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Visiting Jackson Hole doesn’t essentially imply spending all of your time open air, though it actually can imply that! Panoramic vistas encompass this mountain city which makes it a marvel to behold any time of 12 months, however snowbirds flock to it within the colder months, in search of issues to do in Jackson Hole in winter and to make the most of the terrain.
Ski-driven or not, Jackson Hole might be loved by everybody. Particularly with snow on the bottom, how may you not fall in love with Wyoming’s open ranges? Don’t pigeonhole this cozy city both, it has lots to supply each sort of traveler!
TL;DR
- Most vital landmark – Grand Teton National Park
- Best park – Jackson Town Square
- Best free exercise – Go climbing
- Best exercise for youths – Winter actions at Snow King Resort
- Best exercise for adults – The National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Best meals – Gather
- Best nightlife – Stagecoach Bar
- Best all-around lodging – Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa at Jackson Hole
Best & Fun Things To Do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
1. Check out the National Elk Refuge
Address: 675 E Broadway Ave, Jackson, WY 83001
Thousands of elk name the National Elk Refuge house in the course of the winter months. When the snow falls, elk discover their means again to the world to feed sporting thick winter coats and on the brink of shed their antlers. Visitors to the National Elk Refuge are fortunate sufficient to expertise the majesty of the large herds for themselves, together with the exceptional ecosystem supported by the refuge.
For a long time the refuge has been internet hosting wintertime company on sleigh rides via the prairie. By sleigh, guests are in a position to see the elk grazing from a secure distance with out deterring them from coming again 12 months after 12 months. All of the most effective wildlife tours in Jackson showcase the refuge, because it’s actually a exceptional spot for animal lovers, and it’s so near city.
In all seasons, the refuge is house to numerous different wildlife that take shelter on the protected land. You’ll seemingly see some bighorn sheep on the far aspect of Millers Butte, bison roam the northern aspect of the refuge, and it’s not unusual to see eagles and hawks feasting within the open sagebrush flats. From December via April every year the celebs of the present on the National Elk Refuge are, aptly, the elk themselves.
See Related: Best National Parks to Visit in November
2. Dog sled to Granite Hot Springs
Address: Granite Creek Rd, Jackson, WY 83001
Just as a result of the Granite Hot Springs is 30 miles exterior of Jackson Hole doesn’t imply it’s a must to drive there in a automotive! Dog sledding tours are a part of what makes a visit to Wyoming enjoyable within the wintertime. Spend a while with the pups and head out to the recent springs earlier than having fun with a soothing soak.
Getting to the Granite Hot Springs in winter is definitely restricted to snowmobiles, canine sled, fats biking, and nordic snowboarding, so automobiles aren’t in a position to get there. That means you higher prep your self for a cold commute! If you aren’t up for an extended experience, Astoria Hot Springs are nearer to city and accessible by automotive even within the winter.
Granite Hot Springs is a artifical soaking pool fueled by pure mineral sizzling springs, and it’s a preferred vacation spot regardless of the time of 12 months. Clearly, the recent springs have their second within the bitter of winter, even when getting there’s a bit more durable than common.
3. Wander across the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum
Address: 225 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001
With a visage just like the cinematic Wild West saloons we all know, the Historical Society and Museum protect the world’s legacy. Over 11,000 years value of artifacts presents the historical past of mankind alongside the Grand Tetons.
The museum has 5 everlasting exhibit areas with rotating particular displays all year long. Some of their everlasting assortment embody Two Nations: One Reservation, American Indians of the Tetons, and Making a House a Home: Homesteading Jackson Hole.
Besides visiting the museum the historic society additionally presents strolling excursions in downtown Jackson Hole. Learn in regards to the historical past of the city, the parents who lived there, and what they left behind.
See Related: Best Museums in the US You Need to Visit
4. Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art
Address: 2820 Rungius Rd, Jackson, WY 83001
Over 5,000 artworks depicting wildlife reside within the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Artists equivalent to Georgia O’Keeffe, John James Audubon, and Andy Warhol are represented right here. Guests can expertise historic works in addition to up to date ones showcasing how wildlife has been proven all through time.
