Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole in the Winter

If you’re considering visiting Jackson Hole this winter, this is the sign you’ve been looking for. Winter is one of the best times to visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Jackson Hole is known for its year-round outdoor recreation, which draws more than 2.6 million people annually to its valley. Yet, the colder months quickly turn Teton County into a winter wonderland, filled with soft, powdery snow and plenty of thrills and scenic views to go around. If this sounds like you’re kind of holiday getaway, keep reading. In this blog, we’ll detail some of the best things to do in Jackson Hole in the winter, as well as some cozy lodgings to call home nearby.

Three Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole in the Winter

Though summer in Jackson Hole is famed for its flourishing hiking trails and the Jackson Hole Rodeo, winter brings a certain kind of magic to the area. Winter is Jackson Hole’s longest season, which gives you more time to indulge in the snow-capped Teton Range and charming downtown. The winter months in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, bring an average of 458 inches of snow each year, with an average temperature of 21 degrees Fahrenheit in Jackson Hole Valley. So, it’s no wonder thousands of tourists flock to the area for award-winning skiing and once-in-a-lifetime winter vacations. From skiing to hot springs, to vibrant arts & culture, experience Jackson Hole your way this winter.

Skiing at Top Mountain Resorts

Little can compare to the skiing found in Jackson Hole. The Jackson Hole area is home to three spectacular ski resorts: Snow King Mountain, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort. Explore ski resorts below.

Snow King Mountain

Snow King Mountain, nestled in the heart of Jackson, features 500 skiable acres, 41 named runs, three lifts, and a vertical gain of 1,571 feet. You’ll find skiing and snowboarding terrain for all skill levels at this world-class ski resort, so no thrill-seeker is left behind. If skiing isn’t your thing, Snow King Mountain also offers snow tubing, scenic gondola rides with breathtaking views of the Tetons, a Cowboy Coaster, and even an observatory and planetarium.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has long been named one of the best things to do in Jackson Hole in the winter, and for good reason. This ski resort comprises two mountains, Apres Vous and Rendezvous mountain, creating 2,500 acres of skiable terrain. With a vertical drop of 4,139 feet and 131 named trails of varying degrees of difficulty, this park calls to many seasoned and beginner athletes. You may even join the mountain sports school for professional lessons before hitting the slopes. Enjoy an aerial tram with mountain views and various lifts, as well. What’s more, backcountry skiers will be delighted by access to over 3,000 acres of terrain.

Grand Targhee Resort

Finally, Grand Targhee is a year-round mountain resort settled on the western slope of the Tetons in the stunning Caribou-Targhee National Forest. With over 500 inches of light powder snow annually, you can be assured that each day brings fantastic ski conditions. Winter Mountain, Fred’s Mountain, and Peaked Mountain all call to hikers, each with over 2,000 skiable acres, 2,000-foot-plus vertical drops, and plenty of lifts/quad chairs. Other winter sports at this resort include snowshoeing the surrounding forests, three-mile dog sledding tours, and Nordic skiing trails.

Visit Hot Springs

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Jackson Hole that involve a little more rest and relaxation, hot springs are the way to go. Jackson Hole is surrounded by thermal waters, creating naturally-fed thermal water pools. So, soak the day away in the nearby Astoria Hot Springs or Granite Hot Springs. The former sits above the Snake River and features six pools, including a cold plunge pool and a children’s pool. Reservations are required and are sold in two-hour increments.

The Granite Hot Springs is located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in a remote area, only accessible by snowmobile, fat biking, etc., in the winter. This spring is settled above Granite Creek Falls and is family-friendly, offering bathrooms and a picnic area. So, if you’re visiting Jackson Hole in the winter, the hot springs are a luxurious way to de-stress and secure a little TLC.

