Jackson Hole or Whistler
 

Whats up everybody, Im looking to book a trip this year either Jackson Hole or Whistler. Im leaning towards whistler but a couple of my buddies want to head to Jackson. Just want to hear some pro's and con's from your trips. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Above and beyond everything I hate crowds so I say J-Hole, but if you want teh ultimate resort experience(Shopping, restaurants\bars, spas, entertainment) then you might be better off at Whistler...... personally I could care a less about all that shit, I want long steeps, deep snow and no lift lines.

You need a passport to visit Whistler......jus sayin. I've been to both in the summer, not sure if that helps. If I was young and single with lots of funds......handsdown, it would be Whistler. Something 'bout those Canadian girl's smiles.

I definitely hate crowds, but I do like the ultimate resort expierence sometimes. I feel like if im going on vacation I want to make the best out of it as Im 23 so I want to party at night. But I also want to get the best riding possible so its a tough descicion.

Never been to Jackson so I can't compare, but I can speak to Whistler since I've been there several times.

Depending on when you go, especially over weekends, it can be crowded so the main lifts can get pretty big lines. However, the two mountains are huge so there is a lot of terrain to explore. I always enjoy riding Whistler even when it is crowded.

The Village can be crowded as well which is good or bad depending on what you are looking for. Like the last post mentions, if you are young and like the nightlife, Whistler can be REALLY fun. I have been to Whistler as a college guy and as an old married guy with two kids (never brought my kids though) and I always enjoy the village.

It can be expensive, but again, depending on when you go, you can find rooms for a decent rate espcially if you are willing to pack a few guys into the room to reduce the costs.

Summary - Whistler can be super fun especially if you want a big ski village experience. Don't go expecting you will definitely get epic powder for days (you might) but go expecting to have a fun trip with lots of other people around with two really big mountains to explore.

Yeah I know and I guess whistler sounds like the place to be HAHA.

I've been to Whistler for 20 ish days and Jackson Hole once for 10 days. Whistler is way more touristy, way more people, bumps everywhere if there is no fresh snow, and not once did I experience a big dump while I was there. I know it happens, and there was some snow, but it gets tracked out so damn quick with all the traffic it's near impossible to get to the good stuff without a guide taking you to the local spots.

Jackson was less busy, never waited in a line (this was over Christmas) and it has more of a "we know you are here to ride" vibe and less touristy. Food wasn't insanely priced either. I was staying off mountain, so I can't comment on lodging.

Based on last season, Jackson was the place to be but it seems like the PNW is getting pounded this season, but so it J-hole.

I did get fucked over for a college pass at Jackson this year (called 12 hours after the sale ended, they told me too bad, I would have to pay $1000 more if I wanted a pass), but they do have damn good snow, and an amazing grooming fleet. That is what really impressed me (similar to Colorado mtns) they have the whole grooming thing down and it doesn't get icy until like 3PM.

At Whistler I felt like it is so big they don't groom anything except the most major trails, and it was just bumps and ice everywhere.

Thank you very much for your input it was very helpful. Whistler sounds like the right mountain for me, obviously I want to experience the best riding possible but I also want to have fun at night (Im only 23) and try some good food. Ive never left the east coast for a snowboarding trip so I want to go somewhere epic. The long lines are expected with a big mountain such as whistler and its bearable if I can get some long runs in. One thing I am really looking for are glades, by far my favorite to ride. As per cost I have been finding rooms from $600 - $1000 depending where we stay. I was looking at the Westin but not sure yet, most likely going to use a travel agent for this trip. Overall im looking for the big ski village experience. I was also looking at the size of the two mountains and they are huge looks like it could take a while to get down the mountain as I am only used to riding at Peak and PA mountains.

From the sounds of it you'll have allot of fun regardless of which you choose, any reason your not looking at like the Summit CO\Tahoe\Park City area?

Ive just heard really good things about Whistler and Jackson so I wanted to head to one of those mountains first. Maybe I will look into those other mountains also. I hear Jackson has some hardcore riding but lacks the nightlife and that Whistler has some pretty good riding but the best nightlife.