Jackson Hole is best known for its epic slopes, deep powder, and expansive terrain, making it one of the best places for backcountry skiing. If you are someone who is looking to explore the less-explored and feel confident in your abilities, this might be for you! So, step outside the boundary lines and discover these tips for backcountry skiing in Jackson Hole.
But first…what is backcountry skiing?
Backcountry skiing is different from skiing groomed runs at the resort. To access the backcountry, skiers and riders typically use their own two feet, helicopters, or snowcats to get to the terrain – so no chairlifts (typically) are involved. At a ski resort, you’ll notice there are signs distinguishing from inbounds vs. out of bounds. The “out of bounds” terrain is just that, you are no longer within bounds of ski patrol and no avalanche control. You are on your own.
1. Know before you go
Before you even consider backcountry skiing, you should be confident and comfortable on un-groomed black terrain. Conditions in the backcountry are unpredictable and require an expert level knowledge of conditions and navigating the terrain. So, typically they say that expert-level skiing and riding is preferred, if not required.
2. Guided Backcountry Tours
If you don’t know every inch of the terrain or the snowpack, then don’t go alone. Jackson Hole is well-equipped with plenty of guided backcountry tours to help you find your way. Let the experts at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort guide the way through unexplored terrain with the right equipment and expert knowledge. They offer full-day excursions for one to four people. Prices for one start at $1,110. Or sign up with Exum Mountain Guides for a guided tour through the backcountry terrain inside Grand Teton National Park.
3. Heli-skiing
For those seeking the biggest rush of them all, heli-skiing is an unforgettable experience. Accessing the terrain by way of a helicopter is the best way to get to the most remote areas of the backcountry. Enjoy a day of heli-skiing with High Mountain Heli which includes six runs, lunch, and expert-guided service.
4. Snowcat skiing
If jumping out of a helicopter into unknown terrain isn’t your thing, then try snowcat skiing. Don’t exhaust yourself before you even start and let the power of a snowcat take you to where you want to go. This is the best option for those who are just starting out with backcountry skiing, allowing you to test your skills and endurance before hiking up on your own. Grand Targhee Resort is home to Wyoming’s only cat skiing operation. Enjoy beautiful views of the Teton Range and over 600 acres of dedicated untracked powder, waiting to be explored.
5. Take an Avalanche course
Whether you are new to backcountry skiing in Jackson Hole or you’ve been before, it is always a good idea to brush up on your avalanche knowledge. There are several courses in town or take one at home before your vacation. That way you are fresh with the knowledge to know what to do in case of an avalanche. These courses will help you understand and identify what weather conditions are conducive to avalanches and how to best react if ever caught in one.
In addition to an avalanche course, a first aid course is also recommended. More so for you to be prepared to help someone that has been caught in an avalanche.
6. Have the proper avalanche gear
It is essential to have the proper avalanche gear ready and with you at all times. This includes a beacon, a.k.a an avalanche transceiver, that will assist in calling for help, a snow probe for pinpointing the location of a buried person following the transceiver notification, and a shovel to assist in digging someone out from underneath the snow.
Stay at the Huff House Inn
One of the best tips we can give for backcountry skiing in Jackson Hole is to book a hotel a luxurious hotel with a hot tub! After a long day in the backcountry, rest and rejuvenate at the end of the day at the Huff House Inn. Our outdoor garden patio is equipped with a relaxing hot tub, fire pit, and comfortable seating, perfect for a quiet retreat at the end of the day.
Inside, cozy up by the fire in one of our cabins or suites, complete with luxurious linens, high-end furnishings, plush bathrobes, and more to make your stay with us extra comfortable. Plus, little extras like daily homemade cookies and complimentary coffee are all there to help make your stay with us extra special.