The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Snow King Mountain's summit reaches 7,808 feet, dropping 1,571 vertical feet to a base at 6,237 feet across 34 runs spread over 400 acres on the southeast edge of Jackson, Wyoming. Terrain splits 40 per cent advanced, 24 per cent intermediate, 18 per cent expert and 18 per cent beginner, a steep mix for a town-adjacent hill. Average annual snowfall reaches roughly 132 inches, well below the totals at nearby Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee. The resort operates on the Indy Pass.
Snow King earned its nickname 'the Town Hill' from its location directly at the edge of downtown Jackson, close enough that locals can walk from town to the base. The 40 per cent advanced and 18 per cent expert terrain share makes it steeper than its small size suggests, a legacy of its original informal ski routes from the 1920s. Night skiing extends access into evening hours, a feature not offered at Jackson Hole. The mountain also hosts an alpine slide and, since 2024, an observatory and planetarium at the summit.
Wyoming's first ski area, Snow King traces its skiing history to informal use in the 1920s, when locals hiked up for runs down what was then called Kelly's Hill. The Civilian Conservation Corps built a switchback trail to the summit in 1936, and the area was officially renamed Snow King in 1938. A 4,000-foot rope tow installed in 1939 became Wyoming's first lift-served skiing. The mountain underwent a significant renovation completed in the 2020s, adding a gondola and new summit facilities.
Indy Pass holders receive access to Snow King alongside dozens of other independent resorts across North America. Adult day tickets run from 75 to 95 US dollars depending on date, with a season pass priced at 599 dollars. The resort suits locals and value-focused visitors seeking a steep, town-adjacent alternative to Jackson Hole's larger and pricier terrain. Its position inside Jackson itself, rather than a separate base village, makes it the most accessible ski area in the valley without a car.
1,572ft
Vertical
34
Runs
400 acres
Skiable
11ft
Annual snow
Indy
Pass
The Terrain
34 runs across 400 acres skiable
Snow King Mountain spreads 34 runs across 400 acres skiable of terrain. It leans advanced at 40%, with 6 beginner runs to find your feet and 20 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
34
runs
34 runs across 4 grades
Beginner6 runs · 18%
Intermediate8 runs · 24%
Advanced14 runs · 40%
Expert6 runs · 18%
Time it right
When to visit Snow King Mountain
The 2025-26 season at Snow King ran from 6 December 2025 to 5 April 2026, a roughly seventeen-week window shorter than nearby Jackson Hole's season despite similar opening timing. The mountain's lower base elevation of 6,237 feet, relative to Jackson Hole's 6,310 feet, and lower snowfall contribute to a slightly earlier close. Night skiing extends the useful hours of the season without extending its calendar length. Season dates shift year to year based on snowpack and grooming capacity.
Average annual snowfall of roughly 132 inches is markedly lower than Jackson Hole or Grand Targhee, both of which sit higher and catch more direct storm exposure. This lower natural snowfall makes snowmaking and grooming comparatively more important to Snow King's season-long conditions, though specific snowmaking coverage is not confirmed in available resort information. Base depth typically builds more slowly than at the valley's higher-elevation resorts. The mountain's south and east-facing exposure toward town can affect snow retention compared with more sheltered aspects.
Midwinter, from January through February, offers the most reliable conditions once early-season snowpack and any snowmaking coverage have built up. Night skiing sessions run through the core of the season, giving Jackson locals an after-work skiing option not available at Jackson Hole. Late-season visits in March and early April can be more variable given the mountain's lower base elevation and snowfall. Weekday and evening visits typically carry lighter crowds than weekend daytime sessions.
Night skiing is Snow King's signature seasonal feature, distinguishing it from Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee, neither of which lights runs for evening skiing. The Snow King Observatory and Planetarium, opened at the summit in 2024, adds a non-skiing draw through the winter season. The mountain also operates an alpine slide and other activities outside the core ski season. As Jackson's historic town hill, the calendar leans toward local, after-hours use alongside standard daytime skiing.
Season 2025 - 2026
6 Dec 2025
Opens
5 Apr 2026
Closes
120
Days open
11 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Snow King Mountain, and where to stay
Snow King Mountain sits on the southeast edge of Jackson, Wyoming, close enough to downtown that it is known locally as 'the Town Hill.' Base elevation is 6,237 feet, with the summit reaching 7,808 feet across a 1,571-foot vertical drop. Unlike Jackson Hole's purpose-built Teton Village, Snow King's base sits within walking distance of Jackson's town square. The mountain looks directly down over the streets of Jackson below.
Jackson itself is the nearest town, effectively adjoining the ski area rather than requiring a separate drive. The town retains its Western character, with a historic square and elk antler arches, alongside its ski-tourism economy. Teton Village and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort sit roughly 12 miles northwest, a separate destination from Snow King within the same valley. Grand Teton National Park lies further north again, beyond both ski areas.
Local Jackson streets and Highway 89 provide direct access to Snow King's base, with no separate mountain access road required given its in-town location. This makes Snow King the most walkable ski area in the Jackson Hole valley, reachable on foot from many in-town lodging options. Winter driving within Jackson is generally well-managed given the volume of ski season traffic. No separate shuttle service is needed to reach Snow King from central Jackson, unlike the START bus required for Teton Village.
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the nearest airport, roughly 10 miles from Snow King and inside Grand Teton National Park, closer to Snow King than to Teton Village given Snow King's in-town position. The airport offers seasonal service to roughly 20 cities during ski season. Idaho Falls Regional Airport offers an alternative around two hours away by road. No rail service reaches Jackson, and most visitors combine a Snow King visit with a stay in town rather than a separate airport transfer.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Snow King Mountain, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Snow King Mountain's ski season?
