Best Backcountry Skiing in Wyoming

Trying to find the best backcountry skiing in Wyoming? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

11 :49 hrs
6.7 mi
1821.4985 ft
S3+

The Middle Teton has had more ski descents from its summit than any other Teton peak and is probably the most skied in the entire Teton Range. This is the most popular route to the summit and the most popular ski descent. This hike begins at Lupine Meadows and follows the south fork of Garnet Canyon to the saddle between the South and Middle Teton. Once at the saddle take the largest most obvious couloir heading to the summit. If the route is taken in the winter, roads to the trailhead will be closed. If this is the case, begin the route in the city of Moose.

2

Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park

00 :58 hrs
1.7 mi
148.68384 ft
S2

Telemark Meadows offers easy terrain with good deep snow. It is a great place for beginners or to just practice up your turns. The skiable vertical is short but the excellent stable snowpack make for fun and safe skiing. If the main routes are all skied out, head further up the hill to find some untouched snow. This is located inside the Yellowstone Park boundary so a permit is required.

3

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

11 :30 hrs
6.7 mi
1733.676 ft
S3+

This is a popular ski down the Northeast Couloir of the South Teton. The route begins at the Garnet Canyon trailhead. The South and Middle Tetons share the same trail until it splits at the saddle between the two peaks. From the saddle, the route follows the northeast couloir to the summit. The ski down follows the same route as the ascent. If done in the winter, a further hike in will be needed as the road is closed to the trailhead. Recommended to ski in early or late winter when the road is open.

4

Wyoming, Alta

03 :20 hrs
5 mi
592.4385 ft
S4-

Located just southeast of Grand Targhee Resort, Peaked Mountain and Mary's Nipple are both popular for great backcountry powder turns. These summits both have breathtaking views of the Teton Mountains. The route begins at Grand Targhee parking lot and climbs east along the ridge to the top of Peaked Mountain and then to Mary's Nipple. This is an amazing and treeless ski off the west face of Mary's Nipple into the valley below. After this run, climb back up to Peaked Mountain and drop off the north face for steep and beautiful turns. Heading west along the valley floor leads back to the parking lot. There are numerous backcountry options on either of these two peaks with relatively easy access.

5

Wyoming, Alta

04 :25 hrs
5.5 mi
853.5886 ft
S3-

Claimed to be some of the best backcountry snow in the nation, Teton Pass is also easily accessible. Located at the southern end of the Teton Range, the Teton Pass provides access from the Jackson Hole valley to the Teton Valley of eastern Idaho. This route begins at a parking along the pass and climbs north up a ridge to the top of Taylor Mountain. There are two separate descents on this route. The first descent drops down a steep treeless east face into the valley below. The second route heads down a southeast chute that is nearer to the parking lot. Both are amazing skies and there is avalanche risk on both as well.

6

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

07 :55 hrs
4.4 mi
1368.719 ft
S4+

The Sliver Couloir on Nez Perce is a beautiful line you can see from the highway. The sliver is a Teton classic that sees a lot of traffic. However, with slopes reaching near 50 degrees in the couloir, it is in prime avalanche terrain and should only be tackled by the experienced backcountry skier. The widest section can be 10 yards to 20 yards max with granite rock on both sides. After the couloir, you can ski most of the way back to the trailhead. A national park pass is required.

7

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

16 :50 hrs
13 mi
1289.4478 ft
S3+

Along the north face of the Grand Teton lies the largest glacier in Grand Teton National Park, Teton Glacier. During winter months, take the full route from Moose, as Teton Park Rd is closed. In fall or spring, access will be much closer. The route goes around Jenny Lake and up Cascade Canyon. From the canyon, you'll climb up the north side of the Grand and onto the glacier. It is recommended to ski the same way you climb, so you know the terrain.

8

Wyoming, Cody

00 :31 hrs
0.6 mi
178.95312 ft
S4-

Beartooth Pass can be accessed only by snowmobile from October-May. This is a classic spring run that offers 800 skiable vertical feet. The descent begins right from the parking lot down to the shoreline of Twin Lakes. Then it’s a steep boot pack back to the top for another lap.

