This Ski Season in Jackson Hole, The King Rules

 

In the age of Covid-19, Snow King Mountain is going to be a terrific alternative—and/or additive—to your vacation ski season in Jackson Hole for 2020-21.

 

Covid-19 has not only affected the way we go about our day-to-day lives, but also the way we recreate and vacation. At ski resorts across the country, pandemic safety and health protocols will slightly alter the way we all enjoy a day on the slopes.

 

“After a successful summer managing Covid with lines for some of our activities, we are ready for the quiet time of year on the King, where the slopes are wide open and there is rarely a line to get on the lift,” said Ryan Stanley, general manager of the ski resort.

 

Did you know that Snow King first established Jackson’s reputation as a ski town in the 1930s and holds the crown as Wyoming’s first ski area? With 400 skiable acres, a terrain park, three chairlifts, two magic carpets and 32 runs, Snow King is a world-class ski resort right in the heart of Jackson.

 

“Snow King is a great way to escape the crowded slopes of the big resorts this winter,” Stanley said. “And with our easy parking access, no restrictions on ticket purchases and affordable ticket prices, we hope a few visitors try out The King this winter during their visit to Jackson Hole.”

 

Opening day at the “Town Hill” is set for December 5th, weather permitting. The lack of lines, few people on the chairlifts and on the mountain in general, make this in-town, family-friendly ski resort a great alternative to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and a terrific place for outdoor social distancing for this upcoming Jackson Hole skiing season.

 

 

More Ski-Bang For Your Buck

 

Snow King is much smaller than its big brother Jackson Hole Mountain Resort down the road in Teton Village, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less steep or fun. For one thing, no crowds equal more skiing. Combine that with Snow King’s lift ticket prices being $100 less than JHMR and you and the family get more bang for your buck. And wait until you see the jaw-dropping, sweeping vista of the Teton Range, the National Elk Refuge and the town of Jackson from the top of the lifts.

 

Snow King actually has the steepest ski racing course in the lower 48 states, which draws U.S. Ski Team members to train. On the other hand, there’s a whole separate side of the mountain with blues and greens for beginners. And plenty of additional non-skiing enjoyment at your mitten-tips.

 

 

“The Cowboy Coaster and King Tubes are great non-skiing winter activities that are included in our Big King Pass along with skiing, or available separately for those who do not ski or board,” said Stanley.

 

“You can ski or board, snow tube and ride the Cowboy Coaster for a lot less cost than an entire day

at other resorts in the area.”

 

Lots of Options For Family Fun

 

The big draw of Snow King is that you can buy lift tickets for part of the day only. This means the afternoon (starting at 1 p.m.) or at night Monday through Saturday from 4 until 6:30 p.m. FYI: No other Jackson Hole-area ski resort offers night skiing! If you don’t want to ski but rather just ride the scenic chairlift to the summit of Snow King Mountain to absorb all the beauty in the Hole,  that’s do-able (at just $20), too.

 

 

Activity packages include a Coaster/King Tubes combo package that combines two hours of unlimited coaster rides and tubing for $45, and a $90 Winter Big King Pass which includes unlimited rides on all open winter activities including the Cowboy Coaster, King Tubes and skiing during the day and night.

 

The Big King Pass is an amazing option for families and the family-friendly fun in the snow activities are the stuff that winter dreams are made of.

 

The mountain is open for skiing from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Full-day lift tickets are $59. Half-day tickets cost $49 and night skiing costs $30. Kids age 5 and under ski free.

 

 

Snow King is host to two eateries located right at the base of the mountain. The King’s Grill is a family-friendly, All-American restaurant in the Rafferty Center, steps away from the Cowboy Coaster. The Snow King Cafe is located in the Lodge Room, adjacent to the Snow King Sports & Events Center. Capacity in each place will be limited this season due to Covid precautions.

 

Keeping You Safe

 

To prevent the spread of Covid-19, the ski resort will be requiring the standard best practices for use of masks while indoors, standing in line and within six feet of other people on the hill.

 

Like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, all visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online via the “Buy Tickets” link on Snow King’s website and sign their liability waiver before arrival. However, unlike JHMR, Snow King will not be limiting the number of lift tickets sold. A 24-hour free cancellation policy has been instituted this season as well.

*UPDATE as of 1/26/21: Covid-19 cases are currently on the rise in Teton County. If you arrive and the activity you would like to partake in (Cowboy Coaster, tube park) is not open due to last-minute staffing shortages you will receive a refund. Call 307.201.5667 for real-time activity updates.

For more information on how the King rules, visit snowkingmountain.com.