Snow King Skiing in Jackson, Wyoming
Snow King Mountain Resort, affectionately known as “The Town Hill,” offers one of the most unique skiing experiences in Wyoming. Established in 1936 as the state’s first ski area, this resort sits right on the southeast edge of downtown Jackson, blending steep mountain thrills with easy access to town life. Unlike the vast, remote backcountry feel of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or the powder-focused, quieter slopes of Grand Targhee, Snow King skiing presents condensed, high-intensity terrain in a convenient in-town setting. It’s perfect for quick sessions, night skiing, families, or anyone wanting to combine serious skiing with Jackson’s vibrant shops, restaurants, and culture—without the long drives or massive crowds common at larger Western resorts.
What truly sets Snow King skiing apart is its steep pitches (some of the steepest in the region for a town hill), affordability, and community vibe. While Jackson Hole boasts legendary expert terrain and Grand Targhee excels in consistent powder and open bowls, Snow King delivers challenging runs right from the heart of town, often with shorter lines and lower costs.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your Snow King skiing trip, from terrain and lifts to lodging, dining, rentals, and non-skiing fun.
The Terrain
Snow King Mountain offers about 500 acres of skiable terrain with a vertical drop of 1,571 feet, rising from a base elevation around 6,237 feet to a summit of 7,808 feet. The resort features 41 named runs, with a breakdown that leans heavily toward advanced skiers: roughly 18% beginner, 24% intermediate, and 58% advanced/expert. This makes it ideal for those seeking steep, demanding descents rather than endless groomers.
Beginners will find gentle slopes near the base served by Magic Carpets, while intermediates enjoy cruisers and some tree-lined runs. Advanced riders thrive on the steep chutes, moguls, and glades off the upper lifts—many north-facing for better snow retention. The terrain includes two parks: Old Man’s Flats for intermediate/advanced features like jumps and ramps, and a base-area rail park for freestyle practice. Night skiing covers about 110 acres, adding a special glow to the experience.
Snowfall averages around 150 inches annually, with snowmaking on key areas ensuring reliable coverage even in variable conditions. Compared to other Wyoming spots, Snow King skiing feels more intense and compact—steep vertical in a smaller footprint—making it great for lapping challenging runs without the scale (or crowds) of Jackson Hole’s 2,500+ acres or Grand Targhee’s wide-open powder fields.
Ski Lifts and Mountain Facilities
The lift system includes eight total lifts: a modern eight-passenger gondola (replacing the old Summit lift), one quad chair, one triple chair, one double chair, and several surface lifts (including Magic Carpets for beginners). The gondola provides fast, comfortable access to the summit with stunning views of Jackson, the Tetons, and the National Elk Refuge.
The Rafferty quad serves beginner and lower-mountain terrain, while the Sunnyside triple accesses intermediate and advanced areas. Lifts are efficient for the resort’s size, with minimal wait times even on busier days. Night skiing extends hours under lights, a rarity among Wyoming resorts and perfect for après-work or evening sessions. Recent upgrades like the gondola improve speed and comfort, making Snow King skiing more accessible than ever.
Browse Snow King lift ticket deals
Season Dates and Planning Your Visit
Snow King typically opens in early December and closes in late March, though exact dates vary with weather. This places it solidly in the mid-winter window, with prime conditions often from mid-January through February when snow is deepest and temperatures are reliably cold. Early and late season can offer fewer crowds and good value, while peak holiday periods bring more visitors but still lighter lines than bigger resorts.
Jackson’s climate is cold and dry—expect crisp days and chilly nights—so layer up with base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof shells. Compared to warmer Colorado spots or sunnier Western areas, the dry air preserves powder quality. Always check current conditions before heading out, but historically, Snow King delivers consistent mid-season Snow King skiing.
Where to Stay
Options range from ski-in/ski-out convenience to town-based variety. The Snow King Resort Hotel and Condos sit right at the base, offering direct access to lifts, plus amenities like pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, and mountain views—ideal for families or those wanting minimal travel.
For more flexibility, Jackson’s hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and lodges are just blocks away (many within walking distance). This in-town setup is a huge advantage over remote Western resorts: stay in luxury or budget accommodations, then stroll to shops, galleries, or dining without a car. Book early for peak season, especially for groups or families seeking multi-bedroom condos.
Where to Eat
On-mountain dining includes King’s Grill for casual, family-friendly meals like burgers and drinks, and options at the summit for elevated fare with panoramic views. Après-ski spots at the base serve hearty comfort food and local brews.
Jackson’s downtown scene shines: walk to steakhouses, cafés, farm-to-table restaurants, and diverse cuisine from pizza to fine dining. The seamless blend of slope-side bites and town eateries creates a vibrant experience unique to Snow King skiing—enjoy a quick lunch on the mountain, then head downtown for dinner without long commutes.
Renting Ski Gear
Snow King Mountain Sports, the on-site shop, provides skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and packages for all levels, with annual fleet updates for quality. Renting here is convenient and often more affordable than at larger resorts.
Jackson has additional local shops for high-end demos or specialized gear. Reserving in advance is smart, especially for peak times. Renting locally saves hassle over flying with equipment and lets you test setups suited to Snow King skiing’s steep, varied terrain.
Non-Skiing Activities
Non-skiers or mixed groups have plenty to do. King Tubes offers thrilling tubing runs, while the Cowboy Coaster delivers high-speed alpine coaster fun year-round. Scenic gondola rides provide breathtaking views without skis.
Other winter options include snowmobiling, guided snowshoeing, ice skating, or wildlife tours in nearby Grand Teton National Park. Relax with spa treatments, explore Jackson’s art galleries, shops, and historic square, or enjoy events and live music. Snow King’s town location makes it easy to mix adventure and downtime—far more versatile than isolated ski-only resorts.
Snow King Ski Deals
To save on different aspects of your trip, browse our current Snow King ski deals.
Related Blogs
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