Ski Grand Targhee Wyoming

Skiing: Grand Targhee

Grand Targhee has always been high on my list of little known resorts. When
Jackson Hole is packed and tram lines are the norm you can still ski right
onto the lift at Targhee. While it lacks the sheer size and vertical of
Jackson, it makes up for it in quantity of snow. Grand Targhee is located
on the Western side of the Tetons and bears the brunt of storms headed their
way. With an average of 500 inches per year Targhee is a sure bet for good
snow conditions. Grand Targhee’s slogan has been “Snow from Heaven not from
hoses.” for quite some time, it is indeed fitting.

Lift tickets are $53.00 for adults, $33.00 for kids aged 6-14, kids five and
under ride for free. Targhee also offers a very reasonable (especially
compared to Jackson) season pass, family plans are available as well.

Grand Targhee is a very family oriented resort, both in the terrain and
activities offered. In addition to a tubing hill and a skating rink they
also offer such activities as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and even
paragliding.

The skiing at Grand Targhee is on two mountains, Fred’s and Peaked Mountain.
Each mountain features it’s own high speed quad, Dreamcatcher for Fred’s and
Sacajawea for Peaked. Dreamcatcher travels 2000 vertical feet from the base
area to the top of Fred’s mountain. Some of the best views of the Tetons are available off the skiers left side of Fred’s mountain. On a clear day Mt. Owen, the Grand, Middle and South Tetons are clearly visible and quite astounding.

Targhee is a great place to teach the beginner how to ski. The Shoshone
lift is a fixed grip quad that serves a rather large beginner area. The
Teton vista traverse is a rather flat green cat track that winds from the
top of Dreamcatcher to the bottom. This run allows the beginner to access
the top of the mountain for the stupendous views there.

Grand Targhee is an intermediate skiers dream resort. With the lack of
crowds and the propensity for snow it’s easy to learn how to ski powder
snow. A large portion of Targhee’s slopes are pitched perfectly for the
neophyte powder skier. The Dreamcatcher, Blackfoot, and Sacawajea all offer
plenty of terrain for the intermediate skier. If groomed to perfection runs
are what you seek you will find plenty of these at Targhee as well.

Admittedly Grand Targhee doesn’t offer the expert skier a whole lot of
diversity. But, there is still some fun stuff to be had. After warming up
on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly off Dreamcatcher move over to the
Sacajawea lift. From the top of the Sacajawea head to skiers right and go
through one of a couple gates in a row. After passing through the gate the
bottom drops out, be careful in this area, many lines involve a mandatory
cliff drop. For the ambitious Mary’s Nipple is a great hike and ski. Mary’s is accessed from the top of Dreamcatcher, ski down the Vista traverse to the obvious bootpack. Hike up the bookpack and descend into untouched lines. There is also a terrain park
for those who want to get their jib on.

If you prefer even more untouched powder skiing Targhee offers a snowcat
skiing excursion. I’ve skied with them twice and was extremely happy with
the operation both times. They run a first rate operation including a great
lunch with wine and cheese after skiing.

Although a small isolated resort Targhee does have a decent apres-ski scene.
The Trap Bar is usually fairly busy and has live music five nights a week.
The Targhee Steakhouse provides more traditional sit down dining fare.
There is a store that sells liquor in the base if you’d rather host your own
party in your condo. The on-hill lodging at Targhee is very nice and very affordable. You have your choice between the Targhee lodge, Teewinot lodge and the Sioux condos, all are fairly modern and well taken care of.

If you are in the Jackson area Targhee is definitely worth a drive over the pass. Be sure and visit today!

Western Side of the Tetons in Alta, WY

Grand Targhee Resort
P.O. Box SKI
Alta, WY 83414

Phone: 800-TARGHEE or 307-353-2300
Web Site: www.grandtarghee.com

Mountain Statistics

Vertical Drop: 2,400 ft
Average Snowfall: 500 inches
Trails: 72

Lifts

2 Express Quad Chairlifts
1 Fixed Grip Quad Chair
1 Double Chair
1 Magic Carpet

Tickets

Adult: $55
Youth 6-14: $34
Senior 62+: $35

Resources

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To:

Departing:
Returning:

Adults (18-64)

More search options on Travelocity:
Seniors (65+), Minors (2-17), First Class, One-Way

Snow Report

Grand Targhee Ski Report

Books

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