Industry Description and Outlook:
The skiing industry in the Teton Valley mainly revolves around the ski resorts of Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee. Both of these ski areas provide convenience to those looking for a ski vacation or getaway. There are a few backcountry skiing businesses that already occupy parts of the Tetons. Idaho: Teton Mountain Heli-skiing (Victor), Wyoming: Grand Targhee Snowcats (Alta), Togwotee Mountain Lodge (Moran), Rendezvous Backcountry Tours (Jackson), USA Heli-skiing (Jackson) The competition between cat skiing and biking lodges seems relatively quiet around the areas. From my research, I have come to the conclusion that most of the popular areas for backcountry guiding are well spread throughout the valley. There is still plenty of unclaimed terrain that is not occupied by guiding companies alike. Many of these companies have a strong reputation in the industry thus far. Although ski tours are a relatively “new” organized business, it seems that each of these companies have gained enough profit to stay in business and continue to expand. For example, back in 2011, Grand Targhee Resort was granted expansion for their Special Use permit in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The resort was granted an additional 600 skiable acres which became the main destination for backcountry guiding (http://www.altarealty.com/blog/?p=977). Grand Targhee Snowcats (http://www.grandtarghee.com/winter/snowcat/index.php) Avg Run: 2,000' Vertical Longest: 2,200' Vertical Daily: 14,000' to 20,000' Vertical Avg number of runs: 10 - 12 Max Daily Capacity: 24 People Snowcat Adventure Pricing Full Day (9:00am - 4:00pm) (includes hot beverages, lunch & snacks). $349 Half Day (9:00am - 12:30pm or 1:00pm - 4:00pm) (includes snacks & beverages) $199 Full Day Private Snowcat - 12 seats for the price of 10 $3490 Half Day Private Snowcat - 12 seats for the price of 10 $1990 Togwotee Mountain Lodge (http://aramarkdev-togwotee.bluesqstudios.com/winter/snowcat-skiing/) Our terrain demands strong intermediate or expert skiing and snowboarding ability to enjoy this backcountry adventure. Angle Mountain offers 750 skiable acres, 1600 vertical feet, and an average snowfall of over 300 inches per winter. Togwotee Mountain Lodge is located on Togwotee Pass, Highway 26/287 within the Bridger-Teton National Forest, a short 48 mile drive from Jackson. A typical day of snow cat skiing with us includes: Roundtrip transportation from Jackson Hole or Teton Village A backcountry safety briefing, with transceiver instruction and skiing protocols A hearty lunch of sandwiches, hot drinks, and deserts A souvenir Nalgene water bottle Highly trained, experienced guides of all disciplines; alpine skier, snowboarder, and telemark skier A maximum group size of 10 people (minimum 6) 2 professional certified guides An enclosed and heated cab on the snow cat 6 to 10 runs of backcountry snow cat skiing, depending on the ability of the group Guests each day can expect to ski between 8000 and 16000 vertical feet. Socializing in the Red Fox Saloon at days end. Daily Rate Includes: Professional certified guides Unlimited skiing 6 to 10 runs on average (8000-16000 vertical feet) Backcountry safety briefing with transceiver training Use of our BCA Tracker transceiver, shovel, probe, and backpack A hearty lunch of sandwiches, hot drinks and homemade cookies Daily Rates $349 per person $399 per person with roundtrip transportation from Jackson Hole or Teton Village (5 person minimum) $3499 private cat (10 person max) $249 per person (2 person minimum) for backcountry ski tours. Rates do not include gratuity 15-20% is appreciated |