Grand Targhee Ski Area Description:
Grand Targhee is located in on the western side of the Teton mountains in Alta, Wyoming. It's so far west, in fact, that it's almost impossible to get to the hill without passing through the Teton Valley in Idaho, where the nearest town, Driggs, is located.
Grand Targhee covers more 2,600 acres of terrain that receive over 500 inches of snow each year. In-bounds terrain includes 72 runs that are serviced by five lifts, as well as in-bounds sections that can be reached only by cat or hiking. The resort has a vertical drop of just under 2,200 feet. Proximity to the much better-known Jackson Hole means that Grand Targhee, although a world class resort with equally deep powder, is often overlooked. The result is consistently short lift lines, better value, and fresh powder to be found for days after it stops snowing.
Grand Targhee has about 20% expert, 70% intermediate, and 10% beginner runs, so it's well-suited to families on vacation looking for a variety of mid-range terrain. Although the hill doesn't have a large proportion of expert terrain, the steeps it does have don't often get skied out and hold their snow well. The beginner area is one of the most-child friendly around, with numerous gimmicks meant to keep the kids occupied and enjoying themselves.
Grand Targhee's terrain park changes from year to year. In the past it has been very large, although at the time of writing it was relatively small compared to those at other hills of similar calibre. The resort is also well-known for having exceptional local music in venues on the hill several times a week.
Grand Targhee Ski Area Location/Directions:
Grand Targhee is on the western side of the Teton's, just a few miles from the Idaho border, 12 miles (a 25-minute drive) northeast of Driggs, ID, 48 miles (a one-hour-and-fifteen-minute drive) northwest of Jackson, WY, and 85 miles (a one-hour-and-forty-five-minute drive) from Idaho Falls.
The closest airports to Grand Targhee are the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) and the Idaho Falls Airport (IDA). Grand Targhee can be reached from the Jackson Hole Airport via the Grand Targhee Aiport Shuttle and from Jackson and Teton Village via the Targhee Express, which comes with a discount on lift tickets. To make reservations, call 307-734-9SKI (734-9754). The resort also runs the Sno'Scape shuttle to and from Idaho Falls, which can be booked by calling 208-529-6597.
Grand Targhee Ski Area Statistics:
- Trails: 72 (Grand Targhee Ski Area Trail Maps)
- Longest run: 2.7 miles (4.4 kilometres)
- Lifts: 5 (two high-speed quad chairs, one regular-speed quad chair, one double chair, and one magic carpet)
- Uphill Capacity: 7,200 riders per hour
- Acres: 2602
- Mountains: 3
- Snowmaking Coverage: 5%
- Summit elevation: 9,862 feet / 3,006 meters
- Base Elevation: 7,851 feet / 2,393 meters
- Vertical Drop: 2,176 feet / 663 meters
- Terrain parks: 1
- Superpipes: no
- Average snowfall: 500+ inches
- Night Skiing: No
Grand Targhee Ski Area Reservations:
Grand Targhee offers numerous pass options including single-day passes, half-day passes, beginner lift tickets, flexible multi-day passes, weekend passes, and season passes, with discounts for students and seniors.
Grand Targhee also works with the discount online lift ticket vendor, Liftopia. You can buy discount Grand Targhee lift tickets online here.
Grand Targhee Ski Area Accommodations:
One of Grand Targhee's best qualities is the excellent value. Slopeside rooms there are inexpensive compared to other resorts of comparable quality, and motel rooms in nearby Driggs are perfect for people skiing on a tight budget.
To book slopeside accommodations, take a look at the Grand Targhee Lodging Specials web page. Those looking to save some money should take a look at the Pines Motel or the Super 8 Motel in Driggs.
Grand Targhee Area Alternative Activities:
Grand Targhee is not a huge vacation mecca, so there aren't as many alternative activities as in some other better-known resorts, but there are still lots of fun things to do. Grand Targhee often features live music on the mountain (read the schedule here). One popular family activity is to take a sleigh ride dinner. Guided snowshoe tours are also offered.
Grand Targhee Ski Area Conditions and Weather:
Grand Targhee gets a lot of snow. It often gets even more than it's neighbor Jackson Hole, because weather systems tend to encounter Grand Targhee first. With over 500 inches of snow per year, Grand Targhee almost always has plenty for everyone.
