What To Expect
Wyoming’s stunning Teton mountain range spans most of Grand Teton National Park, which is just south of Yellowstone National Park. These jutting pinnacles, particularly the crown jewel, Grand Teton, are some of the most photographed peaks in the world. Three ski resorts, Jackson Hole, Snow King, and Grand Targhee, offer the experience of skiing among these majestic mountains.
Teton ski resorts are a bit lower in altitude than the Colorado Rockies, with base elevations at a maximum of 6,300 feet and summit elevations topping out at 10,500 feet. That said, it’s important to practice good acclimation habits if you’re coming from a lower elevation such as drinking plenty of water and going down the mountain if you’re feeling the effects of altitude.
In terms of snowfall, Teton ski resorts receive anywhere from 450-500” annually on average. The quality of the snow is dry and fluffy since the Tetons, much like the Colorado Rockies, are continental and the climate is generally dry. This sort of snow quality makes for hero powder that skis like a dream
When booking a Teton ski trip or any ski trip, it’s important to remember that traveling during the winter can prove difficult at times. Flight delays, cancellations or route changes, and road closures are commonplace. It’s all part of the ski-trip experience. When something does go wrong, Ski.com’s Mountain Travel Experts do their absolute best to help get clients to their destination and into the fresh snow as quickly and as safely as possible.
If this is your first ski trip ever, check out our First Timer’s guide.
When To Go
If you’re looking for fewer crowds, great snow, and cheaper accommodations, mid-January is typically the best time to go. The one caveat is that it tends to be the coldest time of year. If you’re looking to experience warm sun and soft now, late March and early April are also great times to head to the mountains. For the most part, Spring Break is over by then so lift lines have lessened and lodging deals are more readily available.
Where To Go
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole has a long-standing, worldwide reputation for having some of the most challenging and rewarding with iconic chutes, cliff drops, deep snow, and steep lines on expert and advanced runs. However, recently regraded terrain now makes Jackson Hole an ideal destination for intermediates as well. Jackson Hole is also renowned for its iconic Aerial Tram, which carries passengers up to 4,139 vertical feet in just 12 minutes.
The town of Jackson offers an eclectic mix of world-class cuisine, shops, and galleries infused with authentic cowboy characters. Western culture carries throughout every aspect of a Jackson Hole ski vacation, from the famed Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in downtown Jackson to the ski-in/ski-out Teton Village, located just 15 minutes apart. Rounding out your Western adventures, Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful, Grand Teton National Park, and the National Elk Refuge are all within striking distance of Jackson Hole.
Snow King Mountain
Located in downtown Jackson, just six blocks from the town center, this charming mom and pop ski resort is affectionately referred to by locals as the “the Town hill.” With 400 skiable acres, three lifts, a magic carpet and 32 named runs, this laid-back ski area is perfect for beginners or less experienced intermediates. If you want to be closer to the downtown action, you can even stay right at the base of Snow King Mountain at Snow King Resort, which offers hotels and condominium accommodations.
Grand Targhee
If you’re in search of a laid-back ski vacation with virtually guaranteed powder, then Grand Targhee should be top-of-mind. Grand Targhee is located in the western Teton Mountains 12 miles from Driggs, Idaho, and experiences a whopping 500 inches of legendary powder on average. Grand Targhee consistently ranks as one of North America’s top resorts for powder hounds; in fact, SKI magazine once called it “A place that dumps.” Grand Targhee sits on the border of Wyoming and Idaho, on the western side of the Tetons—opposite from Jackson Hole. Targhee is situated in an ideal powder vortex, and traps the Pacific snow traveling east. This hidden gem rarely sees crowds or extensive lift lines, and its close proximity to Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Big Sky, and Salt Lake City, make it a great stop for a road trip.
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.
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