Snow King
City:
Jackson
Region:
Rockies
Updated:
October 31, 2024
60
PeakRankings Score
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
[Year] Rankings
Overall Rank
#
63
Rank In
United States
#
50
Rank In
Wyoming
#
3
Category Scores
Snow
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The resort gets top accumulation and snow that forms in a way that feels light and powdery all the time.
9
The resort sees very good accumulation and gets powder that takes awhile to track or feels notably light.
8
The resort sees very good snow accumulation each season that tends to stay powdery for several days in a row.
7
The resort sees very good, powdery snow accumulation each season, but powder doesn't always last long at certain places in the resort.
6
The resort sees good accumulation that forms a solid base each season and sometimes sees powder but sometimes suffers from variable cover.
5
The resort sees decent accumulation each season but sometimes suffers from variable cover and rarely sees powder.
4
The resort sees okay accumulation each season. Non-snowmaking trails regularly suffer from thin or variable cover.
3
The resort sees mediocre accumulation each season. Thin cover is a given on all non-snowmaking trails.
2
The resort receives poor accumulation each season and must heavily rely on snowmaking to stay open.
1
The resort would have little to no snow if it weren't for snowmaking. If you're not on a trail, you probably don't see any accumulation.
0
The resort doesn’t get any snow.
7
Lifts
Criteria Breakdown
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10
High-speed lifts exist across every mountain area. Helper lifts are high-speed as well.
9
Most lifts are high-speed, with only a few areas serviced by helper fixed-grip lifts.
8
All but a few areas are accessible by high-speed lifts. Helper lifts may be fixed grip.
7
Most areas are accessible by high-speed lifts. Helper lifts are fixed grip.
6
Many areas are accessible by high-speed lifts, but some are only serviced by fixed-grip lifts.
5
About half of areas are accessible by high-speed lifts.
4
A few areas are accessible by high-speed lifts, but most areas only see fixed-grip lift service.
3
All lifts are fixed grip but some are at least modern.
2
Lifts are extremely old or low-capacity. Some places are only serviced by surface lifts.
1
Surface lifts only.
0
No lifts.
5
Resiliency
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The mountain can quickly recover from the worst conditions and deliver the exact same experience as on a good day.
9
The mountain can quickly recover from almost any poor conditions thanks to excellent poor snow and weather mitigation.
8
The mountain successfully mitigates snow or weather issues in nearly every mountain area and across all terrain categories. A few parts of the resort may occasionally see significant impacts.
7
The mountain successfully mitigates snow or weather issues in most mountain areas, but some parts of the mountain are highly affected by inclement weather or poor conditions.
6
The mountain successfully mitigates snow or weather issues in many mountain areas, but other parts are highly susceptible to inclement weather or poor conditions.
5
The mountain has some capabilities to avoid inclement weather or poor conditions, but struggles to mitigate poor conditions in many mountain areas.
4
The mountain has some capabilities to avoid inclement weather or poor conditions, but is regularly forced to close a few major parts of the mountain. Under severe circumstances, the mountain may be forced to completely suspend operations.
3
The mountain has some capabilities to avoid inclement weather or poor conditions, but is regularly forced to close multiple major mountain areas. Occasionally, the mountain may be forced to suspend operations completely.
2
In the event of any inclement weather, the mountain loses most of its skiable terrain, with restoration regularly taking several days or weeks. A few small runs may stay open.
1
In the event of any inclement weather, the mountain loses its entire skiable footprint and may take weeks to recover.
0
Any inclement weather issues are season-ending.
6
Crowd Flow
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The mountain's infrastructure is perfectly set up for crowd flow and capacity and does the best possible job to mitigate crowding.
9
The mountain's lift infrastructure is mostly direct and well-placed with excellent capacity.
8
The mountain's lift infrastructure is mostly direct and well-placed with good capacity. One or two areas could use a capacity upgrade.
7
The mountain's lift infrastructure is usually direct and well-placed with good capacity. A few areas could use a capacity upgrade or better placed lifts. Trails themselves rarely become chokepoints.
