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Jackson Hole Ski Resort
Tucked away in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park and world-renowned for its white knuckle terrain, Jackson Hole is hands down one of the best places to ski on earth.
Beginning life as a cowboy town, Jackson itself is actually about a half an hour away from the ski resort. Confusingly, it’s Teton Village which is at the base of the mountain, housing numerous accommodation types as well as a selection of restaurants and bars. “Jackson Hole” refers to the 80km valley running through the mountains, which is named after a fur trapper who deemed it his trapping area of choice.
The town of Jackson is a bustling hub of activity, with a broad choice of accommodation as well as numerous eateries and world famous watering holes serving as the main base for the local ski areas. With a strong cowboy theme, it plunges visitors into a wintery wild west, giving a great alternative experience to the typical alpine ambience felt in most European resorts.
The skiing is about a half hour shuttle away if you’re staying in the main town, but the village of Teton is right at the bottom of the slopes. Here, skiers can pretty much roll out of bed to catch the first lift, only returning at the end of the day to make the short walk back to accommodation. A number of restaurants will put an end to any hunger pains if you don’t want to head downtown, giving you the opportunity for a quiet evening in before getting up early for another day on the snow.
There is also accommodation dotted in between the two hubs of activity, providing extra bed space. Both a bus ride from either the skiing or the nightlife, these secluded lodgings nestle into the surrounding nature and scenery.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Wyoming, USA
Established: 1966
Open: November - April
Downhill: 2,500 acres, 116 runs
View our detailed Jackson Hole snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Jackson Hole snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Jackson Hole Airport | 35km, 30 mins |
| Salt Lake City International Airport | 450km, 4hrs 45 |
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| Top Altitude: | 3185m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1924m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1924m |
| Longest run: | |
| Slope Orientation: | East |
| Vertical Drop: | 1,261m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 1,261m |
| Night Skiing: | No |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 2,500 acres, 116 runs |
| Beginner slopes: | 10% |
| Intermediate: | 40% |
| Advanced slopes: | 50% |
| Lift Pass Price: | $413 - 605 (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Grand Targhee Resort, Snow King Mountain | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Jackson Hole
The ski area encompasses 2,500 acres of exceptionally varied terrain but where it really comes into its own is its offering for advanced skiers, with the longest skiable vertical in the USA and legendary descents like Corbett’s Couloir to test even the hardiest of athletes.
World renowned for its difficult terrain, this isn’t famous for being a family friendly resort but that said, it has more beginner terrain than you’d find in most European resorts and the tuition and childcare at the Kids Ranch is superb. You’ll find 250 acres and 12 runs ranked as green including the terrific Moose Valley trail and the beginners’ area next to the Eagle’s nest run.
Intermediates will find the jump from greens to blues quite dramatic, so be prepared for steeper pitches and more challenging terrain. Jackson does rank its blues in single blue squares and double blue squares for beginner-intermediates and advanced-intermediates respectively, a useful feature that’s not commonly seen in ski resorts. Stick to the Apres Vous Mountain and check out the Werner run for the best of the blues.
This definitely one of the world’s best places to ski for experts, with a myriad of intense steeps, chutes, trees and almost anything else you can think of. The 3000 acres of backcountry opens up a whole new world of possibilities – get a guide to show you the best and safest options. If you want to stay in bounds, the obvious choice is world-famous Corbett’s Couloir, even if it’s just to check out the 10 foot minimum entry drop before retreating to safer slopes.
There are a couple of parks including one of only 6 Burton Stash parks in the world. This contains features only made from natural, local materials, meaning you can stomp tricks with a small carbon footprint, which is pretty darn cool.
Jackson Hole Apres Ski
Whilst quieter and more ski-focused, Teton does house a number of restaurants and bars. The Mangy Moose is one of the most popular destinations for après; located a few buildings from the base of the cable car, it does signature drinks and a killer après menu. If you’re looking for a sit down meal, try the Alpenrose for an authentic Swiss-style eatery, including the much sought after fondue that simply makes a ski holiday.
