Alta vs Jackson Hole
One calibrated, SNOTEL-backed look at snowfall, forecast accuracy, and access — so you know which to ski.
Alta
UT · 10,550 ft
pending
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 accuracy grade | Pending limited verified storms | A NWS underpredicts |
| Calibrated season snowfall | 94" 25 storms | 27" 20 storms |
| Avg storm-day rate | 2.3"/day | 1.3"/day |
| Best storm | 82/100 Epic | 70/100 Significant |
| Verified storms | 297 SNOTEL-verified | 119 SNOTEL-verified |
| Community reports | 61 TGR posts | 960 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 and NWS grades come from the same SNOTEL-verified data on each resort's own page. Blank or “pending” cells mean the data is still being verified — we never fill them with estimates.
The Verdict
Jackson Hole carries a verified NWS accuracy grade of A; Alta's grade is pending on limited verified storms.
Alta got more snow this season — 94" of calibrated snowfall versus 27" at Jackson Hole. Alta also averaged 2.3"/storm-day.
Jackson Hole is the easier trip — about 0.25h from JAC (Jackson), versus 0.67h from SLC for Alta.
Best for
Alta — chasing the biggest totals — it out-snowed Jackson Hole this season.
Best for
Jackson Hole — quick-strike trips — the easier drive at ~0.25h from JAC.
Local Knowledge
TGR Community IntelAlta
During heavy snowfall (4+ inches/hour): High T closes mid-afternoon to manage avalanche risk; expect 2-4 hour terrain closures.
Jackson Hole
Ski during active snowfall when others bail for lighter crowds.
FAQ
Does Alta or Jackson Hole get more snow?
Alta got more snow this season — 94" of calibrated snowfall versus 27" at Jackson Hole. Alta also averaged 2.3"/storm-day.
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?
Jackson Hole carries a verified NWS accuracy grade of A; Alta's grade is pending on limited verified storms.
Don't book the wrong mountain
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