Jackson Hole vs. Big Sky: An Exhaustive Comparison

[@johnsmeith3913]

Is anyone going to mention that snowboarder at 3:20 absolutely eating it off that feature lmao. And the best part is the camera slowly panning like its a scene out of the office

[@je5406]

In sure he had to see a Chiro a few days later.

[@counterfit5]

I have to wonder what they were thinking. Maybe trying to self-teach?

[@jberczi6]

Per ride costs on a lift is absolutely ridiculous

[@je5406]

Gold pass is unlimitted. Seems they are doing right by the locals.

[@robertivaniszyn840]

Hour plus lines for a single lift line are also ridiculous

[@gregvogel9859]

If you've been to Big Sky and have skied lone peak you'd understand. The top of Loan Peak is extremely narrow and at the top there honestly isn't that much room. I'm actually a little worried about them making the tram bigger as I'm not sure the summit can hold 75 people at a time. It felt like you were in danger of pushing someone off a cliff when there were only 15 of you up there at a time. Because the summit can only accommodate a few people at a time. That leaves you with ridiculously long lines at the bottom. By charging per ride, it should hopefully solve that issue as well. Lone Peak is honestly some of the most amazing in bound terrain in the country, and hopefully the pay per ride system will help with crowd control as well. I'm fine getting a couple runs in on Lone Peak a day and then skiing some of the other amazing terrain at Big Sky the rest of the day and not wasting 1-2 hours in a lift line to get a run in on Lone Peak.

[@PaulMader-w3x]

It's more about crowd control than making an extra buck. Lone Peak is a unique experience and there's little room at the top.

[@YoutubeModsSuck]

@@PaulMader-w3x facts

[@itsjustajoke4679]

I went to both last year. If you are planning a trip with someone who cannot ski black diamonds all day, immediately cross Jackson Hole off the list. Both are extremely fun if you are advanced to expert level.

[@phlack1001]

We're thinking of Jackson Hole. But I'm more Intermediate, and definitely wouldn't do any blacks. I can do some blues. How would I fare?

[@itsjustajoke4679]

@@phlack1001 like he said, limited blues and are usually cat track types. Jackson Hole is pricey enough that if you can’t ski difficult terrain, you are essentially wasting your money to ski there. Colorado or big sky is a much better option

[@diegoloera5026]

⁠​⁠@@phlack1001you’ll be limited to very few runs and will have to traverse on cat walks quite frequently. It’s an amazing mountain, but you will get bored of hitting the same 2 lifts for blues after a day or two. It’s definitely a mountain for advanced skiers/snowboarders, but you don’t have to be advanced to hit the bars!

[@phlack1001]

@@itsjustajoke4679 Been to Colorado (A-Basin, Keystone (and going there this winter)). Have also hit Powder in Utah last year. Killington is my favorite place on the East Coast. My wife wants to do some National Park stuff in the winter, and felt I could get some of my skiing itch taken care of at Jackson Hole. I'm thinking Big Sky would be a better bet for me at my level, and she could still do some park stuff as well from there, but will have to look into it further.

[@phlack1001]

@@diegoloera5026 I am definitely thinking it's just above my level. When I go out to Keystone this winter, I'll see how I fare on the blues...can do some of them out there at least, but I'd rather it not be all that I do! My wife wants to do park stuff wintertime, and is trying to accommodate my skiing at the same time. I'm just worried Jackson Hole is slightly above my comfort level.

[@orans_]

Going to both this year! Hyped for the comparison.

[@sleepdeprivedraccoon649]

As soon as I saw this it was a instant click. Jackson is my favorite resort by far. I had the pleasure of meeting you there in May last season.

[@humanbeing2420]

Me too. And me too. But I didn't have the pleasure of meeting him there last season. I've never been to Big Sky and I doubt I will ever go.

[@BrendonSmith-e9v]

I’m 81 now and can’t skii anymore. How I miss Jackson Hole and the skiing. I live in New Zealand and remember Grand Teton so fondly.

[@vopvoopone]

Loved Jackson hole the one time I skied it! I grew up skiing snowbird and felt right at home.

