Kevin Cass

This is my favourite winter resort in North America, and in my opinion it ranks among the top five in the world. The Teton Range has a wild beauty that captivates you from the moment you touch down on the runway – from which you can see herds of elk and even the odd moose.

It’s a 15-minute drive onwards to the quaint yet these days upmarket “cowboy” town of Jackson, but Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is located an additional 20 minutes away at Teton Village, on the far side of the Snake River.

The most important decision is obviously where to stay. Jackson town has some historic hotels as well as budget choices, most of the shops and the widest range of restaurants – but it’s a repetitive drive to and from the skiing. Teton Village, at the foot of the slopes, has a wide range of spa properties and condo hotels. If snow sports take priority over après-ski you’d be better off staying here, with occasional forays into Jackson.

Whatever you decide, remote Jackson Hole is the cult resort for powderhounds, with skiing and snowboarding taking place on steep and exciting slopes. The ultimate test of nerve is Corbet’s Couloir, a leap into space off a cornice, followed by a landing on a 50-degree slope.

Lifts: 12

Nearest airports: Jackson Hole Airport (flights from Chicago, Denver, Newark, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco), 34 km (21 mi.), and Salt Lake City 494 km (307 mi.).

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