Jackson Hole, Wyoming, transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland, offering the perfect combination of outdoor adventures and cozy town experiences. Nestled in a valley surrounded by the beauty of the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, this charming destination is truly the it-spot for winter vacations. The snow-draped scenery creates the perfect backdrop for skiing, snowboarding, and much, much more, making a Jackson Hole winter getaway your next perfect snowy trip!
The town of Jackson itself is filled with character, with mix of the classic Western charm and modern luxury. You can explore the historic town square, complete with iconic antler arches (I’m sure you’ll recognize from social media!), or browse boutique shops for unique finds. The area also has an incredible culinary scene that ranges from casual local spots to fine dining restaurants.
Whether you plan to be gliding down the pristine ski slopes, taking a serene sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, or indulging in a spa day at one of the town’s luxurious resorts, Jackson Hole will be an unforgettable winter escape. This guide will help you plan your next trip, covering everything from where to stay and dine to the best activities for immersing yourself in this winter wonderland!
PLEASE NOTE, THIS ARTICLE INCLUDES AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS I MAY EARN A COMMISSION ON ANY PURCHASE MADE THROUGH THE LINKS, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU! I ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS & SERVICES THAT I BELIEVE IN, I’VE USED MYSELF, OR I’VE BEEN WANTING TO TRY – SO THEY ALL COME HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY ME, REGARDLESS OF THE SMALL PAYOUT :).
What to Know Before Going
- When’s The Best Time To Visit?
- The prime time to experience Jackson Hole’s winter magic is from December through April. During these months, the area typically has consistent snowfall, making it ideal for skiing and other snow activities.
- How Cold Does It Get?
- Expect chilly temperatures ranging from 5°F to 30°F (-15°C to -1°C) during the day, with nights dipping even lower. so bundle up to fully enjoy the crisp mountain air.
- When we were there in Feb, it hit the negatives, so always be prepared!!
- Expect chilly temperatures ranging from 5°F to 30°F (-15°C to -1°C) during the day, with nights dipping even lower. so bundle up to fully enjoy the crisp mountain air.
- What Should I Pack?
- Be sure to pack thermal layers, waterproof boots, and hand warmers, on top of the standard winter essentials. A big, warm coat, gloves, and hats.
- Always pack more layers than you expect – you’ll be thanking yourself later, I promise you! And, hard warmers are key!
- Don’t forget sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses & goggles, as the sun reflecting off the snow can be intense, even on overcast days.
- Be sure to pack thermal layers, waterproof boots, and hand warmers, on top of the standard winter essentials. A big, warm coat, gloves, and hats.
- Popular Winter Events
- The winter months come with some really fun events – check and see if your trip overlaps with one of them!
- Jackson Hole Rendezvous Festival: A multi-day music event in March featuring top artists and free outdoor concerts at the base of the slopes.
- Annual Skijoring Races: A Western tradition where skiers are pulled by galloping horses through an obstacle course.
- Town Square Lighting: Kick off the holiday season with dazzling lights adorning the iconic antler arches, typically in late November.
- The winter months come with some really fun events – check and see if your trip overlaps with one of them!
How To Get There
With the Jackson Hole Airport, you can fly directly into town from a most major airport hubs like Los Angeles, New York, Denver, Dallas, and Salt Lake. The flight from LAX is only a little over 2-hours, so it was short & sweet. If you can, sit on the left side of the plane, and you’ll get amazing views as you touch down!
The airport is uniquely situated within Grand Teton National Park (it’s the only airport in the country that is in a national park!), so from the moment you touch down on the tarmac, you’re surrounded by the beauty.
This airport is officially my favorite airport I’ve ever flown into – I mean, check out the views. You step off right onto the tarmac, and beware, it’s definitely a cold walk in. BUT, you’ll be greeted with complimentary mimosas (or OJ) once you enter!
For those flying in, I highly recommend renting a car. While most hotels have shuttle services, and there’s plenty of ride-share options, having a car allows you to explore further than the town center, and even up to the Tetons. During the winter months, just make sure your rental car is equipped with snow tires or all-wheel drive to navigate icy roads safely, though they take great care of their roads in town!
