The drama-filled Rocky Mountains, with their rugged terrain and beautiful vistas, are a skier’s paradise. Winter transforms the mountains into playgrounds for skiers and snowboarders. With the large amounts of snowfall that’s dumped on these mountains every season, powder hounds find their ultimate escape. You won’t have to look far to find a ski resort in the Rocky Mountains. There are many ski resorts in Rocky Mountains on offer that span the Canadian Rockies and the United States.
Some of the best ski resorts in Rocky Mountains are just outside the National Park in Colorado. Ski resorts such as Aspen Snowmass and Steamboat Springs are some of the best ski resorts in Colorado. Other ski resorts in the Rockies that receive some of the ‘greatest snowfall on earth’ are among the best ski resorts in Utah. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a good ski resort in the Rocky Mountains on the Canadian side, you won’t be disappointed.
Many of the ski resorts in the Rockies have excellent towns or villages at their base. A few of these towns, such as Aspen and Vail, are choc-a-bloc with things to do off the slopes. From shopping to world-class dining and apres activities, many of the ski towns have enough to keep you busy. It’s no wonder that many of these ski resorts rank as the best US winter vacations.
Park City
11
The Resort: Some of the best ski resorts in Utah are less than an hour from Salt Lake City, and Park City Mountain Resort is probably one reason why it’s not taken as a ‘serious’ skiing destination. However, Park City did host four events of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, so that should tell you something. Even if you’re not a powder hound, Park City is definitely a great place for a family vacation due to the vibrant town at the base of the slopes. Park City’s tie-up with Canyons Ski Resort in late 2015 transformed it into one of the largest ski resorts in Rocky Mountains. A gondola interconnects the two resorts.
Both resorts have their own base village, which is very distinct from each other. The larger of the two resorts, Canyons, has a great mix of terrain, while Park City has made its mark with intermediate runs. You can expect some great skiing facilities here.
The Terrain: After its tie-up with Canyons Resort, Park City Mountain Resort expanded to a whopping 7,300 acres of ski-able terrain, with 348 marked trails and 41 lifts. The corduroy-like lines you witness in the morning are the work of about 40 snowcats. Additionally, you’ll find eight terrain parks and a few pipes. The park has limited runs for beginners with only eight percent greens, but it’s a good place for intermediates, with 41 percent of the terrain earmarked for this category. An almost equal amount of terrain is shared between advanced and expert riders.
The Town: The resort is popular for the vibrant Park City town at the base. You’ll find many non-skiers descending on the town to enjoy its other attractions. One of the last American West ski towns, this town is no small ski village. It’s a shopping mecca with a Main Street, great restaurants, top-class hotels, and reasonable nightlife. You can be sure you’ll never get bored in town once you put away your skis.
Pros:
- It has a whopping 7,300 acres of ski-able terrain to suit all levels
- Good for families
- There are plenty of activities in the town
- The nightlife in Park City is much more than other ski resorts in Utah
Cons:
- When compared to most Utah ski resorts the off slope costs are much higher, especially accommodation
- With easy accessibility provided by the Epic pass, the crowds at the resort will probably get bigger
Opening and Closing: Winter season begins by the third week of November and continues till mid-April.
Where to Stay: Most of the lodging in the town is upscale, but that’s not to say you won’t find good mid-range accommodation. There are a few ski-in ski-out options near the main base and most of the other accommodations around Main Street. A town bridge connects Main Street to the ski resort, while the Town chairlift at the heart of Main Street will take you uphill.
Beaver Creek
10
The Resort: Beaver Creek is the little sister of sprawling Vail resort in Colorado. If you’re looking for a luxurious ski resort in the Rocky Mountains with plenty of pampering, this is where you should go. Beaver caters to families and beginners as well as those looking to be away from the crowds. For someone looking for a well-serviced ski vacation, you’ll find it in Beaver. Here, you can take a ride on the escalator from the town instead of lugging your gear up several flights of stairs. Trained attendants are also at hand to help tired guests with their gear at the end of the day. Skiers can also dig into freshly baked cookies in the afternoon.
