Take a fast and scenic nine-minute ride to the top of Rendezvous Mountain (10,450 feet) aboard the 100-passenger aerial tram (307/733-2292 or 888/333-7766, www.jacksonhole.com [1], daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. late May-Sept., $25 adults, $20 seniors, $19 ages 13-17, $12 ages 6-12, free ages five and under) at Teton Village.
The tram ride gains more than 4,000 feet in elevation—this is a sensational way to reach the alpine. On top is a small snack shop in Corbet’s Cabin with made-to-order waffles and cocoa; bring a lunch if you need something more substantial. Several trails provide enjoyable hikes from the summit, but be sure to pack drinking water and a warm jacket. Dogs and bikes aren’t allowed on the tram.
Rendezvous Mountain is a favorite place for paragliders to launch. Tandem paragliding flights ($245) are available from Jackson Hole Paragliding (307/690-8726, www.jhparagliding.com [2]). No experience is needed for these half-hour flights, accessed via the tram.
Summer visitors can also ride the free Bridger gondola (from 4:30-9 p.m.) to the 9,095-foot level. It doesn’t reach the top of the mountain, but affords panoramic vistas over Jackson Hole [3] with access to hiking trails and meals at The Deck and Couloir Restaurant.
Take mountain bikes up the Teewinot chairlift (mid-June-early Sept., $10 adults, $8 ages 13-17, $6 ages 6-12, free for younger kids), with seven miles of bike trails on the lower sections of the mountain.
In addition to alpine rides, Teton Village is home to a number of other summer activities on the Village Commons ($12 per ticket or $50 for five tickets), including a bungee trampoline and a 25-foot outdoor climbing wall. The big central plaza features a delightful pop-jet fountain, playground, and fire pit, plus an amphitheater for concerts, Teton Raptor Center demonstrations, and storytelling on summer evenings at 5 p.m. Horseback rides, bike rentals, and disc golf are nearby, and child care is available at Kids Ranch (307/739-2654). Stop by the Activity Center for a map and details on all the Teton Village options.
At Snow King Mountain right on the edge of Jackson [4], the resort’s main chairlift (400 E. Snow King Ave., 307/733-5200 or 800/522-5464, www.snowking.com [5], daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m. late May-early Sept., $12 adults, $8 ages 7-13, free for kids under 7) takes folks for a 20-minute ride to the summit of the 7,751-foot mountain. On top you’ll find a short nature trail, panoramic views of the Tetons, and a myriad of longer hiking and biking trails. Rent a bike at the base of the mountain for a fun ride down.
Also at Snow King is the 2,500-foot-long Alpine Slide (307/733-7680 or 800/522-5464, www.snowkingmountain.com [6]), a summertime family favorite. For anyone older than six, the cost is $15 for one ride or $65 for five rides. For children ages 2-6 riding with an adult it’s an additional $3 per ride.
On the other side of the Tetons at Grand Targhee Ski Resort (in Alta, 307/353-2300 or 800/827-4433, www.grandtarghee.com [7]), you can ride the chairlift ($15 adults, $6 kids) to the 10,200-foot summit of Fred’s Mountain, where Grand Teton stands just seven miles away. The lift operates daily late June-mid-September. Mountain bikers can bring a bike (or rent one) to ride the trails high up the slopes; the cost is $20 for an unlimited number of chairlift rides.
Links:
[1] http://www.jacksonhole.com
[2] http://www.jhparagliding.com
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/jackson-hole
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/jackson-hole/jackson
[5] http://www.snowking.com
[6] http://www.snowkingmountain.com
[7] http://www.grandtarghee.com