Jackson Hole: Where To Ski and What To Do

Skiing at Jackson Hole

Skiing in the Tetons dates back to the 1930s, but it wasn't until the 1960s that people started putting tracks down Jackson Hole's Rendezvous Mountain. While several notable people in ski history, including Buddy Werner and Barry Corbet, were skiing off Rendezvous Peak as early as 1960, it wasn't until the spring of 1964 that construction of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort began. Après Vous mountain opened to the public for skiing in 1965 and Rendezvous Mountain opened via Jackson Hole's first aerial tram the following year. 

It's hard to go wrong skiing at Jackson, especially in good conditions. Just make sure you take any signage seriously—those "Caution Cliffs" signs aren't kidding here. While the mountain's most famous run is Corbet's Couloir, skiers who like steep, committing terrain will also love Tower Three, the Alta Chutes and Saratoga Bowl.

Those willing to hike a little extra for turns can head up the Headwall hike from the top of Sublette or the White Spider hike from the top of Brigder Gondola and explore more steep, cliffy terrain in Casper Bowl and the Crags. On a powder day, test those legs on the Hobacks, which offer some of the most continuous and long expert ski runs on the mountain and are glorious in fresh snow. 

Intermediate skiers or those looking for some cruisey groomers will love terrain accessed from Casper lift like Sun Dog, Easy Does It and Wide Open. Amphitheater Bowl below Thunder also offers a wide open slope to rip turns down, or you can veer off to the left and play around on the side-hits in Dick's Ditch. 

Jackson isn't exactly known for its beginner terrain, but those looking for some will find easy green groomers off Eagle's Rest, from the mid-station of the Sweetwater Gondola, or from Teewinot.  

Some locals will say you don't ski Jackson for the in-bounds terrain, and skiers with ample backcountry experience will agree. The resort's backcountry gates access some of the best terrain a skier could dream of. From the top of the tram, you can traverse out to Cody Bowl and ski famous lines like Pucker Face and Four Shadows or drop down and around for No Name and Gothic Couloir. Accessed either from the Tram or Sublette, the Rock Springs, Green River and Four Pines areas have even more of the amazing expert backcountry terrain Jackson is known for. Just remember, if you don't know, DON'T GO. 

When To Go

In general, February is usually the best time to ski Jackson if you're hoping for one of those legendary deep days in the Tetons. As with any ski area, conditions can always be a bit of a gamble, but by February, there's usually a solid base and a good bit of snow in the forecast if not a mega storm or two.

The snowiest February on record in Jackson was in 2019 with 196" falling in a month. 2021 wasn't far behind with 172" falling in the month of February (February 5, 2021, is still the deepest day I've ever skied, but that's another story) and 130" fell in February of 2024. 

Where To Stay

Those looking to stay at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort will find plenty of lodging options in Teton Village. If you're looking to indulge in a more luxurious experience, try the Four Seasons, Teton Mountain Lodge, or shell out a pretty penny to stay at Caldera House. Skiers trying to keep a tight budget while skiing Jackson Hole can stay at the Hostel for a good, old-fashioned ski bum experience just steps from the Mangy Moose. 

You can also stay in the town of Jackson, just a few miles away from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The town square has tons of walkable dining and shopping options, making it a destination of its own. On the edge of town, the Rustic Inn has sweet little cabins and an outdoor pool and hot tub open year-round. The Mountain Modern is another lodging option in town on the more affordable end of the spectrum. For a high-end spot right in town square, check out the Cloudveil Hotel (and the restaurant below!) or Hotel Jackson. 

How To Get There and Get Around

The Jackson Hole airport is the only airport that's actually in the boundaries of a National Park, but the views of the Tetons as you fly in and out are really the thing that makes it so unique. It's not an international airport, but there are plenty of flights going out to major hubs like Denver, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Houston, and more each day. The airport itself is only about 20 minutes from town, and you can rent a car or take a shuttle from the airport. 

If you're staying in Teton Village, you're just steps away from the Tram or Gondola and don't need much in the way of transport to the mountain. From town, there are several options to get out to Teton Village. There's a local bus that makes trips out to the Village throughout the day and has many stops within walking distance of the town square.

