Auberge Resorts Collection has announced that it has signed a deal to operate a planned luxury boutique hotel and penthouse residential development in downtown Ketchum, Idaho, part of Sun Valley Resort.
This will reportedly be the first new lodging project built since the early 1990s in greater Sun Valley. The 155,000-square-foot mixed-use Auberge Resort Sun Valley will have between 80 and 90 rooms and penthouse residences, a full-service restaurant and bar, spa and fitness facilities and meeting and conference space, in addition to other amenities. The hotel’s project owner and sponsor, Trail Creek Fund, is led by Ketchum-based Managing Member Jack Bariteau. “Sun Valley has the enviable legacy of being the first winter destination resort in America, and it has a rich history as a magnet for residents and affluent guests from both coasts,” said Craig Reid, CEO of Auberge Resorts Collection. “It’s a vibrant year-round destination that has been under-serviced by the luxury hotel market.
We believe that Sun Valley is a perfect destination for the Auberge brand, with its focus on crafted luxury, engaging guest experiences and unique adventure programs.” “My family has a long history of visiting Sun Valley, and I have a deep appreciation for its scenic beauty and character,” said Mark Harmon, founder and managing partner, Auberge Resorts. “I couldn’t be more delighted with this opportunity to help create a resort that will showcase the personality of Sun Valley and introduce this special place to new generations of families.”
The project is scheduled to break ground in late spring 2015 and open in the summer of 2017.
As Bariteau points out, Auberge was selected among a pool of many candidates. “This is a momentous announcement for the Sun Valley marketplace and a mutual long-term commitment to excellence,” said Bariteau. “Our affiliation with Auberge Resorts will have an enormously positive game-changing impact on Sun Valley. While we considered many four- and five-star hotel operators for this project, Auberge’s reputation for creating exceptional luxury hotels is unmatched in the industry, and it’s especially meaningful that the team has a personal connection to Sun Valley. We’re confident that this project will further support Sun Valley’s reputation as an iconic all-seasons American resort destination. The Auberge commitment, following on the heels of new regional non-stop service on Delta from Salt Lake City and on United from San Francisco and Denver directly into the Sun Valley Airport, provides unparalleled ease of access to both coasts. There are now more than 30,000 new seats annually, with more to come.” Auberge Resort Sun Valley will be located within walking distance to the town’s diverse attractions, advanced high-speed lift and gondola access to Bald Mountain. Guestrooms will have views of the mountain’s east-facing ski runs and Sun Valley’s varied forested topography. Hotel amenities will include a casual bar and grill, extensive fitness amenities, heated outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace, full-service spa and meeting facilities.