GRAND TARGHEE RESORT GUIDE
Grand Targhee Intermediate Itinerary
Dreamcatcher, Blackfoot, Sacajawea
Overview
From Main Base Area – Dreamcatcher Lift – Sitting Bull Ridge – Blackfoot Lift – Lunch @Branding Iron/Wild Bills – Sacajawea Lift – Return to Main Base Area
1. 9am –Cruising off of Dreamcatcher & Around Sitting Bull Ridge
One beauty of Targhee is that the Dreamcatcher Lift provides access to almost the entire ski area, most of which is very intermediate friendly. Start your day by taking Dreamcatcher to the top of FRED'S MOUNTAIN. Just beware of the fog which frequently coats the whole mountain in a thick layer. If this is the case, begin by heading to the Sacajawea Lift (via the Millcreek Traverse to the lookers right from the base area). This area is lower in elevation and tends to offer better visibility for first time visitors and those looking to get their bearings. *If you choose to do this, skip to step 4 and return here later in the day.
From the top of Dreamcatcher, take a left and head down the catwalk towards Sitting Bull Ridge. Not only is this a great warm-up, but on a clear day, it offers spectacular views of Teton Valley. This mellow groomer makes its way to the skier’s right of the chair before splintering into a variety of blue runs, most of which are usually groomed. On the left, you’ll see Wandering Moose and Slim’s Shot which head back under the Dreamcatcher chair. Stay to the right on the ridge and you’ll cruise down Wild Turkey or Big Thunder. All of these options will lead back to the main base area where you can catch Dreamcatcher again and scope the runs you missed on the first go around.
If you want to pick up the pace a little, try Wild Willie or Crazy Horse. While usually groomed, these runs are on the steeper side of intermediate skiing. Both start at the top of Dreamcatcher and head to the skier’s lift down to the Teton Vista Traverse (TVT) which returns to the base area.
Image Courtesy of Grand Targhee Resort
2. 10:30am-12pm – Sterling Mountain - an Intermediate's Paradise
While skiing down Sitting Bull Ridge, you can't help but notice the cornice to your right and the terrain that lies below. This makes Chief Joe Bowl and the Blackfoot Lift area a great natural progression. The easiest way to access Chief Joe Bowl is to take a left at the top of Dreamcatcher and continue past Sitting Bull Ridge on the Headwall Traverse until you reach the top of the Bowl. The run curves down the mountain and splits to the left and to the right as you reach the bottom. Stay left via Funnel to head back to the top of the Shoshone Lift and the base area or stay right to head to the Blackfoot Chair.
Riding Blackfoot will give you a lay of the land and great vantage point to scope your next run. You’ll find steep groomers in Floyd’s Fantasy and Williamson Bowl under the chair. To the far left, you’ll be able to see some off-piste terrain that may look tempting. Note that the farther you stray to the looker’s left along the Blackfoot Traverse, the more challenging the terrain becomes. If you want more Chief Joe Bowl, just take a right at the top of the Blackfoot Chair and the catwalk will dump you back into the Bowl.
3. 12pm – Lunch @The Branding Iron or Wild Bill's
All of Targhee's food options are at the main base area. The Branding Iron is open for lunch and offers the most upscale dining on the mountain. If you have time, sit down and enjoy steaks, salads, burgers and more. For a faster option, walk past the Branding Iron into the Rendezvous Lodge and hit up Wild Bill's Grill. This is a quick, lunchroom style stop with plenty to fuel you into the evening.
4. 1-3:30pm – Exploring the Sacajawea Lift Area
Once you’re ready for more head on down to the Sacajawea Lift. From the base area take the Millcreek Traverse to the bottom of the lift. Almost all of the SACAJAWEA AREA is rated intermediate, so you’ll have no shortage of options to fill your afternoon. Dreamweaver is the longest run on SACAJAWEA serving up banked turns and many changes in terrain. The Northern Lights Ridge will give you a sneak peek into the Cat Skiing terrain at Targhee. Early in the season beware of unmarked hazards as SACAJAWEA accumulates slightly less snow than the upper mountain.
To return to the base area, take a left at the top of the chair and follow Dreamweaver to the Powder Reserve Traverse (The PR). Make sure to head back via the Traverse before the lift closes at 3:30pm or you’ll be hiking out to end the day.
Image Courtesy of Grand Targhee Resort
Congratulations! If you're looking for an après scene, the Powder Reserve Traverse will send you skiing right onto the deck of the Trap Bar. For more options, check out our full après guide here.