Jackson Hole doesn’t just test your legs—it humbles your soul. Set beneath the towering Grand Teton, this legendary Wyoming resort is as raw and exhilarating as skiing gets. From its 4,139-foot vertical drop to its near-mythical backcountry gates, Jackson isn’t built for the faint of heart—but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. It’s cowboy country meets big-mountain intensity, with world-class terrain, deep snow, and a ski culture that’s as real as it gets.
Quick Stats
- Location: Teton Village, Wyoming (just outside Jackson)
- Elevation: 6,311 ft base / 10,450 ft summit
- Vertical Drop: 4,139 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 2,500 acres (plus 3,000+ accessible via backcountry gates)
- Annual Snowfall: ~460 inches
- Number of Runs: 133
- Lifts: 13 (including the iconic Aerial Tram)
- Vibe Check: Rugged, fearless, and deeply rooted in mountain tradition
The Vibe
Jackson Hole is the real deal—unapologetically steep, wildly beautiful, and utterly addictive. It’s where pro skiers train, locals charge, and visitors arrive wide-eyed and leave forever changed. The resort’s terrain ranges from playful groomers at Apres Vous to the steep-and-deep chutes of Rendezvous Bowl. Off the slopes, Teton Village and downtown Jackson balance the grit with sophistication—craft cocktails, luxury lodges, and cowboy bars that have seen it all. Jackson doesn’t try to impress; it just is.
Must-Ride Runs
🟢 Greens
- Eagle’s Rest – mellow warm-up run near the base with scenic Teton views.
- Antelope Flats – wide and friendly for beginners getting their mountain legs.
🟦 Blues
- Rendezvous Trail – classic intermediate run with stunning views into the valley.
- Amphitheater – flowing blue that feels endless under the Bridger Gondola.
- Saratoga Bowl – wide, cruisy turns with soft snow and easy access.
♦ Blacks
- Corbet’s Couloir – the most famous run in North America; part cliff, part legend.
- Tower Three Chute – steep, technical, and a Jackson rite of passage.
- Alta Chutes – deep snow, tight lines, and pure adrenaline.
Après + Town Stays
Après in Jackson is as famous as the skiing—lively, authentic, and full of character. Expect cowboy bars, ski boots on dance floors, and fine dining that still feels like home.
- Mangy Moose Saloon – the legendary après bar of Teton Village, with live music and pitchers of beer.
- The Handle Bar – upscale comfort food and whiskey at the Four Seasons.
- Spur Restaurant & Bar – cozy mountain modern spot with creative cocktails.
- Million Dollar Cowboy Bar – an iconic downtown saloon with saddle barstools and live country music.
- Bin22 – wine bar meets market, serving small plates and great conversation.
- Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole – the ultimate slopeside luxury experience.
- The Wort Hotel – historic downtown Jackson hotel with Wild West charm and class.
Travel Tips
Fly directly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)—just 20 minutes from the resort and famously scenic. Teton Village is compact and walkable, with shuttles connecting to downtown Jackson. If you’re driving in, be ready for winter roads; this is the Tetons, not a highway commute. Early February through mid-March is prime time for stable snow and clear skies. Pack avalanche gear if you plan to explore beyond the gates—this mountain rewards skill and preparation.
Fun Facts
- The Aerial Tram, nicknamed “Big Red,” carries 100 people 4,139 vertical feet in 9 minutes.
- Jackson averages over 450 inches of snow per year—true Teton powder.
- The resort’s backcountry gate system gives access to some of the best inbounds-out-of-bounds terrain in North America.
- Jackson Hole was once considered “too steep to succeed” when it opened in 1965.
- Locals celebrate “Gaper Day” every April in full retro gear—it’s legendary.
Why It Made Our Top 50 List
Jackson Hole earned its spot because it’s skiing at its purest and most powerful. It’s wild, humbling, and completely intoxicating. Whether you’re dropping into Corbet’s, sipping a Moose Drool at the Mangy Moose, or staring up at the Tetons at dusk, Jackson reminds you why we fall in love with the mountains in the first place.