Private tours of the National Museum of Wildlife Art be sure that artwork aficionados get their fill of valley historical past, and its non-public excursions make it straightforward to craft a day of sightseeing in Jackson Hole so that you just see the entire highlights and hidden gems.
The museum’s sculpture path, which is a continuous work in progress, connects the good open air with the artwork throughout the museum. Sculptures will beckon company to see the sweetness inside nature actually and figuratively.
Some of the museum’s most notable art work contains Steve Kestrel’s Run River Run, O’Keeffe’s Antelope, and an enormous assortment of Audubon’s works. In a spot like Wyoming, it solely is sensible to rejoice nature via artwork. With a lot breathtaking nature throughout you, how may you not?
5. Ski Snow King Mountain – the “Town Hill”
Address: 402 E. Snow King Ave, Jackson, WY
Snow could also be king at this sporty spot, however the enjoyable is definitely an in depth second. Snow King Mountain presents the whole lot from snow tubing to snowboarding to their very personal Cowboy Coaster. If you’re in search of a hub of winter sports activities, it’s on Snow King Mountain.
Snow King was the primary developed ski resort in Wyoming, and right now, it’s referred to as the “city hill”. You can stroll to it from virtually anyplace downtown, although parking is simple to seek out in the event you don’t really feel like hoofin’ it in your snow boots.
For over 100 years, Snow King Mountain Resort has been the vacation spot for wintertime enjoyable. Even in the event you aren’t into snow tubing, snowboarding, or snowboarding, this resort has a gondola to indicate you among the finest views from the mountain’s summit.
Snow King has the most effective mountain sports activities faculties within the nation, so in the event you’re trying to strive snowboarding or boarding for the primary time, e-book a lesson. Group and personal classes can be found, and even skilled skiers or boarders will get lots out of one-on-one time with the King specialists.
Snow King is conveniently situated, and many of the accommodations on the town are shut sufficient to stroll or drive to the hill. If you already know you’ll be spending a couple of days on the slopes, although, e-book a room at Snow King Resort and luxuriate in slopeside views with cozy ski-on, ski-off lodging.
See Related: What You Need To Know About Flying With Skis Or A Snowboard
6. Spend time in nature at Grand Teton National Park
Address: 103 Headquarters Loop, Moose, WY 83012
Jackon Hole’s neighbor, the Teton Mountain Range, is unmissable. With snowcapped peaks, these mountains stay as much as their grand identify. Likewise, the large Grand Teton National Park demonstrates simply how majestic nature might be.
Many of the roads main into the park shut for the season in the course of the winter. Highways US 89 and 26 each stay open in the course of the low season to be used. Visitors can relaxation assured that the park is open all 12 months spherical.
Wildlife tours of Grand Teton National Park are an enormous draw for the park as the world is teeming with critters. Adventurers love the Grand Teton National Park too for its lots of of miles of climbing trails whereas historical past buffs wish to see the captured human historical past on website.
Wildlife recognizing within the winter is actually distinctive. With fewer crowds and shorter days, animals like bison, wolves, foxes, moose, and extra are out for longer, plus their coats are straightforward to seek out in opposition to the stark white snow. You can take a multi-day wildlife tour of Yellowstone and Grand Teton for a bucket-list-worthy journey.
7. Combine Wildlife And Winter Magic With A Sleigh Ride Tour
How would you wish to go dashing via the snow to a steakhouse dinner? Mill Iron Ranch presents a novel twist on the everyday Jackson sleigh experience. There is simply one thing notably romantic about driving in a horse-drawn sleigh, blanketed along with your family members.
Of course, Elk Refuge sleigh rides are a staple of winter recreation in Jackson Hole. But in the event you’re in search of a bit greater than a 45-minute jaunt via the grasslands, outfitters provide full day excursions together with the Elk Refuge sleigh ride. With a winter wildlife tour like this, you’ll be able to expertise quite a lot of methods to see native wildlife and the panoramic surroundings of Jackson Hole.
