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8. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

8. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Jackson Hole powder day, February 2021
(Chris Figenshau)

Stepping into the Big Red tram at the base of Jackson Hole, it’s hard not get a certain child-like sense of awe. And for good reason. Being swept up over 4,100 vertical feet at an inspiring rate over breathtaking views and iconic runs can be exhilarating, not to mention what happens when you get out.

With an expansive 2,500 acres of terrain at your feet, Jackson offers a unique sense of adventure with some of the most steep and challenging terrain in the region. While already known for its adrenaline-inducing fall lines including the infamous Corbet’s Couloir and the Alta Chutes, Jackson has turned some attention recently to enabling skiers of all abilities and raising the next generation of world-class shredders.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Tram
(Photo: Greg Von Doersten)

Although it doesn’t have the rep as a family vacation spot, beginners and families now have their own hub at Solitude Station lodge, which acts as the home of the Mountain Sports School, as well as offering rental and dining facilities. Located at the mid-station of the Sweetwater Gondola and a brief two-minute ride from the base, it’s the perfect base camp for the ski family.

After a record-setting number of skiers visited Jackson Hole over the last few years amid more than 500 inches of snow, mountain upgrades, limited ticket sales, and better terrain access hopes to also spread skiers out across the slopes, reducing crowds and increasing stoke. Which is not hard to find at Jackson Hole.

RG 24 Top 30 West

No. 8 in the West: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Jackson Hole Mountain Stats

Average Snowfall Acres Lifts Trails
459″ 2,500 12 133

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Pass Info

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is on the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective. Ikon Pass holders get 7 days at the resort. There’s no access included on the Ikon Base Pass, but pass holders can purchase the Base Plus pass for 5 days at the resort. Mountain Collective pass holders get 2 days at the resort and 50 percent off additional tickets.

Trip Planning

From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

What’s New

The only major news is that the Kemmerling family, longtime owners of the resort, are selling to a couple of local families, who plan to continue moving the ski area forward with improved infrastructure and a focus on maintaining the spirit and vibe of the place.

Also, be aware that the resort is one of a handful of Ikon Pass resorts that still requires reservations.

Getting There

Snowbirds, rejoice: American Airlines added add new seasonal service from Miami to Jackson Hole beginning in December and running through early April 3.

On-Hill Eats

A hot, buttery waffle at the cozy Corbet’s Cabin at the top of the Tram is a must. If you can’t, or don’t want, to ski from the summit, you can ride the Tram back down.

Bragging Rights

Paintbrush, a steep, cliffy, overlooked run tucked underneath the Laramie Traverse off Thunder, is always soft or chalky.

Best Breakfast

Go for anything fresh-baked at Persephone, a local favorite French bake shop, and you won’t be sorry.

Family Experience

Bundle up for a scenic sleigh ride amid majestic elk and bighorn sheep at the National Elk Refuge.

Continuing Ed

Boost your skiing ability with one of the resort’s week-long Steep and Deep clinics. Identify what you want to learn, and get paired with an instructor to tour Jackson’s infamous terrain and hone the skills necessary to ski the gnar with confidence and style.

Dinner Picks

The town of Jackson is flush with great eats served up with a dash of local flair and history. Hand Fire Pizza, in the old Teton Theater, serves up delicious thin-crusted pies in a gorgeously renovated space. Pair the Sweet Italian Sausage pizza with a Melvin 2×4 IPA, brewed just down the road.

Sit-Down Lunch

Piste Mountain Bistro will refuel you with grass-fed burgers and lamb loin.

Après Spot 

Located in Teton Mountain Lodge, The Spur’s rustic barn-wood walls and fireplaces offer the cozy atmosphere you crave after a cold day on the hill. Its nachos, buffalo wings, and spicy margaritas satiate both body and soul.

Off-the-Map Trail 

Hike up the near-vertical White Spider and ski any of the lines in Casper Bowl. The cliffy bowl is lightly skied and typically good for a few powder stashes.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s website

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