Jackson Hole

Located in the state of Wyoming, in the heart of the Jackson Hole valley and at the foot of the imposing Teton Range, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of North America’s most renowned ski destinations. Its reputation is not based on volume or accessibility, but on the quality of the terrain, the vertical drop and an offering that continues to maintain a very distinct identity on the international stage.

Unlike many resorts that have moved towards more standardised models, Jackson Hole has managed to retain its essence: a challenging, technical mountain that is deeply intertwined with its natural surroundings.

Jackson Hole: a world-renowned destination for extreme skiing

The first thing that defines Jackson Hole is its terrain. With over 1,260 metres of continuous vertical drop, the resort offers one of the greatest vertical drops in the United States, resulting in long, sustained runs with very few interruptions.

From the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, the ski area unfolds across a variety of aspects and terrain types. There are areas suitable for intermediate skiers, but the resort’s true character lies in its more technical sections: vast alpine bowls, narrow couloirs and freeride areas that are part of its very essence.

Places like Corbet’s Couloir are not just an attraction, but a symbol of the kind of skiing practised here. Jackson Hole does not seek to adapt to the skier: it is the skier who must adapt to the mountain.

Plenty of snow and terrain for freeriding

Another of Jackson Hole’s main attractions is the snow. With annual snowfall exceeding 10–11 metres, the quality of the snow cover is one of the factors behind its international reputation.

But beyond the quantity, what makes the difference is how that snow settles on the ground. The combination of steep slopes, open woodland and vast high-mountain areas creates an environment that is particularly well-suited to freeriding.

Here, off-piste skiing isn’t just an added bonus, but an integral part of the experience. It’s one of the reasons why the resort attracts both advanced skiers and industry professionals.

A destination with its own unique character

Jackson Hole is not just a resort; it is a destination with a distinct identity. The town of Jackson retains an aesthetic clearly rooted in the American West, with architecture that has managed to preserve its character. However, this traditional image coexists with a high-quality range of tourist attractions: fine dining, art galleries, specialist shops and a community deeply connected to mountain culture.

It’s about a 20-minute walk from the station; access is straightforward and well organised, making it easy to combine time on the slopes with life in the valley.

What’s more, the presence of Snow King Mountain, right in the heart of the town, adds a more local and accessible feel, quite unlike the alpine character of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

An exceptional natural setting at “The Big One”: Grand Teton and Yellowstone

One of Jackson Hole’s greatest assets is its location. Its proximity to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone places the resort in a natural setting that is hard to match. It is not just about spectacular scenery, but a living ecosystem where wildlife is part of everyday life.

This direct connection with nature enriches the visitor’s experience. The trip is not limited to skiing, but becomes an immersion in one of the best-preserved regions in the United States.

Genuine sustainability in Jackson Hole

In recent years, Jackson Hole has strengthened its commitment to sustainability through concrete actions.

Since 2019, the resort has been powered by 100% renewable electricity, much of which comes from the Horse Butte wind farm in Idaho. This energy transition applies to both the ski lifts and base operations.

Furthermore, working with organisations such as the Teton Raptor Centre demonstrates an approach that goes beyond infrastructure, incorporating educational and conservation aspects.

Things to do in Jackson besides skiing

Jackson Hole has also successfully put together a range of complementary experiences that reinforce its standing as an international destination.

Heliskiing allows you to explore the nearby mountain ranges in highly controlled conditions, with a distinctly premium experience. Meanwhile, winter excursions to Yellowstone – by snowcoach or snowmobile – offer a unique experience that is particularly appreciated by international visitors.

In summer, the resort remains bustling with activity, offering attractions such as the Bridger Gondola, challenging hiking trails and the Via Ferrata, which provides a safe way to explore the sheer cliffs of the Tetons.

A clear position in the international market

In a global context where many resorts tend to standardise their offerings, Jackson Hole stands out.

It’s not a resort for everyone, and that’s precisely what makes it so special. It’s clearly aimed at skiers looking for varied terrain, authenticity and a less artificial experience.

For the international market – particularly the European market – it offers a different take on skiing in North America: more direct, more technical and more in tune with the natural surroundings.

Hotels in Jackson Hole

The Lodge in Jackson Hole

Enjoy the comfort and convenience of luxury accommodation in the centre of Jackson, Wyoming.

Located just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of Jackson’s historic town square, the Lodge’s cosy rooms, first-class amenities and personalised service will help you unwind and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Jackson Hole.

Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the relaxing Jackson Hole Lodge is the perfect place to recharge your batteries after an exhilarating day exploring the country’s stunning countryside.

