Those willing to endure a long approach and some extra uphill will be rewarded with incredible scenery, long, sustained fall lines, and a fraction of the crowds that Teton Pass and the JHMR backcountry gates see.
Taggart Lake and Death Canyon are the two most popular winter trailheads to get into the heart of the park. Granite Canyon, closer to Teton Village, is less popular for backcountry skiers and provides opportunities to access some of the skiing on the south side of the park with a slightly longer approach.
No matter what, if you’re searching for wide open spaces that are increasingly hard to find in Colorado and Utah, ski mountaineering in Grand Teton is about as good as it gets.
Get the classic 25 Short experience
Considered a classic among backcountry skiers, 25 Short in Jackson Hole is one of Grand Teton National Park’s several must-ski locations. The name comes from its 9,975-foot peak, which leaves it just 25 feet short of being a 10er.
This ever-popular area boasts possibly the easiest access in the entire park, and moderate pitch beloved by backcountry skiers and splitboarders alike. Don’t get too relaxed, however, as you’ll still need good fitness and avalanche awareness to make it through safely.
From the Taggart Lake Trailhead you’ll start going uphill almost immediately. It will take you around two or three hours to reach the summit, and from there you’ll have your pick of excellent options. Whether it’s slaloming through dense trees, flying through open glades, or exploring nearby gullies, a 25 Short ski tour has it all.
This is a great place to go for first-time visitors because of the stunning views and possibilities for shorter or longer laps, depending on what the group is up for. Also, once you’re near the bottom, you can just follow the skin track on the northern approach to reach Mavericks.
Find easy access at Mavericks
Mavericks is a popular intermediate half-day ski tour that features big open meadows and several gullies that come in handy during avalanches. With relatively easy access, moderate pitch, and lots of great runs on offer, it’s no wonder backcountry skiers in Grand Teton National Park flock to it every year.
The mountain sits between 25 Short and Wimpy’s and is mostly mellow on the way up with the occasional steep section to spice things up. The first hour features only about 600 vertical feet before reaching the tail of the east-facing slide path on 25 Short. From there, you’ll climb up the southern side of the slide path, then follow the trees to the south until you reach the top.
Your reward will be some of the finest lines around—glade skiing and open powder sections all the way to the bottom. Altogether, the 3,500-foot ascent at Mavericks is a bit more technical (and shorter) than 25 Short, but no less brilliant.
Carve some couloir turns on Shadow Peak
Standing at 10,725 feet, Shadow Peak is situated north of Avalanche Canyon and southeast of Nez Perce Peak. This wild but enchanting mountain is famous for the Four-Hour Couloir, which splits the south face and runs for 2,000 feet at around 40 degrees, terminating in Avalanche Canyon.
From Taggart Lake Trail, enter the canyon east of the lake, then follow the Four-Hour Couloir along the east ridge to the summit. Once you get there, you’ll ski the same route back down. A steep treed section will siphon you into the couloir, where you’ll have plenty of wiggle room to carve wide arching turns.
It is recommended that you ski this route in early or late winter, while the roads are still open to traffic. Otherwise, you’ll probably need to hike a bit more to reach your starting point. And if you’re wondering where Avalanche Canyon got its name from, Shadow is known to offer big, rumbling reminders to skiers every once in a while.
Drop down from Wimpy’s Knob
If you’re in the mood for an excellent intermediate-level day tour, look no further than Wimpy’s Knob (or just Wimpy’s) on Albright Peak, approached via Death Canyon. It’s only a 3,000-meter skin to the top with some steep sections at the end, while on the way back you’re treated to a sustained descent through open powder slopes and gullies.
The terrain is slightly steeper and the trees more widely spaced than on 25 Short and Mavericks, but the crowds love them all just the same. Luckily, the eastern flank has enough terrain to accommodate a dozen groups at the same time, so you’ll always find fresh tracks.