[@izakwalker6286]

Having been a big sky pass holder for a number of years it feels like JH always gets more early season snow. A lot of the great lines at big sky don’t fill in until late January most years. With big sky having nearly 360 degrees of skiing around an isolated peak there is almost always an aspect that is skiing great. People will complain about the tram but the lines were always over an hour often 90 minutes before it cost extra. Paying per day sucked too due to the lines so it was hard to get more than a few tram laps in a day. The tram got to be a mess once ikon was added. 🤷‍♂️

[@je5406]

At least Ikon didnt ruin it like Steamboat, Palisades or the Cottonwoods.

[@Andrew-pc8zn]

I would bring ski straps on your bag if you are hiking headwaters, makes it much easier. Firehole and three forks were excellent. Drop ins are tight, firehole stays tight while three forks really flattens out and has some epic rock features

[@johnhelms8226]

Both are incredible. No need to compare. Any skier should love both. Go to both.

[@esthervernon]

I loved Big Sky. The people where nice and friendly, nice family vibes, lots of interesting terrain for all levels. Not crowded. Just awesome 🤩

[@jeffcarrier7435]

My kids learned to ride at JH. After a week of AV they were doing double blues off the Gondy Beginners can do just fine at The Vill.

[@kjjohnson24]

My two fav resorts!

[@brucecooley4170]

Both of these areas are amazing when snow is good snow. To their credit, Big Sky has dumped massive money on lift upgrades, more than any other area in the west. Both areas are each close to another resort,not the same that are really good as well. I am leaving them nameless to protect the innocent. Big Sky can get ridiculously cold at times.

[@georgedobbs9216]

Jackson gets colder on average than Big Sky.

[@C.oleCarson]

Great video! But an 8 for big sky on challenge is just not right, there are a few named runs off the headwaters hike that have mandatory 30+ foot cliffs

[@Andrew-pc8zn]

Must be because it is not very accessible. Easy to pound challenging runs at Jackson, only lapable challenging stuff at Big Sky is challenger

[@C.oleCarson]

@@Andrew-pc8zn I definitely disagree there, lone tree, headwaters, powder seeker, Dakota, Ramcharger and thunder wolf all are have great challenging terrain easily accessible.

[@travisfetters8765]

@C.oleCarson There is a catch to this ranking on their solo review of Big Sky. They give a rating of 8 with no tram and a 9 with tram. I disagree with both of their ratings and should be a solid 10 without hesitation. Your mentioning of the Headwaters collective is an accurate example...who cares about its indirect accessibility. It doesn't change its ◇◇◇ classification. Furthermore, tram accessible Big Couloir is the longest, steepest inbound run in North America with 1400'+ Vertical at continuous 40°-50°+ pitches. It's littlest sibling, Little Couloir, packs a bigger punch with a 60° entry that requires mountaineering skills. I'm curious about their metrics that led to their conclusions.

[@C.oleCarson]

@@travisfetters8765 Yeah I agree 100%, I ski big sky on the ikon and I never pay for the tram. And even without the tram it is one of the top 10 most challenging resorts in America no question, definitely on par with Jackson. While a higher percentage of Jackson is steep, that doesn't take away from the hardest runs at big sky

[@skiingkms2010]

It’s because peak rankings doesn’t know how to ski. How can you rank the hard terrain if you’re not good enough to ski it.

[@robinleckey]

Love this comparison!! Thanks for covering this

[@stefanb18]

I've been to both and its hard to say which is better. Both are top teir resorts. Both are worth visiting. I'd lean toward Jackson Hole

[@tombarlow2162]

Great overall summary having been to both! On Big Sky a few things were incorrect. To get to the new tram from the base only need to take the high speed Swifty 6 (old tram required two lifts but no longer true). Also, could ski directly to tram and not go back to base, but cuts the run length in about half. The gondola project from the base is scheduled to open in 2025 now. In 2024, the six shooter on the Madison side will be upgraded to a higher speed 8 with bubble. Should fix most of the issues with 20-30 min wait at 3 major lifts. However, since there are 8 major lifts it’s already easy to ski there and never wait that long if you know where you’re going.

