10 Insider Tips to Know Before Skiing in Jackson

You don’t have to be a local to know how to ski like one.

Winter in Jackson Hole isn’t just deep powder skiing, tram rides, and après at the Moose. Here’s what one long-time area resident has figured out are some of the best inside tips to make the most of your next stay in the Tetons.

1) Don’t Get Caught At the Ticket Window On A Sold-Out Day

In an effort to prevent on-mountain crowding, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort limits the amount of lift tickets sold per day, so don’t forget to make a ticket reservation beforehand if you’re purchasing a day ticket. That’s best done online, where you can also check ticket prices and availability. If tickets are sold out on a powder day, don’t fret–head to Snow King for some phenomenal storm skiing or make it a day and head over the pass to Grand Targhee to sample the goods on the snowier side of the Tetons. Check on the resort websites for up-to-date reservation rules if you’re using a pass like the Indy Pass or Ikon Pass.

2) Use The START Bus to Get Around

Local tip: There’s a better way to get around the valley than sitting in traffic in your own car wishing you were already in the tram line. Any day of the week, take the START Bus around town for free or from Jackson to Teton Village, for $3 one-way–if you’re solo, it’s a great time to pop in some headphones and catch up on your favorite audiobook or jam out to some tunes. You’re welcome to bring your skis onboard, but please be courteous of others who don’t want metal edges or wet snow in their face. Give your seat up to the exhausted grom who’s just had the best day of his life and say thanks to the driver! If you’re wearing your ski boots, do yourself a favor and keep those buckles out of the way–nobody wants to trip and get hurt on the bus coming home from the ski hill–but the pro move is to bring some sneakers to change into.

3) Where Do I Find The Best Snow After A Storm?

Well, isn’t that the million dollar question? While powder days are fun and get all the instagram hype, many locals know and will tell you that Jackson Hole’s best skiing often comes after a storm. Thanks to plenty of high-elevation and north-facing terrain, favorable winds, and cold temperatures, soft, smooth snow sticks around long after the storm has blown over. Knee deep pow is fun and all, but it’s all about ripping effortless turns down Rendezvous Bowl on chalky windbuff–nature’s own groomer.

4) Everyone Needs A Rest Day!

We all wish that we could ski bell-to-bell every day from Thanksgiving to closing day, but even an Olympian’s body can’t handle that. But the beauty of Jackson Hole is the huge variety of winter activities to enjoy beyond just the skiing. As any local will tell you, there’s nothing like treating yourself to a personal wellness and recovery day after an epic storm cycle. For a drive-up option, head down to Astoria Hot Springs for a soak, or rent snowmobiles to rip out to Granite Hot Springs and indulge in the rejuvenating powers of a natural hot pools. If you’d rather stay inside for a recovery day, check out the Teton County Rec Center’s brand-new climbing gym or shoot some hoops before hitting the sauna and hot tub. If yoga or pilates are more your thing, there’s plenty of options to choose from both in town and in Wilson along Village Road.

5) The Best Jackson Hole Airport Logistics Hack

Did you know that Jackson Hole’s airport is the only commercial airport inside a National Park? If you’re visiting and don’t want to rent a car, it’s easy to get around without one. Skip the cab fare and take advantage of the winter-only airport START Bus connection. For $10, you and all your gear can get to or from the airport in 20 minutes from downtown Jackson’s Miller Park station. Hey locals! Take advantage of this to save some cash on airport parking and leave your car at home next time you’re leaving town.

6) Breakfast On The Go

Nobody likes skiing powder on an empty stomach, and chasing first tracks makes it tough to squeeze in a real breakfast on powder days. Luckily, there’s excellent options for grab-and-go breakfast all throughout the valley. Whether it’s a breakfast croissant from Cowboy Coffee (now open inside the Alpenhof Lodge in Teton Village), a latte from Overview Coffee, a breakfast burrito and some pocket bacon from local favorite FRX at the base of Snow King, or a classic D.O.G. burrito (Meat, Spicy, of course!), there’s plenty to keep you fueled and caffeinated. Local tip: grab a second burrito, stuff it in your pack, and eat it on the chairlift for lunch.

7) How NOT to Pack Your Backpack

There’s many great reasons to wear a backpack while skiing, but please don’t be the person in the lift line blaring obnoxious music from a speaker dangling by a carabiner. If you’re going to ski with a pack, make sure it’s got useful things in there like water, snacks, and an extra layer–not just a sixer of PBR tallboys. Also, do the lifties and everyone else in line around you a favor, and take the pack off when you load the chair so you don’t get caught up while offloading. Keep a tight ship!

8) Patience Pays Off on Powder Days!

Nobody likes a froth monster. Powder days are some of the most demanding days for our local resorts to get things up and running. Whether it’s ski patrol performing avalanche control, lifties digging out chairs and gondolas, or groomers clearing paths so you can safely move around the mountain, there’s a whole army getting things done out there while you wait in line for the mountain to open. Patience pays off on these days, so instead of getting restless in the Tram Line, make a new friend, finish your coffee, enjoy the second half of that breakfast burrito, and know that you’re still going to have the best day ever.

9) Respect the Ski Patrol and Resort Workers

Even on bluebird groomer days, ski patrol and mountain operations staff are out there doing their jobs to ensure you’re having the safest and best possible day you can. Say hi, be courteous, let them do their thing, and please respect all posted signs and closures. Patrollers might have a gruff exterior, but they’re all just friendly ski bums at heart, so just like any local would if they share a chairlift ride, let them know you appreciate their hard work.

10) Afternoon Skiing Is Sometimes Best

Sure, first chair is fun and all, but you know what’s a great way to take advantage of a powder day, locals-style? Hit the mountain in the afternoon. With everyone tired from the morning, there’s far fewer people on the slopes, no lift lines, and plenty of snow to go around (especially if it’s been dumping all day and it took Ski Patrol awhile to get things open). It’s closer to après, the sidehits are all packed in, and the vibe is far more relaxed than in the morning. If you’re heading to JHMR, park for free at the Ranch lot after 1pm. Snow King is open until 6:30pm Monday-Friday for night skiing.

Max Ritter is a professional writer, editor, and photographer who’s lived in the Tetons since 2016. He works in ski and outdoor media for outlets like POWDER Magazine and local outfit Teton Gravity Research, and co-authored a cookbook celebrating the local ski culture called Beyond Skid: A Cookbook for Ski Bums. You’ll most likely find him in the Tram line on a powder day.