Two of North America’s steepest resorts: Jackson Hole’s 4,139 ft vertical in Wyoming versus Revelstoke’s 5,620 ft — the longest in the continent — in British Columbia. Expert terrain at American prices versus Canadian value.
The steepest, most serious inbounds skiing in the US — under the Tetons.
The longest vertical drop in North America — a powder town that went big.
Read our full guides on Jackson Hole and Revelstoke.
Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.
| Jackson Hole | Revelstoke | |
|---|---|---|
| Best time | January–March | January–March |
| Climate | cold | cold |
| Budget | $250–$500 a day per person, all-in (USD) | C$200–C$400 a day per person, all-in |
| Visa | ESTA or B-1/B-2 visa for most Western nationalities. | eTA or visa for most nationalities; visa-exempt for US citizens. |
| Currency | USD ($) | CAD (C$) |
| Language | English. | English. |
| Safety | Safe; wildlife encounters (moose, bears) are real — give them space. | Safe; deep-snow hazards (tree wells, avalanche terrain) are the main risk. |
| Transport | Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) 15 min from the resort; free START bus between Jackson town and Teton Village. | Kelowna (YLW) ~2.5 hours, Calgary (YYC) ~4.5 hours; a car is essential. |
Terrain
Revelstoke has 1,481 ft more vertical, 621 more skiable acres, and nearly 100 inches more snow. Jackson Hole has Corbet’s, the steeper sustained fall line, and a far larger international reputation. Both are expert-first mountains.
| Jackson Hole | Revelstoke | |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical drop | 4,139 ft (1,262 m) | 5,620 ft (1,713 m) — longest in North America |
| Skiable acres | 2,500 | 3,121 |
| Expert terrain | ~50% | ~55–65% (with sidecountry) |
| Annual snowfall | ~460 in (11.7 m) | ~550 in (14 m) — coastal-interior blend |
| Signature | Corbet’s Couloir, the Hobacks | North Bowl, Ripper chair |
Costs
Canadian dollar pricing, lower accommodation costs, and cheaper food make Revelstoke significantly more affordable. Both are on the Ikon Pass, which helps equalise pass costs for multi-resort skiers.
Access
Jackson Hole Airport is 15 minutes from the resort with direct flights from major US cities. Revelstoke is a 5–6 hour drive from Calgary or Vancouver with no commercial airport — a genuine expedition, which keeps it uncrowded.
Who suits which
| If you are… | Jackson Hole | Revelstoke |
|---|---|---|
| After the biggest vertical | 4,139 ft | 5,620 ft — longest in North America |
| After easy access | 15 min from airport | 5–6 hr drive, no flights |
| On a budget | Premium US pricing | 30–40% cheaper — Canadian dollar |
| After empty slopes | Increasingly busy | Uncrowded — remoteness helps |
| After a town | Jackson town — vibrant Western culture | Small mountain town |
Which of the two is the better ski bet for each month of the year.