Winter truly is the most magical time to visit Jackson Hole. The trees sparkle with fresh snow, and the landscape is blanketed in pristine white. Whether your ideal winter weekend includes bundling up by the fire with a cup of cocoa or carving through Wyoming's untouched powder, our weekend itinerary has you covered. Here are the best tips to make the most of your stay.
Friday: A Day on the Slopes
Once you witness the fresh snow in Jackson, it is hard to resist the temptation of hitting the slopes immediately. Skiers and snowboarders travel to Jackson from all over the world to experience the mountain's challenging terrain and legendary snow conditions.
With over 2,500 acres of terrain, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the main ski and snowboard resort in Jackson Hole. It is located in the Teton Mountain Range, offering gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The sale of daily lift tickets are limited to guarantee an ideal experience on the mountain, so booking tickets ahead of time online is a good idea.
PURCHASE LIFT TICKETS @ JHMR >
Although smaller than JHMR, Snow King Mountain should not be overlooked. In addition to its 41 runs, there is the Winter Cowboy Coaster, King Tubes, and a scenic gondola ride! This family-friendly resort is packed with fun, and tickets are available online as well.
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After a long day on the mountain, head over to the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a Downtown Jackson establishment famous for its live entertainment and western dancing. Since it first opened its doors in 1937, the bar has attracted some of the most notable names in country music. Grab a drink, snap a picture in the infamous saddle bar stools, and enjoy Jackson's cowboy culture.
Saturday: Dog Sled to the Hot Springs
Start your day with an unforgettable adventure to the Granite Hot Springs! Your journey begins with an 8:00 am pickup in Jackson, where you'll meet your guide from Iditarod Sled Dog Tours. This full-day excursion includes a warm dog sled ride through beautiful winter landscapes, with a hearty lunch, hot soup, and beverages provided along the way.
As you travel 30 miles southeast of Jackson, your professional musher guide will help you spot local wildlife, such as deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. The Granite Hot Springs are a popular winter destination, accessible only by skis, snowshoes, snowmobiles, or dogsled.
The hot springs reach temperatures of up to 112°F, offering a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate while taking in the frosty winter scenery.
After your soak, you'll head back to town and arrive around 4:30 pm. Take some time to explore Downtown Jackson and enjoy a cozy early dinner to cap off your incredible day. We recommend Local for steaks and craft cocktails, or Hand Fire Pizza, located in the historic Teton theater. Afterwards, be sure and stop by Moos for ice cream!
Sunday: Snowmobile Tour of Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a must-visit destination all year long. The Park entrance is located about 1.5 hours from Teton Village, making it the perfect day trip. It is home to amazing natural phenomena and the most geothermal features of any place in the world.
Around mid-December, the snow becomes so abundant that the roads are only open to "oversnow" travel. Iconic destinations, such as Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and other popular destinations can be reached exclusively by snowmobile or snowcoach. Snowmobile tours are not only an adrenaline rush, but a unique way to experience Yellowstone's gorgeous winter landscape.
Scenic Safaris offers winter tours of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park - close to Jackson. All of their snowmobile tours are led by expert guides on photo-worthy paths. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Snowmobile Tour takes you through granite chasms, while the Old Faithful Snowmobile Tour glides past Moose Falls, Lewis Canyon and West Thumb Geyser Basin. You can book your tickets online or call them at 307-734-8898 for more information.
These tours last from sunrise to sunset, so we recommend grabbing dinner at Il Villaggio Osteria or takeout from Teton Thai in Teton Village and unwinding in your rental to end the day. There is nothing better than snuggling up after a long day of winter adventure!