Wyoming Snow Conditions

Wyoming offers first-rate skiing conditions on the vast mountains which cross the state, and boast some of the most extreme terrain around. Exceptional powder conditions can be found throughout the area, and the abundance of natural snow ensures excellent skiing and boarding during the long season which runs from November to April. There is skiing spread over seven different mountain ranges, from the Rocky Mountains to the Grand Tetons, with the resorts ranging from small family-friendly centres such as Pine Creek to the internationally-renowned steep and deep Jackson Hole. 

 

Heavy snowfall guarantees fantastic conditions for a Wyoming ski holiday, with resorts such as Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee receiving huge amounts of natural powder. Although Jackson receives around 10m each year, Grand Targhee sees even more - up to 12m every winter, thanks to the storms that travel east from the Pacific and tend to hit the western side of the mountain first. The snow is extremely light and fluffy, with the fresh powder creating excellent conditions for skiing, thanks to the dry climate with less than 50% humidity. Jackson is the highest ski resort in Wyoming, located at 1,924m, and home to a 1,216m vertical, one of the sheerest drops in the country. There is skiing up to a top elevation of 3,184m, and the steep terrain holds a host of thrilling challenges for even the most extreme skier and boarder. A guide is recommended to get the most from the mountain, as there is plenty of excellent off-piste - a real lure for expert skiers. Conditions can be changeable at Jackson, however, and the snow can turn slushy quite quickly depending on the weather. Grand Targhee sits in a more remote location on the other side of the mountain, so remains quiet and uncrowded with even more consistent snow than Jackson, and is better for beginner skiers and intermediate skiers.

 

Jackson's slopes are generally east and south-facing, and incorporate tree-lined glades and open bowls, whilst those at Grand Targhee tend to be wide open with fewer trees, and face west. As well as the abundance of natural snow, Jackson Hole has snowmaking facilities covering 160 acres of terrain, with Grand Targhee only having 5% of its slopes covered. Upper slope averages in Jackson reached 193cm during the 2010 ski season, and a massive 246cm in 2009, with 195cm seen on the lower slopes.