JACKSON HOLE GUIDE
Jackson Hole Ski Resort Overview
**Operating Guidelines: Jackson Hole encourages guests to purchase lift tickets online, in advance. Ikon Pass holders must make reservations at ikonpass.com for Winter 2023-24.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JH) in Wyoming, spanning 2,500 acres and two mountains, resides atop many a skier and snowboarder’s bucket list. The technical terrain, jaw-dropping scenery, old-west vibe, nightlife, and fine dining are all reasons to consider a trip to this legendary mountain. The resort consistently bags top honors and awards as a destination resort despite the notoriously challenging travel logistics.
Along with Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole is one of the only famous cities in Wyoming, a state that some people still consider to be on the frontier of the American West. Contrary to the common perception that Jackson Hole is a mountain for experts, the resort has lately been upping its game by adding beginner and intermediate terrain and focusing on the Mountain Sports School experience.
The Sweetwater Gondola, Solitude Station Learning Center, and Casper Quad provide beginners and intermediates with excellent access to appropriate terrain. Jackson Hole is an amazing winter trip for groups or families of wildly different abilities and comfort levels. For experts, there’s always the 4,139 feet of vertical drop, endless backcountry access, the aerial tram, and immense quantities of steep (and often deep) terrain. If that’s not enough to make you drool, consider the 459 inches of annual snowfall and book your next trip.
Teton Village is a 12-mile, 20-minute ride to Jackson. Bus service runs regularly between the areas, enabling easy access to a variety of accommodations, tons of fun nightlife, and fine dining options in town. Jackson Hole participates in the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective.
Snow Reliability
Snow-Making & Grooming
Ski School
Travel Convenience
Accommodations
Terrain Variety
On Mountain Dining
Extreme / Off-Piste Terrain
Quick Take
Let's Go
One of the steepest ski resorts in North America (ranked #5), the vertical drop of 4,139 feet will test the strongest of thighs.
Unparalleled terrain diversity; there is something for everyone.
Enjoy access to nightlife, shopping, and cultural experiences in Teton Village or nearby Jackson.
When it’s deep at Jackson Hole, it’s deeeeeeeep!
The essence of mountain living can be found here; JH is a winter lover's paradise with wildlife safaris, snow-shoeing and more.
Hesitations
Travel can be tricky with hazardous mountain passes or expensive flights into the Jackson Hole airport.
Temps can be bone-rattling. Find the best snow Dec - Feb, but dress warmly!
With multi-resort passes, visitors are flocking to this mountain; tram lines can become long.
Prices here can be sky-high, especially during peak periods or holidays.
A large percentage of JH is southeast-facing; snow conditions may bake fast on sunny or warm days.
Insider Tips
Staying at Teton Village removes the need for a car as there are plenty of shuttles and a reliable bus service into the town of Jackson.
Grand Teton National Park, which sits adjacent to Jackson Hole, showcases the grandeur of the Teton Mountain Range and includes a diverse range of ecosystems, pristine lakes, and rivers.
When it’s time to warm up, gobble waffles at 10,450 feet in Corbet’s Cabin. Locals recommend ordering these toppings: half brown sugar butter & half peanut butter bacon.
For an indulgent night in, head to the Bodega in Teton Village and order a slushie (a frozen alcoholic slushie) and grab a delicious take-and-bake pizza and some amazing locally crafted ice cream sandwiches.
If the tram line looks long, make moves for the Sweetwater Gondola and connect over to the Casper Lift to gain elevation.
Consider hiring a guide for groups of up to 5 with the Jackson Hole Mountain Sports School. Enjoy line-cutting privileges and remove any stress around navigating this huge mountain as your guide shows you the goods and secret stashes.
If you head into Jackson's excellent backcountry terrain, be sure to check a current avalanche forecast have a buddy, and the proper equipment and knowledge to venture beyond the resort boundary.
Snow King Mountain is an alternate resort option (along with Grand Targhee), for family activities outside of Jackson Hole Resort. (Near One Town Hill) It's more of a "local resort" but has amazing night skiing, the infamous cowboy coaster, and a phenomenal tubing park with king tubes!
Trail Map
For an in-depth breakdown of Jackson Hole's terrain, head to our Mountain Guide. Top trails and mountain stats included.
Getting To & Around
Getting to Jackson Hole is the hardest part! Once you’re here, transit between Teton Village and the town of Jackson is fairly simple. Renting a car is not essential if you fly to Jackson, though it will enable more flexible plans.
Getting To
Closest Major City: Salt Lake City, UT
Distance: ~300 miles South West, Travel Time: ~ 4.5 - 5 hours drive
Closest Town: Jackson, WY
Distance: ~12 miles, ~20 minute drive
Teton Village is at the Base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Neighboring Resorts
Jackson Hole sits in a valley between the Teton Mountain Range and the Gros Ventre Range in Wyoming, near the border of Idaho.
Closet Neighbors
Snow King, WY (~13 miles, ~25 minutes)
Grand Targheee Resort, WY (~45 miles, ~70 minutes)
Other resorts on the Ikon & Mountain Collective Passes are further away, some of the "closest" include
Big Sky, MO (180 miles, ~3.5 hours)
Resorts in the Utah Wasatch Range - Alta, Brighton, Deer Valley, Snowbird and Solitude are 260 - 300 miles away, ~4.5 - 5 hours driving in fair weather (this drive is particularly heinous in bad weather with frequent road closures, high winds and terrifying blowing/drifting snow)
Travel by Plane
Closest regional airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC); JAC has direct flights to 12 major cities in the U.S. and is also accessible by private plane
~30 minutes drive to the resort
Closest major commercial airport: SLC (Salt Lake City International Airport)
~300 miles South West, ~5 hrs
Travel By Bus
The public transit system around Jackson and to Teton Village is easy to use with frequent routes. Jackson Hole runs START Buses (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit)
Airport shuttle services as well as taxies and ride shares are readily available to / from JAC
Travel by Car
When arriving by plane, renting car is not essential. Winter driving conditions to Jackson can be very difficult with hazardous mountain passes, snowdrifts, and slick roads. Do not attempt this drive without chains or 4WD.
Pros: Additional flexiblity to explore the broader area
Cons: There is a charge to park at the resort unless you carpool with 3 or more riders. Lyft, Uber, and many shuttles are available.
Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are convenient and reasonabley priced
