How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Snow King Mountain in Jackson Hole

Some ski days have you waking up at the crack of dawn and battling bumper-to-bumper traffic to reach the mountain. For the effort to be worthwhile, you spend the full day on the slopes—from first chair until the very last. Then, there are the days you simply don’t have time (or the energy) for hours upon hours of carving, sliding, and chairlift riding, but you still want to get in at least a few runs. Last ski season, I found myself in the latter position while visiting Jackson, Wyoming. Rather than venture out to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or across the Teton Pass to Grand Targhee, I walked over to Snow King Mountain for the chillest day on the slopes. 

Located just at the edge of Jackson, Snow King is relatively small—with 500 skiable acres and 41 named runs—but incredibly convenient. As you drive in from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), the mountain and its steep slopes come into view, signaling your arrival. The resort itself is more casual and more affordable than other nearby options; an adult lift ticket for the 2025/26 season starts at $100, compared to the $200-plus fare at the Teton Village resort. Depending on the day, Snow King is also usually less crowded. 

While you can see athletes making their way down Snow King’s pistes from nearly anywhere in town, this is also a destination where those who don’t ski or snowboard can find things to do. “In addition to being Wyoming’s oldest ski resort (founded in 1939), Snow King’s unique features include not only a variety of terrain right in town, but activities apart from skiing for all to enjoy,” says Gabe Koerber, one of the Pathfinders at The Cloudveil. “Their tubing hill, roller coaster, and their newly built planetarium and observatory on their summit are great for everyone visiting the area.”

Whether you’re interested in hitting the slopes—which are open for night skiing during the week—zooming down the mountain coaster, or winter hiking up to the summit, here’s everything you need to know about visiting “the King.”

Where to Stay

The Cloudveil

There are plenty of places to stay in Jackson Hole—ranging from casual Western properties to five-star favorites—but The Cloudveil offers one of the best locations. Situated right off Town Square, the 100-room Autograph Collection hotel technically puts you within walking distance of the mountain, but taking the free START Bus will be a more comfortable commute (especially if you’re already wearing your ski boots). A World’s Best Award-winner and Michelin Key hotel, The Cloudveil continues to elevate its offerings each season. This year, that includes complimentary access to the new Sony A7R V camera and lenses in a lending program and a partnership with Black Tie Skis, meaning you can get fitted for your ski and snowboard gear right on property. 

The Wort

The Wort has been a Jackson Hole staple since 1941, two years after Snow King was founded. With just 55 rooms and suites, the property is intimate, warm (even more so when you cozy up by the fireplace in the lobby), and filled with history. If you like Western decor and art, you’ll find yourself perusing the hotel’s impressive collection on a self-guided walking tour—just ask the front desk for a brochure. There are more than 175 pieces throughout the property, including oil paintings, bronze work, and hand-carved wooden doors. 

Snow King Resort 

If you’re looking for a ski-in, ski-out experience (or accommodations on the more affordable side), Snow King Resort will do the trick. Recently acquired by the investment firm behind the Trailborn hospitality brands, the 203-room hotel will be totally renovated, rebranded, and expanded in the coming year. In the meantime, however, it is available for guests to book for the winter season, granting them access to the year-round outdoor heated pool and hot tub, the on-site fitness center, and, of course, unparalleled access to the mountain’s slopes. 

Hotel Yellowstone

The only adults-only property in Jackson Hole, Hotel Yellowstone is an elevated getaway located just a short drive from Town Square. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who isn’t doing too much skiing on their trip—maybe just one day at Snow King. The rest of the time, you can soak up views of the Tetons (the best in the valley, in my opinion), relax in the sauna and Himalayan salt room, and enjoy the fine dining options at Olivia’s Restaurant. 

Where to Eat

Aurora

“Snow King Mountain’s summit restaurant, Aurora, is a real treat, with a gorgeous bar and the most incredible views of the valley, especially in the evening,” says Koerber. Open from 4:30 to 9 p.m., the restaurant serves “elevated regional cuisine” that pairs well with a glimpse of the northern lights (if luck is on your side). To reach the restaurant, you’ll board Snow King’s scenic gondola, a fun experience in and of itself. 

D.O.G

Before suiting up for a few hours skiing around Snow King, grab a quick, filling breakfast at D.O.G. Billed as a “burrito shop and freestyle kitchen,” the downtown spot has a minimal but mighty menu. Order the meat burrito, veggie burrito, steak and egg burrito, or bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. 

Snake River Brewing

“Snake River Brewing is a great spot to hang out for burgers and beers and has the best buffalo wings in Jackson,” says Koerber. During the week, “Wyoming’s oldest and most awarded small craft brewery” is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on weekends, it’s open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.  

Handfire Pizza

Whenever I’m back in Jackson, I make it a point to visit Hand Fire Pizza, home to the best gluten-free pizza in the world (or, at least, out of all the ones I’ve tried). I’ll alternate between ordering the Squashed—made with winter squash, dried cherries, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and goat cheese—and the classic pepperoni. 

The Kitchen

“The Kitchen is my favorite restaurant overall, with a great atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food and cocktails,” says Koerber. “Their raw offerings are amazing, and if you see their cookie skillet on the dessert menu, make sure to save room for it.”

Where to Après-ski

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

Après-ski in Jackson Hole takes different forms, depending on where you’re skiing. If you’re exploring Snow King Mountain Resort, though, your first port of call after taking off your ski boots will be the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. The saddle bar seats, live music, pool tables, and convivial atmosphere can’t be missed—and you might even make it in time for the free dance lessons offered on Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m.