6
The mountain's lift and trail network is usually direct with good capacity. Some areas suffer from indirect lift placements or poorly thought out junctions.
5
The mountain’s lift and trail network comprises a comparable mix of direct, well-placed routes and indirect or capacity-constrained ones.
4
The mountain's lift and trail network is set up in a way that causes major crowding or indirect routing for many popular routes. Some areas are served by direct, well-placed lifts.
3
The mountain's lift and trail network causes serious crowding or indirect routing for most areas, but a few places are served by direct, well-placed lifts.
2
The mountain's lift and trail network is not equipped to handle crowds on a normal day and sees backups of more than half an hour.
1
The mountain's crowd flow logistics are seriously flawed. Poor lift placement and uphill capacity can cause backups of more than an hour.
0
The mountain's crowd flow logistics are so bad that you shouldn't expect to get on the mountain on a typical day.
9
Size
Criteria Breakdown
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10
7000+ skiable acres
9
3500-7000 skiable acres
8
2500-3500 skiable acres
7
1800-2500 skiable acres
6
1200-1800 skiable acres
5
800-1200 skiable acres
4
500-800 skiable acres
3
250-500 skiable acres
2
100-250 skiable acres
1
1-100 skiable acres
0
0 skiable acres
3
Facilities
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The mountain boasts easily accessible, high-capacity lodges at every major and minor junction area.
9
The mountain boasts easily accessible, high-capacity lodges throughout most mountain areas.
8
The mountain boasts several lodges or huts across the resort. A few minor mid- or high-elevation areas lack easy access to high-capacity facilities.
7
The mountain boasts several lodges or huts across the resort. Some major mountain areas lack easy access to high-capacity facilities.
6
The mountain boasts several lodges or huts across multiple areas, but some places lack easy access to the closest facilities.
5
The mountain consists of high-capacity lodges at each base area but suffers from limited, low-capacity, or impractically placed on-mountain facilities.
4
The mountain consists of high-capacity lodges at each base area. Any on-mountain facilities are limited, low-capacity, and impractically placed.
3
The mountain consists of at least one high-capacity base lodge but no on-mountain facilities.
2
The mountain consists of a moderately-sized base lodge but no on-mountain facilities.
1
The mountain consists of a singular base lodge that's either impractically small or hard to reach.
0
The mountain doesn't consist of any on-site lodge facilities.
6
Terrain Diversity
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The mountain has an abundance of terrain in all categories for all ability levels.
9
The mountain offers multiple options in all terrain categories you'd typically find at a ski resort.
8
The mountain offers at least some options in all terrain categories you'd typically find at a ski resort.
7
The mountain offers terrain in most categories for a range of ability levels, but may fall short in one or two areas.
6
The mountain offers terrain in many categories but either falls short or lacks terrain in a few others.
5
The mountain offers terrain of varying lengths, gradients, and widths but lacks terrain in multiple categories.
4
The mountain offers similar terrain of moderately different lengths, gradients, and widths.
3
The mountain offers similar terrain of slightly different lengths, gradients, or widths.
2
The mountain consists of runs that are similar to one another but vary slightly by difficulty.
1
The mountain only consists of runs that provide nearly identical terrain experiences.
0
The mountain has no terrain.
4
Navigation
Criteria Breakdown
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10
It's easy, direct, and clear to get anywhere on the mountain from any place.
9
It's easy, direct, and clear to get anywhere on the mountain from most places. A small fraction of trails don't have direct access to all other mountain areas.
8
It's easy to get to and from most mountain areas. A few minor areas aren't directly accessible from all other parts of the resort or may be hard to find.
7
It's reasonably simple to get between most major mountain areas. A few areas require catwalks or traverses to get to or from or are hard to find. Some areas require multiple direct lift rides to travel between.
6
It's reasonably simple to get between many major mountain areas, but some areas require more effort due to poor signage, indirect lifts, or catwalks.
5
Some mountain areas are easy to navigate while others require more effort due to poor signage, indirect lifts, or catwalks.
4
Some mountain areas are easy to get between, but navigating many major areas can be confusing. Some major trails may suffer from poor signage or require catwalks.