See Related: Top Sites for Booking Tours: Maximize Your Experiences
8. Visit Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for Skiing or Snowboarding
Address: 3395 Cody Ln, Teton Village, WY 83025
Snow King is the place to go to learn to ski for the primary time, to get away from the crowds, and to strive your abilities on among the steepest north-facing slopes you’ll ever discover, however in the event you’re in search of intermediate or skilled terrain, there’s no place on earth like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Expert-rated chutes, cliffs, and spectacular inbounds terrain like Corbet’s Couloir make up lots of the acreage right here, so concentrate on the place you’re headed and be ready for every run.
For brand-new skiers, the resort has a good Mountain Sports School. Lessons can be found for each youngsters and adults with specialists that will help you conquer Rendezvous Mountain in type. Reservations are required for classes. The resort even has raise tickets solely for his or her simpler slopes so that you don’t find yourself in terrain you’ll be able to’t deal with.
Rendezvous Mountain has the best vertical drop of any sports activities slope within the nation at over 4100 ft. That’s one cause why the resort is so fashionable for winter sports activities. Between that and over 130 marked trails on the property, there’s all the time a lot for sports activities fans to see and do.
9. Go Shopping in Downtown Jackson
Jackson’s historic city sq. is understood for way over simply the elk antler arches! The space has blossomed right into a boutique buying extravaganza for vacationers of all varieties. Whether you’re in search of effective jewellery, antiquing, or including to your winter actions equipment, there’s one thing for you.
Just visiting the dozen artwork galleries downtown is an journey of its personal. Go admire the Western-inspired items at Wilcox Gallery or embrace Romanticism at Quent Cordair Art Gallery Painting & Sculpture. Art could make for unbelievable souvenirs, notably when it’s a novel, one-of-a-kind piece.
Downtown Jackson, regardless of having dozens of retailers, nonetheless manages to embrace small-town attraction. Once you’ve exhausted your buying, take a load off at Snake River Brewing or seize a burger and shake on the historic Jackson Drug. Both provide a distinctly Jackson expertise of solely totally different proportions.
Lodging might be expensive and onerous to seek out, however in the event you’re in search of the most effective place to remain in Jackson, we’ve received a couple of strategies. Close to Town Square, it’s onerous to prime the elegant Wort Hotel, or the gorgeous Lexington at Jackson Hole Hotel. Both properties are inside strolling distance of Town Square. The Wort is understood for its energetic Silver Dollar Bar, and the Lexington has spacious rooms on the northern finish of city, near Grand Teton National Park.
Slightly farther out (and extra budget-friendly), the Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole is a perfect place to chill out after day out within the winter climate. Enjoy a comfy breakfast by the fireplace at The Whistling Grizzly, go discover Jackson Hole, after which pop into the recent tub to finish the day.
10. Take a Snowshoe Tour
Snowshoeing excursions are a superb approach to see the splendor of nature round Jackson Hole at a leisurely tempo. Companies like Jackson Hole Ecotours have half-day tour choices that take you across the base of The Tetons with only some different individuals. Because of their group sizes, the excursions are constructed round what the group desires to see or expertise.
For the extra adventurous there are additionally full-day tours available which include wildlife viewing at Grand Teton National Park. Not to fret you gained’t spend the whole day in your snowshoes! The second half of the day might be spent within the firm’s safari automobile to take a look at the world’s wildlife like foxes, bison, bighorn sheep, and elk.
Anyone new to snowshoeing ought to realize it’s a comparatively straightforward winter exercise in the event you’re on packed-out trails. That stated, it’s harder than climbing even on flat floor, and will go away you sore in the event you aren’t used to the movement. If your tour information takes you out to interrupt path, count on to be exhausted after a few miles. But it’s nonetheless lots of enjoyable!
See Related: Best Tours in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
11. Look for Moose within the Gros Ventre space
You can see moose elsewhere within the Jackson Hole space, although one of many locations they frequent is close to the Gros Ventre River. Many of us head over to the Gros Ventre vary, an space off of the scenic route on Highway 89. There are different methods to get there all year long, nonetheless, Highway 89 is the one which’s reliably accessible throughout wintertime.
