Jackson Hole vs Big Sky
Big Sky has more vertical (4,366 ft vs 4,139 ft); Big Sky has more skiable terrain (5,850 acres vs 2,500 acres); Jackson Hole has more snow in an average season (459 in. vs 400 in.). Both are on the Ikon Pass. Snow usually peaks in January at both.
The mountains
| Jackson Hole | Big Sky | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Teton Range, Wyoming | Southwest Montana |
| Vertical drop | 4,139 ft | 4,366 ft |
| Summit | 10,450 ft | 11,166 ft |
| Base | 6,311 ft | 6,800 ft |
| Skiable acres | 2,500 | 5,850 |
| Trails | 133 | 300 |
| Lifts | 15 | 39 |
| Average snowfall | 459 in. | 400 in. |
| Pass | Ikon | Ikon |
| Usual season | Nov 28 – Apr 5 | Nov 27 – Apr 19 |
| Fly into | JAC, IDA, SLC | BZN |
Resort statistics are approximate and change year to year.
Month by month
Typical snowfall, crowds and trip prices (flights and lodging against each resort's yearly average).
| Month | Snow | Crowds | Trip price |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 55 / 48 in. | Moderate / Moderate | -21% / -21% |
| December | 78 / 68 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +12% / +12% |
| January | 78 / 68 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +12% / +12% |
| February | 73 / 64 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +16% / +16% |
| March | 78 / 68 in. | Packed / Packed | +26% / +26% |
| April | 55 / 48 in. | Moderate / Moderate | -9% / -9% |
Pairs read Jackson Hole / Big Sky.
This week
- Jackson HoleOpens ~Nov 29
- Big SkyOpens ~Nov 22
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's snow model, updated Oct 3, 19:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Good to know
- Jackson Hole: Steep, expert-heavy terrain; tram to Rendezvous peak.
- Jackson Hole: Summer is peak season (Grand Teton and Yellowstone).
- Big Sky: Lone Peak tram reaches 11,166 ft.
- Big Sky: Summer busy with Yellowstone visitors.
Questions
- Is Jackson Hole or Big Sky better?
- Big Sky has more vertical (4,366 ft vs 4,139 ft); Big Sky has more skiable terrain (5,850 acres vs 2,500 acres); Jackson Hole has more snow in an average season (459 in. vs 400 in.). Both are on the Ikon Pass. Snow usually peaks in January at both.
- Which is less crowded, Jackson Hole or Big Sky?
- They are about equally busy over the season (busy on average).