Since I have already written a comprehensive summer guide for Jackson Hole, Wyoming, it’s time for my winter guide! Even if you aren’t a skier or snowboarder, there are many things to do in Jackson Hole in the wintertime. While I will argue that this place is definitely a skiers’ paradise, that is just the jumping-off point for all the fun adventures in this outdoor paradise.
Are you ready to learn more about this fun winter destination? Keep reading for all of my tips and recommendations on everything to do in the wintertime in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
A Brief Note on Why I Love Jackson Hole, Wyoming So Much
I am extremely lucky. My close friend moved out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, during the pandemic. I was really sad when she left NYC, knowing I wouldn’t always see her. But I was also excited that I would now get to visit her in arguably one of the most beautiful places in the country, Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
After four visits in the past two years, Jackson Hole has made its way into my heart for good. First, there’s the epic scenery. There are mountain views in every direction. Second, when you stay in Jackson, the Grand Tetons National Park is your backyard. No, seriously. The entrance to the park is a mere 20-minute drive from town. That means easy access to world-class skiing, hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, and swimming in pristine glacier lakes and rivers. And then, just up the road, about 80 miles away, is another famous national park, Yellowstone. So, to say that Jackson Hole is well-situated is an understatement!
But I think the number one reason I love Jackson is the small-town feel it evokes. Visiting gives me a chance to get away from the hectic, non-stop action of New York City. Every time I arrive in Jackson, my shoulders drop an inch, and my heart rate slows. I take a big breath of that mountain air and immediately relax. I don’t think it’s easy to find places that center you, but Jackson is one of them for me.
(The other place that gives me the same feeling is Cape Cod. Check out my Outer Cape Cod Travel Guide to learn more.)
And now, since I have spent so much time here, it’s starting to feel like a home away from home. Each time I come, I make a discovery that I can’t wait to share with you. From incredible adventure activities to top-notch restaurants and cute boutiques, this mountain town truly has something for everyone. So, let’s dive in on all there is to do in this winter paradise!
Are you curious to know the difference between Jackson and Jackson Hole? Check out my Jackson Hole Summer Guide to learn more.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them, I may earn a small commission (for which I’m very grateful!) at no extra cost to you. You can view my disclosure here.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming Is a Skier’s Paradise
Ok, let’s get this out of the way first. Indeed, Jackson Hole is a skier and snowboarder’s paradise. There’s no question about it. Jackson Hole Ski Resort is expensive, with daily lift tickets starting at $225 per day. However, it’s also one of the most technically challenging in terms of terrain. So if you want a ski trip where you can get after it, this is your mountain.
The other great thing about this ski resort is that unlike other resorts, like Deer Valley and Snowbird in Utah, which say they limit the number of skiers per day, Jackson Hole really does. You never wait longer than 5 minutes in a lift line. That is unheard of at most of today’s big ski resorts. In Colorado and Utah, I have sometimes waited 30 minutes to get on a lift.
Lastly, while Jackson Hole is known as a playground for the extremely wealthy, the mountain still feels like an old-school ski resort. There are no pretentious, white-cloth restaurants on the mountain, and the Après ski scene, while popular, is limited to a few bars, none of which include a full-on dance party with world-class DJs. (I’m looking at you, Aspen!) Mangy Moose, a dive bar with a giant moose hanging from the ceiling, is the most popular spot for a post-ski beer. But if you prefer something more upscale, you can spend $25 for a cocktail at The Handlebar at the Four Seasons.
And if you take the tram to the very top of the mountain, reward yourself with waffles at Corbet’s Cabin before the very steep descent to the bottom of the mountain.
Pro-Tip: The lift tickets at the resort do sell out during peak periods, so plan to buy them in advance. This works in your favor because you can get up to a 15% discount on lift tickets if you buy them a couple of months in advance. The mountain also accepts the IKON pass, but you still want to lock in your dates ASAP since the number of IKON pass holders is also limited.
While most people come to Jackson Hole to ski at the resort in Teton Village, there’s also a much smaller mountain right in town. Snow King is loved by locals and tourists alike for its easy access, steep terrain, and the fact that you can ski at night. Plus, like the Jackson Hole Resort, there are no lift lines.
