Skiing In Jackson Hole, Wyoming

A Jackson Hole ski vacation promises to keep your body fit and your diet on track so long as you take advantage of the area's remarkable resources for health-conscious people during a stay. Spend your days on the slopes at one of the Jackson area's three ski resorts or explore the paths less traveled on cross-country skis. Apres-ski, unwind with a spa treatment or professional massage, and then treat yourself to a healthy dinner downtown.

Geography

Located in northwest Wyoming south of Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole encompasses the deep valley that runs for nearly 50 miles along the eastern side of the distinctive Teton Range. Tucked at the southern end of this cleft on U.S. Highway 191 lies the town of Jackson. Known for terrific powder and large annual snowfall amounts, the Jackson Hole area serves as an ideal locale for three world-class ski resorts.

Types

The Tetons' two ski resorts lie in the southern area of the mountain range. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort lies just north of Jackson via the small town of Wilson. Further east, you'll find Grand Targhee Resort, with access via Alta, Wyoming by way of Idaho. On the south side of Jackson, you'll find smaller Snow King Mountain. Cross-country skiing opportunities abound in the area as well, including trails in Grand Teton National Park.

Size

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort boasts 116 named trails---50 percent expert, 40 percent intermediate and 10 percent beginner---with over 4,000 feet of vertical drop and 2,500 in-bounds acres plus 3,000 backcountry acres. Grand Targhee has 72 named trails---20 percent expert, 70 percent intermediate and 10 percent beginner---with a 2,200-foot vertical drop and 2,500 acres of terrain. Snow King's 400 acres feature a 1,500-foot vertical drop, with 60 percent expert, 25 percent intermediate and 15 percent beginner trails.

Features

A health-conscious community, Jackson features grocery stores carrying a wide variety of natural and organic products, along with numerous health spas, a community trail system and a recreation center. In addition to the ample shopping, dining and lodging facilities available in Jackson, all three of the ski resorts near Jackson Hole offer on-site lodging and dining, plus extra amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, climbing walls and day spas.

Time Frame

Jackson Hole's three area ski resorts generally open for the winter ski season at the end of November and close at the start of April, depending on the quality and quantity of snow each year. All three resorts offer early-bird discounts on season passes. In addition, the resorts remain open during the summer season with activities, including downhill mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, disc golf, trail running and chairlift rides. Snow King has an alpine slide as well.