You must enter the lottery to be eligible to purchase passes. Sign-ups are open now until February 24 at 5pm MST on this page. On February 25, names will be selected at random by our database software, using encoded entries, and pass sales will open for those chosen. If selected, you’ll receive an email with purchase instructions and have until February 26 at 8pm MST to complete your transaction. After that time, any unclaimed passes will be returned to the pool for additional waitlist drawings in the days that follow.

The Waitlist

If you are not selected in our initial drawing, you will automatically be added to our waitlist pool. As passes become available through cancellations or incomplete purchases, additional lottery drawings will be held until all passes are sold.

IMPORTANT DATES

Lottery Open: Now through February 24 at 5pm MST

Lottery Drawing: February 25

Purchase Window: February 25 to February 26 at 8pm MST

WHERE TO BUY PASSES

If you are selected in our lottery drawing, either in the initial drawing or the waitlist pool drawings in the days that follow, you’ll receive an email with a secure purchase link and single-use code. You will have a limited time to complete your transaction, so we recommend purchasing as soon as possible after receiving your email.

PASS LIMITS

To ensure we keep the Conference as inclusive as possible, there is a limit of two passes per type per person (for example, two Full Conference Passes and two Next Generation Passes maximum for a single person).

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you are having technical difficulties or need help, please call 208-726-5454 or email [email protected].

PASS CANCELLATION

If you contact us to cancel your pass purchase before May 15, we can issue a refund minus a $50 processing fee per pass. After that date, we are unable to issue refunds. However, you are welcome to transfer a pass to another person—just contact us with the new name and email.

Full Conference Pass ($1,100 each)

A Full Conference Pass lets you experience all the wonder of the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference throughout the three-day event—full access to all Pavilion talks, intimate breakout sessions, book signings, Q&As, breakfasts and lunches, mingling with the writers, and a closing reception on the stunning Sun Valley Pavilion lawn. For access to private events with writers and VIP dinners and special pass benefits, please inquire about becoming a donor.

Next Generation Pass ($550 each, 35 and under)

We believe the future of literature depends on young readers and writers—and cost shouldn’t be a barrier to belonging. Our Next Generation Pass offers full access to the entire Sun Valley Writers’ Conference at half the price, including Pavilion talks, intimate breakout sessions, book signings, Q&As, meals, and our closing reception on the Pavilion lawn. Whether you’re a student, emerging writer, or lifelong reader, this pass is designed to make SVWC more accessible for the next generation.

Other Pass Types ($25 – $150)

Learn more about our Special Series Pavilion Passes to select Pavilion talks and Live Watch Party passes for our Live Watch Party at The Argyros theater in downtown Ketchum.

You must enter the lottery by February 24 at 5pm MST to be eligible to purchase passes. If you are selected in our lottery drawing on February 25 or in the waitlist pool drawings in days that follow, you’ll receive an email with a secure purchase link and single-use code. You will have a limited time to complete your transaction, so we recommend purchasing as soon as possible after receiving your email. Good luck!

Can I try to purchase a pass on February 24 if I don’t enter the lottery?

No, you must enter the lottery by February 24 at 5pm MST to be eligible to purchase a pass.

What if I was drawn in the lottery but I missed the window to purchase passes?

You will be added back into the waitlist pool for subsequent drawings.

How many drawings will there be?

We may hold multiple drawings as passes become available through cancellations or incomplete purchases. If you’re on the waitlist, keep a close eye on your email in the days following February 25.

Will any passes be sold on February 24 at 10:00am anymore?

No, all passes will be sold through our lottery.

Can I buy passes at the door?

No, we do not have passes available to purchase on-site. All Full Conference Passes and Next Generation Passes are sold online in February.

I’m not very tech savvy… can I call to purchase passes? Or do it in person?

We do not have a way to sell passes over the phone or in person, but we are here to help if you need assistance. Email us at [email protected] or call 208-726-5454—just be sure to watch your email and the deadlines closely.

When will I know if I got a pass?

You will be emailed on February 25 either with purchase instructions or waitlist information. If you don’t receive that email by end of day on February 25, first check your spam folder and then contact us.

Do donors or past attendees get priority in your lottery?

No, our lottery is equally weighted for all entries. If you would like to get priority access to passes as a donor, we encourage you to learn more about our Donor Benefit Program. Contact us at donors @svwc.com or 208-727-7024.

If I’m a donor, do I need to enter the lottery?

No. Donor passes are sold separately, during the Donor Priority Pre-Sale. Learn more about our donor levels and benefits.

Is your lottery truly random?

Yes, we use secure database software and an automated process to randomly select encoded entries.

Can I join the waitlist pool even if I missed lottery sign-ups?

Yes, you will be added to our secondary waitlist pool, which is only drawn from after the primary waitlist (lottery entrants) is cleared. Sign up at svwc.com/lottery after sign-ups close.

Can I sign up for the lottery more than once?

Submitting multiple sign-ups will not increase the chances of your name being drawn as our system automatically screens for duplicate entries beforehand.

Does entering earlier improve my chances?

No, all entries are equally weighted — just be sure to sign up before February 24 at 5pm MST.

Do I have a better chance of getting a pass through your lottery system?

Our new lottery process reduces issues caused by technical glitches, internet speed, and timing or availability conflicts, making it fairer overall. However, availability is not guaranteed… each year, significantly more people attempt to purchase passes than our venues can accommodate. We encourage exploring our other pass options and free programming as well, if you are unsuccessful. There are also still opportunities to become a donor if you are interested in those benefits.

I’ve heard about other passes to SVWC… what are they?

We will have both Special Series Pavilion Passes and Live Watch Party passes available in 2026. Also, be sure to check out our free options for viewing content.

If I sign up for the lottery, am I obligated to purchase passes?

No, you are signing up for the opportunity to purchase passes, which you can decline if selected.

If I’m selected, can I give my purchase code to someone else if I don’t use it?

No, purchase links and single-use codes are unique and nontransferable.

Can I extend my purchase window if I’m traveling or unavailable?

No, we can’t accommodate purchases outside of the designated window.

What happens if I can’t attend after buying?

Passes may be refunded before May 15 (minus a $50 processing fee) or transferred to another person — just contact us with the new name and email.

We’re deeply grateful for the extraordinary enthusiasm for the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference. As one of the country’s most sought-after literary gatherings, passes sell out within minutes nearly every year—far more readers want to attend than our venues can accommodate, and for some, cost can also be a barrier. These realities are exactly why we have expanded our free events and community programs, creating more inclusive ways for everyone to engage with the Conference.

If you’re unable to secure a pass for 2026, we hope you’ll join us through one of the options below. Thank you for your support and for being part of the SVWC community.

Free Events & Community Programming

1. Attend free lawn talks on the Sun Valley Pavilion Lawn
2. Attend free library talks at The Community Library
3. Livestream talks for free from the comfort of home
4. Purchase passes to select Pavilion Talks
5. Attend our Live Watch Party at The Argyros theater in downtown Ketchum
6. Browse our free digital media library with talks from past conferences

We recommend signing up for our email newsletter to receive important updates and announcements about these programs.