There are nine Wyoming ski resorts, but only two are destinations, while the others are mostly geared toward locals. You’ve probably heard of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, but I’m guessing you don’t know the others.
Whether you’re looking for a world class ski resort, or one that’s more smaller scale, Wyoming has the ski resort for you. Wyoming is basically the Wild West of the ski world.
We recently visited Grand Targhee Ski Resort and had an amazing time. Here’s the scoop on Grand Targhee, plus the other amazing ski resorts in Wyoming.
A SKIERS RESORT; NOT A RESORT “WITH” SKIING
My brother has been going to Grand Targhee Ski Resort for more than three decades. My nieces learned to ski there. He’s been asking me to come with them for years, and this year, we finally took him up on the offer.
Exactly where is Grand Targhee Resort you ask? Well, it’s about an hour from the better known, and pricier, Jackson Hole Ski Resort, and it sits next to Yellowstone National Park.
We know that locals may not want the secret out that Grand Targhee is absolutely amazing, but we couldn’t help but share our experience with you!
GETTING TO GRAND TARGHEE
The closest airports to Grand Targhee are Jackson Hole and Idaho Falls. The flights weren’t as cheap as flying to other ski destinations such as Denver, but if you plan ahead, you can make up the difference (and maybe a little more) in other ways like getting pre-season lift ticket or lodging deals.
If you are comfortable driving in winter weather, rent a car. If you aren’t, the resort has an airport shuttle that will pick you up at either airport. If my brother hadn’t been there to drive us, I would definitely take the shuttle – mostly because I’m not used to driving on snowy roads.
If you do drive, stop in the town of Jackson to get your picture taken with the antler arches. If you come in summer, after the elk shed their antlers, you can buy them from the Boy Scouts, who pick them up at the nearby Elk Preserve and sell them as a fundraiser (so much better than popcorn). We learned all this on a side trip to the Elk Preserve, definitely a must do side trip as well.
Read More: Four Days at Grand Targhee Resort for Adventurous Families (Winter Edition)
THE TARGHEE VIBE
THE SNOW
There are two reasons regulars would like to keep this Grand Targhee Resort a secret. The first is the snow. Targhee is on the western side of the Teton mountain ranges and Jackson Hole is on the east, meaning Targhee usually gets more of the white stuff.
During the eight days surrounding our visit in February, the resort had more than 56 inches of snowfall! It’s not unusual to find fresh deep powder even in the afternoons. To make things even better, lift lines are virtually non-existent. During our President’s week visit, we skied right onto the lift almost every time.
THE VIBE
The second reason regular ski and snowboard fanatics love it here is the laid back vibe. Targhee is a skier’s resort, not a resort with skiing. There are less than 100 rooms — although there are more options down the mountain in Driggs, Idaho.
You see lots of multi-generational families at Targhee Resort, and although there are après activities, you can tell the number one attraction is the slopes, which open at 9 and close at 4 pm.
SKIING TARGHEE
If you are a once a year skier like me, you may not be skilled enough to take advantage of all Grand Targhee has to offer in terms of snow conditions.
There were more steep runs here than I’ve experienced at some of the other ski resorts we’ve visited, like Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain.
I did find some gentler grades, like Chief Joe Bowl and the blue runs off the Sacagewea lift. My son spent his time learning how to ski the powder on the side of the runs, proclaiming it his favorite part of the trip.
The key is you never wait in a lift line at Grand Targhee. You can easily get in four runs in an hour.
Note: Grand Targhee used to offer cat skiing, but the program was discontinued in 2022.
TAKE A SKI LESSON
Taking a ski lesson at Grand Targhee is a great idea — whether you’re a beginner, or you want to improve your skills.
Even if you know how to ski, a lesson helps to get your legs, improve your confidence, and learn proper technique. Targhee offers all sorts of different lessons — from Adult Group Lessons to Child Private Lessons and everything in between.
Our instructor gave us a good tour of the mountain that fit our beginner and intermediate abilities.
AWESOME VIEWS
When the Ghee comes in (Targhee speak for fog), try the Sacajawea lift. It has a lower elevation, and when the top of the Dreamcatcher lift is fogged in, you can still have some pretty good visibility on Sac.
Whatever type of skier you are, if you have a clear day, be sure to take the Dreamcatcher lift to the top and ski the Teton Vista Traverse. It’s an easy run (more of a trail actually) but the view of the Grand Teton Mountains is NOT to be missed.
And if you need a photo, you’ll have more than a few strangers offer to take it before you can even ask.
GRAND TARGHEE IS KID (AND DOG!) FRIENDLY
Targhee has a variety of different kids programs, from child care to ski school to a kids night out. One of my brother’s friends remembers when his son did ski school and how his instructors remembered him later in the week and would cheer him from the lifts above as he powered down the mountain.
Some of Targhee’s lodging offers pet-friendly accommodations too, so you can travel easily with your four-legged family member!
APRES AT TARGHEE
Just because skiing takes center stage at Grand Targhee Resort, doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do off the slopes. Here are a couple of our favorites.
THE TRAP BAR & GRILL
When the slopes close, the adults — still in their ski pants and sporting crazy hat head — go to the 21+ Trap Bar for a beer, some live music and happy hour food specials, while the kids enjoy a few games in the arcade at Wild Bills.
