Grand Targhee Resort, WY, Report: Never Crowded, Always Incredible

Gnarly terrain found at Grand Targhee Resort. Image: Brett Ploss.

Report from Saturday, February 24, 2024

I left Salt Lake around 4:30 a.m. to make it for opening. The drive was nice and easy on the front range I-15. This highway does not have as many weather closures as roads in the mountains, which makes for an easy drive.

Upon arrival, parking and getting to the base was easy. It isn’t a far walk, and shuttles constantly run from parking to the base.

The base area is small but packs a lot of charm for a resort with a small amount of lodging for the amount of skiing terrain offered.

I started on Dreamcatcher, but the cloud ceiling was low, so I headed to skier’s right Blackfoot to stay below the morning clouds. The skiing was incredible, with nice wide-open runs and no crowds. Never a wait more than 30 seconds.

Dreamcatcher lift through the clouds. Image: Brett Ploss

The cloud ceiling quickly lifted but stayed just over the resort. In the distance, the front range was sunny, even coming up to the parking lot. But the resort stayed under a cloud. According to locals, this is why it reports significantly more snowfall than its geographical local, Jackson Hole (500in vs 458in annual snowfall respectively).

I then headed to Sacajawea and Colter (the new lift from last season). This is where the skiing became incredible. Runs with wow factor fall lines through trees that were not too tight spread this area. You could really tell the edition of this terrain created more diversity for the area.

Fred’s Mountain off of Dreamcatcher is a wide open peak, which is incredible for views and on powder days. On days of lower visibility, I stick to trees and Targhee did not disappoint with the new terrain.

Heading up Dreamcatcher lift from the base towards the cloud ceiling. Image: Brett Ploss.

This diversity makes the mountain incredibly fun on all types of weather days.

I’ve heard powder days are incredible, and cannot wait to make it back next time snow comes in.

I’m eager to return on a powdery holiday weekend to lap endless powder all day with no crowds. Thanks, Targhee!

Sunset heading back to Salt Lake City. Image: Brett Ploss.

The Resort

Grand Targhee Resort Trail Map. Image: Grand Targhee Resort website.

Grand Targhee Resort is located an hour from Jackson, Wyoming, or four and a half from Salt Lake City. With a 2,270ft vertical drop, 2,602 acres of skiable terrain, and six lifts, the resort is world renowned for a reason.