Given its smaller terrain for skiing, the resort doesn’t receive as many visitors as its bigger sister.
The Terrain: Beaver has 1,800 acres of skiable terrain with 150 well-laid-out trails that are as good as any. For a resort of this size, the number of lifts is pretty good. 23 lifts, including 2 gondolas and a good number of high-speed quad chairs, transport guests up the slopes. What sets Beaver Creek apart from most ski resorts are the trails that leisurely wind down the mountain instead of flowing straight down.
Every night an expert team immaculately grooms the terrain to make it perfect for skiing in the morning. Beginners can take the Haymeadow Express gondola to the beginner-only trails. Although many people are of the mistaken notion that Beaver Creek is mainly for beginners and intermediates, you’ll find quite a few steep black and double black piste and tree skiing. The mountain is much lower than most of the resorts in the area, with a summit elevation of 11,440 feet. Although there is a large expanse of advanced and expert terrain, the ski area is below the treeline.
The Town: The quaint, pedestrian Beaver Creek Village spreads out at the bottom of the ski resort. It’s the perfect place for families as the village is quite compact and easy to explore. Spread roughly five blocks by eight blocks you definitely won’t lose your way here. You’ll find a good blend of restaurants and establishments and a pedestrian-only area with good outdoor space. The town of Avon is a few minutes away if you’re looking for more economical lodging options. There’s also Arrowhead Village and Bachelor Gulch Village nearby.
Pros:
- Meticulously groomed corduroy runs
- Escalator from the bus stop straight to the slopes
- Good efficient lift network
- Quieter than the other ski resorts
- Excellent for families
Cons:
- No true high alpine terrain
- Be prepared for an expensive vacation
Opening and Closing: Opens at the end of November and closes in mid-April.
Where to Stay: Beaver Creek has a good assortment of accommodations with a few ski-in/ski-out options. These don’t come cheap, though. If you’re looking for something more affordable, check out hotels at Avon, which is 10 minutes from the resort via free shuttle.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
9
The Resort: Lake Louise Ski Resort brings in the crowds to the Canadian Rockies in both summer and winter. As the largest of the ski resorts in Rocky Mountains, with some of the most spectacular scenery, it’s a big draw. Located 60km northwest of the Banff resort town, it’s the largest of the Banff ski resorts. Skiing and snowboarding are even more enjoyable against the stunning backdrop.
Three distinct parts make up Lake Louise; the lake where you’ll find the Fairmont Chateau, the sleepy village of Lake Louise about five kilometers from the lake, and the Lake Louise ski resort a little further away. During winter, the lake freezes over, but the blue expanse with the massifs in the background is quite a stunning sight during the mild spring months.
The Terrain: While Lake Louise is blessed with an expansive terrain, 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres) to be precise, inadequate snowfall can sometimes play spoilsport. However, when the snow does fall, the dry powder is quite outstanding. The mountain’s front side is mostly suited to beginners and intermediates, while the back face is for the experts, with chutes, tree runs, and steep bowls. With 45 percent of the trails marked blue, intermediates have plenty to choose from. One of the best areas for intermediates is the Larch Area, accessed by a high-speed quad. Another reason why this ski resort in the Rocky Mountains stands out is that it boasts the largest terrain park in North America. Despite the huge terrain, there are only 10 lifts to service the area. Most of these are modern fast lifts.
The Town: There is a small village at the base, but amenities and apres activities are limited. You won’t find much to do off the mountain as even the nightlife is low-key, but most people come for the breathtaking scenery. That being said, there are guided snowshoe tours and tubing.
Pros:
- You can look forward to some stunning scenery when you’re on the slopes
- Good varied terrain to suit all abilities
- A good number of high speed lifts
- Very popular in summer too
Cons:
- The inadequate snowfall can put a dampener in the plans of powder hounds
- The base village is very small with very few activities and no lodging
Opening and Closing: Lake Louise has a considerably long season that begins by the first week of November and continues till May.
