After a slow first season, ridership has nearly tripled on the Teton Pass ski shuttle, from about 20 daily riders to 60, with more on powder days.
That’s according to shuttle driver Rick Gordon, who takes the 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift most Saturdays for the Teton Backcountry Alliance.
He estimates those trips remove about 15 cars from the informal parking lot — constructed as a spot to check break before descending the steep road — which can fill to a hazardous level during peak hours.
The carpool is more than a safety improvement, though. Gordon said it’s become something people use to plan out their ski days from the popular backcountry destination.
“When I pull up, half the time people are waiting and they put their arms up like they won the Olympics,” Gordon said.
The nonprofit started the free carpool last year responding to local elected and community traffic and safety concerns.
For the 2024-2025 winter season, the group has added trips on Sunday, tweaked pickup times and ultimately, grown in popularity. There’s now a group of what Gordon calls “regulars” whom he sees every week.
“And they see each other,” he said, “it’s something I think people have come to rely on.”
The shuttle is funded in large part by the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board. Gordon hopes its increased use shows its need and may lead to weekday shuttles.
A 2024 transportation study by local, state and federal governments recommends major capital improvements, like paving, widening and expanding roads and parking lots at Philips Bench, Coal Creek and Teton Pass Summit, and introducing services — like the shuttle.
So far, the shuttle is the only implemented improvement. The full schedule can be found online here.
