Big Sky Resort is better suited for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels who prioritize a less crowded experience and modern lift infrastructure. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a better choice for advanced skiers seeking challenging terrain and a vibrant apr s-ski scene, but should be prepared for potentially crowded conditions.
| Attribute | Jackson Hole Mountain Resort | Big Sky Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Jackson Hole Mountain Resort | Big Sky Resort |
| Average Annual Snowfall | 458 inches (some sources state 400-500 inches), record of 595 inches in 2022-2023 season | 400 inches |
| Skiable Acres | 2,500 acres in-bounds, over 3,000 acres accessible via backcountry gate system | 5,850 acres |
| Number of Lifts | 13 (1 aerial tram, 2 gondolas, 5 high-speed quad chairs, 4 fixed-grip quad chairlifts, 1 double chairlift, 2 covered-surface carpet lifts, 1 handle tow machine) | 40 |
| Vertical Drop | 4,139 feet (largest continuous vertical drop in the United States) | 4,350 feet |
| Terrain Difficulty (Beginner, Intermediate, Expert) | 50% expert, 40% intermediate, 10% beginner | 15% beginner, 25% intermediate, 42% advanced, and 18% expert |
| Lift Ticket Price (Daily) | Starts at $242 and can reach $270, depending on the day. Multi-day, half-day, and options for beginners, juniors, and seniors are available. Buying online can save 5-15%. | Varies depending on age, day, time of year, and holidays. Sample online pricing (Dec 2024): Adult weekday $198, weekend $272. Single-day tickets can be as low as $58. |
| On-Mountain Dining Options | Corbet's Cabin, Piste Mountain Bistro, Off-Piste Market, Casper Restaurant, Tram Dock, Tin Can Cantina, Rendezvous Casual Dining, Caf 6311 | Everett's 8800, Shedhorn Grill, Headwaters Grille |
| Apr s-Ski Scene | Teton Village has slopeside bars with happy hour vibes. Popular spots include the Mangy Moose and the Handle Bar at the Four Seasons. The town of Jackson offers Western saloons and bars, such as the Silver Dollar and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. | Alpenglow Bar, Beehive Basin Brewery, Scissorbills Saloon, Montana Jack, Mountain Village Plaza |
| Types of Lodging Available (Hotel, Condo, Vacation Rental) | Slopeside hotels, condominiums, and vacation rentals in Teton Village. Lodging options also available in the town of Jackson. | Hotels, condos, vacation rentals |
| Distance from Nearest Airport | Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is approximately 20 miles | 50 miles (80 km) from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) |
| Snowmaking Coverage | 210 acres | Particularly around the Swift Current 6 and Explorer areas |
| Crowd Levels (Peak Season) | Can get crowded on powder days. Limited daily ticket sales are in place, so booking in advance is recommended. | Peak visitation occurs over Christmas, New Year's, and holiday weekends in January and February. Generally low crowd density due to expansive terrain. |
| Pros | Large skiable area, Significant vertical drop, Variety of on-mountain dining options, Strong apr s-ski scene in Teton Village and nearby Jackson, Diverse lodging options, High-speed lifts | Wide variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels, Invested in a technologically advanced lift system, Consistent snowfall, Advanced chairlifts, including high-speed lifts with heated seats and weatherproof bubbles, One of the best uncrowded resorts in the US, even during peak season, Slopeside lodging is recommended for convenience |
| Cons | Can get crowded during peak season, Terrain may be less suitable for beginners, Snow and grooming quality can be inconsistent | Some reviewers mention excessive grooming, Big Sky Resort restaurants tend to be expensive |