Mike Hardaker Staying Toasty Warm Wearing the Baist Everyday Mittens | Photo Sue Bullock Mountain Weekly News
JACKSON, WY — Snow King Mountain Resort rises dramatically from the valley floor, creating an immensely beautiful backdrop to the town of Jackson, Wyoming. While visitors often flock to the bigger resorts nearby, “The King” offers an experience that is authentic, steep, and incredibly convenient.
Our Snow King Resort review breaks down why this mountain is the heartbeat of Jackson. The main draws are undeniable: night skiing, a gondola that whisks you to the summit, new sunny-side terrain off the backside, and reasonably priced lift tickets. But the real kicker? It’s only a 30-second drive from the town square.
Skiing at Snow King Mountain Resort is truly what “town hill” skiing is all about. Even on the deepest powder days, you won’t find the mega-pass crowds here. The vibe is always super friendly, the lines are non-existent, and the turns are yours for the taking.
Skiing Snow King Mountain: The Local Scoop
Snow King Mountain Resort is the ski area that every skier and snowboarder traveling through Wyoming needs to hit. Often overshadowed by its larger neighbors (including Grand Targhee & Jackson Hole Mountain Resort), The King flies under most people’s radar—and that’s exactly why we love it.
What is the Skiing & Riding Like?
In this Snow King Mountain Resort review, we have to talk about terrain diversity. The mountain offers a surprising amount of options for every ability level:
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Beginners: For those just starting out, there are three magic carpets. One is at the base, and two are brand new carpets atop the Gondola. These upper carpets offer some of the most stunning views in the entire Jackson valley. Honestly, the Gondola ride alone is worth the price of a beginner lesson.
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Intermediates: You will find plenty of room to carve in the back bowls. This new groomed terrain is the perfect place to open it up on wide-open runs.
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Experts: This is where Snow King earns its reputation. Some of the steepest runs in North America are located directly under the gondola. When it snows, the combination of pitch and powder makes Snow King a hidden gem for steep and deep tree skiing.
Kids who grow up in Jackson cut their teeth at The King. This mountain teaches edge control and confidence like nowhere else. If you can ski here, you can ski anywhere.
The Uphill Policy: Earn Your Turns
One of the coolest things about Snow King Mountain Resort is the culture. The town of Jackson is packed with athletes needing a workout before work, and The King delivers. Unlike Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King generally allows uphill travel throughout the day and night—even while the lifts are spinning. Signup for your uphill pass here.
The only time uphill access closes is when they are grooming steep avalanche terrain with winch cats. Because of this open policy, the mountain is often busy at 6:00 AM with the headlamps of locals and tourists lugging themselves up the hill. The hike to the top is a certified lung buster, so be prepared for a workout.
Terrain Parks
Let’s be honest: Snow King at times has a terrain park, and at times it does not. If you are strictly looking for park laps, you might want to check out the larger resorts in the area. While we think the resort would benefit from a dedicated park or half-pipe, staffing and finances seem to make that a challenge each season.
However, there are plenty of natural features to play around with and cat tracks to jib off of. Just don’t expect a full line of rails and kickers.
The “Town Hill” Advantage
At the end of the day, you just can’t beat the location. It is literally smack dab in the middle of town. All of Jackson’s hotels and condos are close by—some within walking distance—and many offer free shuttles to the base.
Our office is literally a few hundred yards away from the gondola, so we are routinely doing ski and snowboard tests right here at our local hill. It’s that accessible.
Insider Tip: One of our absolute favorite spots for breakfast or an early lunch when riding Snow King is actually across the street at a tiny hole-in-the-wall called FRX Jackson. Be sure to check it out; the place is a total trip, and the owner does a great job keeping skiers and riders happy.
When is the Best Time to Check Out Snow King?
Snow King is primarily a north-facing mountain that sees very little sun until mid-winter. Because of this, early-season conditions are often fast, cold, and firm. This is why ski clubs from around the world flock here to train on the “race ice.”
However, once February hits, the sun starts to engulf the front side of the mountain. This is when the locals come out in droves. By March, when it’s sunny and warm, The King transforms into a spring skiing mecca. Just be sure to bring your sunscreen.
Future Plans: Concerts and The Planetarium
There are always rumors swirling about Snow King expanding skiing further into the sunny-side back bowls, which would be a game-changer for terrain variety.
Beyond skiing, Snow King has recently launched a summer concert series atop the gondola. With the Teton views, it is easily one of the most stunning backdrops for live music in the country—rivaling venues like Red Rocks and The Gorge. When the “King Concerts” are announced, grab tickets immediately; they will sell out.
Finally, while we are excited about the new restaurant, we are even more stoked on the Snow King Planetarium.
The Verdict:
If you want deep powder, fun groomers without the lift lines, a friendly local vibe, and the steepest laps in town, Snow King Mountain Resort is the place to be. See you on the hill.
Come check out what our Town Hill is all about, to learn more and grab tickets head to: https://snowkingmountain.com/
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