Ski Resort Guide
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
Although it is not one of the world's largest resorts, Jackson Hole is one of the few ski areas, alongside Aspen, Whistler or St Moritz, that has built a reputation as being synonymous with skiing. In Jackson Hole's case the reputation is not for glitz or excess, but as a pure mountain sports haven that draws in all those who love snow sports from all over the world.
Beyond skiing, Jackson Hole has a reputation for genuine, traditional hospitality and the charming local town of Jackson itself, 19km (12 miles) away, offers both the spirit of the Old West and all modern facilities.
The resort's iconic aerial tram, an image that made it famous worldwide when first opened 40 years ago, returned to Jackson Hole in December 2008 after two years of construction. The new tram is bigger and faster than the old one, carrying 100 passengers 4,139 vertical feet to the mountain summit in nine minutes, the largest continual vertical rise of any lift in the U.S. The quick ride to the top of the mountain provides skiers and snowboarders access to 2,500 acres of unmatched terrain and entrance into the backcountry.
Jackson Hole has also built a reputation for its high environmental standards. The resort is powered by 100% renewable energy and is one of only two US resorts, and a handful worldwide, that is third-party ISO 14001 certified as a ‘green' company.
Beyond skiing, Jackson Hole has a reputation for genuine, traditional hospitality and the charming local town of Jackson itself, 19km (12 miles) away, offers both the spirit of the Old West and all modern facilities.
The resort's iconic aerial tram, an image that made it famous worldwide when first opened 40 years ago, returned to Jackson Hole in December 2008 after two years of construction. The new tram is bigger and faster than the old one, carrying 100 passengers 4,139 vertical feet to the mountain summit in nine minutes, the largest continual vertical rise of any lift in the U.S. The quick ride to the top of the mountain provides skiers and snowboarders access to 2,500 acres of unmatched terrain and entrance into the backcountry.
Jackson Hole has also built a reputation for its high environmental standards. The resort is powered by 100% renewable energy and is one of only two US resorts, and a handful worldwide, that is third-party ISO 14001 certified as a ‘green' company.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,924m (6,311ft) (Teton Village); 1,900m (6,234ft) (Jackson town).
Top elevation: 3,185m (10,450ft).
Base elevation: 1,923m (6,311ft).
Number of lifts: 11.
Number of runs: 116.
Average annual snowfall: 11.6m (38ft).
Where in the world?
Jackson Hole is located in the northwestern corner of Wyoming within the Teton Mountain Range, just south of Yellowstone National Park.
Hit the slopes
The season runs from the end of November until early April.
Jackson Hole has a deserved reputation for offering some of the toughest skiing in North America, but there is plenty to entertain skiers of all standards. Even complete beginners have fine nursery slopes and an excellent ski school to teach them.
The ski area is based on Rendezvous Mountain, home of the iconic Corbet's Couloir, with its vertical drop-in, leading to a 50-degree run-out slope. It is only open when conditions are right and not recommended unless you have been advised you are capable of surviving it, intact, by someone who knows.
It's far better to enjoy one of the many great runs on Rendezvous. The Cheyenne, Laramie and Tensleep bowls are high on the list. Off-piste skiing and boarding (unpatrolled) is also offered in Jackson Hole's backcountry. It's sensible to head out within a guided group.
The 2008/09 season marked the return of the aerial tram to Jackson Hole. The $32 million investment is bigger and faster than the old one bringing 650 passengers to the summit per hour.
Jackson Hole has a deserved reputation for offering some of the toughest skiing in North America, but there is plenty to entertain skiers of all standards. Even complete beginners have fine nursery slopes and an excellent ski school to teach them.
The ski area is based on Rendezvous Mountain, home of the iconic Corbet's Couloir, with its vertical drop-in, leading to a 50-degree run-out slope. It is only open when conditions are right and not recommended unless you have been advised you are capable of surviving it, intact, by someone who knows.