Where To Stay: You don’t have many staying options at Lake Louise and definitely no ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Fairmont Chateau is a popular destination, but it’s not light on the pocket. You’ll find a smattering of lodges, hotels, and condos scattered around the area but none close to the mountain.
Steamboat Ski Resort
8
The Resort: Steamboat Ski Resort stands out for its ‘champagne powder,’ snow that’s almost devoid of moisture and easy to blow. However, the irony is that snowfall isn’t always predictable or that great, especially if storms flow from the south. That being said, Steamboat holds the distinction of having produced a large number of Winter Olympians (98 and counting), with many of them having their homes here. The town is a true cowboy ski town where you will find cowboy hats and Stetson boots!
The Terrain: Steamboat comprises 2,965 acres of skiable terrain with 169 named trails spread across six peaks. The elevation of the resort peaks at 10,568, which isn’t all that high by Colorado standards but is a good option for those concerned about high altitudes. You won’t find any alpine bowls or chutes here as the resort is below the tree line. Steamboat is renowned for glade skiing amongst widely spaces trees with some of the best tree runs in Colorado. It’s an intermediate’s haven with forty-two percent blue trains.
The Town: Steamboat Springs is an authentic Colorado mountain town that is steeped in history. It has a big ranching heritage with a number of ranches, barns, horses, and cattle dotting the landscape. Main Street was designed to be wide enough for ranchers to drive their herds of cattle. Over the years, the town has metamorphosed into a vibrant hub of activity with restaurants, pubs, and plenty to do off the slopes. The town is also famous for its geothermal hot springs.
Pros:
- Top-notch for glade skiing amongst widely spaced trees
- Beautiful ‘champagne powder’ snow
- An authentic Western town
- Good for beginners and intermediates
- Plenty of activities on offer
Cons:
- It’s quite out of the way, about a three-hour drive from Denver
- Since it has a lower elevation there are chances of poor snow on the lower half of the mountain
Opening and Closing: Opens in mid-November and closes mid-April.
Where to Stay: There are two accommodation options for skiers, one at the base of the resort and the other in the old town. Staying downtown is generally cheaper than staying at the Mountain Village.
Big Sky Montana
7
The Resort: Big Sky Montana, with 5,850 acres of skiable terrain, is one of the largest ski resorts in Rocky Mountains and North America. It’s aptly named, too, as the vertical drop is also one of the biggest on the continent. Although Big Sky is Montana’s premier resort, it doesn’t see as many crowds as Whistler-Blackcomb. That being said, the amenities and infrastructure are far superior to other ski areas in Montana.
It’s only an hour’s drive to Yellowstone National Park from here, so many riders tend to club the two. The snowfall here is quite consistent, with about 400 inches each season.
The Terrain: After acquiring the adjacent Moonlight Basin Ski Resort, Big Sky expanded to a pretty sizeable ski area with 300 runs and a vertical drop of 1,330 meters. Seven terrain parks, an abundance of intermediate cruisers, good beginner runs, and double blacks provide something for everyone. Experts can access some of the most aggressive in-bounds terrain with steeps, chutes, and cliffs. However, the Lone Peak tram that provides access to these areas can get quite crowded. It has a poor lifting capacity with only 15 passengers every four minutes, which means long queues.
There are 36 lifts in all, with a mix of modern and old lifts. Of these, seven are high speed. The 8-pack Ramcharger is one of the standouts, but it has only a short vertical. Lift tickets are quite expensive at the resort, but since it’s also on the Ikon Pass, it becomes more affordable.
The Town: Mountain Village at the base lacks the charm of the other ski villages where you can stroll through and window shop. A few buildings and hotels, plus a small variety of shops, bars, and restaurants, make up the village. However, Town Center down the road has more options. A complimentary shuttle system ferries guests to the slopes from here. Further along, is the mostly residential Meadow Village.
