Jackson Hole will always be synonymous with skiing. With the iconic setting of the Teton Range and legendary ski ‘runs’ such as Corbet's Couloir, Jackson is a quintessential winter destination with so much more to offer. Averaging over 215 days of sunshine mixed with the typical 500” of snow per year, winter in the Jackson Hole valley turns into a sparkling wonderland full of activities for every age and ski level.
Whether it’s an on-hill endeavour or cozying up at the bar for après, Jackson has the perfect spot for your objective. Explore the many winter options below.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort , located in Teton Village, roughly 12 miles northwest of the town of Jackson, features 2,500 acres of inbounds terrain and an open backcountry gate system accesses over 3000+ acres. Sitting a base elevation of 6,311 ft, JHMR offers an impressive 4,139 ft of vertical. Averaging 459" of snowfall per year, Jackson Hole has been acclaimed with the #1 spot on both Forbes and Ski Magazine’s top ski resort destinations.
https://www.jacksonhole.com/
Snow King Mountain
As one of the first ski resorts created in the US, Snow King Mountain is the classic town hill offering easy access to the lifts, plenty of vertical to get your heart pumping, and stunning views over the Town of Jackson to the Tetons beyond. Complete with tubing hill and Cowboy Coaster.
https://snowkingmountain.com/
Grand Targhee
Located roughly 45 miles over Teton Pass, Grand Targhee receives an average of over 500” per year. This extremely family friendly resort is the perfect day trip to explore a new area with excellent terrain for all levels of skiing and riding.
https://www.grandtarghee.com/
Nordic Skiing
Throughout the valley, hundreds of Nordic ski trails await. Embrace the tranquility of winter off of the downhill resorts with peaceful cross country style trails, speed-induced skate ski trails, or forge your own path through the backcountry. Some of the area’s highlighted groomed trails, for both classic and skate skiers can be found at Grand Teton National Park, Cache Creek Trailhead, Shooting Star, and Teton Pines Country Clubs.
Utilize JH Nordic’s incredible Trail Search to find one that suits your family’s needs: http://jhnordic.com/trails/
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Snowmobiling and Snowcoaches
Snowmobiling is a favorite wintertime activity for both locals and visitors. With varied terrain throughout the valley, snowmobiling is a dramatic way to experience the Jackson Hole winter at any skill level. Groomed trails allow access to more remote areas giving a unique opportunity to view our unique geological features, landscapes, and resident winter wildlife.
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A fact not known by many, is that Yellowstone can be experienced in the winter either by stagecoach or guided or unguided snowmobile tours. The vast beauty of the rolling valley amongst the bordering mountain ranges and the geysers and natural features transport you into another world in the snowy months. With limited daily access capped, Yellowstone (https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/visiting-yellowstone-in-winter.htm) in the winter is calm, peaceful, and unlike anything you could ever imagine.
National Elk Refuge Tours
For over 100 years, visitors to Jackson Hole have been witness to a western experience like no other. In a horse drawn sleigh that takes you for a ride onto the National Elk Refuge, you will find yourself in the middle of a natural wildlife habitat that will take you closer to nature than you have ever been.
Established in 1912 to provide winter habitat for the Jackson Hole elk herd, the National Elk Refuge is an integral component of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It is bounded by Grand Teton National Park and a wilderness area in the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Dog Sledding
Teton County is an ideal location to grab the reins and try your hand at dog sledding through the backcountry trails of the surrounding areas. Mushing with the energetic Huskies and experienced guides will offer an amazing day exploring Jackson Hole’s beautiful surroundings, view wildlife in their natural habitat, and even visit a nearby hot springs (if this is a must-do, be sure to book a trip to Granite Hot Springs - https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/btnf/recarea/?recid=71639).
Sleigh Rides
Cozy-up under a wool blanket and take in the views as you are pulled behind a horse-drawn sleigh. Take in the views and countless elk as you ride into the evening. There are several rides within Jackson Hole; choose your desired view, atop the Gros Ventre butte, through the elk refuge, or along the Snake River and ride away. Many offer dinner pairings as well.