[@Gary-np7hl]

Mountain collective was 1/2 off on black Friday. Is that a regular thing? When I do epic instead of ikon, adding that would be a no brainer at that price.

[@je5406]

That doesnt sound right. Perhaps you are referring to the 50% off lift tickets once you use the 2 days alloted.

[@mtadams2009]

As someone who has been to JH many times I must add your don’t really need to ride the tram to get to some really great terrain. In fact on a big day I may only ride the tram once or not at all. I always stay in the town of JH which is much more alive than at the resort and less expensive. I always go to Grand Targhee for a couple of days. It’s as steep but the powder is often much better, they get more snow and there is a complete lack of crowds. Eating out in JH has gotten insanely expensive. I feel like I am eating in NYC. I was going to go to Big Sky with my friends this winter but after running the prices we opted to go to Colorado and ski A Basin, Winter Park and Loveland. Much much cheaper and it’s good enough for me. Ski resorts are just pushing up the prices and seeing how much people are willing to pay. I can afford to ski anywhere I want but I just have had enough. Charging 300 bucks a day and lodging that is over the top, no thanks. This all said I have had some great times at JH. It’s super easy to get to and if your all strong skiers you will have an amazing time. As soon as you step off the plane you will know how special a place JH is. You can also go snowmobiling in Yellowstone if you want.

[@josephrosner905]

can u pls do stratton vt review? its my home mountain and i would love to see it thx

[@jackjmaheriii]

I am not trying to throw bricks at this video, and I went on my honeymoon to Jackson Hole, but JH has congestion like I’ve never seen even in the first week of December or the last week in January. Every lift feels like School Marm at Veil. If all you care about is long and steep during the day, and brick oven pizza at night JH is fire, but everything in Idaho and Switzerland is cheaper and more interesting.

[@tommarks1039]

Excellent video!

[@ermanakbay]

1:20 East facing slopes gets crusty more easily than other directions? Why? I'd think West facing would be more susceptible to thaw-freeze due to afternoon sun typically being warmer

[@jwernig78]

The first time I visited Jackson Hole, we trailed a local through the gates off Rendezvous Bowl into the backcountry, carving through stunning out-of-bounds terrain that seamlessly led back to the resort near the Union Pass lift base. Now, I dedicate entire days to riding this backcountry area whenever I'm at Jackson, enhancing my overall resort experience. I'm intrigued by lift-accessed backcountry options at other mountains, yet I've struggled to find a dependable website or KZbin channel that delves into this. Maybe an idea for future videos :)

[@johngilbert1325]

Venturing a guess, most folks would shy away from doing a video guide like that as it encourages people who aren't equipped with adequate skills, knowledge and gear to venture out of the gates. It's a world of trouble- many, many unprepared people go through the gates every year and some never return home. Happened last year at Kicking Horse just out of the gates. 6 in the group, 4 caught, 3 buried, 2 died. Not properly equipped with avy gear and with questionable knowledge. Rock springs/4 pines is similar terrain.

[@skiingkms2010]

The Jackson locals hate people like you.

[@KindaMistish]

When I went to Jackson Hole, it felt like the only thing at the resort was Corbet's or the backcountry areas. The entire resort just seems pretty flat.

[@C.oleCarson]

You gotta hit the hiking terrain, that's where the goods are

[@KindaMistish]

@@C.oleCarson Yeah I know, I spent my entire time there in the sidecountry, but I can get better lift access terrain and sidecountry terrain at the resorts in Utah.

[@C.oleCarson]

@@KindaMistish I feel you with that, nothing can match snowbird for me, but Jackson's side country tram laps seem unbeatable

[@Osnosis]

Flat? Hahaha!

[@Weathernerd27]

The cost of these 2 resorts is insane I have skiied for almost 30 years In California, Oregon and Washington and I've never had to pay for parking or gondola rides. Its expensive enough without these extra costs when you factor in gas, food and lodging. You literally have to be rich to afford those prices. As for the hour long lift lines, should we build another ski resort or two if there is that much congestion? Why is it that our infrastructure cannot increase as the population increases?

