Planning, Getting Started

We could talk for years about how to plan the trip, where to start etc. plus you know what you are doing, so all do it give a couple of tips:
1. Sign up well in advance for price drops
2. Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly statistically.
3. The USA has incredible early bird ski passes, plus loads of extra price reductions if you travel out of season or between national holidays etc. Next seasons Ikon pass is already on sale!

Another critical thing to note is resorts are laid out completely differently, I know this seems like an obvious thing to say but you will be miserable if you don’t hire a car, everything is super spread out. Logistically it makes the travel so much more stressfree.

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Secret Spots

It would be pretty mean if I bragged about these secret spots then didn’t share the love, right? I thought I would write them down for you as I am so gosh darn cute, plus some extra lines I heard about that would be perfect if you happen to catch some clearer weather.

Tree Runs
1. Rendezvous Trail – head down the cat track just beneath Rendezvous Bowl.
2. Hidden Paradise – this was short but very sweet! Sadly I can’t recount the exact details of how to get there, BUT head to the ski hire at the bottom of the main gondola and Teton village and they will tell you!
3. The Moran Woods – head to the trees there on the right side of the hill for significant tree coverage and fluffy pow or anywhere by the Thunder lift!

Big Lines
1. Cody Bowl – access through a backcountry gate at the top of the tram is a sick hike-able line.
2. Toilet Bowl on a good vis day! The name is enough, but if the weather is right, you have wide-open, steep skiing.
3. Corbet’s Couloir, the man maker, the legendary run it open to all if you can work up the confidence, charge into the in-run and speed out and become an instant star!

Grand Targhee

There was some low key chat about this locals spot, a resort that’s mostly Jackson Hole staff on their day off and residents, this dreamy resort named Grand Targhee. Brain and Christina insisted on taking us right away a perfect 2-day snowfall. Man oh man, we were blessed with the best conditions. The sun stayed away, and we had free refills as the Americans call it! Discovering untouched runs between the trees where the visibility was best, riding as much as we could between the tight trees only then to literally ski directly to the door of the only bar at the basin and drink local IPA with the lefties at half the price of Jackson. That’s the dream right, ride all day, Apres ski like you are sponsored for it then in bed by 9!

Après Ski Lifestyle

That brings me seamlessly onto the après ski vibes in Jackson and cheeky nightlife haunts for locals and expert tourists alike.

However, do prepare yourself to spend some money. Let me help you part with your money by telling you where to go.

Events

Jackson Hole is pretty non stop from November to May. The event calendar is a dream for most riders who wish to push themselves to the limit or indeed those of us who want to watch those crazies find their inner bliss while dropping insane cliffs.

Here are the top 3 of the most UNMISSABLE events that you can enter as well!
1.) Kings & Queens of Corbet’s – an insane display of human capability or rather how big are your balls! Find more details to watch here.
2.) Freeride World Qualifier In Grand Targhee 2* Event. Head at the end of Jan this year, what a way to explore this fantastic mountain and make friends with locals to secure your accomodation to come back next year. Plus gain FWQ points.
3. Music Under the Tram – Okay, maybe its not for riding but still totally awesome. “Great bands entertain the crowds in this unforgettable, sunny location, slopeside under the tram. Grab your friends, and après like there is no tomorrow!”

Now, I know you are probably thinking, Angelica, tell me about the Snow Parks. They must be incredible. Well yes, you are right and you I say, Jackson Hole is a big mountain resort, we were there during record snowfall, so I didn’t bother with the park as, why? But if you wish to know more or if you are visiting in the spring, head to the Jackson Hole website for more info.

Jackson, Grand Targhee, Wyoming, you were blissful. You were friendly, warm, welcoming and embracing. You care deeply for your mountain, the environment and everyone who frequents your state and for that I cannot wait to come back. You were also utterly exhausting. But I am ready to head to Montana, first to Big Sky and then to my bucket list destination – Whitefish.

Until next time riders …