Planning a snowy escape to Jackson Hole? In this post, I’m sharing ALL the best things to do in Jackson Hole in winter, whether you’re a ski bum, adventure seeker, apres ski aficionado, or someone just looking for a good ole frosty fiesta. Plus, I’ve got you covered with all the best places to stay in Jackson Hole for every budget!
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Ultimate travel guide for Jackson Hole in winter
If you’re interested in a winter getaway and have no idea where to go, I HIGHLY recommend visiting the enchanting town of Jackson, Wyoming! This was my first time visiting Jackson Hole, and I have to say, I think it might be one of my favorite winter destinations in the United States that I have EVER been to.
I’m not lying when I tell you there is no winter wonderland quite like Jackson Hole. We visited In February for a whole week, and it literally snowed non-stop all day every day. As a Floridian, that was a little bit of a climate shock, but luckily, I came prepared and enjoyed EVERY minute of it.
One of the things I loved most is that there are SO many fun things to do in Jackson Hole in winter (even if you don’t like skiing), and almost everything is within walking distance from each other, depending on where you’re staying. They also have a great transportation system to get to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort if you don’t have a car!
In this post, I’m sharing ALL the best things to do in Jackson Hole in winter, from skiing and sleigh rides to soup crawls and apres ski spots. Plus, I’ve got you covered with where to stay in Jackson Hole for every budget.
Planning in a hurry? Check out these quick links!
Travel resources:
- Skyscanner (find the best rates on airplane tickets)
- Discover Cars (compare rental car prices and save $$$)
- Booking.com (find the best deals on accommodations)
Best Jackson tours to book in advance:
- Sunset 4-hour Grand Teton Adventure (likely to sell out)
- National Elk Refuge sleigh ride (beautiful views + wildlife)
- Snow King triple play pass (3 fun winter activities included!)
Best hotels in Jackson Hole Wyoming:
- Antler Inn (budget-friendly + great location)
- Hotel Jackson (amazing downtown location)
- Four Seasons (luxury + ski-in/ski-out access)
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links, so I can keep traveling! We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Things to know before you go
How to get to Jackson Hole
Not going to lie, getting to Jackson Hole is an adventure in itself! Depending on where you are coming from, the easiest way to get to Jackson is to obviously fly into the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). However, the airport is relatively small and only offers nonstop flights to Jackson Hole from 13 major cities, making it pretty expensive.
The good thing about this airport is that it’s only 9 miles from Town Square and 20 miles from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, making it one of the most accessible airports in the Rockies.
A less expensive option is to fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) like we did or Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA). However, you would need to rent a car and drive, as it’s 4 hours and 30 minutes from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Idaho. I recommend comparing flight options on Skyscanner to see what makes the most sense!
Getting around Jackson Hole in winter
Navigating around Jackson Hole is relatively easy, and several transportation options are available to explore the town and surrounding attractions.
If you’re planning on staying in Downtown Jackson (like we did), you can quickly get around by foot, as most of the restaurants, shops, and attractions are within walking distance of each other. Depending on where you’re staying, there are also shuttles available that will take you to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for skiing.
If you plan on venturing outside of the town of Jackson, I always recommend renting a car, as this gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the area on your own schedule. Click here to explore Jackson Hole car rental options.
However, if you don’t have a rental car, many tours are also available that will take you to the surrounding attractions, like Grand Teton National Park. Make sure to check out some of my recommendations below!
Best time to visit Jackson Hole
The best time to visit Jackson Hole really depends on your interests and what you want to experience during your trip, as each season offers unique opportunities and activities.
If you’re reading this post, I assume you plan to visit Jackson Hole in winter (like we did)! Jackson Hole is renowned for its world-class ski resorts, making it the perfect place to enjoy skiing and other snow-related activities. Keep in mind that the Jackson Hole weather is EXTREMELY cold this time of year, with highs in the 20s and 30s, so make sure you come prepared!
Summer is the peak tourist season, with the weather in Jackson Hole offering mild daytime temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s. This is an excellent time for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, and wildlife viewing. The wildflowers are also in full bloom this time of year, and many festivals and events occur during this season.
If you want to enjoy Jackson Hole with fewer crowds, Spring is a great time to visit, and you can still enjoy skiing at the beginning of the season. Fall is also a fantastic time of year, with cooler Jackson Hole Wyoming weather and beautiful Fall foliage.
Best things to do in Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole Wyoming skiing
Let’s kick things off with what Jackson Hole is famous for, epic skiing and snowboarding! Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, the slopes here are a playground for EVERYONE and EVERY skill level.
This was my first time skiing in Jackson Hole, and I must admit, it was next level, in a good but scary way (haha). It pretty much snowed ALL day, EVERY day the whole week we were there, which is obviously a ski lover’s dream. However, it definitely put my intermediate skiing ability to the test.
If you plan on snowboarding or skiing in Jackson Hole, below is everything you need to know, including where to go, how to get there, how much it costs, and more!
Planning on skiing at Jackson Hole Ski Resort? Check out these quick links!
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Known for its challenging and steep terrain, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the premier ski destinations in the United States, making it a haven for advanced and expert skiers with over 130 named trails. However, there are also plenty of groomed runs and beginner-friendly areas for less experienced skiers. Click here for the Jackson Hole ski map.
The resort offers a range of lifts, including high-speed quads, gondolas, and the iconic aerial tram that offers stunning 360-degree views of the Tetons. The one day of our trip that I actually built up the courage to ride the Jackson Hole tram and ski down the mountain (it would have been my first black run), it snowed like crazy, and the visibility was so terrible I ended up chickening out (haha). Maybe next year!
If you’re interested in skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, check out their website here for prices on lift tickets, classes offered, ski rentals, and more. I recommend booking in advance, as this is peak season and it gets very crowded.
Additionally, if you’re not staying at the resort and don’t have a car, check out the START bus schedule here that runs between Teton Village and Jackson from early morning to late night. You can also find parking rates here if you do plan on driving.
Snow King Mountain
Snow King is another favorite spot for skiing and snowboarding, with various trails suitable for all skill levels. If you’re new to skiing or haven’t skied in a while, Snow King also has an excellent ski school for those looking to improve their skills.
I personally preferred skiing at Snow King Resort Jackson Hole because it was only three miles from our hotel (and downtown Jackson), and it was a lot less crowded than Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Personally, I wouldn’t say I like skiing with a lot of people around (for my safety and theirs, haha), and I also felt like Snow King had a lot more trails suitable for my skill level.
Another great thing about Snow King is that it is significantly LESS EXPENSIVE to ski than Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Skiing ain’t cheap, especially if you have to buy and rent gear, so if you’re planning on bringing the whole fam, Snow King is definitely the place to go!
Additionally, Snow King has a lot of other fun winter activities if you don’t want to ski, including a cowboy coaster, tubing, scenic gondola rides, and more. Feel free to check out their website here for lift tickets, ski classes, activities offered, and more!
Looking for Jackson Hole ski rentals? You can reserve your equipment in advance online and have it delivered right to you with Ski Butlers. Click here to learn more.
Stroll Jackson Town Square
Jackson’s Town Square, the heart of the town, is a historic and iconic area with a unique and charming blend of Western architecture, shops, and restaurants.
One of the most recognizable features of the Town Square is the elk antler arches, creating a picturesque entrance to the square and a great photo spot! During winter, the square is also a hub for outdoor ice skating, providing a fun and festive activity for the whole family.
The Town Square is also surrounded by an array of boutiques, art galleries, and shops where you can find everything from Western wear and outdoor gear to handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Additionally, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, eateries, and bars around the square where you can enjoy every kind of cuisine your heart desires. There are some pretty unique Western dishes in Jackson that you have to try, so make sure to check out my restaurant recommendations below!
Grab a drink at the iconic Cowboy Bar
No trip to Jackson is complete without a stop at the iconic Cowboy Bar, better known as Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Located conveniently on Jackson’s Town Square, it’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors, offering a unique Western atmosphere, live music, and a touch of cowboy history.
One of the most distinctive features of Cowboy Bar Jackson Hole is its bar stools, which are actual saddles mounted on a swivel base. I can’t say it’s the most comfortable way to enjoy a drink, but it’s definitely a fun one!
Cowboy Bar also often hosts live music performances, ranging from country and western bands to local musicians, and they have a huge dance floor. If you’re looking for the perfect apres-ski place, this is it, but be warned, it does get really crowded, especially on the weekend!
Ride the Jackson Hole aerial tram
If you’re not planning on skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (or if you’re not an advanced skier), I still recommend taking a ride on the aerial tram, as it’s such a cool experience. The ride takes only nine minutes to get to the top, and you’re rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the Tetons and Jackson Hole Valley.
I should also probably mention that there’s a waffle stand at the top called Corbet’s Cabin, which definitely makes the trip worth it! I mean, where else can you enjoy a waffle at a Jackson Hole elevation of 10450 feet?
Before you ride the tram, I highly suggest you take a look at the weather forecast. In case you missed it above, the day I chose to ride the tram and actually ski down, the visibility was so terrible at the top that I ended up taking the tram immediately right back down.
Go on a soup crawl in Downtown Jackson
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a hot cup of soup on a cold day, and what better way to warm up than an impromptu soup crawl? Besides skiing, of course, this was honestly one of my favorite things we did in Jackson Hole, and TikTok seemed to agree, too. Make sure to check out my post here!
