Wyoming Overview

Wyoming is like the last frontier of the USA. It is the epitome of classic American cowboy country. It seems as though everyone wears cowboy hats and cowboy boots and drives a pickup truck when they aren't riding their horses or out hunting. Lying on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, Wyoming offers some of USA's best extreme snowboarding. The Grand Teton Mountain range that passes through the state, peaks at over 14,000 ft (4,260 mi). Yellowstone National Park, which is located on the state's western border, offers one of the most beautiful and truly awesome landscapes in the world.

The mountains in Wyoming collect massive dumps of snow throughout the season resulting in over 400 inches (10 m) per year and the snow is almost as dry as that found it Utah. Two sensational snowboard resorts lie within the Teton range near the small town of Jackson - Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee.

Snow and Weather Conditions in Wyoming

Storms that travel via jet streams from the Pacific continually pound the Grand Teton Mountains with snow. Wyoming resorts are blessed with good consistent snowfalls throughout the whole season. Throughout January and February the powder days are frequent. The weather is usually its coldest in January and begins warming up in the following months. Snow will fall regularly through to April which means powder days can extend well into spring. Cowboy country certainly has more to it then simply rustling cattle.

Accommodation

Jackson
Jackson is a small town that has a lot of short term accommodation such as hotels and condos. If you are after budget accommodation, Jackson has it. Its a good idea to rock up and look around for what you want. If you are happy with a motel, then you'll be set. If you are after something a little more permanent, you are going to have a harder time because there isn't much in the way of cheap vacation homes that rich people rent out when the don't use them.

Jackson Hole Central Reservations: Tel: +1 (307) 733-4005

The Hostel: Cheapish rooms - Tel: +1 (307) 799-3415

Village Condos: If you are in a group, it may be worth renting a condo. Call these guys for help - Tel: +1 (307) 663-2558

Driggs
Driggs is tiny. All they pretty much have is a few motels which are reasonably well priced.

Transport

America is a big place, and there are a lot of resorts to visit. Once you have established what sort of a trip you are going to do (ie, stay put or move around) then you can decide what sort of transport you need. Let us say that the car is a part of the American way of life, you need one to get everywhere - but the pay off is that they are cheap.

In our transport section, we look at how to get the best deal on a car, be it hiring or buying. We also look at using trains, buses and airplanes to get yourself around.

Hints & Tips

If you want to ride Jackson Hole, stay in Jackson which is about 20-30 minutes from Jackson Hole. Here the accommodation is more affordable and varied.

If you want to ride Grand Targhee it is highly recommended that you stay in the town of Driggs rather than Jackson because the Teton pass is dodgy and often closed due to poor weather and road conditions.

If you want to ride both resorts, stay in Jackson as it is more central. However, keep a close eye on road conditions through Teton pass as it can open and close at the drop of a hat.

Jackson is a small town and Driggs is even smaller. Therefore, employment opportunities are limited when compared to places like Salt Lake City.

Both towns aren't too action packed as they are so small. However, Jackson has a bit of a resort feel during winter with a few ritzy stores, bars and restaurants.

The weather in the Teton range can get extremely cold compared to coastal resorts so be prepared.

Bus transportation is available to Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee from Jackson so you don't need a car, however it is always more fun to have one so you can head to resorts in Utah and Idaho for a change, or go backcountry more easily.

Getting to Wyoming

Wyoming is located in the middle of nowehere and the resorts are located even deeper in the middle of nowhere. Its going to cost you more to get to the Wyoming resorts than resorts in Colorado, California, Utah etc.

By Air: Jackson Hole has its own Airport but the deals flying into the resort aren't super cheap. You may be better off flying into Cheyanne or Salt Lake City and catching a bus to Jackson.

Last updated on 01 November 2004.