A Brave Ski Mom Interview with Corey, a Brave Ski Dad who writes and shares his family’s adventures at BackcountryParenting.com.
If you could only ski at one resort this season with your family, which resort would you choose?
That’s a hard one, but our current local favorite for the family would have to be Teton Village in Jackson, Wyoming.
Teton Village is the beginner area at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Why Teton Village?
Teton Village offers the best BANG for your buck! Kids up to 8 years of age ski for free and each accompanying adult is only $15. This gives you access to 2 lifts, one of which is a highspeed quad, and many long green runs.
Within this area there is also a Burton stash park and the biking singletrack that makes for a fun area for your older kids. Oh, and I can’t forget, they have lodges that you can ski right up to when your little one needs a break!
What makes Teton Village great for family skiing?
The lodges being right on the hill, like right on the side of the runs. The highspeed quad, like all detachable chairs, slows down when loading and unloading. However, this one, in particular, is slower than other quads I have ridden.
The mountain is also cool with you carrying your kid in a pack when they need a break from sliding on the snow.
Oh, and parking…. There is a FREE lot if you have more than 4 people in your car and they shuttle you to the base of the mountain for FREE. The busses run constantly only 5 min or less apart! The jaunt from the bus stop to the family lift area is a short one. The family area is apart from the hardcore skiing area but not so far off that it is secluded.
What needs to be improved at Teton Village to make it even better for family skiing?
I can’t think of much improvement. They have catered a lot to families and I take my hat off to them for doing so.
What advice would you give other families before they visit Teton Village?
Pack your lunch with you. Food on the mountain is EXPENSIVE! Be ready for a casual experience.
What makes Teton Village unique?
Jackson Hole is considered one of the world’s most extreme resorts and yet it has a very family friendly, and affordable, area in Teton Village.
Do you have any family skiing tips to share with other parents?
If your child is not ready for Alpine skiing, don’t force it. Nordic skiing is a great way to start out. They can get a sense of balance and get use to having skis without all of the overstimulation that a resort gives. Take things at their pace and don’t get caught up in your own goals.
What is your favorite thing about family skiing?
I started skiing when I was 18 months old. When I was growing up my parents set dates at the start of the season as to when we were going skiing and nothing took precedence. This tradition has been instilled within me.
Taking my children outdoors to enjoy nature is very important. Getting unplugged from technology and the world to recharge our batteries is very needed in my family. Skiing is a great way to enjoy the cold winter months in Idaho.
The Brave Ski Mom Adds…
As Corey shares, the Teton Village base area at Jackson Hole is part of the larger resort, and also, a stand-alone beginner area with very affordable lift tickets. Amazing! Especially when you consider that a daily adult lift ticket during regular season is $99 at the window (adults) and $59 for kids, the value for beginning skier families is incredible.
As for ski and ride school, all of the resort’s children and youth programs are found at the Kids’ Ranch Ski School. Serving ages 6 months to 17 years, Jackson Hole offers single day lessons, longer camps, daycare and even a Kids’ Night Out program.
Interested in learning more about Jackson Hole in general? Check out their online “First Timer’s Guide.” And to make your visit even more of a family adventure, remember that Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are also in the neighborhood.
Thanks Corey!
You can read more about Corey’s outdoor adventures with his family at Backcountry Parenting.
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Great article, I’ve been to Teton Village a couple of times and it is an awesome place to go with the family. However I totally agree… the food is definitely not cheap so bring your own lunch if possible.
Thanks Allison! More good advice from someone who has been there! Cheers!