We can’t promise that you just’ll see moose hanging out on the river. But if you wish to improve your probabilities of recognizing them, head out early within the morning or round nightfall. That’s when they’re probably the most energetic. Even in the event you don’t see any moose on the river, the views all through the Gros Ventre vary are nonetheless wildly magnificent.
As all the time, in the event you do see moose, keep away from them. They’re actually cute and in addition actually harmful. It’s unlikely they’ll come after you except you provoke them, so simply maintain your distance. They’re having fun with the peace of the river too.
12. Enjoy the scrumptious Jackson Hole eating scene
Even a spot like Jackson Hole with its myriad ski lodges has extra to its eating scene than staple comforts. White Buffalo Club is the world’s premiere steakhouse with a speakeasy vibe that retains it extra informal than caviar. You may even take pleasure in blissful hours right here and seize a burger in the event you’re not feeling effective eating.
Cafe Genevieve proper off Jackson Town Square is a chunk of the city’s historical past. They’re well-known for his or her pig sweet (candied bacon) and for being an informal place to seize a chew. Nearby, The Kitchen is an Asian-inspired, American delicacies restaurant that options entrees alongside an in depth tapas menu.
Gather is one other sizzling spot to seize some nice grub. I’d be mendacity if I didn’t say this was my favourite eatery on the town. Mostly serving conventional American fare, you’ll discover a couple of worldwide and fusion dishes on the menu too.
I’ve had a few life-changing dishes there, value each penny. I didn’t assume it may get any higher after attempting the elk bolognese – that was till I received my gums across the bone marrow fried rice. Finding the phrases to explain simply how sensational this was is a tall order.
Should you resolve to not enterprise off the mountain on your eats, there are a handful of eating places or outlets to indulge these cravings as properly. From waffles at Corbet’s Cabin to burritos at Casper Restaurant or only a fast snack at The General Store, you don’t must go far to get one thing tasty.
After consuming your fill, you’ll want someplace to sleep it off. Also within the coronary heart of downtown Jackson, Hotel Jackson embodies the essence of the city.
An AAA Four Diamond Award winner, this resort is simply steps from the city sq. and this amalgamation of traditional and trendy resort stands out. Its exterior virtually resembles The Tetons within the distance, although inside it’s something however outdoorsy.
Splashes of rustic decor tie the stylish interiors with their environment. Meanwhile, the rooftop sizzling tub permits company to soak within the surroundings day or evening, or the balconies with fireplace pits give a extra intimate setting for nighttime stargazing.
However you need to take within the sights, Hotel Jackson does it with panache. With ski shuttles and even butlers to deal with the tools for you, the comfort is virtually built-in.
See Related: Best Restaurants in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
13. Take a Snowmobile Tour Through Yellowstone National Park
Snowmobiling via the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one approach to see way more of the world in its winter wonderland state than every other. Get an opportunity to see moose and different wildlife at Gros Ventre River, or see the ever-popular Togwotee Pass. Spend a day or a number of in your snowmobile actually taking within the surroundings.
Old Faithful Snowmobile Tours is the world’s greatest operator of snowmobile excursions with quite a lot of choices relying in your wants. Their Wyoming Continental Divide Three-Day Tour showcases among the area’s most breathtaking vistas. Travelers then get to expertise a few totally different native visitor ranches on their journey.
If visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming for you means seeing Old Faithful, a snowmobile tour is the best way to go. It’s one of many solely methods to get to the geyser within the winter months as Yellowstone National Park closes nearly all of its roads identical to Grand Teton National Park.
14. Boogie down with some Western dancing
There are some things that stay year-round favorites in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Among them? Western-style dancing. Live music is ample on the town all 12 months which is the right excuse to place in your dancing footwear.
A couple of locations, specifically, are identified for individuals hitting the dance ground: The Wort Hotel with its Silver Dollar Bar and Saloon and The Cowboy Bar to call two. Given the names of the bars, it shouldn’t shock anybody. Expect to see lots of cowboy dancing too, even within the winter. Real cowpokes don’t grasp up their spurs when the snow falls!
