Alta vs Jackson Hole
One clear look at snowfall, elevation, and access, so you know which to ski.
Alta
UT · 10,550 ft
Jackson Hole
WY · 10,450 ft
Side-by-Side
| Metric | Alta | Jackson Hole |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Utah UT | Wyoming WY |
| Summit elevation | 10,550 ft 8,530 ft base | 10,450 ft 6,311 ft base |
| NWS forecast bias | Pending grade pending | Pending grade pending |
| Season snowfall | 8" 3 storms | — season building |
| Avg storm-day rate | 2.6"/day | — |
| Best storm | 57/100 Significant | — no storms yet |
| SNOTEL record | 3 storm-days measured | 0 storm-days measured |
| Community reports | 401 TGR posts | 945 TGR posts |
| Nearest airport | SLC | JAC |
| Drive time | 0.67h 33 mi · SLC | 0.25h 10 mi · JAC |
| Access difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Pass | Ikon | Ikon |
Snowfall totals come from each resort's tracked storms. NWS forecast grades read “pending” everywhere: six winters of checking found no per-mountain bias we can honestly correct, so we show the raw NWS number and do not grade it.
The Verdict
StormDrop shows the raw NWS forecast for both Alta and Jackson Hole and does not grade it. Six winters of NWS-against-SNOTEL checking found no per-mountain bias we can honestly correct (it turns on an unresolved snow-measurement question), so we show the number NWS publishes and tell you that is what it is.
Alta has logged 8" across 3 tracked storms this season; Jackson Hole's season total is still building.
Jackson Hole is the easier trip — about 0.25h from JAC (Jackson), versus 0.67h from SLC for Alta.
Best for
Alta — Ikon pass holders weighing where to point a trip, with flight prices and drive timing side by side.
Best for
Jackson Hole — quick-strike trips — the easier drive at ~0.25h from JAC.
Local Knowledge
TGR Community IntelAlta
During major storms (55-87" forecast): expect 3-12 hours of avalanche control before terrain opens.
Jackson Hole
Sleeper days (lighter snow cycles) are more enjoyable than big dumps for experienced locals.
FAQ
Does Alta or Jackson Hole get more snow?
Alta has logged 8" across 3 tracked storms this season; Jackson Hole's season total is still building.
Is Alta or Jackson Hole easier to get to?
Jackson Hole is the easier trip — about 0.25h from JAC (Jackson), versus 0.67h from SLC for Alta.
Which has the more accurate snow forecast, Alta or Jackson Hole?
StormDrop shows the raw NWS forecast for both Alta and Jackson Hole and does not grade it. Six winters of NWS-against-SNOTEL checking found no per-mountain bias we can honestly correct (it turns on an unresolved snow-measurement question), so we show the number NWS publishes and tell you that is what it is.
Don't book the wrong mountain
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