9

Wyoming, Cody

00 :31 hrs
0.6 mi
184.62793 ft
S4-

Beartooth Pass can be accessed only by snowmobile from October-May. This is a classic spring run when they open the road, that offers 800 skiable vertical feet. This route begins in the more southern pullout. The descent leaves right from the car down to the shoreline of Twin Lakes. The descent is a bit shorter, but steeper than the drop a further south. It is a steep boot pack back to the top for another lap.

10

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

10 :55 hrs
6 mi
1786.656 ft
S4+

The Middle Teton is probably the most skied high peaks in the Teton Range and has had more ski descents from its summit than any other Teton peak. This ski follows the Middle Teton Glacier climbing route and then skies down the glacier. This is a very technical climb and an ascent to the summit does not need to be made to ski the largest, lower part of the glacier.

11

Wyoming, Fremont County

20 :05 hrs
31.7 mi
1216.6143 ft
S3

Three Waters Mountain is a massive rubble-sloped mound that has numerous couloirs to ski down on the north side. This is a long hike in and out, but the skiing can be great and also challenging as each ski drops into a chute off the ridge. The first ascent leads by numerous mountain lakes and follows up the southeast ridge. You can continue up this ascent or hike up the couloir to see the details before skiing down.

12

Wyoming, Cody

05 :02 hrs
8.5 mi
721.63135 ft
S3-

Located in Sunlight Basin, this is a great ski down the south face of a ridge near Chief Joseph Hwy. This is a relatively flat hike in and then climbs the eastern ridge line to the summit of the ridge. This is a drop down into a large bowl, with some avalanche risk. The ski provides almost 2000 feet of turns through this bowl.

13

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

09 :27 hrs
15.7 mi
1113.7902 ft
S4

Cache Peak is a remote peak that can be seen from the town of Jackson. The peak is part of the Gros Ventre Wilderness that offers many backcountry lines just as worthy as the popular Teton area. However, the main problem is access in midwinter. This route and others in Gros Ventre are better accessed during spring when roads open up. In the winter you can get pretty close on snowmobile and in the late season a bike comes in handy. This route skis a couloir and also the north face of Cache Peak. For the couloir, ski where you hike up. After that exciting and steep ski, climb the ridge and follow it to the summit of the peak for bowl skiing on the north side of the summit. The turns are wide open here as there are no trees in the bowl. Avalanche risk does exist.

14

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

14 :47 hrs
10.1 mi
1603.8442 ft
S3

The highest peak in the Teton Range and most popular, Grand Teton is great for climbing and for backcountry skiing. This route skies the East Ridge Glacier of the Grand. The climb does not lead to the summit, but there are still amazing views of Grand Teton National Park and the skiing is great off of this glacier, with no technical climbing needed.

15

Wyoming, Albany County

01 :59 hrs
2.9 mi
312.69043 ft
S3

Medicine Bow Peak is the highest peak in the Snowy Range. This route follows Medicine Bow Trail to the top of the peak and then drops down the north portion of the ridge near the summit. The ride can be skied multiple times in a day. Complex avalanche terrain on this mountain can make skiing difficult during the winter months and thus it is recommended to ski this peak during the spring months.

16

Wyoming, Big Horn County

15 :54 hrs
11.2 mi
1208.949 ft
S2+

This is a beautiful and ski on the southwest ridge of Cloud Peak, the highpoint of the Big Horn Range. This route begins at West Tensleep Lake and goes through Bighorn National Forest near beautiful wilderness lakes and streams and then heads to the top of the peak along the southwest ridge. The descent is not extremely steep, and you could drop off the ridge to the southeast for steep ascents and higher risk. The trail is very rocky is not marked on most maps of the area nor via trail signs or blazes. During the winter the road is closed and the route will begin from highway 16 adding about 14 miles roundtrip.

17

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

03 :32 hrs
4.6 mi
1050.5156 ft
S3-

Located in the Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Albright Peak is a fun ski close to Teton Village. The route climbs the southeast saddle of the peak leading directly to the summit. The descent follows nearly the same course, dropping down the northern side of the saddle into a bowl and then following a valley the remainder of the way down. The peak is located above Phelps Lake and make need to be hiked in from Teton Village, depending on road openings.

