Local Ski Resorts Are Summer Adventure Hotspots

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: adrenaline, family fun, and spa bliss all in one

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has something for everyone, from adrenaline junkies to spa lovers looking to unwind to adventurous outdoorsy families, and the resort’s adaptive program makes sure that everyone is included. If you only have a day or half-day at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, be sure to go for a ride on the Aerial Tram (dubbed “Big Red”). In winter, tram riders watch skiers and snowboarders attempt the fabled Corbet’s Couloir on the way up. In summer, people scan below for marmots, bears, moose, and other wildlife while admiring stunning scenery on the 4,139-foot ascent to the top. It can be windy and chilly up high, so bring a jacket to take in the 360-degree views at 10,450 feet of elevation.

Once up top, enjoy one of the tram hikes, ranging from the easy half-mile Top of the World hike to the difficult Cirque Trail, which is nearly 2 miles each way. Be sure to bring everything you need for a hike and be prepared for any weather conditions you might encounter. Bring bear spray and know how to safely recreate in bear country, including what to do if you encounter a bear or other wildlife.

Bridger Gondola also offers sightseeing opportunities during the day, and in the evenings it shuttles guests to Piste Mountain Bistro (reservations strongly recommended) and The Deck, which are open many evenings in the summer (be sure to check open dates and times). Ride the gondola or lace up your boots for the 5-mile hike from the base, working up an appetite by gaining more than 2,700 vertical feet along the way.

Outdoor lovers will relish Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s biking opportunities. From e-bike to mountain bike rentals, the resort offers a paved bike pathway, numerous cross-country trails, and lift-access downhill mountain bike trails at the Jackson Hole Bike Park. Adrenaline junkies will love the opportunity to go paragliding, and the Via Ferrata offers a thrilling way to traverse the mountain along cable routes utilizing iron rungs, dangling bridges, and more.

For an adventure a little closer to the ground, the Aerial Ropes Course gets people about 25 feet off the ground for challenges involving nets, bridges, dangling beams, and more. The mountain also features an 18-hole disc golf course for scenic play.

Families will enjoy free Pop Jets on the Village Commons, a bungee trampoline that launches people 24 feet in the air while securely tethered, and a 25-foot climbing wall.

An assortment of dining options are available throughout Teton Village, from upscale eateries to casual bites. Shoppers will also enjoy a variety of different merchants to explore, selling outdoor gear, souvenirs, and other items.

To unwind, relax at one of Teton Village’s spas, including the Four Seasons Spa, Hotel Terra Chill Spa, and SpaTerre at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, which focuses on Thai- and Indonesian-inspired treatments. The village also comes alive with music each summer with the Concerts on the Commons series and the world-renowned Grand Teton Music Festival.

Snow King Resort: fun for the whole family, right in town

Located right in the town of Jackson, Snow King Resort offers fun for the whole family— and is within walking distance of many accommodations and restaurants. Locals love to “hike the King,” and some do it daily, reveling in the 2-mile trek (each way) with 1,571 feet of elevation gain. Snow King also connects to other trail networks, offering the opportunity to extend your hike or bike ride past the resort’s boundaries. Take a scenic gondola ride up to Snow King’s summit for 360-degree views, and be sure to check the schedule and buy tickets for the summer concert series.

If more extreme adventures are your thing, try North America’s steepest zip line. Other thrills include the Cowboy Coaster, which can reach 25 miles per hour with ups, downs, loops, and curves. The Alpine Slide reaches similar speeds as it races down a half-mile track. Enjoy 2 minutes of flips and tricks on the Bungee Trampoline, or try the Treetop Adventure Course, which the resort calls “Swiss Family Robinson meets the X-Games” and includes swinging logs, bridges, zip lines, and even an aerial skateboard. Mini golf is a fun base option, and the Amaze’n Maze includes a race to find four checkpoints.

Grand Targhee Resort: nature on the western side of the Tetons

On the western side of the Tetons, Grand Targhee Resort offers dazzling mountain views from a different angle. It’s located in Alta, Wyoming, which is a little over an hour’s drive from Jackson. Head over Teton Pass, through Teton Valley, Idaho, and up Ski Hill Road to Alta to enjoy a nature-focused day.

The mountain has numerous hiking trails, so be sure to grab a map, check the weather and trail conditions, and know what to do if you encounter a bear. Take a stunning scenic chairlift ride up Dreamcatcher to the top of Fred’s Mountain for a hike at the top with gorgeous Teton views. If you’d rather recreate on wheels, Grand Targhee’s Bike Park is a favorite, with both cross-country and lift-access downhill mountain bike trails. To venture out with a pro, sign up to go with a hiking guide or take a bike lesson.

Families will love the Kid’s Fun Zone, with rock climbing, bungee trampolining, and mining to pan for treasures. The 18-hole disc golf course is located at 8,000 feet and provides a unique high-elevation experience. Sign up for a horseback ride for a touch of the West. Short rides for little kids (7 and under) include a 10-minute corral ride or 20-minute meadow ride, or ages 8 and up can enjoy a 1- to 3-hour ride.

Play hard, but don’t miss a chance to grab a bite at one of the resort’s restaurants, like the Trap Bar & Grill, which is known for its Wydaho nachos—waffle fries topped with your favorite delicious nacho fixings.

Whether you prefer to spend your summer finding adrenaline—such as paragliding or climbing the Via Ferrata at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort—biking or strolling on paths through fields of flowers, listening to concerts in the great outdoors, making memories with your kids on an adventure course, or relaxing at a spa, Jackson Hole’s local ski resorts have options galore.