If you prefer a road trip, Jackson Hole is about a 5-hour drive from Salt Lake City and an 8-hour drive from Denver. Make sure to track the weather for any winter storms! When driving, plan your route to include scenic stops, like the Snake River Overlook, for breathtaking views of the Tetons.
Where To Stay
There’s tons of great places to stay in Jackson Hole, catering to a range of preferences from luxury resorts to charming cabins. Here are my top options, listed from highest to lowest average rates:
Four Seasons Resort, $$$$
This five-star ski-in, ski-out resort offers world-class amenities and redesigned rooms featuring a blend of modern comfort and rustic elegance. Imagine warming up by a crackling fire after a day on the slopes or indulging in a deep tissue massage at the spa?! The resort offers peak luxury, with service that stands true to the Four Seasons brand. And with ski concierge, they make hitting the slopes MUCH easier.
- Approx. $1,500+/night
- Book a room HERE
Caldera House, $$$$
Nestled in Teton Village, this boutique hotel features spacious, beautifully designed suites that feel like a home away from home. It’s the perfect place for larger groups, as they don’t have single rooms – all feature 2 bedrooms or more. So while the price point is steep, you can get a luxury experience with 6+ people at a decent rate. Each room has a fireplace, a full kitchen and heated bathroom floors…and most suites have a private hot tub. If you’re looking for luxury right on the slopes, look no further. But, if the price point is still too high, opt to spend a night hanging at their restaurant Corsa for a cozy Italian meal.
- Approx. $1,500+/night
- Book a room HERE
Cloudveil, $$$
Located right on Jackson’s historic town square, this modern luxury hotel offers stylish rooms, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace with stunning mountain views. It has one of the absolute best locations in the city, so you’ll be walking distance from all the prime shopping & dining the city has to offer. This is where I plan to stay on my next trip to Jackson (unless I can convince my friends to splurge on Caldera!).
- Approx. $500-700/night
- Book a room HERE
The Rustic Inn Creekside, $$
This charming property offers luxurious cabins and lodge rooms surrounded by nature. Stay in a private creekside location, and enjoy the tranquility of the moutains while still being minutes from downtown Jackson and the slopes. The walk into town is only 10-minutes, so you feel both close to everything, but also have the luxury of a secluded property to enjoy. Check out their hot tub & sauna for a late-night wind down after a day on the slopes. This is one of my favorite places to stay to enjoy the winter days!
- Approx. $250-400/night
- Book a room HERE
The Anvil Hotel, $$
A historic property in downtown Jackson, The Anvil Hotel really embraces the Western charm while offering modern amenities. Its cozy, quaint rooms and close proximity to Jackson’s shopping and dining make it a perfect, more budget friendly option in town. And, it’s home to an amazing Italian restaurant, Glorietta!
- Approx. $200-300/night
- Book a room HERE
Mountain Modern, $
Mountain Modern is a great budget-friendly option offering sleek, contemporary rooms with a laid-back, mountain vibe. Its under a 10-min walk to Jackson Town Square, so in a great location to explore the city. And, you can relax in their indoor pool after a long day on the town!
- Approx. $150-200/night
- Book a room HERE
Where to Eat & Drink
Casual Options
- Persephone Bakery
- A local favorite known for its artisanal pastries, fresh coffee, and warm ambiance, perfect for a quick breakfast or midday snack. The flaky croissants and seasonal quiches are must-tries.
- The Bunnery
- Homey breakfast spot, serving O.S.M. (oats, sunflower seeds & millet) mixes for their breakfast food. Get their O.S.M. pancakes with blueberries, and enjoy the laid-back diner vibes.
- Cafe Genevieve
- Located in a historic log cabin, this eatery serves comfort food with a creative twist, featuring dishes like pig candy and hearty soups. Their outdoor heated patio is a cozy spot even in the snow.
- Snake River Brewery
- Enjoy locally brewed beers and casual bar food in a chill atmosphere ideal for unwinding after a day on the slopes. Get their Truffle Fries paired with a cold Pako’s IPA.
- Teton Tiger
- Stop by this Pan-Asian restaurant with both Thai and Indian options with a dark & cool ambiance filled with graffiti and neon lights. It’s an intimate spot, with incredible food. Get the Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Red Curry with Fried Duck, and Bangkok Street Noodles.
