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Jackson or Big Sky

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errrka
Posts: 2261 - Karma: 6,058
Hey so I'm an officer on my universities Ski Team. We're starting to plan out our winter trip for next year and we've narrowed it down to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Big Sky, Montana. I figured I could find some decent input here from locals or people who have been there around that time of year (mid December).
Things to consider:
It will be mid december, pre christmas (snow coverage at that time?)
About 2 (no more than 3) coach buses of college kids
Want to ride (big mountain, groomers, park) and have all different abilities
A somewhat cool town to check out/nightlife
Easy access to slopes from where we stay
We'll have driven about 25-30 hours or an airport somewhat close by if people want to fly?
The total cost we're shooting for is about 600-700 dollars (coming from Ohio, so transportation is the big factor)

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

I put this in SG too, but figured I may get some good answers from Regionals too.
May 3 2013 10:28AM
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Daph
Posts: 5978 - Karma: 5,005
Obviously, I say Big Sky. We have pretty great coverage that time of year, we were close to 100% open that time this past season. We have a great selection of everything, park, groomers, big mtn, plus lots of backcountry access. About an hour from the airport. You can stay at the mtn which is pretty convenient and there is a great bus system so you can get down into the actual town (about 6 miles down the road) where the better night life is. I haven't been to Jackson much, but Big Sky sounds like a great fit for what you're looking for.
May 3 2013 4:18PM
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
You want Jackson for sure! We were 100% open by that time and had so many pow days november-early january. I know our coverage was way better than big sky as we had tons of people from MT come down and ride here b/c is was crap up north. Also Jackson pioneered lift access bc skiing. The backcountry here is no joke and fucking awesome! Most lift accessed vertical in north america!! Awesome town and night life too! Come stay at The Hostel and ski in/out! PM for more info or questions.
May 4 2013 8:42PM
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GorillaMarketGMK
Posts: 103 - Karma: 315
big sky
May 4 2013 9:11PM
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Mt_Baker_Man
Posts: 2012 - Karma: 105
I may work at Big Sky, but to be honest, Jackson Hole is definitely better in December. They have dependably better snow, better terrain (no rock sharks) and a great park as well.

I can't speak for their groomers, cuz every time I have been there I was just skiing pow.
May 7 2013 4:16PM
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IDMT_BC024
Posts: 224 - Karma: 129
Having skied both quite a bit, Jackson no question unless travel time and park are major considerations.
Jackson has far better big mountain terrain, much steeper and slightly longer groomers, and almost always has much better snow. The only real advantage Big Sky has is a better park (but Big Sky's park isn't top 5 in the U.S. while Jackson is in the top two or three U.S. resorts for big mountain). In December (and the rest of the year) Jackson will have better coverage.
Also the town of Jackson is closer to The Village than Bozeman is to Big Sky, and there's a lot more going on in Jackson than in the Big Sky village.
Big Sky's an awesome mountain and has everything you're looking for (except early December cover) but Jackson is pretty unbeatable.
May 8 2013 8:06PM
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steve.o
Posts: 628 - Karma: 9
Moonlight.
May 27 2013 3:46PM
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