At least once splurge on the tower of nachos made with waffle fries, it is totally worth it.
HOT TUB
Of course you have to do the hot tub with snow all around. Grand Targhee Resort also has a heated pool, which my teen tried to get me to try to no avail.
The hot tub was perfect after a day of skiing and the toasty warm changing room was nice after getting out.
TUBING
Because we never waited in a lift line (seriously, for three days we skied right onto the lift) we were able to get in a ton of runs in a short time.
By afternoon, my legs were spent, which made it a perfect time to hit the tubing hill, which by the way, has a magic carpet to get you back to the top.
SNOWSHOEING
Do yourself a favor and take a morning off the slopes and join one of the Targhee naturalists on a snowshoe tour of the Nordic trails.
One of my favorite things at Targhee is the snow capped spruce and fir trees. On the snowshoe trail you’ll go through the forests, into a pristine white meadow.
Our guide showed us how to tell the trees apart, where big cats scratched them, and where a bear family climbed up them. All things we would have missed had we gone on our own.
Bonus: After your guided snowshoe tour, you have use of the snowshoes for the rest of the day, so grab a chicken sandwich with caramelize onions, BBQ, avocado and cheese with a side of fresh cut fries from Snorkels, get in a few runs on Dreamcatcher, and then take another snowshoe hike on your own after the lifts close.
FAT BIKING & CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
If you are up for a challenge, get a fat bike instead of snowshoes (or just try this on a different day).
Maybe it was the fact that we’d skied three straight days, that my front tire got a little too low, or (yikes) I am terribly out of shape, but I found fat biking extremely hard.
However, there is something exhilarating about flying down the trails through the trees that was pretty cool – and it has incentivized me to workout a little more now that I’m home.
For another great workout, try cross country skiing. Targhee has Nordic ski rentals as well. This is a great option for a sunny afternoon where the downhill trails are short on powder.
TARGHEE IN THE SUMMER
As much fun as Grand Targhee is in the winter, I’ve added it to my summer bucket list too. I want to come back for the Bluegrass Festival and camp in the meadow with the other festival goers, then try out mountain biking, or another plate of those nachos at The Trap Bar.
MORE WYOMING SKI RESORTS
JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is located in Teton Village, which features lots of shopping, dining, bars and activities. There are also a variety of lodging options.
If you are a new or once-a-year skier, it is worth noting that Jackson Hole’s green runs are at the bottom of the mountain, which means this area can get skied out faster, or be a bit slushier in warmer weather.
Ready to hit the slopes in Jackson Hole, but don’t have the equipment? We’ve made snowboarding a lifestyle, but before we owned our equipment, Ski Butlers was our ski (and boarding) rental service of choice. These guys deliver to your hotel or condo – and pick up- for only a few dollars more than the jam-packed shops just down the road. And the equipment? Best in the business! Check out Ski Butlers on your next vacation!
Read More: 29 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
OTHER WYOMING SKI RESORTS
- Snow King Mountain Resort (Jackson): This small mountain is right outside the town of Jackson, so workers can take a lunch break and get in a few runs. The only night skiing in Jackson Hole is offered at Snow King Resort. The Jackson town square is only a 10-minute walk from here.
- Antelope Butte Ski Resort (Sheridan): This resort closed in 2004 but has reopened as a non-profit. It’s still pretty rustic (a yurt but no lodge), but the prices reflect that too.
- White Pine Ski Resort (Pinedale): Locals especially like this quiet mountain for the cross country trails.
- Hogadon Ski Area (Casper): This local hill has 600 vertical feet and is a partner with Grand Targhee, which means, if you have a pass at Targhee, you can ski Hogadon for free. Hogadon pass holders get discounts at Targhee too.
- Pine Creek Ski Area (Cokeville): This ski area is for the advanced skier, having more black diamond runs than either intermediate or beginner.
- Sleeping Giant (Cody): Locals like Sleeping Giant Ski Resort because 5th graders and above can get the ski bus from Cody to the mountain (without parents!).
- Snowy Range Ski Area (Centennial): This small family ski area doesn’t have hotels at the slopes, but you can stay in town.
- Meadowlark Ski Lodge (Bighorn): This is another family owned ski resort. You can find great deals if you are interested in just skiing, but it is only open on the weekends.
WYOMING SKI RESORTS FAQ
How many ski resorts are there in Wyoming?
There are nine ski resorts in Wyoming, with Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole being the largest and most popular.
Does Wyoming have good skiing?
Yes, Wyoming has great skiing! Both beginner skiers and professional skiers love the snow and ski and snowboarding opportunities offered in Wyoming.
Can beginners ski at Jackson Hole?
Yes, beginners can ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resorts. Although it’s well-known for its expert-level ski terrain, they also offer beginner and intermediate slopes as well.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO WYOMING
- YOUR WYOMING VACATION
- CHEYENNE: 15 Things To Do In Cheyenne Wyoming You’ve Got To Experience
- CODY: 11 Awesome Things To Do In Cody WY
- GLAMPING YELLOWSTONE: 7 Experiences You’ll Never Forget
- YELLOWSTONE: 38 Best Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park
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