1938 Panoramic Perspective of the Area Adjacent to the New Challenger Inn and Sun Valley Lodge - Sun Valley, Idaho
By: W. Willmarth
Date: 1938 (circa) Sun Valley, ID
Dimensions: 22 x 32 inches (56 x 81 cm)
This is a late-1930s traveler's map of Sun Valley, America's first destination ski resort by way of the Union Pacific Railroad. The map presents a detailed, panoramic, bird's eye view of the Sun Valley area, emphasizing the breathtaking topography of Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains.
Vibrant and colorful, the illustration highlights prominent features, including ski runs, mountain peaks like Old Baldy and Boulder Peak, and local creeks and trails. The central focus is on the Sun Valley Lodge and The New Challenger Inn, symbols of luxurious mountain retreats in the 1930s. Trails are marked with care, offering a glimpse into early alpine skiing routes, while the “unexplored” regions evoke a sense of mystery and adventure, underscoring Sun Valley’s appeal as a burgeoning ski destination.
The Map Verso
The reverse side provides a blend of imagery, maps, and descriptive text celebrating the allure of Sun Valley. Black-and-white photographs capture skiers in motion and scenes of winter sports, while illustrations of the lodge and the surrounding area convey the charm and luxury of the resort. Marketing materials from the Union Pacific Railroad detail how the railroad brought Sun Valley within reach of vacationers.
Notably, the map includes a rail route network to demonstrate Sun Valley’s accessibility, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for leisure travelers. This side also includes anecdotes about Sun Valley's modern amenities, such as heated pools, expert ski instructors, and state-of-the-art equipment—hallmarks of a cutting-edge ski resort.
Sun Valley - The Birth of a Ski Destination
In the 1930s, Sun Valley emerged as America’s first destination ski resort, thanks to the vision of W. Averell Harriman, chairman of the Union Pacific Railroad. Harriman sought to replicate the opulent ski resorts of Europe and transform Idaho’s rugged terrain into a world-class winter playground. The Union Pacific Railroad played a critical role in making this dream a reality, facilitating travel for affluent vacationers from across the United States.
Opened in 1936, Sun Valley Lodge became synonymous with glamour, attracting celebrities, athletes, and adventurers alike. The Challenger Inn, built shortly thereafter, expanded the resort’s capacity and introduced innovative amenities that enhanced the guest experience.
Condition: Map is in B+ condition with a few fold separations that have been reinforced on the verso. These are common among folding maps and in this case, they do not distract from the overall eye-appeal.
Inventory #12945
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