10 Things To Do In Jackson Hole In Winter

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As a ski town, Jackson Hole Wyoming has a reputation for excellent powder and challenging mountain resort courses. It has the longest vertical drop in the USA and the soaring mountains are a challenge for powder hounds. But if you’re a beginning skier or snowboarder don’t be discouraged. There are many good reasons why you should put Jackson Hole on your bucket list.

You’ll be awestruck by the majestic scenery of this mountain resort. Your jaw will drop when you see Jackson Hole’s powder-covered mountains that seem to touch the heavens. Your skiing and snowboarding friends will be envious as Jackson Hole has one of the highest snowfalls in the USA. The light and airy snow is heaven for powder hounds, who will relish bombing down the long run from the top of the tram to the bottom. Not being able to ski is no excuse to have a wonderful winter in Jackson. Here are some things o do in Jackson Hole in winter.

10 Things to Do In Jackson Hole In Winter

1- Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram

Take the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram from Teton Village to the top of Rendezvous Mountain.

The 360-degree view of the valley and Grand Teton National Park is impressive.

2- Take A Skiing or Snowboarding Lesson

winter in jackson hole
Jackson Hole in winter is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders.

It’s a white paradise for advanced skiers and riders but if you’re a beginner, join a group lesson to find your ski legs.

Apres Vous Mountain offers intermediate terrain.

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3- Shop, Eat And Explore Jackson

Jackson Hole is the spot to channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl so pull on your jeans and get into Jackson’s relaxed Wild West cowboy vibe, which is packed with Western shops, bars and restaurants.

4- Visit The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

million dollar cowboy bar
Visiting the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a must-do in winter in Jackson.

Ride a horse at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, drink bourbon and eat steak. 

The bar is decked out with cowboy murals, animal mounts and saddle barstools.

You can spend a delightful time scouring the shops for a real Wyoming-made cowboy hat and a pair of cowboy boots.

5- Ski at Snow King

You can stay on-mountain and ski Jackson Hole, but there’s a smaller less imposing ski resort called Snow King in Jackson, which has four lifts, night skiing and a tubing park.

It’s cheaper to ski at Snow King and beginners can pick up a bargain morning half-day ticket.

A one-hour drive from Jackson lies Grand Targhee Resort, which sits on the western slopes of the Tetons in the town of Alta.

6- The wilderness is stunning

things to do winter in jackson hole
One of the things to do in winter in Jackson is to go wildlife watching.

The area around Jackson Hole is a sanctuary for elk, bald eagles, wolves and bison.

Avid photographers and nature lovers will love looking for wildlife and a guided tour to explore Grand Teton National Park is a chance to spot moose, coyotes, antelopes and bears.

7- Go On A Snowmobile Safari

Go on a thrilling snowmobile safari to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

The winter wonderland scenery is breathtaking, and you might get the chance to see wildlife along the way.

Whoosh through deep snow or glide along groomed trails and over frozen lakes for an adventure you won’t forget.

8- Get Your Excercise Snowshoeing

Can’t ski? You can still have an active vacation in Jackson Hole on a snowshoe safari through the backcountry.

You get a good workout and be astonished by the stunning scenery and track wildlife.

9- Try Ice Skating

things to do in jackson hole in winter
Ice skating is one of the fun things to do in Jackson Hole.

There’s nothing more charming than watching ice skaters glide gracefully over a frozen lake and nothing more frustrating than learning to skate for the first time!

Whether you have the balance to stay vertical or not, head to the Village Rink on the Commons and join a class and afterwards, grab a snack and hot drink at the warming hut.

The Village Rink on the Commons is open between 3 pm and 9 pm daily. It’s free to go skating if you have your own skates and if you don’t, rentals cost $12.

10- Take A Sleigh Ride In An Elk Refuge

things to do jackson hole winter
Another thing to do in Jackson Hole in winter is a wildlife safari at the elk reserve.

Imagine going on a taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride among thousands of elk.
Such an adventure is a must-do in winter at the National Elk Refuge (mid-December to early April).

The National Elk Refuge also provides wildlife viewing excursions and regular programmes to educate the public about wildlife and the environment.

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Christina Pfeiffer
Christina Pfeiffer is a writer, photographer and video blogger based in Queensland, Australia. She has lived in three continents and her career as a travel journalist has taken her to all seven continents. Since 2003, she has contributed travel stories and photographs to mainstream media in Australia and around the world such as the Sydney Morning Herald, CNN Traveller, The Australian and the South China Morning Post. She has won many travel writing awards and is a full member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers.