Planning Utah Trip

I am hoping to gain some advice on a trip we have planned for Salt Lake City in late January.  We have traveled to SLC frequently in prior years but this year we are considering driving north to Jackson Hole to chase the better snow.
Anyone have experience with the drive from SLC to Jackson Hole?  We are traveling for a week and would lose only 1 day of skiing to do the drive.  Also, any view on the conditions at Snowbird/Alta vs Jackson Hole this year?  Thanks for any help. Eric

I don't think it's as good in Jackson this season as the hype is suggesting but it is better than Utah for now. Targhee is doing well but if you want Snowbird and Teton Village terrain the Ghee doesn't have it. The Vill from what I hear is good up high but below the upper mountain chairs it's real boney. The upper mountain terrain is really fun though.

The drive is pretty mellow. It's out there though and when the wind and snow blows it can be hard to see the road. It generally takes about 6 hours. If it's dumping down low and the snow pack is ripping then Snake River Canyon sometimes closes but that's not that often. Do the drive during the day.

So far this is the year to go to Montana or BC. We've got nothing down here in the south west and I mean NOTHING.

Extra 45 minutes to Big Sky versus Jackson Hole.....MT is the way to go right now.

I’ve been trying to follow Alta conditions because I’ve got a weekend planned there Feb 10/11.  Alta seems to be doing better than Snowbird (higher % of terrain open on what natural snow they have), but unless things improve quickly it could be a long/limited week.

We are in serious need of more snow out here in Utah. We have two chances at decent storms within the next seven days but it looks like nothing major is going to change until perhaps after mid month according to the weather guys. I’d go north if possible, current conditions are certainly not worth traveling for.

Looks like I am able to cancel my flight to Salt Lake City due to a change in the flight time from when I originally booked months ago.  They will not refund my money but will give me full credit on another flight.  Now considering a direct flight to Jackson Hole for the week or making a 180 degree change and going to Aruba for the week.  Would rather ski but only if the conditions are going to be worth the cost.

JTG4eva! wrote

Extra 45 minutes to Big Sky versus Jackson Hole.....MT is the way to go right now.

Big Sky is where I would go as an alternative for January.  Can you fly to Bozeman?

https://bigskyresort.com/the-mountain/current-conditions/the-way-i-ski-it/2018/january/deepcember#sm.000xx60o511hie0hz9p23m8pbtqlx

Not a bad drive from SLC if visibility is decent.  Depending on when the flight lands, possible to stop by Driggs for a day at GT on the way.  But I'm the type who doesn't mind driving for a ski safari.

If conditions stay poor in UT and CO, then JH is going to be crowded.  That's not likely to ever be an issue at Big Sky.

We decided to go with a week at Jackson.  We already have the Mountain collective pass so we get two days of lift tickets included plus 50% off the rest of the week.  Plus my wife has never been to Jackson.  Figure we will try GT for at least one day.  Planning to stay in downtown Jackson so even if the skiing is not great, at least there is an interesting little town to explore.  

Anyone have a suggestion on a place to stay?  Looking for somewhere with a kitchen or kitchenette so we can cook our own breakfast and maybe some dinners.  

Thanks and I promise to post a trip report upon return.

Eric

We stayed at the Aspens condos last year.  We got a 2 bedroom with a loft for ~$1800 for the week.

It's a good location halfway between town and the mountain.  

Can I come with you?  I'm starting to panic about my February Crested Butte trip.

mm  

look at VRBO for a condo

we pulled the plug a month ago on UT though we have to fly in and out of SLC.  We are staying in Driggs as its high on my retirement list.  We rented a house for the week in Driggs.  We will go to JHR one day.

I did get a super deal on one nights stay in SLC that comes with a free 2 lift tickets per room per night thru the Ski City promo.  We are going to ski one day at Solitude as they have more trails open (snow making I think) than the others on the deal.

I stayed in the Aspens condo complex in a 2-story, 2BR unit a few years ago.  Closer to Teton Village but also an easy drive to town.  There are units managed by JH Resorts as well as plenty of VRBO units.

I was very happy with the VRBO owner.  She also has a 1BR unit.  She stays in JH during the summer.

https://www.vrbo.com/42639

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.  We decided to split our trip - 3 days at JHR and 3 days at GT.  Staying at the Cowboy VIllage Resort in Jackson and then in a condo in Driggs.  Getting very excited for the trip with 1 - 2 ft of new snow forecast this week.  Hope it keeps up!  Eric

Have fun!

Looks like UT is starting to get in on the action, finally.  Upwards of 2 ft possible at Alta/Snowbird this week, with a more active pattern setting up for the last couple weeks of the month.  Good call moving your trip, and I’m starting to feel a little better about my Feb 9/10 trip!