[@ericmcleod7825]

You've left out some important details about Big Sky: Not only do they charge $30 a ride for the tram on top of a $250 lift ticket but you will also probably be spending $900 a night for lodging. There is no affordable lodging anywhere near Big Sky. You have to go all the way to Bozeman to get lodging for less than $500 a night. And that drive is no picnic in the winter time... which brings up another important point about Big Sky- it's really cold in the winter time. My trip there they delayed opening the lifts because it was 20 degrees below zero. No thanks- I'll stick to Utah, Colorado and the Sierras.

[@ewallt]

I didn’t realize it got that cold. Usually in Utah it’s in the 20’s, only super cold when you get caught in the wind.

[@dagalaiphusaerobindus646]

I would love to see a review of Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana. Curious to hear your thoughts if you have been (if not, please try it out. It’s an awesome place to ski)

[@PeakRankings]

We've been! Check out our written review here: www.peakrankings.com/content/whitefish When you see the pics, you'll understand why we don't currently have enough footage to make a video haha

[@dagalaiphusaerobindus646]

@@PeakRankings Thanks for sharing. You guys did a great job. Yeah mate it’s so foggy lol

[@holymeto9981]

0:09 I've been to a whole TWO ski resorts in my whole life!

[@jimsimminins3020]

the reason resorts do things like make you buy separate per ride tram costs is to steer locals into buying the most expensive season pass.

[@CalgaryDynastar]

What I got from this was if you’re a tourist who just wants to take a few laps and sit in the lodge and take a vacation, don’t go.

[@SohrabSinghIshar]

Please review Snowshoe, WV.

[@dabsandsnkrs3977]

My 2 favorite resorts

[@res_ipsa-REX]

JH is Snowbird with better groomers but The Bird has way better snow. I would rather ski Grand Targhee than Big Sky

[@Glibzer]

3:18 what the hell were they trying to do

[@KZ-yu4jz]

Good comparison. Jackson Hole = guy trip: Pros - Great for advanced to expert Cons: Not enough beg. to intermediate terrain, horrible line for tram, parking, no lifts to hobacks, and Sublett is still a slow chair. Big Sky = family trip : Pros Terrain for everyone (best beginner and intermediate terrain), awesome lifts, epic view of Lone mountain Cons: Tram to top, rocks from wind exposure, lodge is a zoo with so many people...

[@humanbeing2420]

At Jackson a couple weeks ago I rode up the lift with 3 experts from Bozeman, Montana. They complained that Big Sky just doesn't get enough snow....

[@QuietBeats]

Last season was historically bad (as in, lowest snow pack in >50 years). That was highly anomalous

[@Cowskiman]

Big sky size should be 10

[@humanbeing2420]

It's $30 per tram ride at Big Sky?? Screw that noise. Jackson's tram lines are long in the AM, but by 1-2 PM it usually clears up considerably.

[@wyomingadventures]

I will pick Grand Targhee over either one. But i do like Big Sky. Lone Mountain is a nice ride down. I find Jackson can get icy fast.

[@jeffjensen27]

I would argue that you favor Jackson Hole Lift System Over Big Sky Resort! You Might Want To Update This Video As You Did Not Include The World Premiere Of The Longest 8 Passenger Chairlift In The World At Big Sky Resort With The Madison 8.

[@texan_2ocho965]

Yeah, but Jackson Hole doesn’t have Yeti Dogs

[@QuietBeats]

They're putting one in Town Center this season!

[@JohnShields-xx1yk]

His camera doesn't do the steepness justice, it's much different when your standing on your skis

[@waltysalamander]

1:38 was unfortunate timing.

[@ewallt]

The video says they’re only a few hours apart, but it’s almost a 4 hour drive, so trying to do both on a trip isn’t trivial.

[@rickden8362]

If you're planning a trip, you only go to Jackson Hole or Big Sky if you've been to AltaBird enough times you want something new. Re: the ranking... AltaBird should ALWAYS be considered as one.

[@alexkimball515]

Not allowed there as a snowboarder 🥲

[@rickden8362]

@@alexkimball515 Only Alta, you can still go to the 'Bird.