Snow King Mountain's 2025 - 2026 season typically runs from December 6 through April 5. That window is roughly 120 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Wyoming, Usa often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Snow King Mountain have?
Snow King Mountain lists about 400 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 34 named runs (162 hectares alongside 400 acres skiable). That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Snow King Mountain?
Trail grading at Snow King Mountain breaks down roughly as 18% beginner, 24% intermediate, 40% advanced, 18% expert. The advanced and expert share is substantial, so confident skiers and riders will find plenty of steeper fall-line options once they leave the nursery slopes.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical feet. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Snow King Mountain have?
Snow King Mountain operates 7 lifts across 4 lift types. The fleet includes 3 surface lifts, 2 triple chairs, 1 gondola, and 1 quad chair.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Snow King Mountain?
Base elevation at Snow King Mountain is about 6,237 ft (1,901 m), with the summit around 7,808 ft (2,380 m), giving roughly 1,572 ft (479 m) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Snow King Mountain get each season?
Snow King Mountain averages about 132 inches (335 cm) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Does Snow King Mountain accept the Indy?
Snow King Mountain is affiliated with the Indy. Pass holders should confirm current season benefits, blackout dates, and reservation rules on the pass issuer's site. Policies change year to year and can differ between international and domestic products.
If you are not on Indy, day tickets and multi-day bundles are still available; see the lift tickets page for published rates and purchase links.
Where can I buy Snow King Mountain lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans US$20 to US$150, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Snow King Mountain before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 6 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Snow King Mountain so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Snow King Mountain have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Snow King Mountain. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Snow King Mountain located?
Snow King Mountain sits in Wyoming, Usa. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
FIS Weighs Holding World Championships in Almost Every Winter, Starting 2032
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is looking at a major shake-up to its title events calendar. From 2032, World Championships could run not just in odd-numbered years but in every non-Olympic winter too, effectively putting a global title event on the calendar almost every season. The FIS Council has approved the concept following a feasibility study, though an accelerated rollout as early as 2028 is also under consideration.
4 Sept 2026
Mount Buller Becomes Latest Australian Resort to Call Time Early on 2026
Mount Buller closes out its 2026 season this Sunday, joining Falls Creek, Hotham and Charlotte Pass in a cluster of closures landing almost simultaneously and roughly a month ahead of schedule. The culprit is stark: Spencers Creek's benchmark snow depth hit 31.2cm on 3 September, just 18% of the 73-year average and an all-time low for this point in the season. Six of Victoria and NSW's best-known resorts will have shut their lifts early within a span of about two and a half weeks.
4 Sept 2026
Tremblant to Add New Timber Summit Ski Sector for 2027/28 Season
Tremblant has confirmed a major expansion of its Quebec ski area, with a new Timber Summit sector adding 62 acres of terrain, eight trails and a high-speed quad chairlift for winter 2027/28. It's part of a CAD 42.5 million investment that also includes a new beginner learning zone at Versant Soleil opening this coming season. The project has grown considerably since it was first announced back in 2020, when it carried a far smaller budget and an opening date that never eventuated.
2 Sept 2026
Mount Hotham to Close for the 2026 Season on Sunday, September 6
We knew when the Bird Bath Pond Skim showed up on Hotham's Instagram that the season was on its way out. It's been a rough one - I only managed two days on snow all year, at Falls Creek - and now Baw Baw, Selwyn and Hotham have all called it, possibly the worst Australian season I've seen in a decade. Hotham's last day of lift operations is Sunday, 6 September, with a Retro Day, Father's Day après and closing sales before the lifts stop turning for good.
1 Sept 2026
Thredbo to Replace Ageing Gunbarrel Quad With New Six-Seat Chairlift for 2028
Thredbo Alpine Resort has confirmed plans to replace its 37-year-old Gunbarrel quad chairlift with a new six-seat Doppelmayr D-Line, targeting winter 2028. The AUD 35 million project will keep travel time roughly the same but lift capacity from 2,800 to 3,000 skiers per hour. It's part of a broader investment push that also includes doubled snowmaking capacity at Friday Flat for 2027, with the ageing Kosciuszko Express now flagged as the resort's next major lift replacement after Gunbarrel.
31 Aug 2026
Aerial Tram Collides With Crane at Alpe d'Huez: 23 Injured
An aerial tram carrying around fifty passengers struck the boom of a construction crane on the route to Pic Blanc at Alpe d'Huez on Wednesday morning, injuring 23 people, three seriously. The cabin tipped on impact before the operator reversed it to right the car. Most of the injured were treated on site, with five taken to hospital in Grenoble, including a pregnant woman assessed as a precaution.
28 Aug 2026
Why Glaciers Are Collapsing - And What Happens When They Do
A deadly flood on the Nepal-China border, a decade-old tragedy on Italy's Marmolada, and an unstable glacier right now above a village near Zermatt - three very different mountain ranges, the same underlying story. Warming ice is destabilising terrain that was considered settled for generations, and the results range from catastrophic floods to slow-motion monitoring situations that could go either way.
27 Aug 2026
Pitztal Glacier Set to Reopen for the 2026/27 Ski Season on 26 September
Tyrol's highest ski area is gearing up to open a full month ahead of most of the Alps. The Pitztal Glacier is scheduled to start its 2026/27 season on Saturday 26 September, running through to 2 May 2027, with the lower-altitude Rifflsee area following in December. High-altitude terrain up to 3,440 metres gives the glacier a head start on snow, though as always, the actual opening extent will depend on how September's weather plays out. Early online ski pass bookings can save up to 30%.
26 Aug 2026