18

Wyoming, Alta

01 :25 hrs
1.9 mi
418.74463 ft
S2

Located at the southern end of the Teton Range, the Teton Pass provides access from the Jackson Hole valley to the Teton Valley of eastern Idaho. This route begins at the parking at the top of the pass and climbs north up the ridge. This is one of many descents down the ridge and this one provides the least amount of hiking back to the car as it goes down the southeast slope and then drops back down to the parking. This is a great slope for beginning backcountry.

19

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

05 :43 hrs
2.7 mi
1263.7991 ft
S3+

Rockchuck Peak in the Teton Range is easily accessible from String Lake. This route along the eastern slopes provides a beautiful climb to the top of the peak and then a great ski down the same route. To begin, the route heads west from String Lake up through the east couloir of Rockchuck Peak until it steepens and then angles to the left to follow the upper portion of the east ridge. The ridge then leads to the summit. The ski down follows the ridge and then drops into the large bowl on the east side. The route is recommended in early or late winter when the road is open, but can be accessed by starting in the city of Moose if done in the winter.

20

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

15 :15 hrs
11.7 mi
1202.9138 ft
S3+

Along the north face of Teewinot Mountain, this is a great glacier ski in Grand Teton National Park. During winter months, take the full route from Moose, as Teton Park Rd is closed. In fall or spring, access will be much closer. The route goes around Jenny Lake and up Cascade Canyon. From the canyon, you'll climb up the glacier. It is recommended to ski the same way you climb, so you know the terrain.

21

Wyoming, Alta

02 :42 hrs
4.1 mi
528.8296 ft
S4-

Located at the southern end of the Teton Range, the Teton Pass provides access from the Jackson Hole valley to the Teton Valley of eastern Idaho. This route begins at the parking at the top of the pass and climbs north up the ridge. The route then follows the top of the ridge past the first bowl to the second, or north bowl, which is steeper than the southern bowl. This route drops down the east side of the ridge into the northern bowl. The bowl is large and provides great turns and amazing views. A short hike back to the car along the road is needed after reaching the bottom.

22

Wyoming, Teton Village

12 :58 hrs
21.1 mi
1462.3752 ft
S2+

Located in the heart of Grand Tetons National Park, Static Peak is an over 5000 climb to a great ski. The route begins in Teton Village and uses Moose Wilson Road and then Whitegrass Ranch Road, both closed in the winter. After following trails to the base of the peak on the east side, the route begins to climb to the southern saddle. Following the saddle leads to the summit of Static Peak. On clear days, the views are amazing of the park, especially nearby Buck Mountain. The descent drops off the south side of the summit into a clear bowl and then down the east face into Stewarts Draw. This mountain can only be skied in early Fall and late spring. To protect Big Horn Sheep, the mountain is closed from late Nov - Apr.

23

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

13 :33 hrs
9.7 mi
1278.5312 ft
S3+

The flat-topped peak on a long ridge that runs to the divide, Traverse Peak is a great ski in a remote part of Grand Teton National Park. This route begins by following the eastern shore of Leigh Lake and then the western shore of Moran Bay in Jackson Lake. From the most western point of the lake, the route begins up a beautiful and wild canyon along the base of the ridge. To reach the summit, the hike follows an obvious couloir on the south face that descends between Traverse Peak and Bivouac Peak. Once on the top, follow the ridge west to the summit of Traverse Peak. To descend, just follow the same route through the 3,500 snow chute to the base of the ridge. The route can only be done in spring or fall when there is snow on the peak, but the road to the lake is not yet closed.

24

Wyoming, Alta

04 :38 hrs
6.6 mi
1058.1582 ft
S3-

This is a gorgeous and wide open ski down southern faces slopes in the East Fork of Darby Canyon. The route begins at the end of Darby Canyon Road and immediately begins to climb up the ridge of the canyon. There are various places to ski off this ridge along the route, but this ski goes to the end of the ridge and drops south into a treeless bowl and then down to the canyon floor.

