Wander the West

Grand Targhee Ski Resort

	Grand Targhee Trail Map

December 2006

Grand Targhee ski area opened her slopes to skiers the day after Christmas in 1969. It struggled along as a small operation for nearly three decades before being purchased by Booth Creek Ski Holdings. Big changes have ensued and it now boasts two quad chairs (one is high speed), a double chair and a magic carpet to move skiers up the hill.

These really aren’t special qualities; what makes Targhee visit worthy is the amazing annual snowfall and the propensity for frequent 9+ inch powder days. An unbelievable 504 inches on average will fall each year due mainly to Pacific storms stacking up against the tall Teton Mountains. The result……many fresh snow fall days every year. Grand Targhee is quickly gaining a reputation for better snow than nearby and more well known Jackson Hole. Much of the ski area is above tree line making for wonderful open glade skiing that would entice even intermediate skiers to try some of the deeper fluffy stuff. Advanced skiers won’t be disappointed. They can test their skills on Mary’s Nipple or take the snow cat to Peaked Mountain and ski the backcountry.

While Grand Targhee is located in Wyoming, it is accessed through the Teton Valley of Idaho and the small (but fun) town of Driggs. Lodging is plentiful ranging from on hill condo style rooms to luxury homes for rent in the Teton Valley. Airport access is through Idaho Falls or Jackson Hole.

For more information on Grand Targhee ski resort or other ski areas in the U.S. or Canada, check out the Grand Targhee Ski Resort link below.

Grand Targhee Ski Resort Photo Gallery

- Eric Davis