Jackson Hole is known for its stunning scenery, incredible skiing, and amazing wildlife.
It's no wonder that 2.6 million people visit Jackson Hole every single year!
Located in western Wyoming near the border of Idaho, the region has become a mecca for skiers and snowboarders since the early 1900s. In fact, Jackson Hole is home to some of the best ski resorts in the country. There are several options for those who want to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months.
If you're looking for the best Jackson Hole winter activities, we've got you covered.
In this article, we'll cover the best things to do in Jackson Hole in the winter for both skiers and non-skiers alike! We also have our comprehensive best things to do in Jackson Hole in summer guide in case that's what you were looking for,
1. Hit the Slopes!
It snows more days per year in Jackson Hole than any other city in North America. The region gets up to over 300 inches of fresh powder each season with some areas getting as much as 400 or even 500 inches of snow! That means there are plenty of slopes to choose from!
Some of the most popular places include:
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This resort features 13 chairlifts, three terrain parks, and an abundance of beginner to expert runs. Its most famous lift is the Aerial Tram which fits 124 skiers and takes you the top of the mountain!
- The Grand Targhee Ski Resort. Located just south of Jackson Hole, this resort boasts two mountains with a total vertical drop of 1,500 feet. If you're staying in Jackson, you will have to drive through Idaho to get there. They don't have any snow machines meaning all of their snow is God-given natural.
- The Snow King Ranch. This ranch was founded by Walt Disney in 1958 and has been offering guests access to their private mountain ever since. It also offers night skiing!
Whether you're coming in town to ski with family, celebrate a wedding, vacation with friends, or simply to get away, you'll want to consider renting a Jackson Hole party bus.
2. Visit Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is one of the largest national parks in the United States. With over 552,000 acres of land, it's easy to see why so many visitors come here every year.
This park is filled with breathtaking views, beautiful trails, and unique wildlife. You can hike through the valleys, climb the mountains, explore the shoreline, or take part in a variety of outdoor adventures.
During the winter, the park is still open 24 hours per day and receives about 3.5 feet of snow annually. However, due to snowy and icy road conditions, some roads in the park might be closed during the winter months. This is highly dependent on the weather. We recommend visiting the official website for the latest updates on road openings and closings.
Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, and tobogganing at the park. To enter Grand Teton National Park, you must pay a $35.00 fee. This is a per vehicle fee, not a per person fee.
3. Go Fishing
Fishing is one of the most underrated activities in Jackson Hole in the winter. It is another great way to spend time outside in the beautiful snow while avoiding the large crowds that fish in the warmer months. Whether you're interested in fly fishing, bass fishing, trout fishing, or anything else, Jackson Hole is sure to have something that will suit your needs.
One of the best ways to fish in Jackson Hole is to visit the Snake River Canyon. This canyon is located right along Highway 89A and is surrounded by the Gallatin Range and Bridger Mountains.
You can catch large mouth bass, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and bullhead catfish in the river. Some anglers prefer to use artificial lures while others like to use live bait. Experts recommend using small nymphs during the cold winter months.
While skiing and snowboarding are the most popular things to do in Jackson, Wyoming in the winter, the area is known for world-class fly fishing.
4. Try Snowmobiling
If you've never been snowmobiling before, then this is definitely something to put on your itinerary list! While there aren't any designated snowmobile trails within the boundaries of Jackson Hole, there are several places where you can rent a snowmobile and go exploring.
There are hundreds of miles of trails. The scenery is beautiful. Mountain ranges, snow covered peaks, forests, lakes, rivers, and more all await you. If you're looking for a place to ride, check out the following websites:
- Old Faithful Tours
- Teton Tour Company
- Scenic Safaris
- Jackson Hole Back Country Rentals
Our favorite path is to Granite Hot Springs! Snowmobiling is popular throughout the entire region. In fact, it was even featured as an Olympic sport in 2002.
6. Go Bar Hopping
Sure, you're traveling to Jackson Hole for the experiences, the sights, and the endless opportunities to see nature at its finest.
But once evening comes, you'll want to check out the local bars. There's nothing better than sitting down after a long day of adventure and enjoying a drink with friends. You'll be able to catch-up on stories and recharge before another epic day tomorrow. Check out these top 10 bars in Jackson Hole:
- Million Dollar Cowboy
- Silver Dollar
- The Stagecoach
- The Bird
- The Virginian
Of course, you'll want to be sure to have a ride prepared to bring you back to your lodging.
Double Black Transportation is the top choice for groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and corporate groups that want to go bar hopping. Groups will enjoy a luxury party bus to themselves and experience the Creator's Crawl. This is a 4 hour tour that includes flights of the various beverages at a brewery, winery, and distillery. You'll also get to enjoy lunch. The coolest part? Double Black Transportation will take care of all the driving for you. It's a sweet deal!
7. Take an Iditarod Dog Sledding Tour
Iditarod dog sled tours are one of the most unique things to do in Jackson Hole. These tours allow you to travel through some of the roughest terrain in North America.