The best Non-Skiing Winter Activities in Jackson Hole
Now that we have got skiing and snowboarding out of the way, let’s talk about the other fun outdoor winter activities you can do in Jackson Hole. There are a lot!
Snowmobile Tours
Are you looking for a rush of adrenaline, but skiing isn’t your thing? Try snowmobiling. With miles of hills and mountains, the Jackson area landscape is perfect for whipping around on a snowmobile. A few snowmobile tours will take you out for a half or full day to either the Grand Tetons National Park or Yellowstone National Park. You’ll not only have a day of adventure, but you’ll get to see some amazing wildlife, too.
Snowshoe Tours
On the opposite end of the spectrum, and a little more calm and peaceful, is snowshoeing. But don’t let the calm nature of this activity fool you. Snowshoeing is great exercise, and you will work up a sweat and appetite for sure. There are many snowshoe tours to choose from in Jackson Hole.
Cross Country Skiing
Another great way to get the blood flowing is a cross country skiing excursion in the Grand Tetons National Park. With ample trails, you can get out into the backcountry and enjoy gorgeous scenery and fresh air while getting a rigorous workout.
Outdoor Hot Springs
After a day on the slopes or another outdoor adventure, you can soak your weary muscles in a steaming hot tub. Or, if you’re more adventurous, you can try one of Jackson Hole’s many outdoor hot springs. There are a few natural springs you can access in the wintertime. If you want an experience that includes amenities like a changing area, bathrooms, food, and drinks, I recommend Astoria Hot Springs.
Dancing All Night at Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
Ok, technically, this isn’t exactly an outdoor winter activity. But Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a must-visit for anyone in town for the first time. Full of tourists in cowboy hats and a scattering of locals (who definitely aren’t in cowboy hats or cowboy boots), the eclectic mix of people makes for a fun night on the town. The live music gets louder as the evening continues, and the crowd gets rowdier. Don’t be surprised if you get roped into line dancing or taking a shot while sitting on one of the many horse saddle bar stools. It’s sure to be a memorable night out.
Where to Stay in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If you are looking for a place to stay in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I have a few great options to recommend. But I also want to remind you that as a travel advisor, not only can I book your hotel for you (And a full ski package too, if needed), but I can also get you additional perks, so you feel like a VIP! I’m talking free breakfast, a room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out, and a hotel credit for food and drinks or the spa. That’s kind of a win-win, right?!
For accommodations at the base of the mountain, I recommend the Four Seasons. If you prefer to stay in town, there are a few options. Personally, I love the Cloudveil, Autograph Collection. It’s part of Marriott Bonvoy so you can earn points if you’re a loyalty member, and they have hit the nail with their mountain-chic decor. Another luxurious boutique hotel is the Hotel Jackson. Lastly, a more affordable option which is no-frills but clean and comfortable, is the Anvil Hotel.
Where to Eat and Drink in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
I wrote an entire blog post about all of the great restaurants and bars in Jackson Hole, Wyoming so make sure to check it out. But I’ll mention a few here that are absolute standouts for me.
- King Sushi: Incredible sushi in a tiny space, book in advance
- Coelette: Cozy mountain vibes with farm-to-table hearty dishes
- Persephone Bakery: The cutest, Instagrammable cafe great for breakfast, brunch, and lunch
- Cowboy Coffee: For your caffeine fix and breakfast wraps before you hit the slopes
- Glorietta Trattoria: Upscale Italian food in an unpretentious space
- Mangy Moose: for a raucous and fun apres ski hang
Are you Ready to Book Your Winter Trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming?
I hope that everything I shared in this post has convinced you to book a winter trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming! I promise you won’t regret it.
If you’re thinking about planning a trip but don’t know where to start, please reach out. I’m a travel advisor now with Fora Travel (read more about my career expansion here), and I would LOVE to save you time and put my expertise to work to plan a great ski (or non-ski) trip for you and your family because everyone deserves to visit one of the most epic mountain towns in the United States at least once!
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