Your Guide to Ski and Snowboard Rentals in Jackson Hole
Playing on snow in Jackson Hole can be the experience of a lifetime. An unparalleled diversity of
terrrain coupled with an average annual snowfall of just under 400" to 500" depending on where you stand in the valley.
Three great alpine resorts providing
access to it all. With the new tram unveiling, Dec. 20th, at Jackson Hole Mtn. Resort things should be quite exiting.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
The Big One, is unrivaled in alpine skiing and boarding. High qaulity snow and lots of it make Jackson Hole Mountain Resort a must on any skiers list. This steep skiing legend has softened its hardcore image in recent years by adding a host of family friendly activities and additional beginner and intermediate terrain. Everyone can now be kept busy on or off the slopes. The terrain remains unrivaled, with the mountain now hosting a number of on mountain eateries and beefed up lift system. With a much anitcipated new 100 person aerial tram being unveiled December 20th.
The early season can be a bit of a gamble on this side of the Tetons. With a low base elevation and somewhat inconsistent early season snowfall, terrain is often limited until later in December. This may also be the nemesis for Spring skiing, with lower areas of the mountain melting out sooner.
Grand Targhee
While located on the opposite side of the Tetons, its still in Wyoming. Grand Targhee boasts
500" of annual snowfall which provide for nearly unlimited powder days. Its terrrain is ideal for all levels but
supports a large amount of intermediate and advanced intermediate terrain. A great place to get your powder legs.
Grand Targhee supports a loyal following of true powder hounds.
In recent years the resort has expanded its lift accessed terrain onto what was formerly reserved for their Snowcat operation. This added terrain has made the Grand Targhee skiing experience much more dynamic for the destination and day skier to the area.
The Targhee Express provides transportation and lift tickets to Grand Targhee on a daily basis for $84. This is the way to go! Leave the driving over Teton Pass to someone else. At the end of the day you'll be tired and can sleep all the way home, and all of the way there if you want. It is a beautiful drive and its nice to not have to keep your eyes on the road and take in the magnificent scenery. The trip generally takes 1.5 hours each way.
Snow King Resort
The local's hill is truly a gem. Providing great terrain for a modest price, Snowking is the Legend. Located in the town of Jackson and on the bus route. With low skier traffic most days, you'll feel like you have the mountain to yourself. Snow King tends to be a little cooler on most days due to its Northerly aspect, throw on an extra layer. For someone looking for a shorter day on the hill this is the economic choice.
White Pine
Located outside of Pinedale, Wyoming about an hour and a half South of Jackson. Providing great terrain and prices, this drive can make for an enjoyable day of exploring this corner of Wyoming. White Pine also experiences lower skier density which makes it great for avoiding crowds. We do not recommend making this trip in storm conditions, it can be a very white knuckle driving experience.
General Information
The early season can be a bit of a gamble in Teton County. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Resort have low base elevations, around 6200'-'6300. Sometimes inconsistent early snowfall, will limit terrain until mid to late December. This may also be the nemesis for Spring skiing, as temperatures at the valley floor rise faster with the longer and warmer days of Spring. In low snow years this will likely mean the melting out of many lower mountain slopes.
Grand Targhee does have a base elevation around 8000' which generally lends itself to slighlty deeper snow depths and potentially better early and late season snow conditions.
For more information on skiing and snowboarding or other activities in Jackson Hole, please contact us.
