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Grand Targhee Resort
Grand Targhee Ski Resort:  An Experience Worth the Journey
By Jace Johnson

      Dramatically towering just fifty short miles to the east of Rexburg, Idaho stand the majestic Teton Mountains.  For many who take the time to venture to this grandiose landscape, the views alone are worthy of lifelong memories.  But for those seeking a more active investigation of what the terrain can provide, they need only to pay a visit to a quaint ski resort nestled on the Western slope of the Teton Mountains in the midst of the Grand Targhee National Forest.  With a base elevation over 8,000 feet and a peak elevation over 10,000 feet, the Grand Targhee Ski Resort is famous for its consistently outstanding snow conditions, which reach upwards of 500 inches a year.  The accumulation of light, Rocky Mountain powder, mixed with the beauty of such a remote, yet accessible area, creates a recreational winter wonderland that snow adventurers of all ages will find irresistibly enticing.  With over 3,000 acres of breathtaking terrain and 63 trails, the Grand Targhee Ski Resort will leave both the expert and beginner satisfied and smiling.  Beginner skiers and snowboarders can learn in a safe and comfortable environment on the bunny slope and then gradually work their way up the mountain, maneuvering their way down a large selection of green and blue runs.  Even from the very top of the mountain, green and blue runs are provided, along with a large selection of black diamond runs, so that the maximum experience of terrain variety is offered to skiers and snowboarders of all levels of experience.  In addition, Grand Targhee also maximizes accessibility using four separate lifts to swiftly transport skiers and snowboarders up the mountain at a capacity of 7,200 riders per hour (Grand Targhee).  With such an accommodating system, it is easy to see how Grand Targhee Ski Resort has achieved a reputation for a magnificent skiing experience without the hassle of large crowds. 


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Grand Targhee Resort
      For those lucky winter goers who seek to experience the bliss that comes from frolicking in this wonderland of winter recreation, the only danger of a downside is the cost.  The price of a single full day adult lift pass is $69 dollars; a half day pass is $49 dollars, with the exception of children under the age of five who get to ski for free with the accompaniment of a paid adult.  The expense of the lift passes can definitely put a cinch on the purse-strings, but for those who plan ahead and plan on visiting the resort multiple times throughout the season, the cost can be minimized with the purchase of value passes.  Season passes can be purchased ahead of time at a lower cost on Grand Targhee’s web page (www.Grandtarghee.com).  The prices of an adult season pass are listed as follows: before September8th: $575, before November 3rd: $675, and from November 3rd on: $775.  Also, check their web site periodically through the season for special “twofer” offers where you can purchase two lift passes for the price of one.  If you plan ahead and set aside the necessary savings, the experience will leave you feeling grateful you did so after your first run down the slope (2009-10Winter Lift Ticket Rates).
     So if you are in the Rexburg area and feel the need to venture out and generate an experience that will leave you lasting impressions of beauty and excitement, don’t hesitate to visit the Grand Targhee Ski resort.  The ski season officially begins November 27th, 2009 so start planning now.  There really is nothing like being the first person on the mountain the morning after a blizzard.  So Dust off your skis or snowboard and hit the slopes!  Chances are I’ll see you there!

Works Cited
"2009-10 Winter Lift Ticket Rates". Grand Targhee Resort. 20 November 2009 <http://www.grandtarghee.com/the-mountain/rates/index.php>.
"Grand Targhee". Rexburg Chamber of Commerce. 20 November 2009 <http://abc.eznettools.net/rexburgcc/thingstodo/ski/targhee.html>.