Winter Recreation at National Parks

You can’t visit Jackson Hole without spending a day at the national parks. Both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are in Jackson Hole’s backyard and dwindle with tourists by the winter months, offering you an intimate look at two of America’s most extraordinary landscapes. To get a look at Yellowstone’s steaming geysers and frozen waterfalls, consider snowshoeing, photography tours, and wildlife tours. Moreover, the Grand Teton National Park is open year-round and offers pristine ice fishing conditions, fat biking, snowmobiling, and Nordic and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

Wildlife Tours

This region is home to a vibrant ecosystem that flourishes in the wintertime, making wildlife tours one of the best things to do in Jackson Hole this season. Grand Teton National Park thrives with moose, bison, wolves, swans, and more in the winter months. Meander the park on your own, or consider booking a guided tour with experienced local businesses like Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, Teton Wild, and more.

Yellowstone also offers a Winter Wildlife Safari from November through April, where groups of eight embark on a six to ten-hour expedition to observe gray wolves, which wildlife professionals have tracked throughout the year. For a less predatory tour, they also offer an all-day snowshoeing safari for groups of six, tracking a great variety of wildlife.

Moreover, the National Elk Refuge is a must-visit for wildlife watching in Jackson Hole. This wildlife refuge is a sanctuary for one of the largest herds of elk in the U.S., which meander the area in the wintertime. You can even book a sleigh ride tour through the refuge for an up-close look at the wildlife. At the end of your trip, make sure to stop by the Museum of Wildlife Art, which is perched above the refuge and home to over 5,000 artworks.

Spend the Day in Teton Village

Nestled at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is Teton Village. This charming mountain village was once a homestead for ranchers in the 40s and 50s until becoming a ski town in the following decades. Today, you’ll find top attractions all bustling with visitors year-round, including spas, restaurants, cafes, and live music, such as the Grand Teton Music Festival in the summer. During the holiday season, however, the area is adorned with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and freshly fallen snow that adds to the ambiance as you shop locally owned outfitters, boutiques, and art galleries.

What’s more, in the winter, the Commons at Teton Village features sledding and an ice castle for the kids to explore. An ice skating rink, the Teton Village Rink, is also in the Commons in the middle of Town Square. Skate the night away under the neon lights of the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar or stop for a dinner of high alpine cuisine, sushi, burritos, and more in the surrounding area.

Where to Stay Nearby the Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole

Now that you know what the best things to do in Jackson Hole in the winter are, it’s time to decide where to stay. Lucky for you, there’s no shortage of quaint and cozy boutique hotels in the area. These Jackson Hole hotels are just a short drive from the action yet still immerse you in the great outdoors of Wyoming.

The Alpine House

This next hotel is just twenty minutes away from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and a stroll away from downtown. The Alpine House is your sanctuary when experiencing the best things to do in Jackson Hole, seamlessly combining a cozy, rustic design among a majestic backdrop of the Teton Range’s granite peaks. On-site, you’ll find welcome amenities like a fitness center, made-to-order gourmet breakfast, a Finnish sauna, and more.

Amenities

Accommodations

The Alpine House reflects family-owned hospitality, always ensuring your duvet is fluffy, the fireplace is warm, and your views are spectacular. Relish in in-room amenities such as heated tile floors, French doors, cozy seating areas, and more. Browse accommodations below.

• Queen Room: features one queen bed, private bath w/ heated floors, and balcony. Accommodates two.
• King Room: features one king bed, deep soaking tub, and patio, balcony, or Juliet balcony. Accommodates two.
• Two Queens: features two queen beds, deep soaking tub, and balcony. Accommodates four.
• Queen w/ Loft: features one queen bed and one full-sized bed in loft, private bath w/ heated floors, and balcony. Accommodates four.
• Alpine House Suite: features one bedroom with king bed, living room with pull-out sofa, soaking tub, and balcony. Accommodates four.
• Alpine House Suite – Kitchenette: apartment-style suite featuring a bedroom with a king bed, full kitchen, and living room with pull-out sofa. Accommodates four.

