Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN): Sun Valley's World-Class Mountain Aviation Gateway
Friedman Memorial Airport (IATA: SUN) serves Hailey, Idaho, as the primary gateway to the internationally renowned Sun Valley resort community in the Wood River Valley of Blaine County. The airport is owned by Blaine County and handles scheduled commercial service alongside a thriving base of private jet and turboprop traffic driven by Sun Valley's affluent visitor clientele. SUN sits at 5,318 feet MSL in a valley surrounded by mountains exceeding 9,000 feet, making it one of the most technically demanding commercial airport approaches in the FAA Northwest Mountain Region's territory.
Airlines serving SUN include seasonal and year-round service from major carriers, with flights connecting to Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, and Salt Lake City. The airport's single runway (13/31) is aligned with the Wood River Valley, and approaches require specific crew training due to the mountainous terrain. The FAA has designated SUN as requiring special crew qualification under OpSpecs for commercial operators. Friedman Memorial serves as the aviation hub for Blaine County's ski industry from late November through April and for summer outdoor recreation from June through September, with private jet traffic arriving from throughout North America.
Which airlines serve Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN)?
SUN receives seasonal commercial service from Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines, connecting Sun Valley to major hub cities in the Pacific Northwest, California, Denver, and the eastern US. Schedules peak during ski season and summer.
Why does SUN require special crew training?
The mountainous terrain surrounding the Wood River Valley, combined with SUN's elevation of 5,318 feet MSL, creates challenging approach and departure profiles. The FAA requires commercial operators to have specific OpSpecs approvals and crew training for SUN operations.
What is the best weather season for flying into SUN?
Summer from June through September typically offers the most stable weather. Winter ski season brings mountain weather hazards including low ceilings, icing, and wind, though experienced mountain crews manage these conditions routinely at SUN.
Does Sun Valley have FBO services for private jets?
Yes. Ground service providers at SUN offer fuel, hangar space, concierge services, and ground transportation arrangements for the private jet clientele that represent a significant portion of SUN's overall traffic.
What is Sun Valley known for as a destination?
Sun Valley is one of America's premier ski destinations, with Bald Mountain offering over 3,000 feet of vertical drop. Summer activities include world-class fly fishing on Silver Creek, hiking, mountain biking, and the Sun Valley Music Festival.
Friedman Memorial Airport - SUN Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Hailey, Idaho.
| Name | Friedman Memorial Airport - SUN |
| Address | 1616 Airport Circle, Hailey ID 83333 Map |
| Phone | (208) 788-4956 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Friedman Memorial Airport - SUN
Sun Valley and the Wood River Valley: Idaho's Premier Mountain Resort Destination
The Wood River Valley, anchored by Ketchum and Sun Valley and served by Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey, is Idaho's most celebrated mountain destination. Sun Valley Resort, America's first destination ski resort opened in 1936 by Union Pacific Railroad, has attracted celebrities, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts for nearly a century. Hemingway wrote and is buried here, and the mountain biking, fly fishing, and hiking scenes are genuinely world-class.
For visiting pilots, SUN offers a memorable arrival experience with mountain peaks rising dramatically above the runway threshold. The Wood River Valley's Silver Creek Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy, is one of the premier spring creek fly fishing destinations in North America. Ketchum's galleries, restaurants, and boutiques offer sophisticated dining and shopping in a mountain village setting. Warm Springs Road, the base of Bald Mountain, is a 10-minute drive from the airport and provides access to Sun Valley's legendary ski terrain from late November through April.