Upscale Dining
- The Blue Lion
- This cozy restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, including its famous rack of lamb. Their intimate setting and attentive service make it perfect for a special night out.
- Snake River Grill
- Located on the town square, this upscale eatery is known for its innovative menu and elegant mountain ambiance. Be sure to try their signature Eskimo Bars for dessert.
- Glorietta Trattoria
- A delightful Italian-inspired restaurant with handmade pasta, wood-fired dishes, and a curated wine list. The Bolognese and wood-fired pizzas are crowd favorites.
- Corsa at Caldera House
- Super intimate & dimly lit restaurant, nestled in the boutique hotel, Caldera, in Teton Village. It’s an Italian restaurant with made-to-order pizzas cooked at the pizza bar (which you can sit at and watch them being made!) and fresh pastas. It’s vibey, but also warm & cozy.
Bars & Nightlife
- Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
- A trip to Jackson Hole is not complete until you step foot into the Million Dollar Cowboy! This famous place, well-known on social media, is popular for it’s saddle bar stools & live music. Head to the back for live music, which starts every night at 8:30PM. And make sure to stop in for line dancing on the weekends!
- Silver Dollar Bar
- Located in The Wort Hotel, this lively bar offers great drinks, live music, and a Western-themed ambiance. It’s a funky spot in this historic hotel, but be sure to stop by and enjoy the live music!
- The Handle Bar
- A casual spot at Four Seasons Resort, perfect for après-ski drinks and snacks with outdoor seating with fireplaces and views of the slopes. Take a quick lunch break here while you’re on the slopes, or watch all the skiers zoom on by. Don’t miss the pretzel with cheese & the Handle burger!
- Mangy Moose
- A lively bar and restaurant located in Teton Village, right off the slopes, with daily live music and an extensive drink menu. It’s a must-visit for après-ski or a night out. Be sure to check their schedule for upcoming shows (they tend to have big names come in). And, keep an eye out for the shotski that will make appearances throughout the night!
What to Explore
Skiing & Snowboarding
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is renowned for its diverse terrain, but caters a bit more to the seasoned skier. With over 2,500 acres of in-bounds terrain and one of the longest continuous vertical drops in North America, it’s a skier’s paradise. If you’re comfortable with blues on other mountains like me, you might be in for a challenge – this mountain is no joke. So for beginners & lower intermediates, check out their ski school or head to Snow King Mountain for more laid-back, family-friendly slopes and night skiing options.
Snowmobiling
The slopes aren’t the only way to get your adventure fix in Jackson. With miles of pristine landscapes from Yellowstone National Park or the Gros Ventre Range, there’s plenty of land explore with guided snowmobile tours. There’s not much better than racing through snowy meadows with views of steaming geysers and frozen waterfalls. Top guided tours include stops at landmarks like Old Faithful, where you can witness the geyser erupt amidst a frosty backdrop; or to Granite Hot Springs, a wintry dream where you can relax in the hot springs surrounded by the spruce, fir and pine forest.
We booked our Old Faithful tour through Scenic Safaris, and couldn’t recommend more! It was the most magical day. Check out my in-depth post HERE for more details on our trip.
Exploring the Teton Mountains
The Teton Mountains offer endless opportunities for winter exploration. You can take a beautiful scenic drive, and meander through the multiple outlook points. Or you can even take a guided tour to marvel at their jagged peaks dusted in snow. If you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s plenty of trails to backcountry ski, or even snowshoe through the mountains.
Make sure to stop at Mormon Row & Snake River Overlook for some of the most magical views!
Sleigh Rides
Before you leave, make sure to head to the National Elk Refuge to experience a classic horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow. During the winter in Jackson Hole, thousands of elk come down from the mountains, leaving behind the cold temps, to make the Refuge their home for the next few months.
You can grab a ticket for the horse-drawn sleigh for $38, where you’ll get up-close and personal with the elk! The tour leaves from the National Elk Refuge Visitor Center every 20-30 minutes every day from 9AM – 3PM.
The guides are all super friendly & knowledgeable – you’ll definitely learn a lot, and get to see the wildlife of Jackson in the most beautiful setting. We even got to see several bald eagles, a family of swans, & coyotes off in the distance. I’ve heard of people even seeing wolves or bison!
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