Pros:
- The extensive terrain has enough for all abilities
- Given the large expanse, you won’t find too many crowds on the slopes
- Big Sky Resort has good plans for the future and continues to work on these
- Yellowstone National Park is easily accessible from here
Cons:
- Off-slope amenities are quite minimal with not much on offer at the base village
- The tram to Lone Peak needs an upgrade as its pretty slow and only has a capacity for 15 people
- There is not much by way of on-mountain dining so one will probably have to go all the way down to the village for a meal
Opening and Closing: Big Sky usually opens in the last week of November and runs till mid-April. If the snow is good, it can even stay open till mid-May.
Where To Stay: There are quite a few lodging options at the base area, with a couple of ski-in/ski-out options. The Big Sky town (aka Town Center) has a few options too. However, many visitors to Big Sky prefer to stay at Bozeman, about an hour’s drive from here.
Aspen Snowmass
6
The Resort: The slopes of Aspen Snowmass have probably been graced by more celebrities than any other ski resort in Rocky Mountains. Ever since it opened in 1946, Aspen has become synonymous with the rich and the famous. The ski town stands out as one of the most prestigious ski towns in the USA, with many film stars, celebrities, and high-profile citizens owning homes here. That being said, it’s not just the awe of rubbing shoulders with the ‘creme de la creme’ of society that brings skiing enthusiasts here. Consistently good weather, incredible terrain spread across four resorts, and light dry powder are enough to bring die-hard skiers here.
The Terrain: The Aspen resorts combine to give you 5,527 skiable acres, 362 trails, and 41 lifts, making this a powder hound’s dream destination. Expectedly, you’ll find a good variety of trails to suit all levels of skiers. There’s enough for everyone with multiple wide-groomed trails, steeps, powder bowls, tree runs, and gated backcountry skiing. Snowmass is a resort in its own right with a good base area and a good balance of terrain. The other three resorts, Aspen Mountain (aka Ajax), Buttermilk, and the Aspen Highlands, also have their distinct identities.
Aspen Mountain is the resort’s main area that rises directly above the town. The main draw here is the Highland Bowl, an experts-only area. However, Aspen Highlands is where you should head for someone looking for extreme slopes with limited crowds. On the other hand, Buttermilk is more of a beginner’s mountain with a handful of popular black-diamond runs thrown in.
The Town: The historic town of Aspen is known for its top-notch activities. From world-class dining and shopping, you’ll also find art galleries, two cinemas, and an opera house. There’s also an ice rink. While Aspen does have a luxury tag attached to it, there are quite a few options for those on a budget. At Snowmass too, you’ll find a thriving village at the base. This ski village is one of the better-planned villages with quite a few ski-in/ski-out options.
Pros:
- You can access some fantastic terrain since Aspen Snowmass includes four ski resorts on the same lift ticket
- You’ll find plenty to do off the slopes, especially in the world-renowned town of Aspen
- Happening bars, apres ski festivities and the nightlife here is amazing
Cons:
- The resorts are not interconnected via the slope but you will be able to use the free shuttle service
- Aspen is definitely not easy on the pocket so someone on a budget will have to look elsewhere
Opening and Closing: Though the skiing season begins in the first week of December and continues till April, Aspen is open for all seasons.
Where To Stay: The main town of Aspen has plenty of accommodation to suit almost all budget types. From vacation homes to luxury hotels and condos, the best hotels in Aspen have a lot to offer. Snowmass also has many ski-in/ski-out options too. You’ll also find a few options at the bottom of Aspen Highlands.
Alta SKi Area
5
Another ski resort in Rocky Mountains that’s been running for quite a few years is Alta. Opened in 1938, it’s one of Utah’s oldest ski resorts. That being said, don’t expect it to be stuck in a time warp. Instead, Alta has marched along with the times to emerge as one of the best ski resorts in the area. However, one of its old-fashioned values that it clings onto is to keep snowboarders off its slopes. Despite multiple protests, Alta has stuck to its guns.