Anvil Hotel & Cache House

Also located in downtown Jackson, both the Anvil Hotel and Cache House are charming places to stay nearby the best things to do in Jackson Hole. Cache House is an upscale hostel and part of the Anvil Hotel, located downstairs. These boutique lodgings place you just minutes from the bustle of town and surround you with the raw beauty of Jackson Hole. Relax with simple amenities like a spacious lobby and shared common space, as well as the Glorietta Trattoria, the on-site restaurant shared with Alpine House.

Amenities

Accommodations for Cache House

Cache House features fifty cozy bunks, each with custom curtains to block out light and sounds, individual fans, custom wool blankets, reading lights, outlets, and lockable storage. There are twelve private bathrooms with private stalls and high-end finishes.

• Full Bed Upper Bunk: features a full-sized bed. Accommodates one to two.
• Full Bed Lower Bunk: features a full-sized bed. Accommodates one to two.
• Queen Bed Upper Bunk: features a queen-sized bed. Accommodates one to two.
• Queen Bed Lower Bunk: features a queen-sized bed. Accommodates one to two.
• Twin Bed Lower Bunk: features a twin-sized bed. Accommodates one.
• Full Bunk Bed Unit [Upper + Lower]: features two full-sized beds, one on the upper bunk and one on the lower. Accommodates two to four.
• Accessible Twin Bed Lower Bunk: features a twin-sized bed. Accommodates one.
• Accessible Queen Bed Lower Bunk: features a queen-sized bed. Accommodates one to two.

The Virginian Lodge

This retro-inspired lodge in downtown Jackson features everything you need to make the most of your nature-focused retreat. Indulge in a wealth of amenities and cozy, pet-friendly accommodations during your stay. The Virginian Lodge’s main courtyard features two oversized hot tubs for a blissful soak with beautiful views of the mountain scenery. You’ll also find seven built-in firepits in the courtyard with cozy insulating igloos, as well as a heated all-season pool. So, this is quite the family-friendly Jackson Hole resort. And you don’t have to go far for delicious dining, as you’ll find a saloon and two restaurants right on-site. See all amenities below.

Amenities

Accommodations

Settle into pet-friendly accommodations here at The Virginian Lodge. These renovated, retro-style rooms will be a welcome home base while exploring the best things to do in Jackson Hole. Enjoy in-room amenities like spa rain showers, signature bath products, Pendleton wool blankets, and more.

• The Virg King: features one king bed. Accommodates two.
• The Virg Double Double: features two double beds. Accommodates four.
• The Virg King + Sleeper Sofa: features one king bed and one sofa bed. Accommodates four.
• The Virg Courtyard King: features one king bed. Accommodates two.
• Two Bunk Adventure Camp: features two twin bunk beds. Accommodates four.
• Four Bunk Adventure Camp: features four twin bunk beds. Accommodates eight.
• The Virg Junior Suite: features one king bed and one sofa bed. Accommodates four.
• Outbound King Suite: features one king bed and one sofa bed. Accommodates four.
• Celebration Suite Jackson Hole: features one king bed and one sofa bed. Accommodates four.
• Outbound Two Bedroom Suite: features two bedrooms, one with a king bed and the other with a queen bed. Includes a small kitchenette and living and dining room. Accommodates four.
• The Virg Accessible Queen: features one queen bed. Accommodates two.
• Outbound Accessible Jackson Hole Suite: features one queen bed and one sofa bed. Accommodates four.

Stay Close to the Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole with Nook Outdoors

Nook Outdoors is your gateway to Jackson Hole this winter season. While you experience the best things to do in Jackson Hole, you can rest assured that you have a lovely, nature-focused boutique hotel to call home. The lodgings in Nook Outdoor’s carefully curated portfolio of hotels, cabins, and glamping accommodations put the great outdoors at the forefront of your vacations. Browse all accommodations today.