Grand Targhee, Wyoming
This Spring Break, we decided to trade in the beach towels for snow boots and take our very first family ski trip—and spoiler alert: we’re already planning next year’s!
I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous. I’d never skied before, and the thought of strapping myself to two slippery sticks and hurling down a mountain wasn’t exactly my idea of a relaxing vacation. But after a ridiculous amount of research (and changing our destination three times), we landed on Grand Targhee Resort in Wyoming—and it absolutely did not disappoint.
A good friend recommended it, and now I totally get why. If you’re looking for a laid-back mountain that’s great for beginners and free from overwhelming crowds, this place is a hidden gem. We flew into Idaho Falls, which gave us better nonstop flight options and an easy, scenic drive to the resort.
Powder Days & Perfect Conditions
We got lucky—it snowed 3 out of the 4 days we were there, which made for incredible skiing conditions. My kids (7 and 11) were total champs in ski school and loved learning on the Shoshone Lift. I even took lessons myself, and by the end of the trip, I was making it down the mountain without falling into a heap—major win.
My 11-year-old was practically skiing circles around me (not exaggerating), but honestly, seeing them gain confidence so quickly was one of the best parts of the whole experience.
Slope-Side Convenience = Game Changer
One of the absolute best things about Grand Targhee was being able to walk right out of our room and onto the lift. I truly can’t imagine lugging ski gear through a crowded parking lot or shuttle system with kids in tow. Everything was close, rentals were super easy, and the resort was just the right size—not overwhelming, but still with everything we needed.
Bonus Adventure: Snowmobiling in Targhee National Forest
One of the highlights of our trip? A half-day snowmobiling tour through Targhee National Forest, which we booked through Teton Valley Adventures Snowmobile Tours. The weather was perfect, the kids had a blast, and we made it all the way to the top of the mountain for a breathtaking 360-degree view.
Honestly, half a day was just right—the kids were happy, I was exhausted (snowmobiling is no joke!), and we got to see the forest in all its snowy glory without overdoing it.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever thought about taking your family skiing but weren’t sure where to start, Grand Targhee is an amazing place to ease into it. It’s low-key, beautiful, and super family-friendly. Plus, if I can learn to ski as a full-grown adult who’s never touched the stuff, trust me—you can too. 😉
