by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 10/11/2025
We decided to embark on our annual ski trip to the Grand Tetons area of Wyoming, opting for a fresh experience rather than returning to our usual destinations. Over the past several years, snowfall in Colorado had become increasingly sparse, making it less appealing for consistent skiing conditions. In contrast, the Grand Tetons promised an abundance of fresh powder and a new adventure in a region we had yet to explore.
Why Grand Targhee Surprised Us!
We’ve skied & snowboarded at popular resorts across Europe, Colorado and Utah, but Grand Targhee offered something rare—room to breathe. Nestled on the quieter, western side of the Tetons, it was refreshingly uncrowded. Lift lines were short, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the slopes felt wide open even during peak season. If you're looking for incredible snow without the crowds, this place delivers.
Another perk of choosing this location was the lower elevation, reducing the likelihood of altitude sickness—a common issue at many high-altitude ski resorts. Plus, the promise of fewer crowds compared to the often-packed slopes of Colorado or even Jackson Hole made it even more appealing. Located within the stunning Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Grand Targhee boasts over 500 inches of annual snowfall. The combination of light, dry powder and the absence of long lift lines made our decision an easy one, offering the perfect blend of solitude, excellent skiing conditions, and natural beauty.
We flew into the Jackson Hole, WY airport, and the drive from there to our rental house in Idaho gave us an opportunity to check out the area, etc. It is a very scenic ride through the Teton Pass on Wyoming route 22/33 which brings you into Driggs Idaho, approximately 42 miles.
Driggs is a small village (population of less than 2,000) with an altitude of 6,109 feet above sea level. No industry, however it is a popular destination in the summer for mountain biking and for easy access to Grand Targhee in the wintertime. In addition, Driggs is only 95 miles from Yellowstone National Park, more about that later on this page.
I had pre-purchased our lift tickets online, but we had to go to the Grand Targhee Ticket Office and show our identification in order to pickup the tickets. They take your picture for your lift ticket, so that "sharing" is not possible.
These lifts may not look exactly "modern" but they get the job done. Since the lift ticket prices are much more reasonable here than elsewhere in the USA, you can smile every time you ride these lifts! With a summit height of 9,920 feet and a vertical rise of 2,270 feet, you can breathe easier here than in Colorado.
Grand Targhee is not a large ski area, but it seems to always have good snow, crowds are considerably less than other ski areas we have visited, and there are enough lifts to service the hills.
You can find all of Grand Targhee's statistics at the bottom of this page.
Small but it has everything one might require; few shops, couple of eateries, locker area, bathrooms, etc. If there is going to be a crowd, you will most of the people here; shopping, resting, eating or drinking.
Lift Tickets? Check. Bindings Tight? Check. Children Ready? Check. Seems as though we are ready to ride.
Jeremy and I getting our snowboards strapped on and ready to go up the lift. This might just be the only down-side to snowboarding, you have to get buckled in to ride!
Chelsea is indicating that she is ready to ski! She is really waiting on all of us to get our snowboard bindings tight and ready to ride. Skiers have a much simpler time of it getting ready to go!!
This is the house we rented in Driggs,ID - good size, nice & warm and our rental Suburban fit into the garage. Yeah, it was a 12 mile drive to Grand Targhee, but the drive was spectacular and the house was very nice.
We brought Jeremy's cousin Stephen with us, so having the second floor bedrooms gave everyone their own space and as the master bedroom was on the first floor, we had our own privacy as well.
For your information - this was a VRBO rental and it was top notch in every possible way.
Get to the lift early, and there is no line, and you go right up the hill. Or did I neglect to mention that the crowds were always kind of small at this resort?
Looking up the hill from the Grand Targhee base area. The "Dreamcatcher lift" is on the left, which is the way you can get to the summit of Fred's Mountain (9,862 feet) - which is a good ride down to the base area. We would suggest that the "Crazy Horse" or "Sitting Bull Ridge" trails are the best routes.
This was our view of the Teton Mountains (Grand Targhee is in the background) every morning as we drove up from Driggs. It was only 12.2 miles up Ski Hill Road from our rental house, but the road brings you out of Idaho and back into Wyoming as it climbs up into the Grand Teton Mountains.
