Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, affectionately known as 'The Big One,' opened in 1965 and has since cultivated a reputation as one of the most challenging and rewarding ski destinations in North America. The resort's crown jewel is the Aerial Tram, affectionately dubbed 'Big Red,' which whisks 100 passengers at a time up 4,139 vertical feet in just nine minutes. At the summit, skiers and sightseers alike are greeted by Corbet's Cabin, famous for its freshly made gourmet waffles, and sweeping views that stretch across state lines.
In the summer, the snow gives way to vibrant alpine wildflowers and a sprawling network of trails. The Jackson Hole Bike Park offers lift-accessed downhill mountain biking for all skill levels, while the Via Ferrata provides a guided, safe rock-climbing experience high above the valley floor. Whether you are carving through untouched powder in the backcountry gates or enjoying a sunset concert at the base, the resort seamlessly blends extreme outdoor adventure with unparalleled luxury.
Reasons to Visit
- Experience some of the most thrilling and continuous vertical ski terrain in North America.
- Ride the iconic Aerial Tram for breathtaking, 360-degree views of the Teton Range.
- Enjoy proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks for extended wildlife and nature tours.
- Indulge in world-class luxury accommodations, spas, and fine dining right at the mountain's base.
- Participate in unique summer activities like the Via Ferrata, paragliding, and lift-accessed mountain biking.
Things to Avoid
- Avoid pushing your physical limits on the first day; altitude sickness is real at 10,450 feet.
- Never duck ski boundary ropes or ignore avalanche warnings; the backcountry is unforgiving.
- Do not approach or feed wildlife, including moose and bears, which frequently wander near the resort.
- Avoid relying solely on walk-up lift tickets, as they are significantly more expensive and can sell out during peak holidays.
Local Transportation Tips
The START (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit) Bus is the most efficient and eco-friendly way to travel between the town of Jackson and Teton Village. It runs frequently and costs only a few dollars per ride. Within Teton Village itself, everything is highly walkable, with most lodges, restaurants, and lifts located within a compact, pedestrian-friendly base area. If you plan to explore the wider region, including Yellowstone, renting a car is highly recommended.
Travel Etiquette
- Respect lift lines and alternate merging smoothly when queues converge.
- Always yield to the skier or snowboarder below you on the mountain.
- When hiking or biking in summer, yield to uphill traffic and horses.
- Tipping 15-20% is standard practice in restaurants, bars, and for guided services.
- Leave no trace: pack out all trash and respect the fragile alpine environment.
Recommended Age Group
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers diverse activities tailored to various age groups, though its extreme terrain requires consideration for younger or less active visitors.
- Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. High altitude and extreme weather can be challenging, though the Aerial Tram is accessible and base area daycares are available.
- Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. The resort features excellent ski schools, dedicated kids' camps, and a fun summer adventure park.
- Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Thrilling ski terrain, mountain biking, and outdoor independence make it a paradise for active teens.
- Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. World-class skiing, luxury spas, fine dining, and challenging hikes cater perfectly to adult travelers.
- Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. Scenic tram rides, accessible luxury lodges, gentle nature walks, and excellent dining provide a relaxing yet engaging experience.
Accessibility Level: Medium
- The Aerial Tram and Bridger Gondola are wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the summit views.
- Teton Village Adaptive Sports offers specialized equipment and instruction for skiers and riders with disabilities.
- The base area of Teton Village features paved, relatively flat pathways suitable for mobility devices.
- Many of the luxury lodges and modern hotels in the village offer ADA-compliant rooms and facilities.
Did You Know?
Corbet's Couloir, one of the most famous ski runs in the world located at Jackson Hole, requires skiers to make a mandatory 10 to 20-foot freefall drop off a cornice just to enter the narrow, rock-lined chute.
Cool Statistics
- The resort features a continuous vertical drop of 4,139 feet, the longest in the United States.
- It encompasses 2,500 acres of in-bounds terrain and provides access to over 3,000 acres of backcountry.
- The Aerial Tram travels at a speed of 23 miles per hour, covering 2.4 miles in just 9 minutes.
- Jackson Hole receives an average of 458 inches of snowfall annually.
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