Known as “The King,” this iconic mountain offers a blend of high-alpine excitement and laid-back summer fun. Whether you’re soaring down the alpine coaster, navigating the treetop adventure course, or catching live music under a golden sunset, Snow King delivers a summer like no other.
And now, with the opening of Aurora, the resort’s mountaintop fine-dining restaurant, the experience reaches new heights—literally.
A meal at Aurora isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. Suspended at high elevation with panoramic views of the Tetons, the restaurant elevates the meaning of destination dining.
“With Aurora, we can elevate the guest experience all around,” Food & Beverage Director, Nicholas Berti, said. “It’s fine dining on top of a mountain. The location, the view—everything about it is special.”Aurora opened its doors on January 31, bringing an upscale but inviting atmosphere to the top of Snow King. The menu, shaped by a chef handpicked after an extensive search, features locally sourced ingredients that highlight the flavors of the region.
BY TAYLOR OWENS
Perched above Jackson Hole, Snow King Mountain Resort is where adventure meets elevation.
Inside the new mountain top restaurant, Aurora.
“I left the chef completely carte blanche,” Berti explained. “He’s an artist, and I wouldn’t tell an artist how to paint. The menu is smart, well-curated, and deeply rooted in his expertise.”
Guests can expect dishes that blend refinement with heartiness—standouts include swordfish, carbonara, and generous lamb chops. “I hate it when I order lamb chops, and they give you two tiny bites. These are big lamb chops,” Berti said with a grin.
Aurora keeps its prices surprisingly fair, despite the logistical challenge of running a restaurant that requires a gondola ride to reach. “Our overhead is high, but we want to make this experience accessible,” Berti said.
Guests can expect dishes that blend refinement with heartiness—standouts include swordfish, carbonara, and generous lamb chops. “I hate it when I order lamb chops, and they give you two tiny bites. These are big lamb chops,” Berti said with a grin.
Aurora keeps its prices surprisingly fair, despite the logistical challenge of running a restaurant that requires a gondola ride to reach. “Our overhead is high, but we want to make this experience accessible,” Berti said.
That philosophy translates into Aurora’s atmosphere as well. “It’s fine dining, but not stuffy,” Berti said. “We execute at a high level, but the vibe is fun, vibrant, and dynamic. It’s refined, but it still feels approachable.”
For a more laid-back alternative, a stop at Snow King’s all-new Summit House Coffee Shop offers a cozy, caffeine-fueled escape at 9,000 feet. Serving locally roasted coffee, snacks, and beers, it’s the perfect spot to sip and soak in the view—whether you’re gearing up for a guided hike or winding down after a ride on the alpine coaster.
As the summer season unfolds, Aurora’s rooftop patio opens, offering an even more immersive way to soak in the views. Whether you’re winding down after an adventure-filled day or just taking in the alpenglow over the Tetons, cocktails on the rooftop are an experience in themselves.
For a more laid-back alternative, a stop at Snow King’s all-new Summit House Coffee Shop offers a cozy, caffeine-fueled escape at 9,000 feet. Serving locally roasted coffee, snacks, and beers, it’s the perfect spot to sip and soak in the view—whether you’re gearing up for a guided hike or winding down after a ride on the alpine coaster.
As the summer season unfolds, Aurora’s rooftop patio opens, offering an even more immersive way to soak in the views. Whether you’re winding down after an adventure-filled day or just taking in the alpenglow over the Tetons, cocktails on the rooftop are an experience in themselves.
And adventure is never far at Snow King. Beyond its mountaintop dining, the resort is packed with thrilling activities and family-friendly fun, making it one of Jackson’s top summer destinations.
The Alpine Coaster is a must for adrenaline seekers. Spanning 3,295 feet of twisting, turning mountain track, this coaster offers a high-speed, gravity-fueled thrill ride. Riders control their own speed, making it an adventure suitable for both daredevils and those who just want to take in the views.
For those who enjoy a challenge, Snow King’s maze and mini golf course provide the perfect family-friendly adventure. The maze is a test of strategy and patience, offering twists, turns, and dead ends that will keep both kids and adults entertained. Right next to it, the mini golf course is designed to reflect the rugged mountain landscape, blending fun and a bit of competitive spirit into a game that all ages can enjoy.
The Alpine Coaster is a must for adrenaline seekers. Spanning 3,295 feet of twisting, turning mountain track, this coaster offers a high-speed, gravity-fueled thrill ride. Riders control their own speed, making it an adventure suitable for both daredevils and those who just want to take in the views.
For those who enjoy a challenge, Snow King’s maze and mini golf course provide the perfect family-friendly adventure. The maze is a test of strategy and patience, offering twists, turns, and dead ends that will keep both kids and adults entertained. Right next to it, the mini golf course is designed to reflect the rugged mountain landscape, blending fun and a bit of competitive spirit into a game that all ages can enjoy.
Riding the mountain coaster at Snow King.
Snow King’s guided hikes offer a deeper connection to the mountain and its surroundings. Led by expert naturalists, these treks reveal the flora, fauna, and history of the Tetons. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a scenic stroll or an experienced hiker seeking a more challenging ascent, these guided experiences showcase the wild beauty of Jackson Hole.
One of the most exciting new additions to Snow King this summer is the mountaintop observatory and planetarium, the only one in the United States. Here, visitors can gaze into the depths of the universe through high-powered telescopes, taking in planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies. By day, planetarium shows rotate along with programming at the solar telescope, Science On a Sphere (SOS) exhibit, and in the immersive classroom theater. By night, the observatory transforms into a gateway to the cosmos, providing a look at the night sky.
Live music lovers will find their rhythm at the Summer Concert Series, where top-tier bands and local favorites take the stage at the summit of the mountain. With the Tetons as a backdrop, these concerts bring together locals and visitors for an unforgettable night under the stars. Notable bands such as Modest Mouse, Kaleo, Luke Grimes, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and many others are set to take the stage this summer.
Snow King stands apart from other ski resorts that cater exclusively to high-end travelers. “We cast a wide net—we want everyone to feel welcome here,” Berti said. “It’s a great place for families, for thrill-seekers, and for anyone who just wants to take in the views.”
While Snow King is known for its ski slopes, summer unveils a whole new world of adventure. The resort has packed the season with family-friendly activities, making it one of Jackson’s top summer destinations.
One of the most exciting new additions to Snow King this summer is the mountaintop observatory and planetarium, the only one in the United States. Here, visitors can gaze into the depths of the universe through high-powered telescopes, taking in planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies. By day, planetarium shows rotate along with programming at the solar telescope, Science On a Sphere (SOS) exhibit, and in the immersive classroom theater. By night, the observatory transforms into a gateway to the cosmos, providing a look at the night sky.
Live music lovers will find their rhythm at the Summer Concert Series, where top-tier bands and local favorites take the stage at the summit of the mountain. With the Tetons as a backdrop, these concerts bring together locals and visitors for an unforgettable night under the stars. Notable bands such as Modest Mouse, Kaleo, Luke Grimes, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and many others are set to take the stage this summer.
Snow King stands apart from other ski resorts that cater exclusively to high-end travelers. “We cast a wide net—we want everyone to feel welcome here,” Berti said. “It’s a great place for families, for thrill-seekers, and for anyone who just wants to take in the views.”
While Snow King is known for its ski slopes, summer unveils a whole new world of adventure. The resort has packed the season with family-friendly activities, making it one of Jackson’s top summer destinations.
