New Year’s Eve in Teton Valley celebrates snow, sport, and starlit skies. With its landscapes, cozy accommodations, and limitless activities, the valley offers a winter wonderland for travelers looking to start the year with adventure and charm. Grand Targhee Ski Resort is at the heart of it, thanks to its epic slopes and lively New Year’s Eve celebrations. Combine that with Teton Valley’s diverse winter sports scene and welcoming towns like Tetonia, Driggs, and Victor, and you’ll find the perfect destination to toast to 2025.
Grand Targhee Ski Resort: A Celebration on the Slopes
Grand Targhee Ski Resort's New Year’s Eve festivities are a highlight of the holiday season. Families and friends gather for an evening of excitement featuring live music, belly-warming food, and fireworks illuminating the snowy peaks. Start the evening with a specially curated New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Powder Cache, featuring a three-course menu of appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Reservations are required and can be made in advance.
The celebrations continue with the Torchlight Parade, where children can participate in a glow-stick parade at 4:30 PM, followed by the adult torchlight parade at 5:40 PM. Both events lead up to a spectacular mountaintop fireworks display over the slopes, creating a magical atmosphere to ring in the new year.
For those eager to show off their skills, the resort’s New Year’s Eve Rail Jam allows freestyle skiers and snowboarders to compete and entertain the crowd.
A Skier’s Paradise: The Slopes of Grand Targhee
Grand Targhee Ski Resort is celebrated for its incredible powder, with an average snowfall of over 500 inches annually. The resort boasts more than 2,600 acres of lift-accessible terrain, offering something for every level of skier or snowboarder.
Beginner Runs:
Grand Targhee is an ideal place for new skiers, with wide, gentle slopes like Powder Valley and Shoshone, perfect for building confidence and learning the basics. The resort’s dedicated beginner area ensures a stress-free experience with gradual gradients and easy lift access.
Intermediate Runs:
For intermediate skiers, Grand Targhee offers a variety of exciting options, including Sacajawea, a scenic cruiser with sweeping views of the Tetons, and Lost Groomer, a perfectly maintained trail that challenges developing skills without overwhelming. These runs provide smooth rides that are great for refining techniques while enjoying breathtaking mountain vistas.
Advanced Runs:
Experienced skiers will love the thrill of Grand Targhee’s advanced terrain, including the legendary Chief Joseph Bowl, known for its exhilarating steeps and powder-filled chutes. The Rock Garden challenges skiers with tight turns and natural features, while the Wild Willie trail provides a thrilling descent through tree-lined glades.
Expert Terrain:
The resort’s expert terrain delivers in spades for those seeking a true adrenaline rush. Trails like Mary’s Nipple and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly boast untracked powder fields, steep drops, and technical tree skiing. These backcountry-inspired runs are a paradise for expert skiers looking to push their limits.
Terrain Parks:
Freestyle skiers and snowboarders can perfect their tricks at GTR’s Terrain Park, which features a variety of jumps, rails, and boxes designed for all skill levels. The resort regularly updates and maintains its parks to keep the features fresh and exciting for riders.
Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing:
Beyond alpine skiing, Grand Targhee also offers Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails. The resort has over 15 kilometers of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing and snowshoe loops through serene, snowy landscapes.
Grand Targhee Ski Resort truly caters to every kind of winter enthusiast, making it one of the top destinations for skiing and snowboarding in the western United States.
A Short History of Grand Targhee Resort
Grand Targhee Ski Resort opened in 1969 and has become a favorite destination for skiers and snowboarders in the heart of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Named after the Bannock leader, Chief Targhee, the resort reflects the area's rich cultural and natural history. Its remote location on the western slope of the Tetons features light, dry snow and some of the Valley’s best mountain views, drawing visitors year after year. Over time, Grand Targhee has expanded its offerings to include year-round recreation, lodging, and world-class dining while maintaining its reputation as a powder lover’s paradise.
Dining at the "Ghee
Dining at Grand Targhee Resort offers something for everyone, whether you’re winding down after a day on the slopes or grabbing a quick bite between runs. The Trap Bar & Grill, known for its laid-back atmosphere and hearty menu items like the famous Wydaho Nachos, is the perfect spot for après-ski. On New Year’s Eve, it transforms into a lively venue with a themed Pajama Party featuring DJ Bernard Foyer, drinks, and a midnight champagne toast (tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, 21+ only). For a more casual experience, Snorkels Cafe serves up breakfast burritos, fresh sandwiches, soups, and grab-and-go snacks, along with specialty coffee drinks and hot chocolate, all in a cozy space with stunning mountain views. These dining options, combined with the resort's inviting atmosphere, ensure every meal is an integral part of the Grand Targhee experience.
Lodging at Grand Targhee Resort
Grand Targhee Resort offers a variety of lodging options designed for ultimate convenience and comfort. Choose from slopeside accommodations, such as the Teewinot Lodge and Sioux Lodge Suites, which provide direct lift access and proximity to all resort activities. These cozy spaces come equipped with modern amenities and are ideal for couples or small families looking for a retreat steps from the action.
The resort offers townhomes and vacation rentals like the Targhee Lodge Condos for larger groups or those seeking more space. These feature full kitchens, living areas, and multiple bedrooms, making them perfect for families or friends gathering to enjoy the winter season. Guests staying in these accommodations can enjoy the benefits of being near the slopes while having the comfort of home.
In addition to comfortable lodging, staying at Grand Targhee Resort includes perks like easy access to dining options, the outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and other on-site amenities that elevate your mountain getaway. Plus, the resort's ski-in/ski-out convenience means you’ll never miss a moment of the powder or the festivities.
Onsite Retail: Gear Up and Souvenirs
Grand Targhee Resort features a range of onsite retail options to make your stay even more convenient. The Targhee General Store offers essentials, snacks, and drinks to keep you fueled on the mountain. For gear and apparel, the Habitat High Altitude Provisions store has everything from skis and snowboards to outerwear and accessories, ensuring you’re fully equipped for your time on the slopes. Visitors can also find unique souvenirs and gifts to take a piece of Teton Valley home.
Teton Valley Bus Service: Sharing the Mountain
Thanks for riding along; the mountain is better when you share the ride! The Targhee Shuttle makes getting to the slopes both economical and convenient. This daily bus service runs between Grand Targhee Resort and Teton Valley, saving passengers money on gas and reducing crowding in the parking lot.
The shuttle is equipped with bike, ski, and snowboard racks, ensuring easy transportation of your gear. Riders can park and hop on the shuttle at the Driggs Transit Center or the 5th Street Skate Park, making it simple to access the resort without the hassle of driving.
For ADA paratransit needs, passengers can contact Central Reservations at 307-353-2300 x1. The reservations office is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM to assist with planning your ride.
Celebrate and Explore
Start 2024 with unforgettable memories at Grand Targhee Ski Resort. From the lively New Year’s Eve celebrations to endless opportunities for winter sports, cozy on-site accommodations, and convenient dining and retail options, there’s no better way to welcome the new year.
Visiting Teton Valley is a magical holiday escape, but living here makes life feel like a permanent vacation no matter the season. Whether you’re looking for a primary residence or a secondary getaway, Teton Real Estate Group can help you find the perfect home to make experiencing Teton Valley easy. Reach out today – make Teton Valley more than just a destination. Make it home!