Jackson Hole Rendezvous Peak Bootpack Axed for 2021-22

A view of Jackson Hole’s upper tramline. For 2021-22, a temporary bootpack to this terrain will be removed.

The bootpack to the top of Jackson Hole’s Rendezvous Bowl will not be offered this season, according to a press release put out by the resort this week. The hike-up path, which extended from the top of the Sublette chair to the tram summit, was offered during the 2020-21 season, when COVID mandates forced Jackson Hole to reduce loading capacity on its aerial tram by 75%.

As with normal seasons, open-air lift access will still be available to the top of the Sublette chair. This development comes as part of a series of announcements made by Jackson Hole, which include detailed 2021-22 operating information and routine mountain improvements.

Our Take

Jackson Hole’s tram serves some of its most challenging, iconic terrain, and due to the long headways, waiting for the lift during a normal season can take hours. With the boot pack, the mountain provided an alternate form of egress to these slopes for those willing to earn their turns. But with the tram returning to normal 100-person loading guidelines this winter, the resort is removing this option, likely to preserve capacity. Given the near certainty of packed tram cars, this means COVID-cautious guests who don’t want to stand in a large crowd will be out of luck to reach Jackson Hole’s summit.

Most people won’t notice the path is gone, but for the few willing to earn their turns, the Rendezvous boot pack was a convenient alternative that was, at times, a faster route to the summit than the tram itself. We’ll pour one out for its removal.

Considering a trip to Jackson Hole? Check out our comprehensive mountain review and Rockies rankings. Additionally, with the 2021-22 season fast approaching, check out Jackson Hole’s operating plan and reservation policies.