It's far better to enjoy one of the many great runs on Rendezvous. The Cheyenne, Laramie and Tensleep bowls are high on the list. Off-piste skiing and boarding (unpatrolled) is also offered in Jackson Hole's backcountry. It's sensible to head out within a guided group.
The 2008/09 season marked the return of the aerial tram to Jackson Hole. The $32 million investment is bigger and faster than the old one bringing 650 passengers to the summit per hour.
Beyond the slopes
Outdoors you can try out ballooning, climbing, dog sledding, flightseeing, night skiing, tubing and snowshoeing. Wildlife safaris can introduce you to some of the 10,000 elk that live in the area. Snowmobile tours are another popular activity.
The town of Jackson has galleries, cinemas, museums, a library, concerts, indoor tennis and swimming.
The town of Jackson has galleries, cinemas, museums, a library, concerts, indoor tennis and swimming.
Family fun
Jackson Hole is a fun, wholesome resort where families will enjoy being together. For the youngest visitors, the slopeside Kids Ranch in Cody House accepts children aged from two months up to 17 years. This includes an outdoor snow play area with easy-to-use magic carpet lift.
Retail therapy
There are half a dozen shops in Teton Village at the base of the lifts, most of them ski or board stores. In the latter category, The Illuminati is a unique snowboard brand building high-end snowboards and selling directly to the customer.
With limited options in Jackson Hole itself, serious shoppers can head to the town of Jackson which mixes regional arts and crafts outlets with national chains.
With limited options in Jackson Hole itself, serious shoppers can head to the town of Jackson which mixes regional arts and crafts outlets with national chains.
Après ski
Jackson Hole's various slopeside bars are lively as soon as the lifts close, with extreme ski tales to be told. The Mangy Moose, Teton Village base, has celebrated 40 years in business and has built such a reputation it has been voted North America's best ski bar.
There's a wider choice in downtown Jackson, including several genuine cowboy saloons and a wonderful 1950s-style diner, The Cadillac Grille, 55 North Cache Street.
There's a wider choice in downtown Jackson, including several genuine cowboy saloons and a wonderful 1950s-style diner, The Cadillac Grille, 55 North Cache Street.
Eating out
There are limited, but more than adequate, dining options at the base of the mountain and a far wider selection in Jackson. The choice ranges from fast food to gourmet at both locations. In 2007 the new Couloir restaurant opened at the top of the Bridger gondola, 2,772m (9,095ft), high in the Tetons. Here you can enjoy fine western cuisine whilst admiring the scenery.
Getting around
A bus shuttle service links Jackson Hole Airport and the town of Jackson to the ski area or there are several car hire outlets.
Splashing out
Switch skis or board for a snowmobile and zoom across Yellowstone National Park, visit Old Faithful and then enjoy a swim in a natural thermal pool. Available through Jackson Hole Snowmobile Tours (www.jacksonholesnowmobile.com).
Accommodation
Luxury
Snake River Lodge & SpaLuxury western, full-service hotel with pool and spa at the base of the mountain.
7710 Granite Loop Road
Tel: (307) 732 6000 or 1 866 975 7625.
Website: www.rockresorts.com
Moderate
Pony Express MotelLocated in the town of Jackson, near all attractions, with heated pool.
1075 West Broadway
Tel: (307) 733 3835 or 1 800 526 2658.
Website: www.ponyexpresswest.com
Budget
The Hostel XJackson Hole's original affordable slopeside lodging, family-owned since 1967, with a library, table tennis and pool tables.
3315 McCollister Drive
Tel: (307) 733 3415.
Website: www.thehostel.us
Getting there
Nearest airport: Jackson Hole (JAC).
Distance to resort: 21km (13 miles).
Driving time: 30 minutes.
Distance to resort: 21km (13 miles).
Driving time: 30 minutes.
Website
This resort is good for...
Environmental awareness, Beginners, Non-skiers, Après ski, Families, Experts, Intermediates, Snow reliability, Snowboarders
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