Updated March 20, 2026 11:42AM
“This is probably pretty dumb,” I thought, pausing to snap a selfie for my friends back home, proof of just how little I could see in the dense fog offering a vertigo-esque effect to the white snow beneath my skis.
Caught up in the excitement on my first morning at Grand Targhee, I ignored every warning sign and dropped in on my first run without a second thought. I hadn’t even glanced at a trail map. I hopped on the first chair I saw and took a left at the top.
Now I was alone, at a resort I’d never been to, with visibility reduced to just a few feet in front of me.
In my defense, there had been a hint of blue sky when I boarded the lift 10 minutes earlier. But now, just fog. Not exactly the warmest welcome. Still, any doubt about my questionable decision-making faded almost as quickly as the view had disappeared.
I soon learned how easy it is to navigate here—even in conditions like these. Signage is prominent at Targhee, and so is the fog, while it may make it tougher to see, it also helps keep the snow pristine. A few more turns through untouched trees, and I was back where I began at the Dreamcatcher lift, and, so was the sun.
Grand Targhee, nestled in the Tetons, straddles Idaho and Wyoming and is known as “Wydaho” (though technically, the resort is in Alta, Wyoming).
The resort’s motto, “where skiing still rules,” is one of the best I’ve heard, and it speaks to the ambiance. If you’re looking for sun-drenched cabins to drink white wine in during lunch, Targhee is not for you. Partly because the resort doesn’t receive much sunlight, and more so because it isn’t looking to woo skiers with amenities. It’s relatively barebones—until you start skiing.
I visited Grand Targhee during an unseasonably dry stretch in January and found the resort no worse for wear. In fact, it was holding onto its snow better than just about anywhere else in the West. Over the course of my stay, I picked up a few tips and tricks to navigating this authentic skier’s mountain. Here’s what you need to keep in mind if Grand Targhee is your wishlist.
The Mountain
Grand Targhee is smaller than its fellow Teton resort, Jackson Hole. Home to 95 marked runs accessible by six lifts, Targhee’s trails are broken down into 45 percent intermediate, 30 percent advanced, 15 percent expert, and 10 percent beginner. Despite the mountain catering to more capable skiers, I found it far less steep on groomed runs than Jackson. It’s also a great place to bring families and help kids build confidence, since the beginner runs are typically shorter.
The resort is on the Mountain Collective pass and offers relatively affordable day rates starting at $125 for adults (compared to $189 at Jackson Hole). Targhee’s big attraction is snow. On average, the resort receives about 500 inches a year, making your odds of skiing fresh powder pretty good. That also means bluebird days are rare. Targhee’s location in the Tetons makes it a prime spot for scenery, especially with all the dedicated viewpoints for spotting the Grand Teton, the almost 14,000-foot peak that dominates the horizon. However, keep your expectations at bay. Locals will kid that they can ski 100 days a season and see the Grand Teton twice. But don’t let that dissuade you, the skiing alone is worth the journey, and besides, mountain weather changes quicker than a toddler’s mind.
Plan your next great trip: Everything I Wish I Knew Before Skiing Aspen Snowmass For The First Time
I found my favorite slice of the mountain off the Colter Lift. It was super quick and easy to lap, and with myriad types of runs, I spent a few hours here and never did the same run twice. There’s also a good bit of trees to add even more diversity to your day. The Colter lift is a new high-speed, six-pack addition to the resort, debuting during the 2022-’23 season. It now brings skiers to terrain that was otherwise only accessible via snowcat.
One misconception I had about skiing at Targhee is that it would feel as steep as Jackson Hole. It’s certainly not an easy mountain, but the vertical isn’t as in-your-face as it is at Jackson Hole. Screaming Cheetah is a great example: It’s a black diamond run on the lower half of the mountain that’s a great intro to off-piste skiing. You can access it from Powder Reverse Traverse, a cat track that brings skiers back to the main base area. Screaming Cheetah winds through trees before becoming narrower toward the end. It’s the perfect length for skiers looking to get a manageable taste of tree skiing.
Of course, Targhee has its fair share of expert terrain. Fan favorite Toilet Bowl is a short double-black run that, when hit at the right time, will satisfy even the grizzliest of skiers.
The Town
If you’ve come to Targhee for the full ski town experience, you may be disappointed. The base of the mountain has a few restaurants, a general store, and a ski shop. It’s much more of a day-trip destination than a place to spend a week. However, about 12 miles down the road is Driggs, Idaho. Driggs is the perfect home base and has everything you’ll need for a good ski trip, like supermarkets, cafes, and yes, a Teton Thai outpost.
A drive through Driggs will have you stopping to ask yourself should I buy real estate here? It’s got all of the makings of a great ski town and is located in proximity to both Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole.
Getting There
Targhee is a bit off the beaten path. The closest airport is Jackson Hole, located about 60 miles away; driving usually takes an hour and a half, depending on the weather. Flying into Idaho Falls is another option, although it’s a bit further away (90 miles).
Having a car is strongly recommended to get from your origin to the resort, but thankfully, parking isn’t typically an issue, especially if you don’t mind a walk. However, if you’d rather not deal with the hassle of a rental car, the resort offers a shuttle from Jackson Hole, downtown Jackson, Idaho Falls, and the Driggs airport.
Where To Stay
If you’re looking to stay at the base of Targhee, you’ll be at either the Teewinot Lodge, Targhee Lodge, Sioux Suites, or the Tower Suites. All are under the same Grand Targhee lodging umbrella and differ mostly in terms of occupancy.
Lodging is low-key and no frills, but offers plenty of cozy comforts, and it’d be hard not to find friends and families sitting by the fireplaces playing cards or doling out crockpot chili.
Where To Eat
There are a few places at the base of Targhee that offer everything you’ll need to fuel up after the slopes. The Trap is your classic bar and grill, offering up massive portions of nachos and live music.
There’s also Powder Cache, a slightly more upscale spot where you can dine on elk bolognese and fondue. For breakfast, Snorkels Cafe has you covered from coffee to breakfast sandwiches, although keep in mind that due to Targhee’s location, prices may feel a little steep.
Where To Après
Looking for a celebratory drink after a stellar day on the slopes? The Trap is the spot to be. They even have Sloshies, a local favorite. These frozen cocktails got their name from, well, you guessed it, making you sloshed. If you decide to indulge, please slosh responsibly.
Sidequests
Targhee’s location in the Tetons means a world of adventure. Spend a day driving to Teton National Park, Jackson’s Elk Refuge, and if you’re especially ambitious, even the south entrance of Yellowstone (although it’s about a two-hour drive).
If you’d rather keep it chill, you can explore downtown Driggs and Victor, Idaho.
Worth a Return Trip?
Undoubtedly, yes. There’s a reason the resort’s motto is “Where Skiing Still Rules.” I’m also determined to get a photo of the Grand Teton!
