By air: Four major carriers now serve Jackson Hole with jets: American, United, Northwest and Delta. There's non-stop daily service from Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, and Minneapolis, four-times-a-week service from Dallas, plus weekend non-stop service from Atlanta and Cincinnati. Check with the resort central reservations for air bargains. This is a small airport, surrounded by towering mountains, with pretty good chances of delayed flights. It may be a wise idea to build an extra day into your schedule heading in and out, especially if your travel requires several plane changes. And if weather grounds you, remember to ask about distressed traveler rates at local lodgings.

By car: Jackson is on Hwys. 89, 26 and 191 in western Wyoming. The town is 10 miles south of the airport, and Teton Village is 12 miles farther by Hwys. 89, 22 and 390. Driving, Jackson Hole is about five hours from Salt Lake City and 10 hours from Denver.

To stem the tide of traffic into Teton Village, Jackson Hole has opened the Stillson Parking Lot, which offers free parking about 7 miles from the base area with free open-air shuttles to and fro. All other parking at the base area is paid, up to $10 per day, unless you are riding with at least four or more in your car—then it is free anywhere.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO JACKSON HOLE | JACKSON AREA MAPS | TETON VILLAGE MAP

Getting around: The rule in the past was rent a car. But for visitors to Jackson Hole who are staying at the ski area and focused on skiing and snowboarding, the mountain village has everything you need to stay busy for a week. You can use the shuttlebus to get into town, and taxis between the village and town are only about $10. If you are staying in town, a car may be more convenient and will save lots of time. While buses run regularly, they can add up to 45 minutes to your commuting time during the busy apres-ski period, and at night, buses from town to Teton Village run only once an hour.

Unless you are used to driving steep Rocky Mountain passes, we recommend that you take the Targhee Express (307-733-3101) to Grand Targhee in snowy weather. It's $15 well spent.

Motorists, take note: Highway signs say little about the ski areas. From town, follow signs to Teton Village to get to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and to Wilson when driving to Grand Targhee.

START (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit) buses run frequently between Jackson and Teton Village to 10 p.m. in ski season for a small fee. Study the bus schedule and get on an express bus if you want to minimize your commute. Another good deal: books of bus passes sold at most resorts. They can save you a few bucks off the published fare. Five companies provide taxi services and airport shuttles: Jackson Hole Transportation (307-733-3135), Gray Line (307-733-4325), Buckboard Cab (307-733-1112), All-Star Taxi (307-733-2888) and All Trans (307-733-1700). Check websites for discount coupons on airport shuttles.