or below −13°C. Fuel service after dusk requires prior permission.
- FBO: Atlantic Aviation.
In practice, plan to land and depart in daylight, and book the return so the wheels are up well before 11 p.m., including time for de-icing.
Which private jets fit at Sun Valley
Light, midsize and super-midsize jets are well below both of SUN’s limits. The limits matter for large-cabin jets, so check the specific aircraft before you book:
| Aircraft | Max takeoff weight | Wingspan | At SUN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dassault Falcon 8X | 73,000 lb | 86.3 ft | Within both limits |
| Gulfstream G600 | 94,600 lb | 94 ft 2 in | Within both limits, by 400 lb |
| Bombardier Global 6500 | 99,500 lb | 94 ft | Over 95,000 lb: 48-hour prior permission |
Weights and wingspans are the manufacturers’ published figures. Prior permission is not a refusal: the operator asks the airport manager in advance, and the manager decides. The operator also checks runway performance for the day’s temperature, load and runway condition.
2026–27 Sun Valley dates to plan around
| Date | What happens | Private jet note |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 26, 2026 | Bald Mountain Opening Day, 9 a.m., weather and conditions permitting (the resort’s 91st winter season) | Thanksgiving week; book early |
| Late Dec 2026 – early Jan 2027 | Christmas and New Year’s holidays | Peak week; confirm ramp space with the FBO |
| Mar 18–25, 2027 | Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals on Bald Mountain | Arrive by Mar 19 for the Mar 20 downhills |
The World Cup Finals race program lists training on March 18–19, downhills on March 20, super-G on March 21, giant slalom on March 23 (women) and March 24 (men), and slalom on March 25.
Flight distances to Sun Valley
| From | To SUN (great-circle) |
|---|---|
| Seattle (Boeing Field, BFI) | 414 nm |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | 447 nm |
| Denver (Centennial, APA) | 485 nm |
| San Francisco Bay Area (Oakland, OAK) | 501 nm |
| Los Angeles (Van Nuys, VNY) | 591 nm |
| Scottsdale (SDL) | 604 nm |
| Dallas (Love Field, DAL) | 1,039 nm |
| Chicago (Chicago Executive, PWK) | 1,161 nm |
| Houston (Hobby, HOU) | 1,233 nm |
| New York area (Teterboro, TEB) | 1,780 nm |
| Palm Beach (PBI) | 1,940 nm |
| Miami (Opa-locka, OPF) | 1,963 nm |
Distances are great-circle, calculated from airport coordinates; the flown route is longer. West Coast and Mountain West trips are short legs. From the East Coast or Florida, ask the operator to confirm a nonstop for your load out of SUN’s 5,320 ft elevation, especially in winter.
When SUN is not the answer: Twin Falls and Boise
Snow, low cloud or an aircraft over SUN’s limits can move the landing elsewhere. The two usual alternatives are Magic Valley Regional in Twin Falls (TWF), 62 nm from SUN great-circle, and Boise (BOI), 84 nm. Both mean a drive to Ketchum, so if your schedule is tight, ask the operator to plan the alternate and the ground transfer before the trip, not on the day.
How we book Sun Valley trips
- Operators: Haute Jets only uses ARGUS- or Wyvern-rated operators, and every aircraft must be certified before we put clients on it.
- Choice: we quote from a network of 3,500+ vetted aircraft, so we can match the jet to SUN’s limits and your passenger and ski-bag count.
- Positioning: we source aircraft positioned near your departure airport to eliminate repositioning fees.
- Timing: we plan daylight arrivals and departures and build in time for de-icing.
Price depends on the aircraft, the route, the dates and where the jet is based, so every trip is quoted on its own. Haute Jets clients also get access to Haute Living events.
Get a Sun Valley quote
Tell us your departure airport, dates, passengers and number of ski bags. Request a quote or call (800) 257-5661; most quotes arrive within 60 minutes. See also our Friedman Memorial (SUN) airport page, Hailey to San Francisco route, and our Aspen, Jackson Hole and Big Sky ski-season guides.
FAQs
What airport do private jets use for Sun Valley?
Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey, Idaho. It is the closest airport to Sun Valley and Ketchum, about 13 miles south of Ketchum in a straight line, with one 7,550 ft runway at 5,320 ft elevation.
Can large private jets land in Sun Valley?
Many can. The runway is limited to 95,000 lb maximum takeoff weight, with 48-hour prior permission for heavier dual-wheel aircraft, and wingspans over 100 ft need prior permission. Gulfstream lists the G600 at 94,600 lb with a 94 ft 2 in wingspan, inside both limits; Bombardier lists the Global 6500 at 99,500 lb, so it needs permission.
Is there a curfew at Sun Valley’s airport?
There is a voluntary “Fly Quiet” curfew from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. The control tower closes at 11 p.m., airport fire cover is unavailable overnight, and the FAA says night use is not recommended because of terrain, so plan daylight flights.
When does Sun Valley open for the 2026–27 ski season?
The resort plans to open Bald Mountain on Thursday, November 26, 2026, at 9 a.m., weather and conditions permitting.
When are the 2027 World Cup Finals in Sun Valley?
The Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals run March 18–25, 2027, on Bald Mountain: downhill March 20, super-G March 21, giant slalom March 23–24 and slalom March 25, after two days of downhill training.
What happens if a private jet cannot land at Sun Valley?
The flight diverts, most often to Twin Falls (TWF), 62 nm from SUN, or Boise (BOI), 84 nm. Both mean a drive to Ketchum, so plan the alternate and the ground transfer before the trip.
How far is Sun Valley from New York and Los Angeles by private jet?
Great-circle, Teterboro to SUN is about 1,780 nm and Van Nuys to SUN is about 591 nm. The flown distance is longer, and the operator confirms whether a nonstop works for your load out of a 5,320 ft airport.
How do I get a private jet quote to Sun Valley?
Request a quote at https://www.hautejets.com/request-a-quote or call (800) 257-5661 with your route, dates, passengers and ski bags. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes. No jet cards, no membership fees.
Sources
- FAA airport data for Friedman Memorial (SUN), effective October 29, 2026 (runway, elevation, weight and wingspan remarks, tower hours, voluntary curfew, ARFF hours, FBO): airnav.com
- Sun Valley Resort, Mountain Report (Opening Day November 26, 2026, 91st winter season): sunvalley.com
- FIS, Sun Valley World Cup Finals event details and race program, March 18–25, 2027: fis-ski.com
- Visit Sun Valley, World Cup Finals 2027 schedule: visitsunvalley.com
- Gulfstream, G600 specifications (maximum takeoff weight, wingspan): gulfstream.com
- Bombardier, Global 6500 specifications (maximum takeoff weight, wingspan): bombardier.com
- Dassault Falcon, Falcon 8X specifications (maximum takeoff weight, wingspan): dassaultfalcon.com
- OurAirports, airport coordinates used for great-circle distances: ourairports.com