25

Wyoming, Alta

03 :10 hrs
1.9 mi
388.6206 ft
S2+

Beginning at parking along the Teton Pass Hwy, this route climbs the southwest side of Mail Cabin Canyon. The first ski is down the back or south side of the ridge. After climbing back up to the ridge, the route then drops back down where it came on the north side. This scenery is gorgeous at the top and the highway provides easy access to a great backcountry ski.

26

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

07 :40 hrs
3.8 mi
1538.9822 ft
S3+

Buck Mountain is the highest peak in the Tetons south of the Garnet Canyon. This route is the most popular ski descent on the mountain down the east face. Beginning near Phelps Lake, the route goes to the northeast of Albright Peak through meadows and then into Stewarts Draw. The draw leads to the base of the mountain and continues climbing up the eastern slopes to the summit. Descend the same route. Due to the time of year you ascend this to ski, roads may be closed for winter and a hike further hike to reach the starting point may be necessary.

27

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

01 :35 hrs
0.8 mi
284.62964 ft
S4

Located close to Hwy 26, Radio Antennae Couloir is the skinnier, steeper and more narrow couloir to the left or west of Radio Tower Couloir. The route from the highway cuts along the beautiful wilderness to the base of gorgeous cliffs. The Antennae Couloir is really narrow, really steep, and lots of rocks that can cause mandatory air depending on the snow coverage. The descent follows the same route at the ascent.

28

Wyoming, Alta

02 :10 hrs
3.2 mi
490.0525 ft
S3-

Located at the southern end of the Teton Range, the Teton Pass provides access from the Jackson Hole valley to the Teton Valley of eastern Idaho. This route begins at the parking at the top of the pass and climbs north up the ridge. The route then follows the top of the ridge to the first or south bowl and drops down the east side of the ridge into the bowl. The bowl is large and provides great turns and amazing views.

29

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

08 :25 hrs
5.9 mi
1568.615 ft
S4+

A classic Teton ski descent, this route is down the northwest couloir. Begin at the Garnet Canyon trailhead and go to the Platforms. From the Platforms head toward the col between Nez Perce and Cloudveil Dome. Don't go all the way to the col, but find the couloir that leads to the summit. Once you're in the couloir, go as high as you safely can. The upper sections are often rocky and icy unless there's a lot of snow. The higher you go, the steeper it gets and the better the views are. The view from Nez Perce is spectacular as you can see all of the Garnet Canyon summits and the valley summits to the south. Ski the same route that you climb up. A hike from the nearby city of Moose may be necessary if Teton Park Rd is closed for the winter.

30

Wyoming, Fremont County

02 :01 hrs
2.7 mi
427.8955 ft
S4

In the Togwotee Group of the Absaroka Range, Pinnacle Buttes is known for its powder snow. The route begins at a parking lot not far from the buttes and takes advantage of the side of the ridges that runs between the two of them. There are of course many ski routes possible similar to this one that are along the bottom of the cliffs of the ridge. Grizzly bears love the area, so be careful early and late season. This is a remote area so having a partner is recommended.

31

Wyoming, Cody

02 :36 hrs
3.5 mi
760.7031 ft
S2+

Located in the Absaroka Range and right along Highway 20, this ski route down the southern side of Crow Peak is easily accessible and provides great slopes in the middle of winter. The route leads to the top of the peak and then heads down a chute off the southwest part of the ridge. There are very few trees along this route that heads all the way back to the starting point. You may be able to ski this peak earlier or later off the west or east side of the ridge, as this south-facing route tends to melt first.

32

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

09 :33 hrs
5.8 mi
1400.344 ft
S4

An exciting and challenging ski down the northeast side of Mt Wister, this route skis drops from the summit, along the ridge and through a glacier. This route up the northeast couloir is the most straightforward method that leads to the summit. Before Lake Taminah, you'll cross over the outlet stream and onto the glaciated ledge. After ascending slope, climb through the broad couloir on the east ridge and then up the left edge of the ridge to the summit. An ice axe is necessary. Ski the same route that you climb up. A hike from the nearby city of Moose may be necessary if Teton Park Rd is closed for the winter.