3
It can take multiple lifts or be notably confusing to get between major resort areas. Many resort areas suffer from indirect trail routes, poor signage, or multiple catwalks.
2
It takes a substantial amount of effort and multiple indirect lifts to get between resort areas with little enjoyable terrain in between. Expect to occasionally get lost.
1
Expect to regularly get lost at this resort due to poor signage and lift placement. Getting between mountain areas requires notable effort and extremely unenjoyable terrain.
0
It's impossible to get around this resort. You will likely get lost or spend your whole day trying to get from one place to another.
7
Challenge
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The resort boasts truly extreme terrain across several prominent areas. Any double blacks should not be attempted, even by experts, without using extreme caution.
9
Select resort areas boast some of the most challenging runs in the world. The most challenging terrain should not be attempted, even by experts, without using extreme caution.
8
The mountain boasts extremely demanding terrain with sustained pitches, cliffs, drop-ins, and/or tight turns.
7
The mountain offers a range of very steep, ungroomed terrain with features like cliffs, drop-ins, or tight turns.
6
The mountain offers a range of steep, difficult terrain, with expert features like cliffs in some places.
5
The mountain offers some fairly steep groomed and ungroomed runs.
4
The mountain offers some steep runs but very little ungroomed terrain.
3
The mountain primarily offers groomed terrain with moderate pitches.
2
The mountain offers mostly gently-sloped terrain.
1
None of the mountain's terrain is more difficult than a typical bunny hill.
0
The mountain is completely flat.
6
Mountain Aesthetic
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The resort offers one-of-a-kind views, terrain, isolation, and vibes. You probably won't find a resort that feels like this again in your lifetime.
9
The resort offers unique terrain, views, and isolation that you'll rarely find anywhere else.
8
The resort clearly distinguishes itself with class-leading views, terrain, and isolation.
7
The resort feels unique, with high-quality views, terrain, and isolation across the footprint.
6
The resort doesn't boast the same unique terrain as some competing resorts but offers excellent views and isolation in many areas.
5
The resort offers some cool terrain and great views and isolation in some areas. Some areas may feel commercialized or built-up.
4
The resort offers decently cool terrain, nice views, or pockets of isolation in places. Major areas may feel commercialized or built-up.
3
The resort either feels commercialized or built-up around more than half the resort or offers only moderately interesting terrain, views and isolation.
2
The resort either feels commercialized or built-up in most areas or offers only mildly interesting terrain, views or isolation.
1
The resort barely feels like a mountain, with intense commercialization and very little in the way of views, terrain, or isolation.
0
The resort is completely flat or indoors.
7
Good To Know
Aprés-ski:
Extensive
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Nearest City:
Pass Affiliation:
Indy Pass
Epic [Backend]
Ikon [Backend]
Mountain Collective [Backend]
Other [Backend]
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Advanced
Beginner [Backend]
Intermediate [Backend]
Advanced [Backend]
Expert [Backend]
Extreme [Backend]
Pros
- Formidable tree and mogul terrain
- Local feel
- Spectacular town views
- Low lift ticket prices
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Small footprint
- Lackluster beginner and intermediate terrain
- Inconsistent snow conditions on back side
Pro Con Item [Backend]
Mountain Stats
330
acres
Skiable Footprint
500
acres
Total Footprint
100
%
Lift-Serviced Terrain
7808
ft
Top Elevation
1571
ft
Vertical Drop
4
Lifts
34
Trails
18
%
Beginner
38
%
Intermediate
44
%
Advanced/Expert
Comprehensive Review
Founded in 1936, Snow King is the oldest ski resort in the Jackson, Wyoming area. Many people don’t even know it exists—the mountain has been overshadowed by its much bigger neighbor, Jackson Hole, for decades—but this relatively small resort delivers significant challenge for its size. However, a number of shortcomings degrade the experience and make the mountain undesirable for less advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Like other Teton resorts, Snow King often sees powder during the season. But the resort receives fewer than 200 inches of snow in an average year and tops out at just 7,800 feet, leading to more variable conditions than you might expect. Trails may lack cover and can become crusty following a few days with no snow. The resort ultimately stays resilient, however, thanks to early-season snowmaking operations that lay down a reliable base.
