What’s fascinating is that, while they share similarities in offering world-class terrain and jaw-dropping views, each has a unique character that sets it apart.
I’m going to walk you through my personal experiences — the thrills, the challenges, and the moments that left me both breathless and sore for days — and why these resorts stand out as paragons of mountain adventure.
With a focus on expert terrain, unparalleled views, and a mix of wild adventure and refined luxury, Jackson Hole and Big Sky aren’t just ski resorts — they’re rites of passage for serious skiers and snowboarders. But they’re also accessible enough for people who, like me, are passionate but definitely not professional athletes.
Let’s start with Jackson Hole, the mountain that made me question both my sanity and my skiing skills.
Jackson Hole: The Home of Legendary Terrain
If you haven’t heard of Corbet’s Couloir, are you even a skier? Just kidding. But in all seriousness, Jackson Hole’s Corbet’s is like the Holy Grail of North American skiing.
Located in Wyoming’s jagged Teton Range, this resort is the ultimate test for those who think they’ve mastered the art of the downhill. Even before I got there, I knew that the resort’s tagline “The Big One” wasn’t just marketing hype — it’s a fair warning.
I’ll not forget my first trip up the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram. It hauls you a whopping 4,139 vertical feet in just 12 minutes, but during that ride, you start to get an idea of what you’re in for. The Tetons rise up around you in all their rugged, intimidating glory. I tried to play it cool, but looking out the window, the tiny specks of skiers below looked like ants navigating cliffs. I had that sinking realization that this was not going to be a casual day of cruising groomers.
Once at the top, you’re hit with panoramic views that belong in a National Geographic spread. The craggy peaks and snow-covered wilderness stretch out as far as the eye can see. It’s pure, untamed nature — a stark reminder that this mountain is in charge, not you.
Corbet’s Couloir: The Ultimate Test
The stuff of legends. When I stood at the lip of this infamous run, my heart was pounding so loudly I could barely hear anything else. This wasn’t just skiing; this was a psychological battle. Corbet’s has a nearly vertical drop-in — anywhere between 10 and 20 feet, depending on conditions.
Oh, and it doesn’t stop there; the run continues with an average 40-degree pitch. I stood there, watching skier after skier make the drop, some gracefully, others with less finesse. I wish I could say I charged down like a pro, but the truth? It took me a solid five minutes of psyching myself up before I made the leap.
Making it through Corbet’s was like earning a badge of honor. It wasn’t pretty, but I survived, and that’s what counts. And here’s the thing: Jackson Hole is full of these moments — challenges that force you to push your limits, but also give you an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.
The Luxury Side of Jackson Hole
After conquering (or being conquered by) Corbet’s, you’ll definitely want some serious R&R. Luckily, Jackson Hole excels in the art of après-ski luxury. I personally splurged on a stay at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences.
It’s everything you want after a day of adrenaline — a cozy yet refined atmosphere with fireplaces, hot tubs, and even private balconies where you can watch the sunset over the Tetons. For the record, the spa at the Four Seasons is a must. After a day of skiing, there’s nothing like a deep tissue massage to revive muscles that have been worked to their limit.
For those with a taste for something even more exclusive, there’s Amangani. This property sits on a butte, offering jaw-dropping views of the Snake River Valley and the Tetons. It’s remote, it’s serene, and it feels like a hidden paradise — a world away from the hustle and bustle of Jackson’s slopes.
Big Sky: The Vast Frontier of Montana Skiing
After my Jackson Hole adventure, I thought I was ready for anything. Then I arrived at Big Sky, and let’s just say, Montana’s biggest ski resort didn’t disappoint. Big Sky is often referred to as "the best-kept secret" in American skiing, but with its constant expansion, that secret’s out. The place is enormous, both in size and spirit. There’s a sense of freedom here, where the sky truly seems to stretch on forever, and the slopes feel never-ending.
Big Sky opened in 1973, with just a handful of trails and lifts. Today? It boasts over 300 trails and 38 lifts — including the brand-new Lone Peak Tram, which opened in December 2023. The experience is not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth it for the views alone. At the summit, you’re at 11,166 feet — and you can see practically all of Montana spread out below you, along with neighboring Wyoming and even glimpses of Idaho.
Lone Peak: The Summit of All Fears
One of my best memories of Big Sky is standing at the top of Lone Peak, after that tram ride. At first, the sheer scale of it all takes your breath away. Then you realize — you have to ski down. It’s intimidating, but in a way that fuels your excitement. The runs here are diverse, with everything from steep, cliff-laden chutes to wide-open bowls and groomed cruisers that go on forever.
Unlike Jackson Hole, which often feels sharp and extreme, Big Sky offers a different kind of intensity — it’s about the sheer space and variety. You never feel boxed in; you feel like you can just keep exploring. I spent an entire week at Big Sky, and I’m convinced I still didn’t see half of it.
Luxury Meets Adventure in Big Sky
While Big Sky may be all about rugged adventure, it also knows how to pamper its guests. I stayed at the Montage Big Sky, which combines rustic Montana charm with all the luxuries you could ask for. The resort is right at the base of the mountain, so you can ski straight out of your room and be on the slopes in minutes. The amenities are top-tier: outdoor heated pools, a world-class spa, and fine dining that highlights local flavors.
One highlight was a guided backcountry tour with Compass Sports, the in-house adventure outfitter. They offer everything from heli-skiing to snowshoeing, and they tailor the experience to your skill level (or pain threshold). For me, it was a great way to experience the wilderness of Montana without feeling totally out of my depth.
Why You Need to Experience Both
If you’re a passionate skier or snowboarder, Jackson Hole and Big Sky are two bucket-list destinations you can’t ignore. Each offers a distinct experience — Jackson Hole with its steep, challenging terrain and unmatched luxury, and Big Sky with its vast, varied runs and raw beauty. And with an Ikon pass, you can hit both in one season.
Personally, I think of Jackson Hole as the place that tests my limits, and Big Sky as the place where I can stretch out and truly explore. Together, they represent the best of what North American skiing has to offer.
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