The Shoshone lift is a "fixed grip" quad, and this is the view you get as your chair proceeds up the hill!
And as the drive from Driggs continues to the ski area, the road gets steeper & steeper. It is only a 12.2 mile drive, but as the last 2/3 of the drive are uphill with a number of curves, it seems much more distant.
Jeremy & Steven stopped for a quick pose in the Grand Targhee base area. Or maybe they are trying to ask "why aren't we headed to the lifts?".
The drive back down the mountain to Driggs, gives everyone a chance to warm up. Steven is smiling because I had a chance to warm up the car while everyone put their gear into the back of the Suburban.
After being on the slopes all day, everyone takes time to warm up! Your fingers and toes get a chance to thaw out, and you get to have your snow clothing and gear de-ice and warm up for tomorrow's run.
Catching up on some reading before dinner! Or maybe just still thawing out ?
Visit Yellowstone ParkWe decided to take everyone up to Yellowstone, and because we wanted to take a sno-cat tour, we got a motel for one night. The next morning, it was minus 27 degrees! I cannot put into words how cold it felt!
Even though it is only 104 miles from Driggs, ID to Yellowstone Village, we thought that it would be more fun to drive up the day before, because all of the Snowcat Tours a
To view our experiences there, click here to view our Yellowstone Park page.
Our rental house was large & had a very efficient heating system, which gave us the ability to keep comfortable inside even though it was snowing and below zero outside. This of course led to where we invented recreation methods that could be considered as unorthodox. We called this game "House Pong".
Chelsea has just won a round of "whole house ping pong". This was the result of the house rental having ping pong equipment, but no ping pong table! So we invented this game !
Jeremy seems to have gotten a penalty, which is what Chelsea is explaining to him. The rules are flexible, so someone is always ready to calibrate them...
Celeste is either warming up in front of the fireplace, or she is waiting for the ping pong ball to ricochet off the wall? This kind of activity gave us all an opportunity to warm up after a day at the ski area.
Me driving up the Hill to the Grand Targhee parking lot. The road was two lane, and when you add in the snow & ice and other vehicles, it could occasionally create some amount of tenseness! The distance between our house rental in Driggs, Idaho to the Grand Targhee parking lot was about 12.2 miles, the last 6 or so miles was all uphill with numerous switchbacks.
If there wasn't a family ping pong contest, these two could be found here. I am certain that a lot of "Minecraft" got played by these two during the evenings!
The house we rented had a seriously good heating system, which is exactly what we all needed after a full day up on the hill! Also allowed us to walk about in t-shirts and be comfortable until the next morning.
Grand Targhee's peak elevation is 10,121 feet and the base elevation is 7,851 feet above sea level. This yields a vertical drop of 2,270 feet on 2,602 skiable acres. 4 lifts and 99 trails with an average annual snowfall of 500 inches. Point being there is a lot of mountain to ski and board on!
The overall "feel" is that it is much smaller than any of the Colorado ski areas we have frequented over the years. However, the air does not feel as "thin" as you will find at the Colorado Resorts either. With 2,602 skiable acres, this is not really a small resort, but it does feel that way.
Lift tickets can be acquired at a lower price than Colorado as well, and there are a number of corporate entities that can provide them. Even a "list price" ticket at the resort is less expensive. Grand Targhee offers an online "pre-book" ticket service that will save you some money, however, Grand Targhee is not on the Ikon Pass or Epic Pass.
Celeste and I both felt that Grand Targhee was good, maybe not "better" than our favorite Colorado Resorts, but enjoyable due to the less crowded lift lines, etc.
The following are the resort mountain statistics, as provided by their website.
| Total Acreage: | 2,602 feet |
| Avg Snowfall: | 500+ inches/41+ feet |
| Vertical Drop: | 2,270 feet |
| Base: | 7,851 feet |
| # of Lifts: | 5 |
| Vertical Drop: | 2,176 foot vertical drop |
| # of Lifts: | 3 quad chairs (1 high-speed) and 1 Magic Carpet Conveyor Lift |
| Trails: | 10% Easier; 70% More Difficult; 20% Most Difficult |
| Summit: | 9,862 feet |
| Longest Run: | 2.7 miles (Teton Vista Traverse) |
| Vertical Drop: | 2,180 feet |
| # of Lifts: | 1 high speed quad chair |
| Trails: | 85% More Difficult; 15% Most Difficult |
| Summit: | 9,830 feet |
| Total Acreage: | 602 acres reserved exclusively for Snowcat Adventures |
How does Grand Targhee compare to Jackson Hole?
