It’s ironic that what many serious powder hounds from around the country consider the best skiing in Idaho is technically some of the best skiing in Wyoming. We’re talking about the incredible Grand Targhee Ski and Summer Resort which sits nestled in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Alta, Wyoming. There’s no doubt it can be confusing, even for the geography buff with a lay of the land on these incredible Northern Rocky states. The Rand McNally map will show that Grand Targhee is obviously nestled in Wyoming, but to the State of Idaho and local Teton Valley, Idaho, season pass holders who hold this resort dear to their hearts, it doesn’t really matter what state Targhee is in. That’s simply a mere technicality.
Wydaho Magic: Where Idaho’s Winter Meets Wyoming’s Legendary Slopes
This “Wydaho” resort, apply nick named to pay homage to the great states of Idaho & Wyoming, equates to an almost guaranteed experience with fluffy, light, dry powder which will surely delight skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. Those hoping for an Idaho winter vacation promised in the press materials distributed by the State Tourism Office in Boise, Idaho, never seem to mind that they just traveled barely 6 miles into Wyoming territory to indeed sample the legendary slopes in the shadow of the Grand Teton Mountains. Or a perceived ski in Idaho trip anyway.
Grand Targhee: At the Crossroads of Idaho’s Charm and Wyoming’s Majesty
Skiing in Idaho, a section in the official Idaho Travel Guide, claims Grand Targhee Resort as one of their own, as does the Wyoming State Travel Planner. So which is it? For those doing their due diligence on what mountains to conquer next, it’s easy to understand why this can be confusing. To this day, many destination visitors still continue to ask “is Grand Targhee in Wyoming or Idaho?” Adding to the overall confusion is the fact that sole access to Grand Targhee is through Idaho; you simply can’t reach it without driving across endless fields of Idaho potato farms. So aside from the state tourism pubs claiming ownership, not to mention the geographics, the mystery is continually perpetuated, especially by the locals in Teton Valley, Idaho. From a philosophical point of view, it’s actually relatively clear why these neighboring Rocky Mountain state officials keep tight reins on their Targhee ownership. What prudent state wouldn’t want this glorious resort in their stable of premier places to visit?
Discover Deluxe Lodging and a Spa at The Lodge Bronze Buffalo Ranch Near Grand Targhee
Skiing in Idaho, on this particular journey, also means you’ll have the option of staying in deluxe accommodations at The Lodge Bronze Buffalo Ranch in Victor, Idaho. To reach Targhee’s primarily intermediate runs, guests of The Lodge Bronze Buffalo Ranch need only travel 30 minutes or so to reach the slopes. After pleasantly exhausting ski & snowboard excursions gliding over Targhee’s 2,000 acres of terrain, you’ll appreciate sampling the amenities, truly the brightest gem in eastern Idaho. In addition to the lovely lodge rooms, visitors can choose a one or two bedroom suite. These units are cozy, comfortable, equipped with full kitchens and a warming gas fireplace in the living room. The problem is; you may never want to leave your suite. However, conveniently located on the ground floor of the lodge is the popular Stillwaters Spa & Salon. Catering to the resort guests as well as a local clientele, the spa offers the perfect respite from skiing and snowboarding in Targhee’s copious amount of powder snow.
Unwind at Stillwaters Spa & Salon: Teton Valley’s Premier Wellness Destination
The Stillwaters Spa & Salon is the only full-service spa in Teton Valley and this 5,000 square foot facility provides a full range of treatments and services as well as a two-person therapy suite with fireplace. The Stillwaters Spa menu includes an imaginative choice of massage therapies, body treatments, facials and skincare, nail and hair services and spa programs. Among the massage therapies are a “Rosemary, Sage & Eucalyptus Alpine Massage,” a Sports Fitness massage and “Baby and Me” designed for mothers-to-be. Swedish, deep tissue and hot and cold stone massages are also on this menu. Facials are also a specialty at the Stillwaters Spa, with therapists using premium health & beauty products such as Phytomer and Aveda.
The Lodge Bronze Buffalo Ranch, in addition to the other amenities provided by this full-service resort, truly puts the exclamation point on this grand Idaho ski vacation!