33

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

07 :40 hrs
4.2 mi
1374.0549 ft
S3+

Located at the far west end of Hanging Canyon, the Jaw provides an excellent view of the north and northwest faces of Teewinot, Mt Owen and the Grand Teton. This is a relatively straightforward ascent past Arrowhead Pool, Ramshead Lake and Lake of the Crags and then up the east face of the Jaw. The descent is down the same route you came up and is a great treeless ski in this bowl-like area protected by mountain ridges on either side.

34

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

26 :35 hrs
22 mi
983.0122 ft
S2+

This hike into secluded skiing begins just east of Moran. The route meanders through wilderness along creeks and rolling hills to Two Ocean Pass and the the summit of the mountain on a plateau. The descent is down the northern face into a bowl. This is popular as an early season route, as it is the first to hold skiable snow. There are beautiful views of the Tetons to the west.

35

Wyoming, Teton Village

05 :42 hrs
8.5 mi
1134.0103 ft
S3-

This ski is to the southwest of the ski resort in out of bounds territory. The climb is even further southwest, along a ridge that leads to the top. The ski begins by dropping off the ridge toward the south and then heading to the top of Rock Springs Bowl. This is a perfect ski with usually amazing snow down the steep bowl. After leaving the bowl, the rest of the descent is straightforward as it heads back to Teton Village. Check with the ski resort for snow and out of bounds conditions.

36

Wyoming, Teton Village

08 :58 hrs
14.2 mi
1304.3683 ft
S3

Originating from Teton Village, this route skis down the south face of Prospectors Mountain in Grand Teton National Park. This route is not as popular for skiers as the northern flank or the home of Apocalypse Couloir, but this is a great ski with easy access from the village. Views of the Teton Range are spectacular from the mountain.

37

Wyoming, Alta

03 :36 hrs
5.7 mi
318.75415 ft
S3-

Edelweiss is a small accessible mountain on the south side of Teton Pass, that offers great bowl skiing. Located at the southern end of the Teton Range, the Teton Pass provides access from the Jackson Hole Valley to the Teton Valley of eastern Idaho. This route begins at the parking at the top of the pass and heads south through forests and along ridges and over hills, gradually climbing to the top of Edelweiss. Dropping off the southeast face of the mountain into a large bowl, this is an amazing ski with beautiful treeless sections and gorgeous views.

38

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

01 :45 hrs
0.9 mi
316.50146 ft
S4

Being very close to Hwy 26, Radio Tower Couloir is a challenging, but great ski to get into some amazing terrain with very little approach. The route from the highway cuts along the beautiful wilderness to the base of gorgeous cliffs. From the base, climb through the couloir for almost 800 feet to the top. The descent follows the ascent exactly as it drops into the couloir for a fast ski down.

39

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

05 :55 hrs
8.7 mi
758.12305 ft
S3+

Beginning near Jenny Lake, this route follows the Jenny Lake Trail to the west side of the lake and the entry to Cascade Canyon. Before reaching the canyon, the route ascends up the ridge line for two great skis: one down the southeast face of the ridge and then the other down the northeast face through a chute. This route is best done in Spring or Fall when the road to Jenny Lake is open, as it does close for winter.

40

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

07 :19 hrs
4.3 mi
1224.8533 ft
S3+

On the eastern margin of the Teton Range, the small Shadow Peak is located in a wild and beautiful location that is not highly travelled. The route begins along Taggart Lake Trail and leads into the canyon east of the lake. The route follows up a couloir on the south face and then along the east ridge to the top. The descent follows the same route and can be a great and secluded ski. Recommended to do this route in early or late winter when the roads are still open. Otherwise, a further hike is required to get to this starting point.

41

Wyoming, Teton Village

05 :18 hrs
8 mi
1034.0541 ft
S3

This ski is at the beautiful Teton Village in the east slope of the Teton Mountain Range. The route takes advantage of the amazing groomed slopes at the ski resort and also incorporates a climb. Beginning at the village and heading north to the backside of the mountain, the route then heads east along the valley before climbing up south on the back of the mountain. Once reaching the top, continue south along the ridge to Laramie Bowl where it drops down for a great ski in the bowl and then heads northeast again to return the village. The drop into the bowl is steep, but the snow is usually amazing!