Snow King is quite a steep mountain and offers very demanding terrain. Runs off the Summit Double are precipitously pitched and ungroomed. The severe gradient continues for the majority of the resort’s vertical drop, making these runs surprisingly long and trying. While unmarked by the resort, woods alongside these trails make for fantastic expert glade runs. The resort is entirely below treeline, but the summit offers easy access to some backcountry bowl terrain.
Despite its local feel, Snow King doesn’t offer much in the way of beginner terrain. Only four green trails exist outside of a small magic carpet area, and none of them lead back to the summit chair base, making the lower section of Rafferty the only lappable area for beginners. Intermediate skiers may find a bit more to like, although none of the resort’s blue trails are particularly long.
Snow King boasts three terrain park areas. Two of them offer a decent variety of small to large rails and jumps, but the third is nothing more than a series of banked runs. The resort features a few log-based jumps around various trails.
Snow King employs some of the worst signage we’ve seen anywhere, making a mountain you’d expect to be easy to navigate actually relatively confusing. Trail markers are difficult to spot and look like they haven’t been replaced in decades. To make matters worse, there aren’t any signs with information about how to reach specific lifts or base areas. Be sure to grab a trail map if you’re concerned about getting around—there aren’t any posted around the mountain.
Snow King doesn’t have many mid-mountain facilities, but that’s par for the course for a resort of this magnitude. Both base areas offer sizable lodges with reasonably priced food options. A summit hut with a bar exists, but it’s not always open.
Few mountains with similarly small footprints can match Snow King’s resort feel. The mountain sits right at the base of the town of Jackson, offering stunning views of the streets below. The surrounding Teton mountain ranges don’t look too bad, either.
Snow King is a small, local mountain, and as such lacks a modern lift setup. All lifts are slow, although the relatively new Rafferty Quad recently replaced an old double chair. The S-Chutes at the top of Snow King are some of the only tree-cut ski trails in the country that require hiking to reach, albeit they consequently tend to hold powder longer than other areas of the resort.
It’s worth noting that Snow King offers night skiing until 6:30pm six days a week (the resort closes at 4pm on Sundays). However, night skiing operations don’t include the Summit Double, which services most of the resort’s truly demanding terrain. Snow King also offers an afternoon pass good from 1pm to close, which gets you a few hours of access to the full resort. In addition, Snow King sells very cheap uphill travel access passes, making the resort a great practicing ground for those looking to build backcountry hiking proficiency.
Lodging
Plenty of lodging options exist around Snow King, including the fairly fancy yet reasonably priced slopeside Snow King Resort Hotel. Off-site, the town of Jackson boasts many hotel and inn options and provides free shuttle buses to and from the resort. If some in your party don’t ski, staying directly in the town may be the more appealing option thanks to a great variety of gourmet food and western culture.
Apres-ski
Apres-ski on-site at Snow King is weak, but the town of Jackson boasts strong nightlife experiences. High-quality Western saloons and bars such as the Silver Dollar and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar feature animated happy hours and live music.
Verdict
Ultimately, Snow King offers a very specific subset of terrain that will only appeal to a certain demographic of skiers and snowboarders. With 1-day adult lift ticket prices of just $60 for a full day—and less for half-day and night tickets—the resort is a steal for those who enjoy long, trying tree and mogul runs or want convenient access to the charming town of Jackson. However, if you’re already paying to fly to Jackson from out of town, you’ll probably be okay with dropping the extra money to go to Jackson Hole, which offers much more terrain and a significantly better overall experience.
NOTE:Mountain Score criteria for this resort were adjustedon May 15, 2022, October 12, 2021andApril 11, 2021.
Historical Snow King mountain reviews:
Best Winter Wonderland Getaway
The resort is a true winter wonderland, with stunning scenery and fantastic skiing conditions. The après-ski activities were a blast, and the staff went out of their way to ensure everything ran smoothly. I especially enjoyed the variety of trails and the relaxing atmosphere after a day on the slopes.
Read More