Jackson town offers more in the way of après, so if you don’t fancy finishing the party early in Teton, hop on a bus and head downtown. Sit down restaurants feature in abundance; the Blue Lion is one of the premier institutions, with a diverse menu of mouth-watering seafood, meat & poultry and pasta. Nikai Sushi is another of our favourites, providing an oriental twist diverting from the stereotypical fare usually found in ski resorts.
A number of bars cater for those who want to continue the festivities; the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is always a favourite, with its real saddle bar stools and a stage for live acts providing a western, gun totin’, saloon drinkin’ feel. For a true Wyoming experience, we love Stagecoach Bar, only 15 mins away from both Teton village and Jackson town. Hosting a number of events per week, with past seasons hosting a club night on Thursdays, this is a great, authentic American joint where you can really let your hair down.
If hitting the bars isn’t quite your thing, you’ll find a number of other activities, such as very reasonably priced tubing at Snow King, just next to Jackson town. Another thing to do is a paragliding tour, where you’ll enjoy some of the best views of the resort and wider mountain range. Whilst not cheap, it’s worth every penny. Additionally, a trip up to the Yellowstone National park, a short drive north, is an exceptional option. An internationally renowned destination, the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife is a worthy alternative to a day’s skiing.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Jackson Hole
Best time to visit & ski Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole’s epic snowfall has transfixed skiers and boarders for years with an astounding average of 459 inches a year (that’s over 11.6m!).
Whilst its altitude isn’t quite as high as other resorts in the USA like Breck and Beaver Creek, it’s still ahead of the European resorts in terms of altitude and snow conditions. Its base height of 1924m isn’t to be sniffed at, especially coupled with the fact it rises to over 3100m at the mountain’s peak.
Typically, snow is less reliable early in the season and 195 acres are covered by artificial snowmaking in the unlikely event that the snow gods need a helping hand. Later in the season is where Jackson Hole comes into its own; with the average snowfall heaviest between January and March (Jan can be quite nippy so opt for a holiday between February and March if you want milder temperatures). If you’re skiing in heavy winds or snowfall, stick lower down the mountain to make the most of the tree coverage.
With this in mind, it is also important to consider that in past seasons, an average day saw only 1,750 skiers on the 2,500 acres of terrain. This astoundingly low ratio shows that you have a very high chance of feeling that you have the mountain to yourself, and means you can plan around the epic snow conditions more than around kids’ school and public holidays.
Peak Dates
It’s not just the festive events that make spending Christmas in Jackson Hole a magical experience – the skiing alone can put you in a merry mood, with the opulent food and lively après scene putting the royal icing on top of that Christmas cake. Jackson Hole Christmas ski holidays ‣
For many, the most important aspect of New Year’s is to see it in with a bang. This resort more than gives you that chance, with mountaintop and town parties, as well as family friendly activities to make sure the kids aren’t left out. And for those who are there to make the most of the snow, aim to get out early on New Year’s Day, and start the year as you mean to go on. Whatever you choose, spending New Year in Jackson Hole is sure to be a blast. Jackson Hole New Year ski holidays ‣
By far and away the best time to ski this resort, with its quiet pistes compared to other major ski areas, outstanding snow record and typically warmer temperatures than December or January. Add to this a brilliant ski school, and you will find out why, in our opinion, there are few other resorts that can beat skiing February half term in Jackson Hole. Jackson Hole Half Term ski holidays ‣
If Easter is early in the year, those focusing purely on the skiing are likely to find their Shangri-La here. If it falls later, the lively western town, with its restaurants, bars and other activities, can entertain all ages. Whatever your preferences, spending Easter in Jackson Hole provides an exceptional opportunity to take in the culture, be it ski or cowboy. Jackson Hole Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Jackson Hole
Whilst the skiing in Jackson Hole could be seen as pushing towards the more difficult end of the spectrum, don’t let this put you off coming here as a family. With a variety of aspects of resort life designed to make holidaying easier with the young ones, your trip here should be a treat.
