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Big Sky to Jackson, Yellowstone sister cities
By Emily Stifler and Taylor Anderson, explorebigsky.com Editors
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is an icon among North American ski areas. Luckily, it’s just a few hours south, so we can go visit almost any time.
That’s why, when provided the opportunity, the Big Sky Weekly staff has taken trips this season to visit our “southern sister city” of Jackson, Wyo. for some skiing and shenanigans.
Managing editor Emily Stifler headed down during a lucky week of non-stop fresh snow to take a closer look at the mountain town and study up on next year’s hot skis during Powder magazine’s ski test.
The following week, four Weekly employees seized a 12-hour notice for a guided snow coach tour through Yellowstone National Park hosted by the Yellowstone Tour Guides, and a day of shredding at JHMR.
Whether alone in the park hiding from the millions of tourists that flock during peak summer months or riding the tram up at Jackson, it’s a remarkable trip. Hit the resort on a sunny day, and the views aren’t half bad. Hit it on a storm cycle, and you’ll never be quite the same.
Known for its expansive terrain and leg burning 4,000 feet of vertical, Big Sky locals will want to hammer out tram and gondola laps, and head out of bounds when the backcountry is safe.
The resort also has absurdly good groomers and is working to expand its intermediate terrain in effort to broaden its appeal. Looking to cruise? Check out Aprés Vous and Casper. Coming for 2012/13, JHMR will replace the Casper triple with a new high-speed quad and widen several of the intermediate trails there.
Finally, don’t miss the Village Café for an Americano in the morning, or PBRs after a great day. When the scene gets too intense, you can sneak out the back door any time, zip over Teton Pass and head home. No one will ever know you left.
