Jackson Hole
If you have to ask if you're ready, you're not.
3D Terrain
Download 3D Print Kit (.ZIP)Our Take
Jackson Hole doesn't mess around. Corbet's Couloir -- you've seen the videos -- requires a mandatory 10-to-20-foot air drop just to get in. There's no other way. That sets the tone for the whole mountain. 2,500 acres of steep, relentless terrain and 4,139 feet of continuous vertical, the most in the US. The Teton powder is deep and dry and it just keeps coming -- 459 inches a year on average. But look, it's not ALL gnarly. The Bridger Gondola opens up legit intermediate terrain and the town of Jackson is drop-dead gorgeous. Tetons in the background, elk wandering around, cowboy bars next to wine bars. It's a vibe. But mostly? It's a mountain that will humble you. And you'll love it for that.
Nerd Stats
Vertical Drop
4,139'
Expert Terrain
50%
Avg Snowfall
459"
Tram Capacity
100 pax
Fun Facts
- Corbet's entry: 10-20 foot mandatory air. No chickening out. You drop or you don't.
- 4,139 feet of continuous vertical. Most in the US. Your quads will know.
- The aerial tram stuffs 100 people into a box and shoots them to 10,450 feet in 9 minutes.
- They banned snowboarding, then reversed it in 2000. Drama.
Why Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole earned its reputation the hard way -- with 4,139 feet of continuous vertical and terrain that genuinely scares people. Corbet's Couloir is the most famous inbounds line in skiing for a reason. But there's way more here than expert terrain; the groomed runs are world-class too.
The Lowdown
Local's Tips
- 1.The Aerial Tram line looks insane but moves fast. Get there at opening and you'll be on within 20 minutes.
- 2.Rendezvous Bowl off the tram is the obvious play but Cody Bowl to skier's right is usually less tracked.
- 3.Stay in Jackson (the town) not Teton Village if you want nightlife and restaurants. The START bus is free and runs late.
- 4.Après at the Mangy Moose is mandatory at least once. It's loud, it's crowded, it's perfect.
Don't Miss
Corbet's Couloir (even just to look)
Even if you don't drop in, ride the tram to the top and watch people commit. The mandatory air entry is no joke. Best spectator sport in skiing.
Dinner at Snake River Grill
On the town square in Jackson. The bison short ribs are incredible. Reservations are essential -- book two weeks out minimum.
Wildlife safari in Grand Teton National Park
Wake up early one morning and drive the park road. Moose, elk, bald eagles -- all basically guaranteed in winter. The Tetons at sunrise will ruin every other mountain view for you.
Where to Eat
Our picks -- not just the Google results
Persephone Bakery
$$French Bakery / Cafe
The croissants here compete with anything in Paris. Seriously. A French-trained baker making laminated dough at 6,200 feet. The morning buns sell out by 9am. Also great lunch sandwiches.
Get there at opening (7am) for the full selection. The pain au chocolat is perfect.
Snake River Grill
$$$$Contemporary American
The fine dining standard in Jackson for 30+ years. The fish tacos at the bar are legendary, the main dining room is elegant, and the wine list is one of the best in Wyoming.
Bar dining is more relaxed and the food is the same. Fish tacos. Trust.
Bin22
$$-$$$Wine Bar / Small Plates
Part wine shop, part wine bar, all excellent. Curated selection, knowledgeable staff, and small plates that are more interesting than they need to be. The cheese and charcuterie boards are top tier.
Buy a bottle from the shop and drink it there for a small corkage fee.
Thai Me Up
$$Thai / Brewery
Thai food and a brewery in the same building. Sounds weird, works perfectly. The Pad Thai is legit, the curries have actual heat, and Melvin Brewing makes some of the best IPAs in the West.
Melvin 2x4 IPA. If you like IPAs, this one will convert you.
Things You Should Actually Do
Beyond the obvious -- our insider picks
Corbet's Couloir
Expert Skiing
The most famous ski run in the world. A mandatory air entry into a steep, narrow couloir that you can watch from the tram. Even if you don't ski it, watching people drop in is entertainment.
If you're going to do it, commit. Hesitation at the lip is the enemy.
Teton Village to Town Square Stagecoach
Transport / Experience
The START bus runs free between Teton Village and Jackson. But occasionally there are horse-drawn stagecoach events on the town square that are pure Old West fun.
Take the free bus regardless -- saves parking headaches and DUI risk.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Culture
Overlooks the National Elk Refuge and houses an incredible collection of wildlife art spanning centuries. The building itself is designed to blend into the hillside. Way better than it sounds.
Time your visit with the elk feeding season (Dec-Mar) to watch herds from the museum.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
Nightlife
Saddle barstools. Literally, you sit on saddles. Live country music, cheap(ish) whiskey, and the most authentically Western bar experience you'll ever have. A Jackson institution since 1937.
Saturday night for live music. Bring your cowboy hat if you have one.
The Vibe at Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole doesn't mess around. The terrain is steep, the snow is deep, and the vibe is unapologetically hardcore. Corbet's Couloir is the most famous inbounds run in the world, the Teton views make you feel small in the best way, and the town has maintained its cowboy soul despite the billionaire ranches.