In addition to being a great way to see the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, you'll learn about the history of the Iditarod Trail. You'll witness how the mushers prepare their dogs for the race. Yes, these are real Alaskan sled dogs that are training for the real Iditarod! You'll learn what it takes to run the longest trail race in the world.
Be sure to remember your smartphone. This is a photo opp you won't want to miss!
8. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Winter activities in Jackson Hole are fun, but they're sure to take a toll on the body. So why not treat yourself to a spa day?
Think about it: if you're doing something athletically demanding such as skiing or snowboarding, then your muscles will be tense from all the activity. Even if you'r doing something more sedentary like the dog sledding tour, you'll be tired from simply being exposed to the cold elements. A relaxing massage can help ease those tight muscles. Plus, when you're done, you'll feel like a million bucks.
Spas in Jackson Hole include facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and other treatments. They offer everything from traditional Swedish massages to deep tissue work.
Plus, if you still plan on skiing or snowboarding during the rest of your stay, a massage will help loosen up those muscles so you feel fresh and relaxed on those slopes!
9. See Wildlife
Jackson Hole is home to some amazing wildlife. From elk to bighorn sheep, moose to mountain goats, there are plenty of animals to spot here. It's not uncommon for visitors to be able to see wildlife from their hotel room window!
There are multiple tours available to view the local wildlife. The best option is probably the Elk & Moose Viewing Tours. During this tour, you will be taken out into the mountains where you'll be able to see them grazing near the road. You can even visit the National Elk Refuge where you can watch elk grazing in the meadows. The refuge is open daily year round.
Fun fact: The average age of an elk is 25 years old. That means you may have seen some of the same elk that were born and raised in Jackson Hole.
10. Go on a Scenic Tram Ride
If you love scenery, then you're going to love the scenic tram ride in Jackson Hole.
This is a 30-minute trip that travels up the ski mountain.
The views from the tram are absolutely breathtaking. You'll get to see the Tetons, Jackson Lake, the town of Jackson, and many other beautiful vistas.
This is a must-do while visiting Jackson Hole. If you're traveling with your family, friends, or any sort of group, this is something you'll want to do together. Plus, it'll make for a good picture taking opportunity.
Since 1966, the tram has been one of the must-do winter activities in Jackson Hole. You'll reach the top of Rendezvous Peak, which is 10,450 feet.
It's located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
11. Eat Out!
While most lodges and resorts in Jackson Hole offer in-house dining, you'll still want to try the best restaurants around town. After all, what better way to experience an area than to eat like the locals do?
Here are our favorite places to grab a bite to eat in Jackson Hole:
- Snake River Grill: Enjoy New American dishes in a comfy yet luxurious log-cabin restaurant with a beautiful fireplace and a cozy bar. This is the most coveted reservation in the Valley so you'll want to plan ahead or check out their first come, first served bar right at 5:00.
- Teton Thai: Regularly voted the best Thai restaurant in Jackson Hole, Teton Thai offers something for everyone. This family-owned, authentic Thai restaurant is close to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Unfortunately, Teton Thai doesn't accept reservations so you'll want to go during an off-time to guarantee a table.
- White Buffalo Club: Jackson’s top USDA prime steakhouse and bar. White Buffalo Club itself is a luxury hotel with impressive suites and a host of other luxuries.
- Kampai: Enjoy refined Japanese cuisine served in a modern, yet warm mountain architecture. Kampai is known for its sushi prepared by Chef Chris Massad, of San Francisco’s Akiko’s, Pabu and Nobu.
- Suda: Another popular restaurant in Jackson Hole. Perfect for large families or groups. Shareable plates, sushi, ramen, kushiyaki and much more!
- Glorietta: If you’re looking for the best Italian in Jackson, you’ll definitely want to visit Glorietta, which is also known for its craft cocktails and superior wine list.
- Shin Shin: This Teton Village sushi restaurant is the only one in the area with an aprés sushi menu. Inspired dishes such as bluefin tuna topped with osetra caviar or octopus with kumche puree make this a must-eat for any lover of Japanese cuisine.
- West Bank Grill and Orsetto: Located in the Four Season, diners will enjoy stunning views of Teton Village and Rendezvous Peak. The dynamic open kitchen is perfect for breakfast and lunch and transforms into a mouthwatering mountain steakhouse for dinner.
Book a Party Bus for Your Winter Visit to Jackson Hole
If you're traveling with a group, then plan the ultimate experience. Double Black Transportation is a black car service in Jackson Hole that serves parties of all sizes. Our party buses are equipped with the latest features, including surround-sound speakers, multipurpose lighting, and two TVs.
The best part?
We're not just another Jackson Hole transportation service. We truly want you to have a good stay. So if you're looking for more recommendations on things to do in the winter in Jackson Hole, WY, then just let us know! We'd be happy to give you some suggestions.
Learn more about Double Black Transportation.