Anyone wanting to learn or improve can enrol into the ski school. The high calibre of instructors should improve them faster, often allowing them to be able to tackle the harder slopes sooner, opening up a new world of possibilities. Children’s lessons are based at the Kids Ranch and start from 3 years old, running right up until the age of 17, before switching seamlessly into adult lessons, meaning you can hone your skills so the kids don’t show you up too much. If yours are too young to be hurtling down the mountain, the Kids Ranch also offers day care for tots over 6 months and under 3 years, or check out other companies such as Jackson Hole Nannies for an alternative service.
If you want to ski with the kids outside of ski school, the Teewinot Chair and Eagle’s Rest Double Chair service the green runs in resort – with all beginner runs in one place, you won’t have to travel elsewhere on the mountain to find diversity. We like the Lower Werner run, a wide green groomer, perfect for testing newly learnt skills. For the more adventurous kids, the mountain classifies its intermediate runs as single and double blue squares, with double being more difficult – don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by the single blue squares however, as typically the runs in this resort are more difficult than most. Head to Lupine Way at the top of Bridger Gondola for a brilliant long run down from the mountain top.
There are a range of family friendly options to keep all ages entertained after a day’s skiing. If you’re looking for a place to eat, you won’t go wrong with Il Villaggio Osteria, offering the all-time family favourite of wood oven pizza, among other Italian dishes. Another must visit is Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream; with its outrageously large menu, the adults will be as happy as the kids here. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is a fun and informative change of scenery, and the Amaze’n Jackson Hole maze is a challenge for both youngster and elders alike.
GroupsGroup Holidays Jackson Hole
If you’re travelling in a big group and looking for a destination to cater for numerous needs and wants, then Jackson Hole is likely to serve you well. The ski area offers an incredible variety of terrain; whilst not the most forgiving, all abilities are more than likely to flourish. Beginners should make use of the wealth of knowledge housed in the ski school to progress quicker and open up the availability of new terrain. Intermediates will enjoy the resort’s classification of single and double blue squares, making choosing a run suited to you easier - Werner and Moran are often considered the best intermediate runs on the mountain. Experts will find heaven in the unpisted terrain at the top of the tram, where you can find the infamous Corbett’s Couloir, and there’s always the chance to head into the back country with a guide.
We know that for many people, ski holidays aren’t just about skiing - the nightlife and après ski is often a compulsory factor. Whilst Teton village may not offer a variety of options for socialising in the evenings, it does have the Mangy Moose, one of the resorts best loved apres ski venues. Those looking for a bigger night out can head to Jackson for a true American evening scene. Whilst some argue the cowboy subject is overdone in the local bars, it gives you an authentic and fun alternative to many experiences offered in other resorts. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar has genuine saddle seats for an authentic Wild West feel. Restaurants feature in abundance– if you’re looking to continue cowboy ambience, the Gun Barrel is perfect. With a wide selection of meat and game dishes, this testosterone filled, hearty but exquisite establishment is perfect for groups with a hankering for meat. The Ignight restaurant is another good’un, offering a menu of traditional dishes, often with an interesting twist.
However you choose to spend your time, the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local history and culture is right on your doorstep. For something other than skiing, treat yourself to a spa day at the Four Seasons Resort in Teton village – with 16 treatment rooms, and at over 11,000 ft², it’s sure to accommodate large numbers. Alternatively, for something a little different, make the most of your surroundings and take a snowmobile tour to Yellowstone National Park and the geyser Old Faithful. Groups can hire up to 10 snowmobiles, and with one passenger on each, it can accommodate parties of a large size.
Which are the best ski holidays in Jackson Hole?
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