Sun Valley vs Jackson Hole: which should you pick?
Sun Valley is classic and sunny, famous for Bald Mountain's long, consistent pitch and the world's first chairlifts. Jackson Hole is steeper and wilder, with a bigger nightlife scene. As of November 8, 2026, Sun Valley has 0.0" of snow forecast over the next 7 days and Jackson Hole has 0.2".
Pick Sun Valley if…
- You love long, consistent groomers
- You want a relaxed, historic resort town
- You prefer sunny days and smaller crowds
Pick Jackson Hole if…
- You want steep, expert terrain
- You want the tram and big-mountain lines
- You want a busier western town
Sun Valley vs Jackson Hole by the numbers
| Stat | Sun Valley | Jackson Hole |
|---|---|---|
| Snow next 7 days | 0.0" | 0.2" |
| Snow next 14 days | 7.3" | 11.1" |
| Average annual snowfall* | 164" | 459" |
| Snowiest months | Feb, Mar, Dec | Feb, Mar, Dec |
| Pass (2026-27) | Ikon Pass | Ikon Pass |
| Summit elevation | 9,150 ft | 10,450 ft |
| Base elevation | 5,750 ft | 6,311 ft |
| Vertical drop | 3,400 ft | 4,139 ft |
| Nearest airport | Friedman Memorial (Sun Valley) (SUN) | Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) |
| Opening day | Scheduled Nov 26 | Scheduled Nov 27 |
| Location | Idaho | Wyoming |
Forecasts are mid-mountain from Open-Meteo, updated every 6 hours. Snowiest months come from 10 seasons of modeled weather data. *Average annual snowfall is resort-reported (sources: Sun Valley, Wikipedia, Jackson Hole, Wikipedia).
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Sun Valley vs Jackson Hole FAQ
Which is better, Sun Valley or Jackson Hole?
Sun Valley is classic and sunny, famous for Bald Mountain's long, consistent pitch and the world's first chairlifts. Jackson Hole is steeper and wilder, with a bigger nightlife scene.
Which gets more snow, Sun Valley or Jackson Hole?
On average, Jackson Hole reports more snow: about 459 inches a year, compared with about 164 inches at Sun Valley (resort-reported averages). As of November 8, 2026, Sun Valley has 0.0" of snow forecast over the next 7 days and Jackson Hole has 0.2".
Which is higher, Sun Valley or Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole has the higher summit at 10,450 ft. Sun Valley tops out at 9,150 ft and Jackson Hole at 10,450 ft.
Which has more vertical, Sun Valley or Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole has more vertical: 4,139 ft from base to summit, versus 3,400 ft at Sun Valley.
Are Sun Valley and Jackson Hole on the Epic or Ikon Pass?
Sun Valley: Ikon Pass. Jackson Hole: Ikon Pass. Pass coverage is for the 2026-27 season; see Ikon vs Epic for blackout dates.
What airports serve Sun Valley and Jackson Hole?
Sun Valley: Friedman Memorial (Sun Valley) (SUN). Jackson Hole: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC).