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 Vertical
but not tiny
Jackson Hole - a resort of mythical reputation famed for steeps
and drops. The skiing is actually based at Teton Village, not the
town of Jackson Hole. Both towns are very much based around a western/cowboy
theme with a rodeo cowboy on their logo.
The ski area itself is relatively
small, about the size of one of Serre Chevalier’s three villages,
but with 4139 feet of vertical it’s not tiny.
 Stunning
scenery
The views from the summit are impressive and different to most ski
areas. Behind are the Grand Tetons and beyond is the high plateau
of Yellowstone national park. But out in front however is flat farmland
and smaller hills.
Accessible straight off the top of the Main Cable car (tram here)
is a fair amount of off piste (or backcountry as it’s locally known).
 Good
coverage
With snow being a little scarce this year I was surprised to arrive
to everything being covered in snow, admittedly refrozen from the
previous day's sunshine.
 By
lunchtime most had softened up and steep bump runs became fun. I
was treated to the overnight snowfall, filling in the voids between
bumps and inviting me sample the off piste.
Half an hour’s walk into Cody bowl brought me to ‘4 Shadow’ chute.
The snow was almost thigh deep, so I just had to go back for another
lap and ski ‘No Shadow’ chute and then the Powder 8 slopes, the
backcountry proving to be far more satisfying than the in boundary
skiing.
 Serious
signage
At the base of the main lift there is an interesting sign, hyping
up the place. Sure, it is bigger than most USA resorts but compared
to Canadian let alone European resorts it is tiny, and so very safe.
All the major dangers are marked
and anything remotely dangerous inbounds is permanently closed,
with Ski patrol roaming round policing the place in case you misbehave.
In essence a resort of great hype - not bad but it isn’t what it’s
cracked up to be (unless you duck the ropes and go to play outside...)
Report
from Tom Greenall - Natives Senior
Resort Reporter.
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