About Elephant's Perch
Elephant's Perch has been Sun Valley's go-to mountain specialist since 1976, cultivating a devoted following among Nordic skiers, backcountry ski tourers, and summer cyclists from its long-established shop on East Avenue in Ketchum. Unlike the resort-focused rental shops that cater primarily to downhill skiers, Elephant's Perch has carved out a distinctive niche serving the self-propelled outdoor community — those who earn their turns, explore under their own power, and value expertise over convenience.
The Nordic and backcountry ski rental programme is among the most comprehensive in the valley. Classic and skate cross-country ski packages are available for exploring the extensive groomed trail networks that make Sun Valley one of the premier Nordic destinations in North America. Backcountry touring setups — including touring-specific skis, bindings, skins, and boots — cater to the growing number of skiers who venture beyond the resort boundaries into the vast wilderness of the Boulder and Smoky Mountains. Snowshoe rentals provide another way to access the winter backcountry for those who prefer walking to skiing.
Summer brings road bikes and mountain bikes, with a fleet suited to the Wood River Trail — a paved path that runs the length of the valley — and the singletrack networks in the surrounding mountains. The full-service tune and repair shop is a critical resource for both locals and visitors, handling everything from basic adjustments and flat repairs to complete overhauls and wheel builds. Ski tuning services are equally comprehensive during the winter months.
The staff at Elephant's Perch are passionate practitioners of the sports they serve, bringing authentic expertise and honest recommendations to every interaction. For visitors who want to explore the quieter, more adventurous side of Sun Valley — whether on Nordic skis, touring gear, or bicycles — this is the essential starting point.
