Some locations take patience. Sun Valley took six years.
This shoot was planned, postponed, rescheduled, and ultimately canceled more times than I can count. Weather windows closed, conditions shifted, and timing never quite aligned—until it finally did. After six years in the making, Sun Valley rewarded us with the kind of bluebird day photographers dream about: clear skies, fresh snow, and that unmistakable alpine light that makes every detail feel crisp and cinematic.
These images are, in fact, the first aerial photographs ever captured over Sun Valley in the winter—an opportunity that made the long wait and countless reschedules more than worthwhile. From above, Sun Valley reveals itself in layers, sweeping mountain ranges, pristine runs, and quiet pockets of untouched snow.
And while the name may sound warm, Sun Valley certainly lived up to its winter reputation. Temperatures dropped to a brisk -32 degrees in the air, and the wind was relentless. Fun fact: to keep my pants from whipping up in the helicopter, they were duct-taped directly to my boots—a very glamorous behind-the-scenes solution.
Sun Valley reminded me, once again, that timing is everything. And when the moment finally arrives, it’s always worth the wait!
I’m so happy to finally share this collection with you. If you find yourself here one day, it’s well worth seeing for yourself.
Cheers!
Gray