Powder Perspective

Arguably the best lift in North America, the Jackson Hole Tram has a well-justified reputation. Not because it's expensive, even though it is. Not because the tram ops play rad music on the way up, even though they do. Not because this new tram, built in 2008 to replace the old one, can operate in 70 mph winds, which it does. No, this lift rules simply because of the terrain it serves, and especially its backcountry access. From steep north-facing powder shots, aesthetic couloirs with mandatory airs, silent tree glades, wide open bowls, ass-pucking ridge hikes and long tours, the skiing off the tram is reason enough to forget all the other crap going on in your life, and get to Jackson as soon as you can. —MATT HANSEN

Resort Overview

Home to the best big mountain skiing experience in the United States, Jackson Hole sits in the heart of the Teton Range. Huge snowfall (5 year average of over 475 inches) meets massive terrain in this spectacular corner of the west, where the Aerial Tram gives access to the in-and-out bounds ski Mecca of Rendezvous Mountain. Yet the best kept secret of all might be the lifetime of cruising on the northern end of the resort, where the Teewinot and Apresvous chairlifts, as well as the Bridger Gondola access almost 3000 feet of intermediate and family skiing.

Terrain Breakdown

Jackson Hole is home to the biggest continuous vertical and thousands of acres of groomed and ungroomed terrain. To up the ante and deliver the most creative skiing experience, JHMR collaborated with Burton, and added The Stash Parks. Look for creative features built entirely out of native materials and step up to the kickers, tabletops and wild gap jumps, shaped and sized to fit every level of skier.

Season Highlights

• 11/26/11: Opening Day
• Steep and Deep Camps: Ski (1/11-14/12; 1/25-28/12; 2/8-11/12; 2/29 to 3/3/12), Snowboard (1/11-14/12; 2/1-4/12), Telemark (1/25-28/12; 3/6-9/12)
• TDB: TGR Grom Camp
• 1/7/12: US Ski Mountaineering Championships
• 3/2-4/12: Dick's Ditch Classic Banked Slalom for Skiers and Snowboarders
• 3/31/12: Jackson Hole Mountain Festival
• 4/8/12: Closing Day

Resort Specs

Annual Snowfall:	475 inches
Vertical Drop:	4,139 feet
Skiable Acres:	2,500
Local Bars:	Mangy Moose, Nick Wilson's, Cascade Bar and Grill
Number of Lifts:	12
Number of Trails:	116
Number of Parks/Pipes:	4 Stash / 2 Terrain / 1 Pipe
Local Restaurants:	Couloir, Steiglers, Thai Me Up
Backcountry Access:	Closed Boundary, Open Gates
Ticket Price:	$91
Nearest Airport:	Jackson, WY
Hotels / Lodging:	JH Backcountry Yurt, Hostel, Hotel Terra, Alpine House B/B