The Town Hill: The Unsung Heart of Skiing in Jackson Hole

It doesn’t often hit the external ski media or travel news, nor does it draw destination visitors all by itself. But for locals and visitors in the know, none of that matters. Even with all the other skiing options nearby, the Town Hill, as it’s affectionately called, looms large in the local ski scene. It means different things to different people, but all are equally valid and respected.

Its steep, north-facing slopes are famed for cold, chalky snow, and a consistent, challenging fall line that no local – from international mountain guides to professional ski mountaineers or alpine racers – can fail to appreciate, whether climbing up it or boarding the gondola to ski down it.

Skinning or bootpacking up Snow King to ski back down first began in the 1920s, and remains hugely popular. In the parking lot early in the morning, locals in ski gear roll in on foot, on bikes, or by car, with climbing skins on skis and headlamps clicked on for a sunrise workout to the top of the mountain – something which goes on all day, even after it gets dark again. Eager conversation runs on between friends as they approach that never-gets-old, spectacular view of the valley and reward of skiing steep, cold snow back down.

Walk right on to the lift-line-less gondola, which is used by young and old, racers and park riders, couples on ski dates, families, and those in search of some high speed me-time. Nine to fivers don alpine gear and hit up the gondola up for lunch laps, able to return to work with joy replenished. The Snow King lifts are also where Jackson kids learn to ski, and a summit beginner area on the backside of the mountain, accessed by the gondola, lets novice skiers hone their skills in the sunshine and above the the valley’s best views.

Of course, a half-day of lapping the lift-line free gondola here should not be underestimated. Snow King may appear small, but a few runs from top to bottom will have the senses invigorated and quad muscles begging for mercy. Night-skiing- the only in the valley – may be legendarily cold, but skiing above the jewel-like twinkle of Jackson’s lights more than make it worth it. On powder days, short lift lines and deep, fresh snow on its steep terrain rival a big day anywhere – without the powder panic and commotion of its famous neighbors, and complete with the ease of in-town après.

Locals and in-the-know visitors who make time for the Town Hill come away with a certain feeling, no matter how many times they’ve been there before: it’s special and under-the-radar; it’s without pomp; but, it’s exhilarating with amazing skiing. It’s not the place you go to brag about back home, but the place you go to reward yourself and remember what the heart and the people of ski culture are all about.