The Ultimate Jackson Hole Ski Guide

In the northern section of Grand Teton National Park is where you will find Jackson Hole Ski Resort.

One of the most unbelievable mountain ranges in the whole world provides the peaks and valleys to create a stunning ski resort just outside of the lovely town of Jackson.

In this guide, all the information you need to get your visit to Jackson Hole going will be covered.

What Makes Skiing Jackson Hole Unique?

If you wanted to say Jackson Hole is in the middle of nowhere, I don't think anyone would argue with that. I think they would actually be proud of that. Skiing in Jackson Hole gives skiers a full new meaning of skiing. It gives its visitors a true mountain feeling where you are completely surrounded by the most beautiful winter elements you could ask for.

Jackson Hole actually starts out at just 6,311 feet in elevation, which is pretty low for the area it is in. Luckily it has an iconic tram that takes loads of people up 4,139 feet higher in elevation all day long. Jackson Hole calls this destination “The Top of the World”, a 360 degree panoramic view of surrounding mountains and a daunting view at a long way back down to the bottom. At the top also has a gate for backcountry certified skiers to escape into incredible out of bounds skiing.

Perhaps what makes Jackson Hole actually the most famous, however, is their iconic competition that they host each year, “Kings and Queens of Corbet’s”. This event hosts a group of the boldest, craziest, and sendiest skiers in the whole world to take off a gnarly cornice into Corbet's Couloir. The event has been around for just six years but is getting substantially bigger and bigger every year.

Gear Needed to Ski in Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is real-deal-cold. The average temperature high during the winter does not go above 22 degrees fahrenheit and you can expect about 50 days or nights to get below 0 degrees.

Snowfall comes through frequently. Average is around 76 days of snow that accumulates to well over 400 inches each year. December through February is where the deepest of snow days will come.

WIth this weather that occurs, it is important to dress for the cold and have very good outerwear protection as well as base layers. Ski bibs to keep deep snow out and good, protective gloves to keep snow out of your hands and sleeves of the jacket are very important areas to focus on.

Mittens are usually warmer than gloves but handwarmers can be used effectively as well with gloves. If you don't have ski bibs, then make sure that your jacket has a powder skirt and hood attached to it.

Jackson Hole is also known for its insane backcountry skiing. If you are a backcountry goer and like to test your limits then it is highly recommended to bring your own avalanche safety gear to bring into the wild with you. With so much snowfall and such a large out of bounds area safety is a key component of enjoying it all.

Where to Stay in Jackson Hole

The Lodge at Jackson Hole

The Lodge at Jackson Hole is a nice and cozy place to stay, giving you that cabin feeling for you and your group. With great service to the mountain and for your ski storage all your mountain needs are taken care of. On top of that, a fireside lounge with a bar and some food when you get back is there waiting for you. Amenities like a hot tub, fitness center and breakfast buffet are also available.

Miller Park Lodge

Miller Park Lodge is a more budget friendly spot to stay. What you get in this lodge is being right in the town of Jackson near the town square. Simple rooms with parking available. It's not what's available at the hotel itself but what is right around you, shopping, restaurants and great nightlife.

The Best Ski Runs in Jackson Hole

Corbet's Couloir

The scariest chute in North America runs through Wyoming, in Jackson Holes Ski Resort. Just getting yourself into this run on both feet after absorbing the 10-20 foot drop to get into the narrow slope. After that the powder and rock cliff jumps are all yours. The run continues to widen out as you progress down. A very famous run, not for the faint of heart.

Pooh Bear

This one's for the beginners. It's a mellow and wide run with not much of a pitch and very low gradient. Also, a very fun name. Aside from Pooh Bear, anything off the Teewinot and Eagle's Rest lifts are green level runs.

Rendezvous Trail

This run is for the intermediate skiers that are looking to get a little more elevation and to see some stellar views. This is a great trail in order to get a good look at some of the best peaks of the Tetons and also enjoy a view of the legendary Tram.