Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, WY, Closes Backcountry Access Gate Due To Dangerous Snowpack And Rescue Concerns

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort made the decision to temporarily close all backcountry access gates including those at the top of the Aerial Tram and those within the ski area boundary on Friday, December 19. As a result some of Jackson Hole’s most famous terrain like Cody Peak, and Rock Springs Bowl will be inaccessible for skiers and riders. Jackson Hole is home to some of the best expert terrain in the country. Backcountry lines like “Central Couloir” that rests just outside the ski area boundary will remain unaccessible from the resort until further notice.

The action, coming after a historically mild start to winter, was made in collaboration with Search and Rescue and the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Teton County Sheriff Matt Carr, who oversees Teton County Search and Rescue, said the closure is “100% precautionary.” A combination of dangerous avalanche conditions and difficult backcountry navigation have sparked the decision. 

Carr added, “We’re not closing the backcountry, but the access that’s provided by the lift system is closed for good measure, for rescuer safety. Hopefully the conditions will change and we can reverse that.” The closure hovering right around the beginning of Jackson Hole’s Peak season could keep visitors away from some of Jackson’s most coveted terrain. In addition locals looking to check lines off their season bucket list will have to wait. 

The backcountry gate at the top of the tram sits at 10,450 feet and gives skiers and riders access to over 3,000 acres of backcountry terrain. In addition to high avalanche danger, rescue access due to a low snowpack is a major concern. 

Sheriff Carr emphasized that “skiers and snowboarders that leave the resort from upper mountain gates would also likely struggle to get back, and may have to remove their skis to walk back into the resort—a process that could take hours.” 

One to two feet of snow has fallen since the decision to close the gates. However, hovering rain/snow lines and powerful wind events have continued to increase travel danger in the backcountry. A firm date to reopen has not been announced yet by Carr or Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The decision to reopen will be weather and safety dependent. 

Looking toward the end of the month, more snow and colder temperatures are forecast, which could allow the resort to reopen backcountry access.