ALTA, WYO – Located on the border between Wyoming and Idaho in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Grand Targhee Resort offers up one of the best overall skiing and snowboarding experiences in the United States.
Though the terrain isn’t as extreme as its well-known neighbor Jackson Hole, some 40 miles to the south, Targhee gets more fresh snow each year. It’s location on the opposite side of the Tetons, the western side, means that the massive storms moving east from the Pacific drop buckets of snow before moving up and over the mountain range. In fact, Grand Targhee nets an average of over 500 inches of snow per year.
Grand Targhee Resort Review
Grand Targhee Resort is all about good times, chill vibes, and short lift lines. And, seriously, what better combo could there be?
Unlike many other ski resorts, the village at Grand Targhee is all about the mountain. There are only three lodges with a few hundred beds altogether. Though there are ample dining facilities, you’ll find only a handful of bars and shopping opportunities. But who wants to shop when fresh powder is just minutes away? Grand Targhee is definitely the type of ski resort dedicated to serious skiers and families rather than one where parties and nightlife abound.
As mentioned above, Targhee is also about the powder. Bowls, glades, and light trees abound, making for some fun and reasonably challenging terrain. The ski area is spread out over two mountains, Fred’s Mountain and Peaked Mountain, giving you plenty of space to spread out to find freshies.
The beauty of Grand Targhee is the lack of crowds. While the inbound terrain is much more mellow in general than Jackson Hole, the bare slopes, nearly non-existent lift lines, and ample powder more than make up for it.
The vast majority of the terrain is well suited for intermediate riders. There is also a small portion, around 15% to 20%, that is deemed difficult. This is perfect. It gives expert riders enough to stay busy on and provides plenty of room for not quite as experienced riders to work on their skills. The fact that much of the terrain isn’t very steep means Grand Targhee is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard in powder. And you can learn at your own pace without worrying about being in the way of more advanced riders.
Grand Targhee Trail Map
Another rad thing about Grand Targhee is its proximity to other ski areas. As mentioned, Jackson Hole is just down the road. Big Sky Montana is around 3 hours away, Sun Valley is around 6 hours away, and Salt Lake City and its many ski areas are about 5 hours away. Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are just a few hours up the road as well.
There is no denying that you’ll absolutely fall in love with Grand Targhee Resort. Lifts serve over 2,500 acres of fun and varied skiing and snowboarding terrain stretching over two mountains. Factor in the amazing quality snow (light and deep), likely chance of powder, beautiful surrounding scenery, easy backcountry access, and very small crowds and you have an overall experience like no other.
But act fast. Rumors have been floating around that large development is set to occur here in the next few years. You’ll be thankful you experienced authentic Grand Targhee before major changes take place. This is truly a little slice of shred heaven.
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