El Wyoming Inn de Jackson Hole

The Wyoming Inn in Jackson Hole is a picturesque, Western-style luxury hotel located just a few minutes’ walk from the famous restaurants, shops and nightlife of Jackson town centre, yet far enough away to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep and a relaxing stay.

Guests enter a lobby inspired by a typical Wyoming lodge. The hotel houses one of the world’s largest private collections of works by the renowned wildlife photographer Thomas Mangelsen, as well as wildlife art and fine bronze sculptures by many Western artists.

Hotel Jackson

Welcome to the Jackson Hotel, situated in the heart of Jackson Hole, just a short walk from the shops, art galleries, restaurants and elk arches of Town Square. Owned by a family who have lived in the valley for over forty years, the Jackson Hotel has 55 rooms and suites and offers a contemporary take on the traditional West.

The Jackson Hotel aims to celebrate and share the region’s unique western heritage, whilst offering guests modern luxury and unrivalled customer service. And today, more than ever, we know how important it is to keep the health and wellbeing of our guests at the forefront of this service. The Jackson Hotel: where nature, soul and luxury come together.

Skiing in Jackson Hole: the resort’s highlights

To talk about Jackson Hole is not simply to describe a ski resort. It is to examine a very unique model on the global stage: a mountain that has built its reputation not on size or accessibility, but on the quality of its terrain, the intensity of the experience and the consistency of its positioning.

Below are the factors that explain why Jackson Hole remains, year after year, a global benchmark.

A gradient unique in North America

The figure is well known, but what matters is understanding its real impact: Jackson Hole boasts a vertical drop of 4,139 feet (1,262 metres), one of the largest in the United States. But what really sets the resort apart is not just the figure, but the continuity of the terrain. Unlike many resorts where the vertical drop is fragmented, here the runs are long, sustained and have a constant gradient from top to bottom. This makes for a more physically demanding experience, a ‘big mountain’ feel and fewer interruptions whilst skiing

A slope designed for advanced skiers

Jackson Hole has a very clear layout:

• 50% advanced / expert
• 40% intermediate
• barely 10% beginner

This perfectly encapsulates its essence. The resort isn’t designed for everyone, but for skiers seeking genuine steep slopes, technical terrain and constant decision-making. Our community of skiers on I Love Ski (already 62,300 strong as of April 2026) agree that it is one of the most demanding ski areas in North America, with ‘steep runs, tight chutes and rugged terrain’ as its defining features. In European terms, it is often compared to destinations such as Chamonix due to its technical nature.

Structural freeriding, not just for show

One of the key features of Jackson Hole is that freeriding isn’t just an afterthought: it’s integral to the resort’s design. The ski area features vast alpine bowls, open woodlands, technical couloirs and access to controlled backcountry terrain. What’s more, there are access points to over 3,000 additional acres of off-piste terrain, which greatly expands the scope for exploration.

Areas such as The Hobacks, Rendezvous Bowl (a very French-sounding name) and Casper Bowl offer long, natural runs with very little human intervention. It’s clear that this is a style of skiing based on reading the terrain, rather than following a marked piste.

Corbet’s Couloir: icono mundial

You’ve no doubt seen it all over social media. It’s simply breathtaking. Few resorts can boast a run that defines their identity. In Jackson Hole, that symbol is Corbet’s Couloir, considered one of the most difficult descents in the United States. More than just a run, it is a ritual, a psychological challenge and a cultural icon. Its entrance – often involving a mandatory jump – makes it a global benchmark for extreme skiing. You don’t have to ski it, but its very presence defines the resort’s reputation.

Plenty of snow and excellent conditions

Jackson Hole receives between 450 and 460 inches of snow a year (over 11 metres).

This ensures plenty of powder days, constant snow renewal and good snow conditions at higher altitudes. Furthermore, its aspect and altitude allow for consistently good conditions even when the weather in the valley is changeable. It is a resort where snow is rarely a problem, but rather a constant asset.

Real mountain scale, not resort scale

With around 2,500 skiable acres, over 130 runs and just 13 lifts, you quickly realise that Jackson Hole isn’t huge in terms of area compared to other American resorts. But its sense of scale comes from the vertical drop, the experience, the exposure and the complexity of the terrain. As several reviews point out, “it is big because of vertical, pitch and consequence”. Without a doubt, it is a resort that feels bigger than it is.

An iconic way to get there: the Aerial Tram

The Aerial Tram is one of Jackson Hole’s most recognisable features. In just a few minutes, it connects the base with the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, providing direct access to high-altitude terrain, iconic runs and more technical sections. It is a key piece of infrastructure that reinforces the resort’s ‘big mountain’ identity.