If you're driving, you can head just 12 minutes from town to the Stilson lot, where you can park for free and take a shuttle the last seven miles to Teton Village, or drive all the way to the Ranch, Cody, or Village lots and pay for parking. 

Where To Eat

Once again, there are lots of options to dine in both Teton Village and in town. In the village, the Mangy Moose is a favorite après spot with top-notch bar food like nachos and burgers. The Spur is another favorite après for things like the Elk Poutine and the Prickly Pear margarita. For a classy Italian dinner, try Ill Villaggio Osteria, or head to Teton Thai for some of the best mountain-town Thai food you'll ever try. 

In town, grab a coffee from Snake River Roasting, then cruise over to Glenwood Street for a D.O.G. burrito that'll fuel even the hungriest people through a day of pow skiing at JHMR. If bagels are more your style, grab a Pearl Street Bagel, a staple of Jackson culture. For a light breakfast, quick lunch, or emergency hangover cure, try one of Healthy Being Cafe & Juicery's artisan toasts or house-made cold-pressed juices. 

For dinner, sushi lovers will rave about King Sushi's cozy cabin and incredible menu, while those in search of a burger and a good beer will love Roadhouse Brewing Co., which overlooks the town square. If Teton Thai doesn't satisfy your pad-thai cravings, try Teton Tiger in town for more great Thai food and incredible cocktails.

Lastly, every town needs a good wine bar, and Bin 22 is the Teton's crown jewel. You can buy a bottle of wine from the liquor store there and then cork it while enjoying Bin's selection of tapas. 

What To Bring

A pair of sturdy, all-mountain skis will do you well in Jackson, but it wouldn't hurt to err on the side of a bit wider of skis. There's a reason you'll see so many pairs of Blizzard Rustlers at Jackson Hole—the last iteration of the ski was tested there, and a sturdy, 112 underfoot ski will serve you well most days at Jackson Hole. If there is a good amount of snow in the forecast, go ahead and throw your powder skis in—you're gonna want all the float you can get on a truly deep day in the Tetons. 

If you do plan to head out the gates at Jackson, make sure you bring your beacon, probe, shovel and backpack. My favorite piece of gear to have there was my WhatVest, which allowed me to carry everything I needed to duck into the backcountry without having to take off a bulky backpack every time I got on the lift and meant I was always prepared for a those sleeper Rock Springs days or a No Name mission followed by groomer turns. 

Off-Mountain and Summer Activities in Jackson Hole

There's no shortage of things to do in Jackson off the slopes, not just in the winter but all year round. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's offerings don't stop at skiing either. In the summer, you can hike the many miles of trails from the base of the mountain, the top of the tram or the Bridger Gondola. Jackson Hole also has several via ferrata options for those looking for a little more thrill with their scenic walk.

Jackson Hole has also become a bit of a mountain bike destination between the mountain's bike park, which has trails built by mountain bike legend Cam Zink's Sensus RAD Trails company and Teton Pass's shuttle trails. Ride high-speed flow trails like Deepest Darkest at the bike park or chunky tech trails like Lithium on the pass for your fill of some of the Teton's best DH biking. 

For a little R&R, check out Astoria Hot Springs, a natural hot spring built into pools right on the banks of the Snake River that'll ease sore legs after a day of skiing or warm you up after a day of rafting the Snake River.

Speaking of rafting the Snake River, Jackson is home to several great raft companies that will guide you down the splashy class III rapids in the Alpine Canyon or the scenic stretch of river that flows through Grand Teton National Park, both peak ways to enjoy the Tetons in the summer. If you want a little more control over your own craft, check out Rendezvous River Sports, which offers four-day progression courses in whitewater kayaking, scenic sea kayaking trips on Jackson Lake, or paddleboard rentals so you can choose your adventure on one of the area's beautiful alpine lakes. String Lake within the National Park is a favorite for its warm, shallow, blue waters. 

There are dozens of other ways to enjoy Grand Teton National Park. Take a hike on the park's many miles of trails, ride the paved bike path through the park and back to town, take a boat across Jenny Lake, or even climb the Grand Teton with the help of Exum guides. 

Jackson also has a lively music scene all year round. In the winter, catch a show at the Mangy Moose or the Center for the Arts. In the summer, take the gondola to the top of Snow King to see big-name artists play with the Tetons as a backdrop.