If you’re interested in going on a soup crawl, these are the places we went to. We started with the Wort famous corn chowder (10/10) at Silver Dollar Grill. They also have bison and smoked garlic chili (7/10), which was a little salty, in my opinion, and I wouldn’t recommend ordering the French onion soup (3/10). Local’s is 100x better!
Our next stop was Cowboy Coffee for their elk chili. This was our favorite breakfast spot, so I figured everything on the menu would probably be good, but it was just ok (6/10). The Fritos were a nice addition, though!
Our third stop was Local for their French onion soup, which was by far my favorite of the day. Local was our favorite happy spot in Jackson, so it honestly came as no surprise that their soup was “chef’s kiss,” too!
Our fourth stop was Hatch Taqueria, which also happened to be another one of our frequented Jackson happy hour spots. Hatch Jackson Hole has the BEST tortilla soup I’ve ever had, especially if you order it with pork (10/10).
Our last stop was Cowboy Bar for their baked potato soup. (I can’t believe we ate this much soup, haha) We honestly only went there because we wanted a variety, and it was nothing special. It also took SO long to get, so I wouldn’t waste your money!
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Apres ski Jackson Hole
Skiing is fun, but let’s be real, I’m really here for the apres ski! If you plan on staying in Teton Village, The Handle Bar at The Four Seasons Resort is a great apres ski spot. They offer a fantastic happy hour and have both indoor and outdoor seating with fire pits! The Mangy Moose is another fun bar with plenty of seating and has live music most afternoons.
If you’re heading into Downtown Jackson for apres ski, you can’t go wrong with the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, an iconic Western bar with live music and actual saddles as seats. They’re so fun! Another one of my favorite apres ski spots in Jackson Hole is Local Restaurant & bar. They offer 50% off drinks during happy hour and have food specials too!
Go on a sleigh ride Jackson Hole
If you’re wondering what to do in Jackson Hole in winter that’s fun for the whole family (besides skiing), there’s one experience that stands out, like a snow-capped mountain, the National Elk Refuge sleigh ride. Imagine being bundled up in a warm, cozy sleigh, gliding through a snowy winter wonderland surrounded by majestic herds of wild elk. Sounds pretty magical, right? Believe me, IT WAS!
If you plan on going on a Jackson Hole sleigh ride, please note that it is open from 9 am to 4 pm daily, and tickets are $38 for adults ($23 for children). The day we went, it was snowing pretty hard, so make sure to dress warm. I HIGHLY recommend bringing a blanket, too, as they are not provided. Click here to check out their website for more info, and book your tix today!
Hop around the breweries in Jackson Hole
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I ALWAYS try to visit a local brewery everywhere we go, so I obviously had to check out the beer scene in Jackson Hole, too!
If you’re looking for the perfect place to grab a beer (or a meal) with a view, StillWest Brewery & Grill is the place to go! StillWest has an impressive brewhouse and patio overlooking Snow King Mountain, making it an ideal place for apres ski as well!
Snake River Brewing is another fun brewery to check out, and it’s also Wyoming’s oldest small craft brewery. They offer a variety of beers on tap, specialty cocktails, wine, cider, food, and more, and have an amazing patio out front with a fire pit and games open during warmer months.
Relax in the Jackson Hole hot springs
There truly is no better feeling than relaxing in a hot tub after a long day of skiing, and what better place to do it than Granite Hot Springs, situated 30 miles Southeast of Jackson in the Gros Ventre Mountains. The only caveat is you have to take a snowmobile or go cross-country skiing to get there, but I promise, the experience alone will be worth it.
Although Granite Hot Springs is man-made, the water is sourced from natural hot springs in the area and can get up to 112 degrees in winter. If you plan on visiting Granite Hot Springs, please note that it is open from 10 am to 4 pm daily, and there is a $12 fee for adults ($7 for children) to soak. I highly recommend checking their website before visiting here, as it may be closed due to inclement weather.
Explore Snow King Resort Jackson Hole
If you’re looking for other fun winter activities in Jackson Hole besides skiing, Snow King is the place to go! I recommend purchasing the Triple Play Winter Pass for $85 here, giving you access to all three winter activities below.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the town of Jackson on a scenic gondola ride! This is a great way to take in the beauty of the area and capture some great panoramic shots. There’s also a restaurant at the top with hot beverages and snacks, and I mean, who doesn’t like a drink with a view?
- If you’ve never had the opportunity to go on a mountain roller-coaster, now’s your chance! Snow King’s Cowboy Coaster takes you on a winding journey down the mountain (equivalent to a 45-story building) while enjoying stunning views of the Tetons along the way, making it a fun winter activity for everyone in the family!
- Snow King also has a snow tubing park with three smooth groomed lanes and a magic carpet that takes you up the hill. Besides skiing, tubing is one of my favorite winter activities, so I HIGHLY recommend this one, AND it’s something fun to do for all ages.
