Jackson Hole Mountain Opens New Thunder Express Lift 

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has a central skiing hub called Thunder, which offers 1,450 vertical feet of exceptional skiing terrain, featuring challenging steeps and intermediate groomers. The original Thunder lift was installed in 1994, but due to its age and increasing congestion, it was replaced with a high-speed quad over the summer, cutting ride time to just 3.6 minutes. The new lift was built by Leitner-Poma, a Colorado manufacturer, and was opened to the public last weekend, coinciding with an early season snowstorm. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, the excitement and energy of the Thunder lift line are palpable. It's a favorite spot for locals to meet and greet, especially on Saturday mornings when the snow is ideal. Access to classic runs such as Thunder Bumps, Paintbrush, Toilet Bowl, and the steep Tower 3 chute, as well as the Sublette Chair, make Thunder a must-visit for anyone skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Last weekend, the new Thunder lift opened to the public, and it exceeded expectations by reducing riders’ time by half, from over 7 minutes to just 3.6. This means more Thunder laps can be completed in a day, thanks to double the speed and shorter lift lines. However, the increased speed may exhaust skiers faster. Additionally, the new lift tower placement now provides access to the top of the Tower 3 chute, a challenging inbounds couloir with a tricky fall line that exemplifies Jackson Hole’s reputation for steep, sustained terrain.Despite the upgrades, the resort aimed to minimize congestion on ski runs, so they only gladed a few new runs to offer something new for locals. The new lift opening coincides with a record-breaking early season, including the earliest Tram opening in JHMR history on December 3rd and a steady flow of snow, totaling 177 inches by the start of this week. Thunder is now open to the public, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for December 17th. With the entire mountain operational well before the holidays, it promises to be a monumental year in the Tetons. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (@jacksonhole)