JACKSON HOLE

Jackson Hole is up there as one of Scout's favourite ski resorts to ski. It's a big call, but once you make your first turns, you'll understand why! 

Made up of two mountains, Apres Vous and the Rendezvous, Jackson Hole has a fantastic range of terrain to suit all ability levels (contrary to popular belief). Over 2500 acres of in-bound terrain, and a vertical of almost 4200 feet make Jackson Hole popular among local and international skiers & snowboarders. The bottom of the Apres Vous mountain is perfect for beginners, with nice gentle slopes taping down to the resort base. Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will love Jackson Hole, with over 40% of the terrain catering to the mid-level enthusiast. Off the Bridger Gondola and Apres Vous Quad skiers can enjoy nice long (and sometimes challenging) trails, and from the top of the tram, Rendezvous Bowl provides that thigh-burning run from peak to base.

Jackson Hole has plenty of terrain for advanced skiers to explore until their hearts are content. Incredible fall-line sking mid-mountain, and the Cheyenne & Laramie Bowls higher up offer those famous steep and deeps and impeccable tree runs. Best known for Corbet's Couloir, Jackson Hole is an expert skiers ultimate playground, with fantastic challenging chutes and tree runs spread over much of the resort. It's always a nerve tester peering over the edge of Corbet's Couloir, just below the top of the tram, even if you decide not to take the plunge! 

On a powder day (and there are powder days a-plenty at Jackson Hole), there can be a few lift lines as powder fiends fight for the first tracks. However, you can still find stashes in the days after a storm within the trees and chutes. With the right equipment and knowledge (and preferably a guide), take the access gates to the backcountry areas beyond the resort boundaries and you're sure to experience some of the best powder turns of your skiing career. Local guides can be organised as part of your Scout package.

Alongside its wonderous terrain, Jackson Hole also boasts a great lift infrastructure. The main highlight being the world famous Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, providing access to the best terrain the mountain has to offer. The other chairlifts are relatively modern and fast (always appreciated on a powder day). Speaking of powder snow, Jackson Hole receives on average around 12 metres of snowfall annually. In recent years, Jackson Hole has boasted some of the deepest snowpack in all of North America.

A must-ski when in Jackson Hole is nearby resort, Grand Targhee. Open high alpine bowls and perfectly spaced tree runs are on offer at the resort, as well as 600 acres of cat serviced terrain and backcountry accessibility. It's a wonder that Grand Targhee remains under the radar, as it has fantastic terrain for all ability levels, and receives more snow than many resorts in the US. It's a perfect resort to dip your toes into off-piste powder, or for experts to huck off a cliff or two into waist-deep powder pockets. Kids will also love Grand Targhee, as it has a compact resort base, uncomplicated lift system, and fun rolling terrain with incredible views to match.

Jackson Hole is on the IKON pass, allowing you to explore more of the resorts in both North America and Canada. Contact us for more info.

Jackson Hole has superb skiing for families, catering to all ability levels. While a lot of the resort seems gnarly and steep, the lower mountain of Apres Vous and the runs off the Bridger Gondola, Casper and Apres Vous chairs provide some super fun mellow and intermediate trails. There is also a kid's snow play area in the main village. Families also enjoy taking a trip up the Jackson Hole Tram for some incredible views, tasty waffles, and to watch those brave enough to attempt Corbet's Couloir.

The resort has a good variety of eateries, both on and off mountain, but not too diverse, so best for simple quick snacks. The resort recently overhauled its ski school base, relocating it further up the mountain (accessed via the Sweetwater Gondola) at Solitude Station. The Wrangler Daycare facilities offers great childcare, alongside a Kid's Night out programs, providing parents with some much needed kid-free time. The Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard School provides the standard full and half-day group and private lesson options, as well as good clinics for advanced skiers to master the challenging terrain. The resort base offers the standard facilities for a ski holiday - rentals, retail shops, restaurants, bars, etc.

Accommodation for families varies depending on where you want to make your home base. Jackson Hole area has a huge range of lodging, including hotels, motels, lodges, condos, cabins, and larger townhomes. Basically, something to suit every budget and family. Teton Village, located at the base of the resort itself, has accommodations ranging from budget to luxury, many ski-in/ski-out, super close to the slopes, or along the free shuttle route. Here you'll find a fantastic range of condos and self-contained townhomes, each with varying bedding arrangements. Our go-to lodging for families is Hotel Terra or Teton Mountain Lodge, both a short walking distance to the tram, or for better value the resort condos not far from the base area. The Teton Village has some restaurants, dining, and shopping facilities, but can get a bit repetative during a longer stay. 

Alternatively, families can choose to stay in the town of Jackson, which is located about 20 minutes' drive away. It has a wide range of accommodation options and few catering to those on a budget. The town is the place to be at nighttime, with a bustling apres scene, great bars and restaurants, shops, and plenty of retail stores for even the most avid shopper. The resort, and some of the hotels, have reliable bus services that run between the town of Jackson and the resort area. Staying in town is a popular choice for those who are self-driving, giving families the opportunity to explore further afield into Teton National Park and Yellowstone, and head to Grand Targhee.

Most of the accommodation in Jackson Hole is in either Teton Village, where the mountain resort is, or a 15-minute drive away in the town of Jackson. There are benefits to both, with Teton Village options putting you minutes from the lifts, while town accommodation tends to be cheaper and closer to the happening nightlife. There’s a huge variety of accommodation styles, from super luxurious hotels to hostels in the village, and motels to boutique hotels in town.

Find a great map of the Teton Village here.

There are so many activities in Jackson Hole other than skiing, that it’s a great choice if you’re the type that doesn’t like to ski every day. Have a relaxing day at a spa or do some retail therapy in town. If nature is more your thing, don’t miss the sleigh rides at the National Elk Refuge or a visit to a backcountry yurt. The more adventurous can try their hand at snow kite boarding or paragliding, or join a fantastic snowmobile tour through the Yellowstone National Park.

But if it’s more skiing you want, you could try heli-skiing or snowcat skiing. There are other mountains in the area too, including Grand Targhee Resort, a fun mountain about 75 minutes from Jackson or burn some laps at the short but steep Snow King resort in town. Snow King also has night skiing and snow tubing.

The best way to get to Jackson is by flying.  American, United, Delta and Frontier all fly to Jackson with direct flights to 11 major cities. The airport is just 10 minutes from town, or a 30-minute drive to Teton Village. Private shuttles, taxis or Ubers are available from the airport and there are rental cars available.

However due to the efficient town bus, there’s no need to rent a car when you visit Jackson Hole. If you’re staying in town it’s easy to catch it to the resort for skiing and vice versa for those in the village wanting to head to town at night. Taxis from town to the village cost about $40rf.

Jackson Hole opens from late November to the start of April. January can be very cold while February is usually the most reliable month for snow. Powder days continue to March.

Weekends or big powder days can be busy as it’s when all the locals get their fix.