There are two bases at the resort, the main base, Wildcat, and Albion, further up the canyon. Albion is low on amenities as compared to Wildcat.
The Terrain: Alta has 2,614 acres of skiable terrain, but it is connected to Snowbird via a gate at the top of Sugarloaf Pass. Combined, the terrain is pretty extensive. While the mountain is less rugged than Snowbird, there is plenty for experts and advanced riders, with 55 percent of the terrain marked for advanced and expert riders. Numerous steep slopes and chutes descend from high ridges that run off the peaks, but the best lines require a bit of local knowledge. 116 trails are divided among all levels, with just 15 percent for beginners and double that number for intermediates. The novice slopes above the Albion Base are ideal for beginners as not many fast skiers come to this side of the mountain.
What makes Alta extra special is the snow, which is the lightest and fluffiest in Utah. There are only six primary lifts at Alta, which can be quite bothersome on powder days. While lift passes aren’t as expensive as some of the resorts in the area, the prices aren’t as low as they used to be. However, those on the Ikon Pass or Mountain Collective Pass will probably find it cheaper.
The Town: A traditional, no-frills village at the mountain’s base offers a few amenities and lodging options. There’s not much to keep you busy off the slopes but a sprinkling of restaurants.
Pros:
- Retains quite a bit of its old-world charm
- Fantastic light, fluffy snow
- Family friendly vibe
- Exceptional extreme terrain
- Connects to Snowbird via the Sugarloaf Pass
Cons:
- Limited number of lifts
- Die-hard skiers probably love the fact that snowboarders aren’t allowed on the slopes but for those who enjoy their boards, this is a negative
- You won’t find much to do off the slopes
Opening and Closing: Alta opens by the end of November and continues till the end of April.
Where To Stay: Accommodations at the base are limited. There are five traditional mountain lodges with ski-in/ski-out access, but the most outstanding is the recently rebuilt Snowpine Lodge. The lodge is a clear winner with its outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub, spa, and indoor grotto combined with world-class dining. Apart from the lodges, you’ll also find a few condos, chalets, and vacation homes.
Snowbird
4
The Resort: With 500 inches of the ‘Greatest Snow on Earth,’ Snowbird is the ultimate playground for powder hounds. Add to this the varied, challenging terrain, and you’ll know why the locals amaze with their skills on the slopes. As the closest ski resort to Salt Lake City, Snowbird sees a heavy footfall of visitors over the weekends, but it’s relatively quiet on weekdays. A major bonus of skiing Snowbird is its inter-connection with Alta via the top of Sugarloaf Pass. This gives you a combined area of 5,100 skiable acres.
The Terrain: While Snowbird may not be as massive as Vail, the 2,500 acres of terrain has some pretty good runs. Like Vail, Snowbird also has three main areas, Peruvian Gulch, Gad Valley, and Mineral Basin. 169 runs are distributed evenly among various levels, with 27 percent green, 38 percent intermediate, and 35 percent advanced/expert. Steep bowls, chutes, and trees make Snowbird a haven for expert riders. One of the steepest marked runs in the USA, the double-diamond ‘Great Scott’ off the Cirque Traverse, is located here. Though Snowbird has quite a few green runs, it can get quite daunting for beginners. Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird is the highest of the ski resorts in Utah.
Snowbird is on the Ikon Pass, which allows seven days combined at Alta Snowbird. The pass also allows you to skip the queues at the ticket window. 13 lifts service the area, but the most famous means of transport is the 125 passenger tram that gives access to all mountain areas via one lift.
The Town: There is no base village or town to speak of, but a few on-mountain lodging options are available. Cliff Lodge is a package in itself with a number of indoor shops, restaurants, bars, a rooftop swimming pool, and a spa. Additionally, it provides beginners a ski-in/ski-out option. If you’re looking for a bit of nightlife after hitting the slopes, your best bet would be to stay in Salt Lake City. The nearby suburbs of Midvale and Cottonwood Heights have a few options too.