Click here to purchase Snow King’s triple play winter pass for $85, giving you access to their scenic gondola ride, cowboy coaster, and snow tubing park!
Jackson Hole snowmobiling
If you’re looking for other things to do in Jackson Hole Wyoming (besides skiing), snowmobiling is always a lot of fun! I highly recommend this full-day snowmobile tour through Yellowstone National Park that takes you to some fantastic spots like Old Faithful, West Thumb Geyser Basin, and so much more!
This guided Jackson Hole snowmobile tour includes transportation from your hotel in Teton Village or Jackson Hole to Yellowstone, breakfast and lunch, and snowmobile gear. This is a great way to experience the beauty of Wyoming and see some unique wildlife along the way. Click here for more details!
Check out Grand Teton National Park
If you didn’t visit Grand Teton National Park, did you really go to Wyoming? I think not! This should absolutely be at the tippy-top of your travel itinerary, and I HIGHLY recommend checking out this sunset 4-hour Grand Teton wildlife adventure if you’re looking for a truly unique experience.
During this tour, you’ll hit all the best spots in Grand Teton National Park and will likely catch a wildlife parade that even Disney would envy. You’ll also get to ride in a custom vehicle with captain chairs, roof hatches, and custom windows, so everyone gets a picture-perfect view. Click here to check it out!
Go on a snowshoeing tour
I have yet to go snowshoeing, but if you’re looking for other fun things to do in Jackson in winter besides skiing, I’d definitely check out this snowshoe tour in Grand Teton National Park.
What’s great about this particular tour is that no experience is needed, and it can be customized based on your interests and physical ability, meaning the guide will move at any pace you feel comfortable. Additionally, all equipment is provided, and groups are limited to a max of 7 people.
This is a great way to explore the beauty of Grand Teton National Park, learn some valuable information about its history, and get some steps in along the way! Click here to check it out and book today.
Go on a dog sledding tour
I’ve also never gone dog sledding, but this is definitely on my list for the next time we visit Jackson. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime winter activity in Jackson Hole, make sure to check out this 45-minute Jackson Hole dog sledding adventure that takes you along the Buffalo Fork River and private trails through Heart Six Ranch.
Each sled holds up to two people (I believe) and comes equipped with a sled bag to keep you warm. This is a great way to see some amazing views, observe how a musher works with a team of skilled sled dogs, and play with some furry friends. Click here for more details!
Best Jackson Hole Wyoming hotels
Budget friendly hotels in Jackson Hole
We stayed at Antler Inn, only one block from Town Square, and I can’t recommend it enough! I’m not going to lie, when my husband told me we were staying at one of the motels in Jackson Hole Wyoming, I was a little hesitant, but I was pleasantly surprised with how clean and cozy it was, and the location simply can’t be beat!
Some other amenities offered are fireplaces in most rooms for extra coziness, a sauna, a 25-person hot tub, and on-site laundry facilities. They also have plenty of parking available and offer a free ski shuttle to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. I was honestly so impressed!
Interested in staying at the Antler Inn? Click here to book your stay today!
Splurge worthy Jackson Hole hotels
If you’re looking for hotels in Jackson Hole Wyoming with ski-in/ski-out access, Four Seasons Jackson Hole is the place for you! Nestled at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain resort, guests can effortlessly transition from the luxurious comfort of their rooms to the slopes. They even have a ski concierge that will handle everything for you!
Additionally, the cozy ambiance of the resort is complemented by roaring fireplaces, offering a relaxing retreat after a long day of skiing, as well as a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs amid a magical setting of snowy surroundings. It’s no surprise why this is one of the best hotels Jackson Hole Wyoming!
Prefer to stay in a Jackson Hole Airbnb or VRBO Jackson Hole? Click here to browse vacation rentals in Jackson Hole for every budget!
Other places to stay in Jackson Hole Wyoming
- For a boutique experience that combines Western charm with modern amenities, Hotel Jackson is a standout choice. This hotel offers easy access to the town’s vibrant atmosphere, art galleries, and dining establishments, making it one of the best Jackson Hole hotels downtown. Additionally, Hotel Jackson provides a complimentary shuttle to and from Teton Village, as well as a Ski Butler service that delivers any equipment needed.
- Steeped in history and Western heritage, The Wort Hotel is a Jackson landmark that has been welcoming guests since 1941. Located just steps from Jackson’s iconic town square, this boutique hotel exudes charm and authenticity. The rooms are elegantly furnished with a touch of cowboy flair, and the Silver Dollar Bar is a local favorite for its Old West ambiance and live music.
- Ideal for those seeking a combination of luxury and adventure, Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is situated at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The spacious suites, complete with fully-equipped kitchens, provide a comfortable home away from home. Guests can unwind at the rooftop hot tubs or indulge in a pampering spa treatment after a day of exploring the nearby trails.
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