The Top 10 Resorts With the Most Challenging Terrain in the West
Trees, couloirs, and cliffs, oh my! When high angles get your blood pumping, these are the ski areas that should be on your go list.
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.
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.
Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
459″ | 2,500 | 12 | 133 |
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.
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.
The Thunder Quad is getting replaced by a high-speed quad that’s twice as fast as the old lift, cutting ride time from seven minutes to just over three and a half minutes. The upgrade will help move ski traffic more efficiently on a popular part of the slopes.
Also, be aware that the resort is one of a handful of Ikon Pass resorts that requires reservations, and new this season, JHMR is offering discounted advance sales on day tickets, meaning certain days could sell out.
Snowbirds, rejoice: American Airlines is adding add new seasonal service from Miami to Jackson Hole beginning Dec. 15 and running through April 3.
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.
Paintbrush, a steep, cliffy, overlooked run tucked underneath the Laramie Traverse off Thunder, is always soft or chalky.
Go for anything fresh-baked at Persephone, a local favorite French bake shop, and you won’t be sorry.
Bundle up for a scenic sleigh ride amid majestic elk and bighorn sheep at the National Elk Refuge.
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.
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.
Piste Mountain Bistro will refuel you with grass-fed burgers and lamb loin.
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.
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.
Trees, couloirs, and cliffs, oh my! When high angles get your blood pumping, these are the ski areas that should be on your go list.
It's mud season in mountain towns, and we're kind of relieved.
Don't even think about ordering a Bud when there are locally inspired brews to be had at your favorite ski town this season.
The apparel company decided that its products will no longer be sold in the resort's retail stores in Teton Village and Jackson.
It’s hard to imagine that one of Colorado’s most popular resorts still has hidden gems, but we found them. Add these to your must-ski list this season.
Check out Keri Bascetta's author page.
Jackson Hole just expanded its bike park for the gravity-fed summer fun skiers seek during the summer and beyond.
Via ferrata climbing routes are growing in popularity in the U.S., including a brand-new one opening this summer at one legendary Colorado ski area.
That famous couloir is in good company with this list of puckeringly steep and technical runs at one of the toughest mountains in the U.S.
No one would have faulted Hadley Hammer if she left a career as a big mountain pro behind. But that's not what happened.
Practicing more realistic (and tougher) avalanche rescue scenarios could make a huge difference for most recreational backcountry skiers.
See 26 participants throw massive double backflips, nose butters, huge methods, and the first-ever wallride in the iconic couloir
The event is a combination of a big mountain and slopestyle comp with one simple conceit—biggest, baddest run wins.
Check out Keri Bascetta's author page.
The best views aren't always from the summit. Soak in the backdrop from these geographically blessed hotel pools.
Powder-seekers are taking advantage of Steamboat's reservation-free policy—and fueling local controversy in the process.
The fourteen-year-old skier skis with authority in some of the biggest, baddest terrain in the West.
Great steeps and great deeps. It's a place of legend.
The best pictures to have graced the pages of SKI Magazine this past winter.
For those looking to push the boundaries.
The duo behind The Rolling Van had an all-time week of snow, relaxation, and fine dining in wild Wyoming.
East coasters head to Wyoming for a week of red-carpet treatment beneath the Tetons.
Idaho Springs’ Westbound and Down Brewpub cleaned up at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival, as did four other mountain town breweries.
We crunched the numbers: Here's the Top 10 resorts for purists who care only about the ski experience.
Twelve lucky content creators are headed to six amazing locations for the trips of a lifetime.
Michelle Parker and her team explore Jackson Hole in the latest episode of Originate
With the opening of the new Solitude Station Learning Hub, now’s the time to introduce your bold young skiers to the slopes of Jackson Hole.
This year's Dream Job invites qualified candidates to apply for one-week ski resort residencies.
A budget-minded, family-friendly new lodging option in downtown Jackson, Wyoming.
Hit the middle Rockies for blower pow and free refills courtesy of the Mountain Collective.
An authentic vibe melds with an adventurous spirit in this playground that's a stone's throw from some of the best skiing in the West.
How this motto catalyzed her move from the world of hospitality to the world of pro skiing, and now how it’s helping her ski again post-injury.
No matter how skilled a skier you are, learning to tackle seriously steep terrain takes determination, courage, and, yes, a little bit of ego.
A primer about the steepest runs at your favorite resorts.
A Wyoming family that skis together, makes bourbon together, too.
Low on glitz, high on character, these towns are filled with folks who are genuinely stoked to be visiting or living there. Put them on your “go” list.
SKI Magazine's first Booze of the Month award goes to a growing brewery in an amazing town.
The key to avoiding backcountry fatalities may lie in hiring a guide. But not everyone is on board with that idea... yet.
Thanks to you, chairlift heckler, I’ve found a new appreciation for being singled out
Trust us, you're going to want to find yourself on the “Path of Totality” for Monday’s historic Great American Eclipse, and a bunch of resorts are ready to help you do it.
Trees: 1; Instructor: 0, during the first run of the day.
A new gondola for Jackson Hole adds more access to beginner and intermediate terrain.
Inclusivity, encouragement, and education reign in this mountain girls’ club.
Can't stop, won't stop. This kid never stops.
Exum Mountain Guides partners with Arc'teryx
The king of the transitions, this guy makes a mogul field look like twelve inches of fresh.
Check out SKI Magazine's author page.
It's Thirsty I'm thursday.
Sure, luck plays a role in life. But 29-year-old pro skier Hadley Hammer has proven that if you want something, you better go effing get it.
A snowboarder died inbounds yesterday afternoon at Jackson Hole. Here's everything we know.
Andrew Munz’ play pokes fun at life in one of the most beloved ski towns, Jackson.
Because after a good day on the mountain, it's your right to celebrate with a drink.
Straight out of Warren Miller Entertainment's new film Chasing Shadows, monoboarding is alive and well—contrary to popular belief.
Wondering where to ski next? We’ll make it easy. Here’s what everyone’s talking about at resorts around the country.
Find your ski pass for next season—and the best deals—here.
Slopeside live music, wacky costumes, and tons of beer? Sign us up for these spring festivals.
A few strategies for finding the best airfare to your next ski destination.
Seven camps to make you a better skier.
Vote for the best edit from ski areas across the country.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort - Stomping Grounds Edit
On Alaska heli skiing, staying humble, and trying not to die.
After helping to tear down skiing's strict boundary regulations with the founding of the Jackson Hole Air Force, Benny Wilson asks the new young guns, what's the rush?
Top ranked resort from our 2013-14 reader survey. Find out if your resort made the list.
Join us at Exum’s Live To Ski camp and learn big-mountain essentials.
Check out these 2013/14 pass deals that will save you money and get you skiing.
Eldora joins Vail’s Epic pass while Mountain Collective adds Mammoth, Snowbird, and Whistler Blackcomb.
Photos from the Superwoman Sally fundraiser in Jackson, Wyoming.
A fundraiser in Jackson on 12/8 to benefit Teton County SAR and the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol.
Ski shop employees Trey Clauss, Jim Riley and Lindsay Cline ski with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort guide Karin Sieber in March 2012. They got early tram, were shown secret stashes and were given tips on how to ski Jackson Hole terrain.
Photos through the ages.