[@patrickcoyne1292]

jackson….been to both. jackson all day

[@steveshea8827]

I laugh at the inferiority complex that Big Sky locals have when it comes to Jackson. They are always comparing and are given to oneupsmanship. Big Sky is really nice. It's got issues like all ski areas but that doesn't make it bad. It's no Jackson though, or Snowbird for that matter. We always referred to it as Big Lie with their claim of continuous vertical. They left out though that half of that is flat as a pancake. Whereas at JH if you link Rendezvous Bowl to R trail to the Hobacks it is a true top to bottom continuous 4K + of leg pounding terrain. Full value no fluff. I worked in the ski industry and had Wyoming Idaho and Montana as my territory and spent a lot of time at Big Sky. The skiing was ok, but I dreaded going there because of rock damage to my demo fleet. There were always rocks, andesite, wind blown all over. That said, it's a nice place to blow a few K.

[@maxwellerickson7066]

If I had to choose between JH and Big Sky, I'd pick Targhee.

[@johnbradley1586]

The Big Sky tram to Lone Peak ... 15 person capacity , 10 minutes load and ride. So , 90 people an hour capacity. European resorts would laugh at anyone who suggested a lift like that. Now , lets talk about the rocks. I ski'd there when they said they had a 105 inch base. There were rocks everywhere. The locals were kind of joking you just had to accept ski damage. Terrain ? It looks spectacular , but , if you take away Lone Peak , it's flat. Jackson Hole. ... great mountain , but , if you want to be on the first tram on a powder day then you'll need to be in line at least an hour before the lifts start. We got to the line 30 minutes before , and would have been on the 3rd or 4th tram.

[@unclenorm8759]

If you take away the Tram at Big Sky, for some reason it reminds me of Mt. Flatelor in Oregon. The two dozen times or so I've skied there were always December and January and either conditions or the Tram lines were not worth it. To be fair I need to ski Big Sky in the spring when conditions are better.

[@richardray5278]

As a result of 25+ years of working WAY too much,I now hold a lifetime, fill mountain pass at JHMR. Sorry (not sorry) 😂.

[@jacksylvester1220]

Snowboarder at 3:20😂

[@cycleoflife7331]

Go to both

[@montanausa329]

Both to expensive much better deals near by without the hype

[@LKGTAG]

W vid

[@scottyoboy1]

Great comparison. Definitely go to Jhole and forget Big Sky.

[@kingamplify8904]

Big sky has CALORS. also no fall, ACHIVALACH ACHIVALANCH, precipitous CALORS throught jacksonville hole. CHUTE CALOR!!! CALORS no fall PRECIPITUOUS

[@LindenBuotte]

big sky SUCKS, all of the locals are rude and the snow quality is poor! my skis were ruined by the end of the trip AND we had to spend way to much money on this place, the skiing is not fun and its overcrouded and overhyped.

[@ejr5480]

How exhaustive can it be in 16 minutes??? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@austinsamuels5779]

Yeah Big Sky Sucks! Tell your friends... Nobody come... okay?

[@thcnetwork4857]

No way I rate JH over BS Just plain less crowded shorter lift lines

[@jerrystraka7856]

Ski Whitefish. terrain for everyone. lots of it. lots of powder.

[@skiingkms2010]

Honestly Peakrankings is a joke.

[@kodyadams5561]

BIG SKY IS THE BIGGEST RIP OFF IN ALL OF NORTH AMERICA . HIGHEST TICKET PRICES. SOME OF THE WORST TASTING RESORT FOOD AT OUTRAGEOUS PRICES. THERE IS NO REASON TO GO TO THIS RESORT AT ALL. I HAVE SKIIED AT OVER 43 DIFFERENT RESORTS IN NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE THIS IS THE WORST ONE FOR VALUE , FOOD QUALITY AND SERVICE.

[@YoutubeModsSuck]

Sad to hear. I felt like that about squaw.

[@PaulMader-w3x]

Maybe if you use the all capital letters you get your point across more

[@YoutubeModsSuck]

@@PaulMader-w3x what about all lower case? lol love the comment

[@QuietBeats]

Cool story. Stay away