Western Wyoming offers an attractive combination of excellent skiing and down-home amenities. You’ve likely heard of Jackson Hole, an exciting area that dates back to the frontier days when the valley was used as an escape from the soaring peaks of the Grand Tetons. Those peaks are sought-after today as some of the most extreme mountain terrain for winter sports.
The ski resorts near Jackson Hole offer a mixture of slopes for various skill levels and adventurers of all ages. Whether you’re looking for the convenience of a resort within walking distance to the mountains, some of America’s most challenging slopes, or a no-frills, laid-back atmosphere, you can find it all and more in Wyoming.
The area receives an average of 450 inches of snowfall each year, allowing guests of all skill levels to enjoy the stunning beauty of Wyoming. As a bonus, you’ll find several hot springs in the area, giving you the perfect opportunity to indulge in a relaxing dip after some time on the slopes.
If you’re up for a bit of a thrill, below is a list of the best ski resorts near Jackson Hole and everything they offer. Before planning your next ski adventure, read on to learn everything you need to know.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a skiers’ paradise, especially if you have a more advanced skill set. The daunting summit (elevation 10,450 feet!) is accessible by chair or tram, with a vertical drop of 4,139 feet and some of the best skiing in the nation.
Skiers, beware — this summit is not for beginners and should be reserved for those at least an intermediate level. Of the 131 different runs at Jackson Hole, more than 50% of them are expert-level, with only a small portion of those reserved for skiers who are beginners. The beginner trails are tons of fun, and if you stop by the Ski & Snowboard School in the Bridger Center, you’ll find lessons, ski rentals, and even a small restaurant.
Many visitors enjoy relaxing at Teton Village, or “the Village,” as the locals call it, at the resort's base. The village has grown tremendously through the years and is now host to a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and travel lodges. The distinctive feeling of seclusion and serenity still exists despite the various commercial outlets here.
Snow King Mountain Resort
Snow King Mountain Resort is a prime location a few blocks from Town Square, within walking distance for those staying there. This resort offers all the bells and whistles you could ask for and then some. The summit is a whopping 7,808 feet, representing an impressive 1,571 vertical drop of fresh, powdery snow. Thirty-two runs and two terrain parks are spread across over 500 skiable acres. Visitors can access 15 expert and 13 intermediate trails, making it more suitable for those with a higher skill set. Beginners have six routes, separate from the rest, on which to practice and learn before advancing to the other trails.
This resort offers more than just skiing and snowboarding, though. Guests enjoy tubing and the Winter Cowboy Coaster, with almost one mile of exciting twists and turns. This coaster travels right past skiers and snowboarders as you navigate the twists and turns of this epic ride. There are several dining options on-site, like the King’s Grill in the Rafferty Center, but you’ll also find plenty more nearby in Jackson.
Grand Targhee Resort
The stunning Grand Targhee Resort is in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest on the western slope of the Tetons. A transit service runs between this resort and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, allowing guests to change scenery easily. Here, visitors will find light conditions and minimal lift lines at “the Ghee,” making it an excellent destination for solitude.
The impressive summit sits at 9,862 feet, with an epic 2,176-foot drop on Fred’s Mountain. Most runs at the Grand Targhee Resort are intermediate level, with some more advanced and beginner levels thrown into the mixture. If you’re at Peaked Mountain, you’ll find an elevation of 9,830 feet with nothing but intermediate to advanced runs.
For a day of family fun, don’t miss the kids’ adventure zone, with a bobsledding area, Sweetwater Terrain Park, and a ton of easier trails for novice skiers. The lodging and dining are also exceptional, with the Powder Cache Bar & Grill, The Trap Bar & Grill, Snorkels Cafe, Wild Bill’s Grill, Slopeside Taco Trailer, a general store, and many amenities like a hot tub and pool for guests.
White Pine Ski Resort
Southeast of Jackson, a touch off the beaten path, is the White Pine Ski Resort. Visitors to this glorious resort will find 350 skiable acres, two lifts that run to 27 different trails, and an even mixture of skill levels. The summit is a whopping 9,500 feet, with 1,100 vertical feet of excitement and slopes. You’ll also enjoy stunning views of the rolling hills and countryside, which includes the Bridger Teton National Forest and Freemont Lake from the summit.
Those interested can easily rent a cabin and walk a short distance to the lifts. The cottages offer multiple bedrooms, a loft, a fully-equipped kitchen, a washer and dryer, a fireplace, and a large deck. This resort is the perfect destination for those wanting to enjoy gorgeous views and intermediate skiing without all the hustle and bustle of larger resorts.
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*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock