close
  • Destinations
    • Alps
    • Canada
    • Colorado
    • Europe
    • Japan
    • Lake Tahoe
    • North America
    • Rocky Mountains
    • South America
    • Western U.S.
  • On-Mountain
    • Beginner
    • Expert
    • Freeskiing
    • Heli-skiing
    • Intermediate
    • Snowboarding
  • Off-Mountain
    • Activities
    • Après-ski
    • Budget
    • Dining
    • Events
    • Family
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife
    • Romance
    • Ski in ski out
    • Spring Skiing
  • Epic Dream Job
  • News
  • Travel
ski.com blog
close
  • Destinations
    • Alps
    • Canada
    • Colorado
    • Europe
    • Japan
    • Lake Tahoe
    • North America
    • Rocky Mountains
    • South America
    • Western U.S.
  • On-Mountain
    • Beginner
    • Expert
    • Freeskiing
    • Heli-skiing
    • Intermediate
    • Snowboarding
  • Off-Mountain
    • Activities
    • Après-ski
    • Budget
    • Dining
    • Events
    • Family
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife
    • Romance
    • Ski in ski out
    • Spring Skiing
  • Epic Dream Job
  • News
  • Travel
To The Mountains
featured_image
Featured posts Intermediate Jackson Hole Terrain guides

Best of: Jackson Hole’s groomers

leah | October 20, 2015 |
TAGS
groomersintermediate skiingintermediatesJackson Hole
SHARE
Jackson Hole ski vacation, win Jackson Hole ski trip, first time Jackson Hole, Jackson Hole visitor information, Jackson Hole guide

Jackson Hole has a reputation as the last ski stronghold for those who dare to let it ride. What many don’t know, however, is that it is also a haven for intermediates and groomer lovers. This is largely due to 40 percent of the terrain being blue and recent intermediate-friendly terrain upgrades. Don’t believe us? Forbes thinks so, too.

“That Jackson is strictly the province of experts, huckers and powder fiends is a myth whose day is fading, but still perseveres in some corners. The bottom of the mountain is mild and inviting for beginners; and last year was the first season for Jackson’s new Casper high-speed lift that services expanded intermediate terrain, giving skiers a bastion of blue runs higher up on the mountain.”—Forbes, 2014

In addition to regrading the terrain in the Casper area in 2012-13, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) has also improved their grooming fleet by replacing two cats and adding one more for the 2015-16 season. Also, recent investment in winch cats ensure slopes that were previously the territory of expert skiers are now in tip-top cruisin’ shape. One important facet that intermediates and advanced intermediates should consider on a Jackson Hole ski vacation is that there’s no better place to quickly progress. You can come a blue skier and leave with black-diamond accolades.

To help you make the most of Jackson Hole’s manicured goods, we compiled a tour-de-groomers with the help of Patrick Nelson, JHMR sales manager and Ski.com’s main point of contact.

Get up early for the freshest corduroy

Like a powder day, you'll want to be an early riser to get the best groomed conditions at Jackson Hole. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Like a powder day, you’ll want to be an early riser to get the best groomed conditions at Jackson Hole. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
A run down Ampitheater is an awesome way to kick off your day. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
A run down Ampitheater is an awesome way to kick off your day. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
For steep groomers, few resorts compare to Jackson Hole. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
For steep groomers, few resorts compare to Jackson Hole. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

There is never as much competition for first chair on a groomer day as there is on a powder day, but it is definitely worth it to be an early bird nonetheless. There’s nothing like laying down some tracks on a freshly groomed slope, especially when it’s combined with morning views of the Tetons. Start your day from the top of the Bridger Gondola by heading over to Amphitheater, which is a treat first thing in the morning while everyone is still in bed. Be warned, it’s “not my favorite groomer once people are out and about,” says Patrick. So ski it early.

Carve up Grand and head to the groomed steeps of Laramie Bowl

Get to Grand earlier in the day to enjoy fresh 'roy. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Get to Grand earlier in the day to enjoy fresh ‘roy. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Laramie Bowl will please groomer lovers who have a need for speed. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Laramie Bowl will please groomer lovers who have a need for speed. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Take the Thunder Quad Chair and B-line it to Grand, which is unbeatable when the corduroy is still fresh. If you want to take a shot at one of Jackson Hole’s more aggressive groomers, ski Laramie Bowl, which is known for its steep, fall-line skiing. Just check the grooming reports before committing to it—sometimes it isn’t groomed. Whichever you skipped, do on your next lap. “Significant investment in winch cats at Jackson Hole means you can enjoy smooth as butter groomers,” says Patrick.

Explore the many cruisers off the Casper chair

A popular zone for intermediates, Casper area features wide-open cruisers. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
A popular zone for intermediates, Casper area features wide-open cruisers. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
A world-class collection of blue runs are at your fingertips from the Casper lift. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
A world-class collection of blue runs are at your fingertips from the Casper lift. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Intermediates will find that they can spend the whole day lapping runs off the Casper lift and find something new every run. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Intermediates will find that they can spend the whole day lapping runs off the Casper lift and find something new every run. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Next, take the Marmot chair up to Rendezvous Lodge, at the top of Gondola. Grab a coffee or snack at the new Off Piste restaurant. Once you’ve had your fill, head to Sundance and hit the traverse over to the Casper chair. “Open one up right under the chair on Sundog, and then work your way looker’s right to Sleeping Indian, followed by a run on Wide Open, which is true to its name,” says Patrick. Take Wide Open to Ashley Ridge for some bonus ‘roy, which “always seems to be extra smooth,” says Patrick. From there, hop on South Pass Traverse to the new Teton lift.