Pros:
- The snow here is truly awesome, enhanced by its high elevation
- Exceptional terrain for advanced and expert riders
- Long skiing season
- Easy to reach from Salt Lake City
Cons:
- No proper base village or town
- On powder days, the resort can get quite crowded with skiers from Salt Lake City flocking here
- On-mountain lodging is pretty expensive
Opening and Closing: Due to all that powder it receives, Snowbird usually has the longest season in Utah. The winter season begins at the end of November and continues till May.
Where To Stay: You’ll find four condo buildings at the base with good accommodation. Cliff Lodge is by far the best, with an abundance of amenities. You could also look at accommodations in nearby Alta. However, given that Salt Lake City is nearby, you’ll find a good variety to choose from. Our list of the Best Hotels in Salt Lake City and the Best Hotels Near Salt Lake City Airport should help narrow down your choices.
Vail
3
The Resort: With a whopping 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in Rocky Mountains. It’s one of the best, too, with varied terrain, an impressive lift system, plenty of snow, and tons to do off the slopes. No matter what the weather, there’s is always something you can do in this vast expanse. The village is like no other with pulsating nightlife and lots to keep you busy. Whether it’s a luxurious five-star hotel or a self-contained condo you’re looking to spend a few days at, you’ll find all that and more in Vail.
The Terrain: Three distinct areas make up this massive resort, but they’re easy to navigate. The mountain’s front side is popular with families as it’s peppered with green and blue runs. Over half the lifts of the resort can be found on this part of the resort. The seven south-facing Back Bowls are a big draw for advanced riders. Boarders and advanced skiers also head for the Blue Sky Basin. However, intermediates can also head to the Back Bowls as there are quite a few blue runs in the area. While Vail is popular with the crowds, it’s not all that great for experts.
For a ski resort in Rocky Mountains of this magnitude, it’s no surprise that 31 lifts service it. Ticket prices can have you running for cover, but thanks to the Epic Pass, you may not have to break the bank!
The Town: Vail’s base village is unlike any other in the United States. It’s quite extensive and spreads across four neighborhoods. The main hub of activity is at Vail Village, while the Lionshead area is popular for its easy access to the gondola. Families prefer to stay at Golden Peak, and those looking for a bit of peace choose the quiet Cascade village. Be warned, though, nothing here comes cheap.
Pros:
- The largest ski resort in Colorado with plenty of runs for all abilities
- Fantastic village at the base with much to keep you occupied off the slopes
- Beautiful well-groomed runs
Cons:
- Not light on the wallet, be prepared to pay for parking too
- Powder days can bring in quite a crowd
Opening and Closing: The skiing season begins from mid-November and runs till mid-April
Where To Stay: If you’ve come to spend a few days in Vail be prepared to dole out quite a few greens. Accommodations in Vail don’t come cheap. However, nearby towns like Frisco and Silverthorne provide more affordable options. To make your search easier, we’ve also put together our list of the Best Hotels In Vail.
Telluride
2
The Resort: With its incredible terrain, historic town, and year-round appeal, Telluride sits right up in the rankings of the best ski resorts in Rocky Mountains. In fact, it’s easily one of the best ski resorts in the United States. The former mining town was once Colorado’s best-kept secret, but that’s no longer the case. Over the years, Telluride has transformed into a much sought-after destination. However, since the resort is not as easily accessible as the other ski resorts in Colorado, you won’t have to elbow your way through long queues for the lifts. In this regard, Telluride is on the Epic Pass, which has lured more skiers to the area.
Telluride’s appeal is not just on the slopes, which are the main attraction, but also the setting. It’s a classic movie set with dramatic, steep mountain vistas. Off the slopes, you’ll find enough to keep you occupied too.
