Jackson Hole Wyoming (US)

Beginners and Intermediates:

The cat-tracks and trails connecting various areas on the mountain are traditionally "green" rated runs at most ski resorts, but not at Jackson Hole where they are rated as "blue" runs. The beginner will be limited to one or two lifts on the lower part of the mountain (Teewinot Quad Chair and perhaps Apres Vous lift for the more advanced beginner).

Intermediate "blue" runs make up 40% of the connecting trails and ski runs. They also provide for an alternative easy way down from mountain peaks which also host the advanced black runs.

Advanced Ski Terrain:

Jackson Hole is famous for its advanced terrain and the reason so many travel to this remote resort. None is more famous than Corbet's Couloir, a narrow chute with a nasty drop for an entrance. It's worth checking out even if you don't ski it as it is a spectacle and you may catch someone with enough skill to ski it rather than the more commonly performed survival slide of fear.
See our article on Jackson Hole's Corbet's Couloir.

Tree Runs:

Tree coverage at Jackson Hole is not dense especially at the upper elevations which are primarily above the tree line. The most popular tree runs are actually trails cut through the forest rather than a gladed run through the trees.

Hike-able Terrain:

The upper part of Headwall and Casper Bowl are only accessible by hiking to the top of it. The terrain is very advanced with technical chutes and cliffs, the kind of terrain you will find in extreme skiing and snow boarding movies. Beware of overconfidence one may get by following someone's as it may not be an indication of ski-able terrain.

Out of Bounds Skiing:

Gates to out of bounds terrain are marked with warning signs about the dangers of avalanches and of no ski patrol services. Boundary gates are shown on the trail map. Bring the proper gear and do not ski out of bounds alone.

Bridger-Teton National Forest Backcountry Avalanche Hazard and Weather Forecast: 307-733-2664
Jackson Hole Mountain Sports School Guide Service: 307-739-2779

This mountain has two terrain parks and a half pipe:

• Bronco Park: off of Teewinot lift
• Eagle's Rest Park: between the Eagle's Rest lift and the gondola
• Half Pipe: accessible from the Apres Vous Quad chair

Terrain parks are neither the primary emphasis of the resort, nor of those who travel here. It seems that the resort knows skiers and boarders would prefer to ride the mountain and has accommodated this predisposition by placing four "Burton Stash" features on regular runs. Look for them on the following runs:

• between "Camp Ground" and "Easy Does It" accessible from Casper Quad chair
• "Ashley Ridge"
• "Moran" accessible from Apres Vous Quad chair
• "Lower Werner" accessible from Tweeinot chair

They are marked on the trail map with the "Stash" icon.

Jackson Hole ski resort and Teton Village is about twenty minutes from the town of Jackson Wyoming. The panoramic tour below shows the mountain base facilities which include a few places to eat, lodging, T-shirt shopping, ski equipment and clothing stores for both purchase and rental. Teton Village surrounds the base with more lodging and a few more services.

The town of Jackson WY offers more places to eat, more lodging and a wider shopping venue. The pulse of the two are quite different with Teton Village having a solid ski persona while the town of Jackson has a blend of a western ranching town and tourist center motif. The town of Jackson offers many shops for gifts and crafts developed by artisans as well as the more typical tourist purchases of T-shirts. If you are in pursuit of mountaineering gear, sporting equipment and technical supplies, try the local town of Wilson.