Schuss the zippy cruisers from the new Teton Lift

Wide Open is now accessible top to bottom, thanks to the new Teton lift. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Wide Open is now accessible top to bottom, thanks to the new Teton lift. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Considered one of the longest and widest Jackson Hole groomers, Open Wide will have you grinning from ear to ear. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Considered one of the longest and widest Jackson Hole groomers, Open Wide will have you grinning from ear to ear. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Thanks to the new Teton Lift, you can carve up the entire length of Wide Open top-to-bottom, which is one of s the longest and widest runs on the mountain. Another trip up the Teton Lift and you should be good and warmed up and ready to ski Kemmerer. Featuring sweeping valley views and rock star carving territory, Kemmerer is about as good as groomer skiing gets—when it’s groomed. So check the reports. “It’s a black diamond, but nothing severe,” says Patrick. You’ll probably be ready for lunch at this point, so stop in at Casper Restaurant (via Togwotee Pass Traverse) for some hearty made-to-order burritos.

Check out Apres Vous, the original Jackson Hole groomer zone

The runs off of Apres Vous lift provide the opportunity to test your skills in the trees. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
The runs off of Apres Vous lift provide the opportunity to test your skills in the trees. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
The Crags run provides unbeatable views of the valley below and surrounding mountains. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
The Crags run provides unbeatable views of the valley below and surrounding mountains. | Photo: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Take one more lap on the new Teton Lift and hang a right off the top of the chair to ski the new Crags run, a cruiser following the ridge line. From here, enjoy some of the best north-facing views of Grand Teton National Park that you’ll see anywhere on the mountain. “Crags run takes you over to the Apres Vous area, a staple of intermediate skiing in Jackson Hole since it opened in 1965,” says Patrick. Runs like Upper Teewinot, Werner and Hanna consistently have awesome groomed conditions. Intermediates can spend days exploring the nooks and crannies of the Casper/Teton/Apres Vous areas, so stick around on the looker’s right side of the mountain.


Experience Jackson Hole’s groomers this winter while they’re still a secret. Start planning your Jackson Hole ski trip today! Our Mountain Travel Experts can help you customize and book your flights, rental cars, lodging and more. They’re standing by at 800-610-8911. You can also get started by filling out a form for a free custom quote.

jay peak opening date
previous post
2015-16 opening dates at top New England ski resorts
October 19, 2015
new snow winter park
next post
Colorado resorts approach 2015-16 opening dates with new snow
October 23, 2015
Written by
Leah Boucher
Director of SEO + Content

Originally from the icy trails of New Jersey, I moved West to pursue powder and a career in writing and editing. Now living in Aspen, Colo. and working for Ski.com as Director of SEO + Content, I've been able to combine a litany of skills, passions and interests. You'll find me skiing at Aspen Mountain or Aspen Highlands in the winter and mountain biking at Snowmass in the summer.

You May Also Like
Banff Squirrel answers Banff Lake Louise questions
October 11, 2013
The Banff Squirrel’s Answers | Oct. 11
Share
Banff Squirrel
featured_image
August 2, 2017
Where can I go night skiing out West?
Share
leah
Photo: Mt. Bachelor Resort
December 14, 2016
12/14/2016: Where is it snowing?
Share
Kelly OBrien
TO THE MOUNTAINS Newsletter

Like our content? Get it, plus deals, snow reports, news and more, delivered right to your inbox every Tuesday.

×
#EpicDreamJob Destination Reels
Follow #EpicDreamJob
Popular Posts
Feb

20

2019
where is it snowing?
Where Is It Snowing?
Dec

14

2017
Whistler lessons, whistler private lessons, whistler max 4
The best week of the year for a ski vacation
Sep

27

2018
Mammoth early season, Mammoth El Nino, Mammoth opening dates
5 ski resorts with reliable early season snow
Apr

26

2018
featured_image
Resorts with Deepest Bases of 2017-18
Oct

04

2017
Best Apres Ski Jackson Hole, Live Music Jackson Mangy Moose, Mangy Mosoe
Best apres ski scenes in North America
Oct

09

2017
Snowmass snow winter fall
October snow in Colorado
Aug

13

2015
Park City Canyons connection
A guide to the Park City Canyons connection
TO THE MOUNTAINS

“Nobody gets why you crave time in the mountains more than we do, and nobody knows how to guide you there better.”

SKI.COM | Since 1971

Recent Posts
Telluride sunset
February 21, 2019 
Ski.com's Epic Dream Job - Stop 11: Telluride, Colorado
where is it snowing?
February 20, 2019 
Where Is It Snowing?
main street park city
February 18, 2019 
Ski.com's Epic Dream Job - Stop 10: Park City, Utah
Vail 10th apres ski, Vail 10th lunch
February 15, 2019 
All About Skiing In March in Colorado
Northstar Ski.com's Epic Dream Job, Northstar Epic Dream Job
February 14, 2019 
Ski.com's Epic Dream Job - Stop 9: Lake Tahoe
Twitter
To The Mountains with Ski.com

©2017 SKI.COM All rights reserved.