Jackson Hole Skiing & Snowboarding Resort Guide
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is well known as one of the best ski and snowboard destinations in the world. The mountain is epic, the snow is deep, and the town of Teton Village is a classic ski town. Skiers and snowboarders from around the world travel to Jackson Hole every winter to experience the 2,500 acres and over 4,000’ of steep and gnarly riding. Serving the mountain is one of the most iconic ski lifts in the world, the Jackson Hole Tram, which delivers skiers and snowboarders from Teton Village to the 10,450’ summit of Jackson Hole. The skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole is famous for it’s challenging steeps, which have attracted a hardcore local bunch of riders, and the very long continued fall lines that makes for great skiing and snowboarding for all abilities. Off of the mountain, Teton Village and the nearby town of Jackson are a great mix of old-school cowboy influence and dedicated skibums.
When skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole, the Tram is the obvious place to start the day. Make sure to get an early start, however, because the local powderhounds and visitors will be there bright and early. The Jackson Hole Tram is the quickest way to access some of the best, and most difficult terrain at the resort, including the infamous Corbet’s Couloir. The Tram loads about every ten minutes, and holds around 100 people. Stick to the left side near the windows if you want to get a look at Corbet’s on the way up. There is no intermediate or beginner terrain off of the Tram. Intermediates may be able to work there way down the advanced rated Rendezvous Bowl, however, it’s not recommended to do so during low visibility or stormy weather. From the top the options are pretty simple, Rendezvous Bowl, or Tensleep, which goes back to the center of the resort.
Taking a step back from the Tram for a second, there is a ton of amazing terrain accessed from the other lifts at Jackson Hole. Beginner skiers and snowboarders have two lift choices, the Eagle’s Rest chair, and Tweewinot Quad. This is the only beginner terrain at Jackson Hole.
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders have a lot more options. The Teewinot Quad is still a good place to start, then hop on the Apres Vous Chair for some of the best and longest groomers around. Some of these runs are groomed nightly, and other can give skiers and snowboarders a taste of the off piste terrain. From the top of Apres Vous, the Casper Bowl Triple can be reached. There is more good intermediate riding here that drops back to the Casper Bowl lift, or all the way to the mountain’s base.
Jackson Hole has some of the best inbounds advanced and expert skiing and snowboarding in North America. All over the mountain there are steep runs, tight chutes, and technical terrain. It’s nearly impossible to chronicle the lines and possibilities, and exploring to find them is half of the fun. Careful following tracks, however, because the locals are a daring bunch, sending lines like you see in the movies. Dropping from the Tram into Rendezvous Bowl towards the Sublette Quad, there are a ton of options. Laramie Bowl is wide open, while the Alta Chutes are fun and quintessential Jackson Hole. Below the Sublette chair is The Hobacks. This area can have some of the best skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole, but beware, there’s no bailing out to a groomed run from here, it’s just you and nearly 3,000’ of amazing vertical drop back to the base.
From the top of the Tram, dropping into Tensleep accesses more bowls and chutes. From here there is no access to the Sublette Quad without taking the Thunder Quad. Thunder chair is home more rocky and tight chutes that are visible from the lift. The Bridger Gondola also accesses the terrain in the middle of Jackson Hole, including the steep and gnarly chutes of the hike-to Casper Bowl.
On the far skier’s left side of the mountain, the Apres Vous chair has some awesome advanced terrain that can be overlooked in favor of the other side of the mountain, this means more powder for longer. Take a right as you get off the chair and drop into Saratoga Bowl for fun natural features, trees, and cliffs. The newest Teton Quad chair also accesses some fun terrain that was previously only accessed by hiking.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is located just outside of Grand Teton National Park, in western Wyoming. Driving, the closest major cities are Salt Lake City, five hours south, and Boise, six hours west. Most visiting skiers and snowboarder fly into the Jackson Hole Airport, which is only 20 miles from the ski and snowboard area. There are shuttles and taxis available from the airport. The Jackson Hole Airport is served by several major airlines that fly from cities all over the United States, coast to coast. There are also several packaged vacation deals that included airfare, lodging and lift tickets, these can be a way to save some money.
Travel Resources:
Getting to Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is located just outside of Grand Teton National Park, in western Wyoming. Driving, the closest major cities are Salt Lake City, five hours south, and Boise, six hours west. Most visiting skiers and snowboarder fly into the Jackson Hole Airport, which is only 20 miles from the ski and snowboard area. There are shuttles and taxis available from the airport. The Jackson Hole Airport is served by several major airlines that fly from cities all over the United States, coast to coast. There are also several packaged vacation deals that included airfare, lodging and lift tickets, these can be a way to save some money.
Getting to Jackson Hole
There are a ton of great lodging options at Jackson Hole, with all types of accommodations for all different budgets. Visiting skiers and snowboarders have the option to stay in Teton Village itself, or in the town of Jackson, 20 minutes down the road by bus or car. The Hostel in Teton Village is a great budget option. Nearby Driggs, Idaho and Grand Targhee offer more lodging and the option to ski and snowboard both resorts.
Jackson Hole Lodging Overview
The Hostel
The Hostel
Our Favorite Snowboards for Jackson Hole
Local Food Picks
Jackson Hole has a host of on-mountain eateries to keep skiers and snowboarders full and happy. Head to the top of the Tram to get to Corbet’s Cabin for the famous waffles, peanut butter and bacon is a killer topping combo, trust us. After a long day riding the steeps, the Mangy Moose is the place to be for apres. The Spur and their Wyoming style poutine aren’t a bad call either. The town of Jackson has some great spots for dinner, ranging from over the top cowboy bars, to more refined fare.
On-Mountain Dining
Town of Jackson Dining
Our Favorite Skis For Jackson Hole
Where to Find Lift Tickets to Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole ski and snowboard lift tickets are not cheap. While they aren’t the most expensive lift tickets in North America, they are up there with other large resorts like Breckenridge, Park City, and Squaw Valley. Buying lift tickets online at least seven days in advance is a great way to save some money. Juniors and seniors receive discount Jackson Hole lift tickets, too. For skiers and snowboarders planning a longer vacation, the package deals might yield some savings depending on your lodging preferences.Jackson Hole Conditions & Weather Information
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort sees a huge average annual snowfall of 459”. This is a massive amount of snow, that delivers deep powder throughout the year. With the summit reaching above 10,000’ the powder here is high quality, light and dry, Rocky Mountain snow, too. It takes a lot of storms to bring all of this snow, meaning that visibility can be poor. Head for the trees like in Saratoga Bowl and the Hobacks when the Tram is whiteout.Jackson Hole Ski Report
There are lots of reasons why Jackson Hole is one of the most famous ski and snowboard areas in North America, the terrain is steep and fun, the powder is deep, and the town is a blast. Plan a trip to Jackson Hole, test your mettle in Corbet’s Couloir and the other chutes scattered around the mountain, and check this classic ski and snowboard resort of the bucket list. Make sure to get in shape, however, the mountain has over 4,000’ of thigh-burning vertical.
View All Wyoming Ski & Snowboard Resorts >
