Ski Showdown: Jackson Hole vs. Whistler – What Unofficial Networks Followers Had to Say
Yesterday, we asked our followers on Facebook and Instagram, “Where would you rather ski, Jackson Hole or Whistler?” These are top contenders for the title of best ski area. The responses poured in with nearly 300 skiers and snowboarders responding at the time of publishing this post.
We sifted through hundreds of comments—including a fresh batch—to bring you the highlights, including a makeshift “poll” based on the responses, some standout quotes, and a sprinkle of interesting facts about each resort to help you decide for yourself. Let’s dive in!
The Unofficial Poll Results: Jackson Hole Still Leads, But It’s Close
While this wasn’t a formal poll (hey, we’re unofficial for a reason), we tallied the clear preferences from all the comments. Out of roughly 120 responses that picked a side:
- Jackson Hole: ~65% (about 75 votes) – Praised for its superior snow quality, dry powder, and challenging terrain.
- Whistler: ~35% (about 45 votes) – Loved for its massive size, vibrant village, all-level appeal, and value.
- Neither/Alternatives: An even bigger chunk suggested other spots like Big Sky, Revelstoke, Grand Targhee, Alta, Snowbird, Telluride, or even Europe, Japan, and Taos, citing crowds, costs, or better vibes.
The debate remains heated, with Jackson Hole holding a stronger lead among our crowd. To visualize the split between the two main contenders, here’s a simple bar chart of the preferences:
But why the lean toward Jackson? Let’s hear it straight from the followers.
Voices from the Slopes: Quotes on Jackson Hole
Many fans raved about Jackson Hole’s dry, fluffy powder and expert-level runs, often contrasting it with Whistler’s wetter conditions. Here are some gems, including fresh takes:
- “JH by far great terrain and dry snow. Whistler is a lot of fun but not in the same class.” – Steve Scullen
- “Snow at Jackson Hole is vastly superior….BUT if you are looking for the “village experience” then Whistler is the call.” – Fred Aidan Remick
- “Jackson Hole in a landslide.” – Thomas K. Bogar
- “Jackson. Much less risk of fog, rain, slush.” – Tom Huffaker
- “Whistler gets pretty sloppy at times. Jackson hole is always has good coverage.” – Monk Dean
- “I don’t care how big your mountain is or how wild your town gets if the snow doesn’t deliver. I have yet to be in Whistler where it didn’t suck. Jackson hole hands down. You won’t get rained on.”
- “Da Hole! Snow is drier and it doesn’t rain mid season. Yet.”
- “Jhole… not even debatable”
- “JHole every damn time- mostly in the park but the resort never disappoints!”
These folks highlight Jackson Hole’s reliability – no one wants to ski through rain at the bottom of the run!
Voices from the Slopes: Quotes on Whistler
On the other hand, Whistler enthusiasts highlighted its sheer scale, fun atmosphere, and value, making it a go-to destination for groups or those seeking variety.
- “Both are great, but Whistler gets the nod due to the sheer insanity of the terrain, both quantity and quality. Whistler also has more and better lodging options, is off the charts for dining and nightlife, and is dramatically less expensive.” – Greg Krakau
- “For my skill level Whistler. If i were a more advanced rider i would do Jackson. There’s just so much terrian at Whistsler and there’s a the whole other mountain. Village is a lot of fun as well.” – Chris Boehme
- “Whistler..much more well rounded skiing… Many more options of where to go.” – Dan Whitaker
- “Love Whistler, but what makes it amazing is its sheer size and village that makes it a great destination spot for even non-skiers.” – Michael Etezadi
- “Whistler & it’s not even close: 1000+ more vertical + with (way) more lift access to the best terrain + significantly more acreage + longer runs + mountain on a scale that dwarfs JH. Granted the snow quality is not as good/dry but that’s about it. Whistler makes JH feel small. I’ve been to both. Not even considering Blackcomb in this comparison”
- “As a snowboarder, Whistler. But I’m checking the forecast the day before because it rained on me on one trip in February.”
- “Whistler. More options”
- “Whistler 100 percent but no disrespect to Jackson”
Whistler shines for its social scene and accessibility – perfect if you’re bringing non-skiers or want après-ski that lasts till dawn.
The Wild Cards: Alternatives and Mixed Takes
Not everyone stuck to the script. Some suggested dodging both for less crowded gems, while others critiqued the crowds or costs:
- “Revelstoke, Red Mountain, and Big White see much better snow conditions and don’t get as crowded.” – David Fellows
- “I’d take big sky over both.” – Daniel Dibeler
- “Europe, better bang for your buck. Also better skiing and great food.” – Roger Gresley
- “Both sets of locals are insane, both mountains have sick terrain, and any skier should experience both at some point. My pick: Get a flight and go ski the Espace Killy in France.” – Joe Stevens
- “Alta is number 1”
- “Snowbird, duh”
- “Well, Jackson hates tourist skiers and Canadians are not real fond of Americans right now. I’ll take Taos.”
- “Jhole has been ruined by hoards of tourists and shitty parking. Insane lift lines and entitled rich skiers who think they’re hot shit.”
- “Wherever the storm cycle is. But yeah go to Jackson and forget that ghee exists pls”
- “Tough one I’ve skied JH 8 times Whistler 3. Each is special”
Others kept it balanced: “My top two! Geeze! J-Hole but just barely.” – Zach Johns. And a few depended on factors like skill level or weather: “How good of a skier are you? Jackson essentially has no beginner terrain… Advanced to Expert, Jackson.” – Ed Corson.
Fun Facts About Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
To give you more context, here are some cool tidbits about Jackson Hole, Wyoming’s legendary spot:
- It boasts the longest continuous vertical rise of any ski area in the U.S. at 4,139 feet, from the valley floor to Rendezvous Peak.
- The resort covers 2,500 acres of inbound terrain, but it’s famous for its steep, expert runs like Corbet’s Couloir – often called America’s scariest ski slope.
- Average annual snowfall is around 458 inches, with that signature dry, light powder thanks to its inland location.
- Fun history note: The avalanche probe was invented by a Jackson Hole ski patroller in the 1970s.
- It’s not just skiing – the area is near Grand Teton National Park, offering stunning views and wildlife spotting.
If you’re an advanced skier chasing adrenaline, this is your playground.
Fun Facts About Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb, in British Columbia, Canada, is a beast of a resort – here’s why it’s a perennial favorite:
- It’s the largest ski resort in North America, spanning 8,171 acres across two mountains connected by the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola (the longest unsupported span in the world at 3 km).
- Over 200 marked trails and an average of 408-432 inches of snowfall annually, with a season that often runs from November to May.
- It hosted the alpine skiing events for the 2010 Winter Olympics, so you can ski the same runs as gold medalists.
- The pedestrian-only Whistler Village is a hub for dining, shopping, and nightlife – no cars needed, just vibes.
- Terrain for everyone: 20% easiest, 35% more difficult, and the rest most difficult/advanced, plus massive backcountry access.
Whistler is ideal for big groups or families wanting options beyond the slopes.
Wrapping It Up: Which One for You?
Whether you’re team Jackson Hole for that champagne powder and heart-pounding drops or team Whistler for endless terrain and memorable parties, both resorts are bucket-list worthy. Our followers leaned toward Jackson, but the real winner? Any day on the mountain! If you’ve skied either (or both), drop your take in the comments below. And if this got you stoked, check out more polls and stories on Unofficial Networks. See you on the lifts!