42

Wyoming, Albany County

03 :47 hrs
5.8 mi
385.43433 ft
S3+

Medicine Bow Peak is the highest peak in the Snowy Range. This route follows Medicine Bow Trail to the top of the peak and then drops down one of the multiple couloirs on the south portion of the peak. Pick a line and ski several of these couloir in a day. Complex avalanche terrain on this mountain can make skiing difficult during the winter months. The couloirs are more often skied during the spring months. Official names of the couloirs are uncertain and debated.

43

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

06 :33 hrs
3.9 mi
1114.0923 ft
S4+

This route up Symmetry Spire, between Hanging Canyon and Cascade Canyon, follows a straightforward course up the southwest couloir. The route begins at Jenny Lake and hikes near Inspiration Point in the majestic Grand Teton National Park. The route follows the couloir in its entirety. A stream drains the couloir, where somewhat deep snow resides most of the summer. The lower section of the couloir is loose rubble, while the upper portion has snow most of the time. Descend down the same route you ascend. Recommended to do in the early or late ski season, as the road is closed in the winter and a further hike in would be required.

44

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

13 :57 hrs
22.6 mi
1485.7644 ft
S3

Located just below the Grand Teton, Disappointment Peak is named as such when climbers in 1925 were attempting to climb the Grand, but found an impasse on this peak where a 450 foot drop is encountered to the saddle between the two summits. This route is along the east face to the summit. The ascent follows ridges to the top and then the descent drops straight down the face for amazing skiing when snow is good. The route is longer in spring through fall, as the road is closed in the winters. On the ascent, be aware to go around the left of both Surprise Lake and Amphitheater Lake and then just after Amphitheater, turn to ascend the ridge to the summit. Amazing views of the Tetons are seen along the route, and from the summit, the view is just below the Grand and is remarkable. Snow and ice travel equipment is necessary.

45

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

12 :25 hrs
8.9 mi
1166.3723 ft
S4+

This route to the flat-topped summit of Bivouac Peak begins by following the eastern shore of Leigh Lake and then the western shore of Moran Bay in Jackson Lake. From the most western point of the lake, the route begins up the beautiful and wild Moran Canyon and turns northwest just before fully entering the canyon. This route follows the East Couloir, the main large couloir leading from the summit to Moran Bay. Access to the couloir can be granted by climbing on the left of a large chockstone until you can traverse right into the couloir. Stay in the left branch to reach the summit. The descent is the same way as you ascended and can be fairly steep. The snow is usually great in the couloir. Recommended to do this at the beginning or end of ski season. If done in winter, a further hike or ride in from the city of Moose is required, as the road is closed.

46

Wyoming, Lincoln County

04 :04 hrs
5.6 mi
1118.5747 ft
S3

Ferry Peak is definitely the most recognizable peak in the Snake River Range and stands proudly above the Snake River Canyon and the town of Alpine. This ski is down the east face of the peak and usually is skied in the spring and sometimes in the dead of winter. Conditions must be right to ski it because it can easily slide. The views from the top are amazing of the Tetons, the Palisades Reservoir, Star Valley and the Salt River Range.

47

Wyoming, Big Horn County

00 :28 hrs
0.4 mi
87.779785 ft
S1+

Granite Pass Hill provides 300 vertical feet of wide open turns with easy accessibility. The run is along Hwy 14 at a pullout along Granite Pass. This is a great run for beginners and the hill is also shared with sledders and some snowmobilers. Views along the run are beautiful and some great turns can be made on this wide open hill.

48

Wyoming, Jackson Hole

00 :27 hrs
0.7 mi
127.25757 ft
S2

In the outskirts of the city of Jackson, Boyles Hill is a fun and easily accessible ski that can provide some great snow after a fresh fall. This is a great ski for all ages willing to try ungroomed runs and is not difficult to traverse to the top of the hill.