Some locations even provide cowboy dancing classes in the event you’re . At The Cowboy Bar classes are on Thursdays and Mondays classes are on the Jackson Lake Lodge. And sure, among the bars have themed dance nights in order for you an excuse to decorate up throughout your journey.
If you need to preserve that downhome feeling, the Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa additionally embraces the Jackson Hole, Western vibe. Still buying and selling lassos for luxurious, this resort and spa has all of the trappings of a prime resort.
Complete with a full-service spa and leisure space with a sauna, steam room, and tubs, you’ll be in heaven. While you’re getting pampered, you’re nonetheless surrounded by the surroundings solely Jackson Hole Valley can present.
Upgrade your mid-range expertise a bit additional with one in every of Rustic Inn’s spa suites. These dreamy lodging embody sizzling tubs, entry to the steam and saunas on the spa, and butler service. Plus you get to expertise extra privateness on the resort. That means extra eating choices, non-public check-in/out, and a non-public bar within the grand foyer space.
See Related: Best Ski Resorts in the US to Visit
15. Go Cross-Country Skiing at Grand Teton National Park
Since the nationwide parks shut their roads apart from over-snow journey within the winter, discovering distinctive methods to cross the parks turns into a problem. Luckily actions like cross-country snowboarding are amongst vacationers’ favourite issues to do in Jackson Hole in winter. Cross-country skiers know that two of the prime locations for exploring are Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park.
Both of those national parks in the US are must-sees for any winter vacation. Any time of 12 months their vistas are gorgeous, although there’s little like seeing the snowcapped mountains in opposition to the snow-blanketed plains beneath them. What extra may you need for a winter journey?
Gliding alongside the manicured trails at Grand Teton, taking a day journey to hunt out mule deer, or doing days of scenic safaris. The ski season in Jackson Hole is exhilarating in its personal means. But a cross-country ski jaunt via a nationwide park is a lot enjoyable by itself too.
16. Embark on a Scenic Gondola Ride
In Jackson Hole, there are two locations to take pleasure in a scenic gondola experience above the winter wonderland beneath. Both Snow King Mountain Resort and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort have aerial trams showcasing the immense majesty of Jackson Hole Valley.
Enjoy unparalleled views of the Après ski scene even in the event you can’t partake your self. See the Bridger Teton National Forest with a chook’s eye view, glimpsing at pine bushes shrinking as you climb the mountains. The gondolas are an effective way for the entire household to absorb the sights from the consolation and security of the enclosed tram.
The gondola is an extended experience than its competitor, although the scenes differ in every location. If you aren’t a fan of winter temperatures, the gondolas provide a compromise for vacationers. From up excessive you’ll be able to see Jackson Hole’s panoramic views with out the prolonged publicity to the bitter winter climate.
See Related: Best Christmas Vacations in the United States
17. Hit the Ice!
Ice skating isn’t the preferred wintertime exercise in Jackson Hole, however that doesn’t imply it doesn’t exist! What sort of cozy ski resort city wouldn’t have no less than one skating rink? Don’t fear, Jackson Hole has six.
You can ice skate without spending a dime on the Village Rink on the Commons at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the pond at Town Square, in addition to on the three rinks maintained by Teton County Parks & Recreation: Powderhorn Park, Rodeo Grounds, and Owen Bircher.
The solely rink that costs to make use of the power is the Snow King Sports and Events Center. You may also watch the Jackson Hole Moose play hockey at that rink as properly.
18. Unwind at Jackson Hole Winery
Address: 98 Center St, Jackson, WY 83001 (solely in winter)
Founded in 2009, the boutique vineyard owned by the Scroths embraces the distinctive nature of the mountain. Because the vineyard operates at such a excessive altitude, the wines have their very own distinctive flavors. Those flavors frequently win the vineyard awards equivalent to Wyoming Winery of the Year from the New York International Wine Competition or a gold medal for his or her Rendezvous Red from the Sand Diego International Wine Competition.
During the winter months, their on-site vineyard tasting room closes. Instead, they are often discovered on the New West KnifeWorks & MTN MAN Toy Shop in Jackson.