Grand Targhee is known for its quiet, laid-back vibe and abundant annual snowfall, offering a stark contrast to the often larger crowds and more advanced terrain of Jackson Hole. Targhee is seen as more of a local's mountain, and some visitors prefer it for the short lift lines and deep powder.
What is there to do besides skiing and snowboarding?
Grand Targhee offers snowshoeing, Nordic (cross-country) skiing, fat biking, and Wyoming's only cat skiing operation. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, lift-served downhill mountain biking, and music festivals.
What are the amenities at the base?
The resort base is relatively small compared to larger ski destinations but includes essentials like a few eateries, shops, and ski rentals. The resort is more focused on the mountain experience than a bustling village.
How does the snow at Grand Targhee compare to other resorts?
Grand Targhee is famous for its powder and consistent snow quality. Located on the western slope of the Tetons, it receives significantly more snow than other nearby resorts.
What kind of terrain is available for different skill levels?
The mountain features a mix of terrain, including beginner-friendly areas separated from the main runs, wide-open groomers, glades, bowls, and advanced hike-to terrain. Grand Targhee has 93 ski trails, on 2,602 acres served by six ski lifts. Additionally, the resort has a separate network of over 70 miles of trails for mountain biking.
Do I need to purchase lift tickets in advance?
To secure the best price and to save time waiting in line, it is recommended to purchase lift tickets online in advance. You can pick up pre-purchased RFID "Targhee Cards" at one of several pickup boxes at the base.
Does Ikon or Epic Ski Passes include Grand Targhee?
No, the Ikon Pass does not include Grand Targhee. Grand Targhee is not part of the Ikon Pass or Epic Pass programs, but it is included with The Mountain Collective Pass. Ikon Pass holders have access to nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, which is the only Ikon resort in Wyoming, but this does not apply to Grand Targhee.
How do I get to Grand Targhee?
Grand Targhee is located near Alta, Wyoming, and the closest town is Driggs, Idaho. For those flying in, Jackson Hole Airport is the most common arrival point, but visitors should be aware of the drive over the Teton Pass, which can be challenging in winter. A shuttle service is available, but a rental car is recommended to explore the wider area.
What is the parking situation?
Parking can be a concern on busy days, and the resort is addressing it in its expansion plans. Parking attendants direct traffic to ensure smooth flow, though it may still require a walk to the lifts.
How can I get around the area without a car?
The resort offers a free shuttle that runs between the resort and the nearby towns of Driggs and Victor, Idaho.
Does Grand Targhee have fog issues?
The fog at Grand Targhee is frequent, persistent, and can create extremely low visibility, earning it the nickname "Grand Foggy". On foggy days, visibility may be limited to just a few feet, making it necessary to rely on other senses or stick to the trees for navigation. Despite the disorienting conditions, the resort is known for its consistent, deep powder, which remains abundant under the fog. During the week we were there, we had only one morning where the fog was an issue, but it dissipated by mid-morning.
Are lift tickets transferrable?
No, lift tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. For season passes, you are required to provide them with a picture, which is placed onto your pass.
What are the dining options?
The resort base has several eating places, but options are more limited than at larger resorts. During busier seasons, some establishments may have limited hours. Restaurants at the base of Grand Targhee include Powder Cache Bar & Grill for upscale comfort food, The Trap Bar & Grill for casual pub fare, Snorkels Cafe for coffee and pastries, Wild Bill's Grill for pizza and burgers, and The Mother Truck for tacos. The resort also has a deli and coffee shop in the General Store and is planning future on-mountain dining locations.
There are a wide range of options, too many to list here so here is a link for a Google Search Results list for "accommodations in or near Grand Targhee".
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Grand Targhee Trail Map 2022/2023 (click for larger image)