Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, in the lower 48, sits quite isolated. It’s where the wide open plains of Wyoming’s wild west meets winter wonderland. At 6,311 feet, it has one of the lowest base elevations of the ski resorts based in the Rockies. The Jackson Hole valley sits close to the Idaho border and 12 miles north of Jackson Hole, in between Grand Teton National Park and national forests as far as the eye can see. That’s because Jackson Hole and neighboring Teton Village are protected. Ninety-seven percent, a pretty staggering number if one thinks about it, of the close to four million acres in Teton Country are either state managed or federally owned. Only three percent is privately owned. 

A bucket list experience

In 1960, when Barry Corbet was planning to set up Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, he scouted Rendezvous mountain and saw something that made his imagination go off like nothing else. Among the surrounding, rugged Teton mountains ,there was one gully that stood out. Today, Corbet’s Couloir belongs to North America’s legendary inbound ski runs. What’s more, this is where the annual King and Queen of Corbet’s takes place, a one-day event now in its fourth year, and one of the world’s most-viewed freestyle ski competitions. The Alta Chutes is another fall line to tick off for adrenaline junkies. In the mood for powder stashes? Then, the cliff-clustered Casper Bowl is a great option. 

Over 4,100 vertical feet

Jackson Hole’s greatness lies in its sheer steepness. With 2,500 acres and over 4,000 vertical feet of runs, it boasts some of the most challenging (lots of black and double-black) and gnarliest terrain in the region. It’s where skiers go to be baptized by fire. You can actually ski the 4,139 vertical in one run. Just take the legendary cable car Aerial Tram to the top, and the whole left side of the mountain will be up for grabs. The downside is obviously that crowds can be a problem, in particular on powder days. Want to give those hard-working legs of yours a well-deserved rest? Then one of the national parks, Yellowstone or Grand Teton, is a given. Or why not explore the town of Jackson, where pioneers once came in search of new life.