The Silver Dollar Bar & Showroom

For more live music, cocktails (preferably ones made with Wyoming Whiskey), and swing dancing, grab a table at The Silver Dollar Bar & Showroom. There are no reservations—it’s first-come, first-served—and food is served until 10 p.m. Expect performances from local and regional bands like One Ton Pig and The Linfords.

Off-mountain Activities

Wildlife Viewing and Sleigh Rides

“What makes Jackson Hole such a unique area from other ski resorts is the abundance of wildlife in our valley,” says Koerber. “My favorite activities are the horse-drawn sleigh rides on the National Elk Refuge and the vehicle-based wildlife tours in Grand Teton National Park. Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and bison are among the variety of animals we see on a daily occurrence, and some guests may luck into seeing wolves and other wildlife during their adventures.” If you’re staying at The Cloudveil, one of the Pathfinders can help arrange a tour; otherwise, you can book wildlife safaris through outfitters such as Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures.

Nordic Skiing

Alpine skiing comes with all of the thrills, but Nordic skiing has its own appeal. Turpin Meadow Ranch has its own Nordic center, with 12+ miles of groomed trails designed by former Nordic Olympians Hans and Nancy Johnstone. An adult trail pass costs $25, and the ranch also offers rentals (skis, poles, and boots).

Vintage Shopping

One of my favorite things to do in Jackson Hole is search through the racks at Womenfolk, a small, expertly curated vintage shop in downtown Jackson. Featuring brands like Double RL and Pendleton, the boutique is a treasure trove of Western-inspired styles. I also keep an eye out for pop-ups from Spaghetti Westernish and Rifle Vintage Clothing Co. (often at The Cloudveil), and stopping in the new Perennial West outpost is the first item on my to-do list this season. 

Snow King Observatory & Planetarium

You can visit the Snow King Observatory & Planetarium, located at 8,000 feet above sea level, in the day or at night, and both will provide different experiences. During the day, watch rotating planetarium shows, visit the research telescope and dome, and learn all about space exploration. Come nightfall (but only on select nights), join the Observatory Night Experience for 90 minutes of “hands-on astronomy, exclusive presentations, and space shows.”

Cowboy Coaster

This is your chance to get an adrenaline rush without strapping on skis or a snowboard. The Cowboy Coaster takes you on a nearly mile-long journey of curves, loops, and sharp turns, reaching nearly 30 miles per hour. It’s completely outside, so bundle up accordingly, and the experience lasts between seven and nine minutes between the ascent and descent. 

How to Ride

Tickets

An adult lift ticket at Snow King Mountain will cost you about $100, while a night skiing ticket (available for skiers and boarders ages 6 and up) starts at $35 and is valid Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. If you plan on skiing “the King” for more than one day, consider a multi-day ticket. Or, if you’re planning to participate in everything Snow King has to offer, go with the Big King Pass. Starting at $175 for an adult, it grants you unlimited access to day and night skiing, the Cowboy Coaster, and the King Tubes for one entire day. 

Rentals

Performance, demo, and junior skis, as well as snowboard rentals, are available to rent from Snow King Mountain Sports. Your best bet is to reserve your equipment online in advance; that way, you can take advantage of the discounted pricing.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Snow King has 41 named runs across 500 skiable acres, all accessed by three lifts and an eight-passenger gondola. While the terrain isn’t as expansive as nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, there are slopes for all levels, and the mountain has 1,571 feet of vertical gain. At the top, you’ll reach 7,808 feet above sea level. 

“For true beginners, Snow King has a ‘magic carpet’ both at the base of the mountain and the summit, perfect for practicing your stopping and turning,” says Koerber. Once you get the basics under your belt, he recommends the runs off the mid-station of the Rafferty lift. If you’re more intermediate, he suggests taking the gondola up to the summit and “dropping into the back of Snow King in the Sunnyside Bowl.” 

Finally, if you’re more than confident in your skills, you might want to tackle Upper Exhibition, a double black diamond that Koerber says is “regarded as one of the steepest inbound runs in North America.”

Programming

Lessons

Snow King only provides private ski and snowboard lessons—either 2.5 hours or five hours long—but you have the option to book the lesson for up to six skiers or five snowboarders. Children ages 4 to 5 can be placed in a two-hour Ski and Play Lesson.

Scenic Gondola

The Aerial Tram ride in Teton Village may get all the hype in Jackson Hole, but Snow King’s scenic eight-person gondola rides are just as gorgeous. Tickets start at $35, and you’ll ascend about 1,600 feet in five minutes. 

Winter Hiking and Skinning

You can choose to ski down Snow King, but you can also go up (without using a lift or the gondolas). Uphill tickets at Snow King start at $35, and they grant you access to approved trails, some of which are reserved for skinners, while others are meant for hikers.

When to Go

Like most ski resorts around the world, Snow King is subject to weather conditions. This year, it joined both Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in opening for skiing and snowboarding later in the season. “I would say your best conditions will be in February, but this really will depend on conditions,” says Koerber. I’d agree with him, as I’ve skied Snow King in late January, and there were a few patches where the brown ground appeared through the snow. 

Note that the opening dates and hours for the scenic gondolas, the observatory and planetarium, Cowboy Coaster, and tubing hill vary, so check online for timing specifics before booking your trip.