The Terrain: The resort comprises 2,000 skiable acres serviced by 17 lifts. 125 trails run across the mountain with plenty of green and blue runs. Beginners can have a good time on the slopes since some of the double green runs are quite lengthy. In fact, the Prospect Express lift reaches over 11,800 feet allowing beginners to enjoy a non-stop run to the base area. More experienced skiers will enjoy the myriad of extreme chutes and steep groomers as well as the alpine area within the Revelation Bowl. With a good number of black runs and gnarly chutes, Telluride is an expert rider’s paradise.
The Town: What makes Telluride extra special is also its historic mining town with some attractive Victorian-era buildings. While it’s relatively upmarket, there’s something for everyone here. Shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants are in abundance, as are places to stay. You’ll also find plenty of activities on offer when you’re off the slopes. There’s also the modern Mountain Village at the base of the ski area, which has some good options.
Pros:
- Great terrain for all abilities
- It has a charming historic town as well as a modern village at its base
- Fantastic views
- Plenty of other activities off the slopes
- You’ll find an abundance of dining and drinking options with some outstanding on-mountain restaurants
Cons:
- Not very easy to reach
- Quite heavy on the pocket
Opening and Closing: The resort opens by the end of November and usually closes by the first week of April.
Where To Stay: You’ll find a good range of places to stay in the Mountain Village, but some of these can burn a hole in your pocket. Though Telluride isn’t very cheap either, you’ll find quite a few places to stay in Telluride to suit all budgets. Check out our list of the Best Hotels in Telluride, Colorado.
Jackson Hole
1
The Resort: Many consider Jackson Hole to be the best ski resort in Rocky Mountains, and for a good reason too. For one thing, the snow here is top-notch. Combine that with exceptional lift infrastructure, a vibrant village, and some amazing terrain, and you’ll know why the crowds descend like flies on a powder day. However, it’s less crazy mid-week and when there’s no snowfall.
Unlike many other resorts that sometimes suffer from shifting weather patterns, the snow here is consistent. Jackson Hole receives 459 inches of snowfall per season which makes it the ultimate destination for powder hounds.
The Terrain: While the off-slope activities may be a big draw for visitors to Jackson Hole, the real draw here is the fantastic terrain. You’ll have 2,500 acres at your disposal with a total of 116 runs and five terrain parks. Beginner trails make up only 10 percent of the runs. Intermediate skiers and beginners make a beeline for the Après Vous Mountain, but Rendezvous Mountain is where the excitement is. Open bowls, glades, and steep chutes characterize this area. One of the world’s best-known couloirs is also in the area, but it’s often closed. The two mountains that make up the resort are easily navigable.
Jackson Hole is also pretty expensive, but those on the Ikon Pass will find it easier on the pocket. Like we mentioned earlier, the lifts here are extremely good, especially the Jackson Hole Tram, which is easily the best tram in North America. That being said, the queues for the tram on powder days can give you quite a headache. However, with 12 lifts servicing the area, you will eventually get on the slopes even on a powder day.
The Town: Teton Village at the base area has grown tremendously since its inception. It’s not only popular in winter but sees a rush of tourists in summer on their way to Yellowstone National Park, one of the most amazing national parks on earth. You’ll find plenty of top-notch dining as well as deluxe hotels and condos here. If you’re looking for more affordable accommodation, you’ll be better of in the town of Jackson, which is well connected to the ski resort. Jackson is a touristy western ski town that was once cowboy country. You’ll find plenty to keep you busy in the town with shopping and other activities.
Pros:
- Jackson Hole is a playground for expert riders with a varied, challenging terrain
- Receives excellent snow
- Impressive lift infrastructure
- Good base village and equally interesting town
Cons:
- The crowds during powder days can be a bit daunting. Expect to wait for a while before you can get on a lift on these days
Opening and Closing: Jackson Hole usually opens by the last week of November and continues till mid-April.
Where To Stay: While Teton Village has more high-end accommodation with a good range of ski-in/ski-out options, you’ll find a wider range of accommodation types at Jackson, Wyoming.
