Beneath the towering peaks of the Tetons lies a pristine winter playground of Jackson Hole backcountry skiing terrain. Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a dream destination for any backcountry explorer looking to connect with the untamed beauty of the Rocky Mountains. From steep chutes and open bowls to meandering tree runs and hidden glades, the backcountry of Jackson Hole has something for all levels of riders. Join us as we take a journey into the wild and explore the thrills and joys of riding the Jackson Hole backcountry.
Togwotee Pass Backcountry Skiing
Running East on Highway 26 out of Moran for about 30 minutes, you hit a region known as Togwotee Pass that’s quite popular with locals. This is a particularly great shot if you’re coming out of the Dubois, Wyoming side, in which case you encounter some fantastic terrain with a much shorter travel time and a wider season than anything in the Teton range.
There’s just about anything you could want here within a couple of miles of the Highway. The lines tend to be short and fast, and the snowmobiles may challenge your patience. Still, you can find steep couloirs, lubricious powder, and incredible views of the Teton range.
Grand Teton National Park
This is one of the most scenic and iconic backcountry skiing destinations in the US. Notable features include the towering snow-capped peaks of the Grand Tetons, abundant wildlife, and plenty of pow in the winter months. You’re guaranteed stunning views and a variety of terrain.
The park offers some of the richest backcountry experiences in North America, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Peaks here are powerful and avalanche prone. If you’re new to the game, hooking up with a local outfitter is highly encouraged.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
One of the premier ski resorts in the US, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort features runs for skiers of all levels. Notable features include steep chutes, moguls, and gladed runs, as well as some of the best terrain parks in the US. Positives include access to a lift-serviced backcountry terrain, a variety of terrain parks, and access to a variety of different activities. Negatives include lift lines, large crowds, and expensive lift tickets.
Phillips Pass
This is a popular backcountry skiing spot in the Teton Range that features a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to a variety of terrain, spectacular views, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Teton Pass
This is a popular backcountry skiing area located in Wyoming’s Teton Range. Notable features include steep and challenging terrain, as well as stunning views of the valley below. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room to explore. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
South Pass
This is a popular backcountry skiing area in Wyoming, located in the Wind River Range near Jackson Hole. Notable features include rolling terrain, steep couloirs, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to a variety of terrain, spectacular views, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Gros Ventre Wilderness
This is a large, rugged, and remote backcountry skiing destination located in Wyoming’s Teton Range. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Jedediah Smith Wilderness
This is one of the most remote and beautiful backcountry skiing areas in the US, located in Wyoming’s Teton Range. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Teton Wilderness
This is a large and rugged backcountry skiing area in Wyoming’s Teton Range. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Greys River
This is a popular backcountry skiing area located in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Salt River Range
This is a scenic and rugged backcountry skiing destination located in Wyoming. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Teton Canyon
This is a popular backcountry skiing area located in Wyoming’s Teton Range. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Yellowstone National Park
This is one of the most iconic backcountry skiing destinations in the US, and offers a wide range of terrain and activities for all levels of skiers. Notable features include stunning views, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of wildlife. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Snake River Range
This is a popular backcountry skiing destination located in Wyoming. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Buffalo Fork
This is a remote and rugged backcountry skiing destination located in Wyoming. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Big Hole Mountains
This is a scenic backcountry skiing destination located in Wyoming’s Teton Range. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Palisades
This is a popular backcountry skiing destination located in Wyoming’s Teton Range near Jackson Hole. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Hoback Canyon
This is a scenic backcountry skiing area located in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Taylor Mountain
This is a scenic and rugged backcountry skiing destination located in Wyoming’s Teton Range. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow, a variety of different terrain, and plenty of room for exploration. Negatives include potential avalanche danger, the need for a high level of backcountry experience, and access to certain areas may be limited due to park boundaries.
Greys River National Forest
This is a large, rugged, and remote backcountry skiing destination located in Wyoming. Notable features include long, rolling runs, steep chutes, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Positives include access to untouched snow.
Enjoy Everything that the Jackson Hole Backcountry has to Offer
Jackson Hole is truly some of the most high-density backcountry gold this nation has to offer. Whether you’re boming the iconic Teton range, trekking north to explore the exceedingly iconic Yellowstone country, sliding out to the fringes to explore Togwotee Pass region, anywhere you go, you’re going to be impressed.
Pack well, do your research, and keep those Avy safety skills honed, and you’re in for some truly epic turns. And be sure and reach out to tell me about your ski day and pass along any tips.