Sun Valley vs Jackson Hole: Classic Western Ski Rivals
Two iconic Western ski destinations with rich histories and devoted followings face off.
Side-by-Side Stats
| Stat | Sun Valley | Jackson Hole |
|---|---|---|
| Skiable Acres | 2,154 | 2,500 |
| Vertical Drop | 3,400' | 4,139' |
| Trails | 121 | 133 |
| Lifts | 18 | 13 |
| Snowfall | 220 inches annually | 459 inches annually |
| Beginner Terrain | 36% | 10% |
| Intermediate Terrain | 42% | 40% |
| Advanced Terrain | 22% | 50% |
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Grooming
Sun ValleySun Valley is famous for its impeccable corduroy — widely considered the best grooming in North America.
Expert Terrain
Jackson HoleJackson Hole's continuous steep terrain, tight chutes, and cliff drops are among the most challenging anywhere.
Snow Quantity
Jackson HoleJackson Hole averages 459 inches annually compared to Sun Valley's 220 inches, though Sun Valley's snowmaking is excellent.
Weather
Sun ValleySun Valley averages over 250 sunny days per year, providing far more bluebird skiing than Jackson.
Town Character
TieBoth offer exceptional town experiences — Ketchum's understated elegance vs Jackson's rugged Western charm.
Vertical Drop
Jackson HoleJackson Hole's 4,139 feet of continuous vertical surpasses Sun Valley's 3,400 feet on Baldy.
Overall Verdict
Sun Valley wins for grooming and sunshine, Jackson Hole wins for steeps and powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Sun Valley or Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole wins more categories overall (3 to 2 with 1 tied), but the best choice depends on your priorities. Sun Valley wins for grooming and sunshine, Jackson Hole wins for steeps and powder.
Which resort has more terrain, Sun Valley or Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole has more skiable terrain with 2,500 acres compared to Sun Valley's 2,154 acres. Jackson Hole also leads in trail count with 133 trails versus 121 at Sun Valley.
Which resort gets more snow, Sun Valley or Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole receives more snowfall at 459 inches annually, compared to 220 inches annually at Sun Valley. Sun Valley has a vertical drop of 3,400 feet and Jackson Hole has 4,139 feet.
Is Sun Valley or Jackson Hole better for beginners?
Sun Valley is more beginner-friendly, with 36% of its terrain rated for beginners compared to 10% at Jackson Hole. For intermediate skiers, Sun Valley offers 42% intermediate terrain versus 40% at Jackson Hole.