You are here

27 Nov 2019
Related Items: 
Snow/Skiing

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is opening tomorrow and if you haven't picked up gear up for ski season yet, it's time! This will be my first winter in Jackson Hole, and I never grew up skiing, so needless to say I have felt a little nervous for the approaching winter.

However, I have been assured by many seasoned skiers that not only is this the most fun time of year to be in Jackson Hole, but there are plenty of things you can do to prepare for Jackson Hole skiing, whether you are a local or not. Here is an easy checklist I’ve put together to ensure you are ready to hit the slopes on your first day!

1.Buy lift tickets or lessons beforehand 

It’s helpful to be organized prior to your arrival buy purchasing lift tickets beforehand. In addition, there are a lot of awesome lift ticket + lodging packages we are offering right now that can help you save. It’s also important to book lessons through our Mountain Sports School before you arrive as they tend to fill up quickly (due to all of our amazing instructors!)

2. Get warm gear

If you are planning on purchasing any ski clothing, make sure you get something suitable for the conditions. This doesn’t mean you have to get the most expensive high end stuff, but make sure it will keep you warm and comfortable. Weather in Wyoming can be unpredictable, and layering up with warm base layers and waterproof out layers will make your day more enjoyable.

3. Make sure your skis are tuned or get ready to rent some state of the art equipment

If you have some new skis that haven’t been tuned to your boot size yet, quickly run by Teton Village Sports or Jackson Hole Sports to make sure everything is adjusted properly. Tuning up is necessary for proper skiing. If you prefer, we have a great selection of rental equipment at our resort shops.

4. Make the most of your Day

Give yourself plenty of time to ski as much as you want! The slopes open at 9 and close at 4 pm. While it’s nice to sleep in late, if you’re a newer skier like me, it takes a bit of time to get ready to go. I’ve found it’s beneficial to give myself more time than I think I need to get geared up so I don’t feel rushed later in the day to get to all the runs I want to ski.

5. Set your expectations 

For any newer skiers, it’s important to set your expectations and focus on having fun! If you are learning to ski like me, it’s important to focus on the basics, know your limits, and most importantly enjoy the mountain! Every level of athlete skis on this mountain and can have a blast. Take a lesson to improve your skills and someday, you might even ski the great Corbet’s Couloir!

For any questions on lodging, lift ticket packages or questions about ski season here in general, please call one of our dedicated vacation specialists here at Jackson Hole Resort Lodging and we will be happy to help. We look forward to seeing you this winter!