Grand Targhee—alluding to the 13,000-foot (3,962 meters) Grand Teton Summit and Chief Targhee, the leader of the Bannock people—is about as superlative as ski resorts come. With 2,400 acres, more than 500 inches of annual snowfall, a vertical climb of more than 2,000 feet (600 meters), six lifts and 90 trails, tree skiing, and more, this is a mountaineer’s church. Non-powder hounds can stay busy tubing, snowshoeing, enjoying the après scene, or chilling in the onsite spa or hotel. There are also suites and townhomes, should you wish to make yourself cozy and stay awhile.
The resort offers a free shuttle service from Grand Targhee to and around the Teton Valley.
If needed, you can rent gear and book lessons onsite; you can also rent gear from shops in Jackson Hole.
While you can stay at the resort, you don’t have to. Half-day and full-day passes are available to the public.
As with any outdoor adventure, consult the forecast before going out in nature.
Technically in Alta, Wyoming, the resort is about an hour's drive from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or about two hours from Idaho Falls, Idaho—both have airports where you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the resort (book those in advance). At the resort, there’s plenty of parking, in addition to the free shuttle that runs between Grand Targhee and the Teton Valley.
When to visit Grand Targhee depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you want a peak ski season adventure, come in January or February, and come early—the slopes get crowded. If you prefer more elbow room, consider visiting in December, March, or even April. That being said, the resort is open for summer adventures, too, and offers outstanding hiking, biking, and even bungee trampolines and climbing walls.
If you’ve heard of Grand Targhee, that might be because the resort used to offer Wyoming’s only cat skiing—where a snowcat would take you deep into the backcountry to trod untouched powder. That’s no more as of 2021. Instead, visitors will find a brand-new lift working its way up Peaked Mountain, a gain of 1,815 vertical feet (553 meters) in just over five minutes.