Replying to SLC to Jackson Hole & Airline Ski Bag Allowances

Heading over from NZ in late Jan, what's the best way to get from SLC to Jackson Hole - hire a car, or are there some ok bus connections? The only bus I've been able to find was $150pp, so kinda makes more sense to get a car, but don't really need a car once we're there..

Also, any advice with ski bags on AA or Delta? I've got a double bag and will have my wife's and my own skis in the one bag. Both sites say one pair of skis count as one item of luggage and customer service just refers me back to that section of the website.. are they likely to check, or will we be ok as long as we're under the weight and size dimensions?