Jackson Hole Winery is understood for its dry wines, so don’t count on any candy rieslings. You might end up loving their Viognier, Alpine Glow (a Rosé de Pinot Noir), or the signature Rendezvous Red (a yummy Cab Franc/Syrah mix.)
See Related: Best Places to Travel in Your 20s in the US
19. Go Stargazing
Some of us may shudder on the considered hanging out exterior in Jackson Hole within the winter. It’s actually, actually chilly. We get it. But Grand Teton National Park is among the nation’s few darkish sky areas and it is best to take benefit in the event you can.
With teams like Wyoming Stargazing, guests can take pleasure in all of the splendor the evening sky has to supply. A information, telescope readily available, might be there to indicate you the whole lot there’s to see on any given evening throughout the broad Wyoming sky. For a couple of hours, you and your group can take pleasure in views that so few individuals get in a contemporary, extremely electrified, society.
Even although will probably be chilly due to the season, the Milky Way is understood for being brilliant and good from Jackson Hole. Plus teams like Wyoming Stargazing may also help you learn to do evening pictures. While you’ll be able to’t seize precisely what you see, it may be fairly darn cool anyway.
20. Get out of the chilly on the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts
Address: 240 S Glenwood St, Jackson, WY 83001
No matter the time of 12 months you go to Jackson Hole, there’s all the time one thing on on the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts. When the winter chilly has gotten you down, what higher time to move indoors for a couple of hours?
Film festivals, stay theater, music, and extra is on the agenda at The Center. They’ve received native work, excursions, and definitely one thing for everybody. Just make sure to examine for tickets forward of time if there’s one thing you actually need to see or do as a result of The Center is a beloved establishment.
This gorgeous constructing was accomplished in 2007 and is clearly removed from the oldest factor within the mountains. Even so, it’s clear that the neighborhood rallied to verify they’d an arts area to name their very own.
What to Pack for a Winter Trip to Jackson Hole
- Lots of Layers: As a born and raised Wisconsinite (now Chicagoan, the place it will possibly get simply as chilly) I can’t overstate the significance of quality thermal underwear as a base layer. For mid layers and outer layers, we love Smartwool and Patagonia gear. Whether you’re an outdoorsy particular person or not, these dangerous boys will maintain you heat all day lengthy.
- Thermal Socks: My ft are all the time freezing. Wintertime or summertime, they’re ice. Heat Holders thermal socks are the one ones which have ever stored my toes blissful in opposition to the chilly. The tremendous fuzzy inside is so luxurious you may overlook you aren’t sporting your favourite fuzzy slipper socks.If you like thinner socks, merino wool from Darn Tough or Smartwool are unbelievable for climbing and different out of doors adventures.
- Reusable Cups: Trying to be a inexperienced traveler might be tough at occasions, particularly relating to disposable drinkware. I’ve tried a barely ridiculous variety of journey thermoses, cups, and mugs via the years however my go-to stays Stojo. A dependable Hydro Flask can be a journey favourite to contemplate.
- Lens Defogger: Something of us don’t contemplate when packing for a winter journey is how sudden adjustments in temperature have an effect on lenses. Glasses, sports activities goggles, and even ski masks have to get cleaned occasionally. This is why Fog Gone must be in your bag the following time you hit Jackson Hole.
FAQ
Can I go to Yellowstone National Park from Jackson Hole within the winter?
Yes! Many of the roads resulting in Yellowstone are closed, nonetheless, it’s nonetheless open and obtainable to go to with outfitters utilizing authorized oversnow journey.
Where do celebrities go in Jackson Hole?
For celebs, luxurious in Jackson Hole is king. They love locations just like the Four Seasons, Hotel Jackson, and The White Buffalo Club. More and extra celebrities are vacationing on this charming Wyoming city.
How chilly does Jackson Hole get in winter?
In Jackson Hole, January is the coldest month of the 12 months. It’s widespread all through winter for temperatures to drop beneath zero levels Fahrenheit and never go above freezing.
Do I want a rental automotive in Jackson Hole?
Yes – in the event you plan to move as much as Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park, a rental automotive is all however vital. If you’re simply staying on the town or within the Village, you may get by with strolling, rideshare, taxi, or START bus.
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