Can I visit Yellowstone National Park from Jackson Hole in the winter? Most companies offer a variety of tour lengths to best suit your schedule. Choose from a half or full-day dog sledding adventure. Save a winter visit to Yellowstone for another time and focus on enjoying Grand Teton National Park instead! snowshoeing snowshoe jackson Visitors interested in wellness can also enjoy daily classes at one of Jackson Holes yoga or Pilates studios. And while both places have a lot of options, but if you want a more reasonable rate as well as plenty of shops, restaurants and galleries within walking distance youll have better luck in Jackson. Here are our recommendations for places to stay: About Our Contributing Writer: Emily Batdorf lives in northern Michigan, along the shore of a gorgeous Great Lake. You can purchase sleds, snow tubes and flying saucers at K Mart or Headwall Sports, or check with your hotel to see if they have any for guests to use. Teton County Search and Rescue volunteers and Grand Teton park rangers are dispatched several times a year to extract the unaware or unprepared from the Teton backcountry. If its cloudy, its probably also snowing and if its snowing, youll feel like youve literally been dropped into a sparkling, wintertime fairyland. See Jackson Hole's glorious scenery and wildlife from a snowmobile. Weather can be nasty during Jackson Hole winters sometimes closing roads so check conditions and road advisories with the Wyoming 511 app. Snowcoach tours also offer guided interpretations of the wildlife, history and geological features of the world's first national park.
Read: Snowmobiling in Jackson Hole Snowmobiling Through Yellowstone. Not bad for the town hill, eh? Visiting Jackson Hole means being prepared for extremes: extreme cold, snow, and mountainous terrain and also extreme sports and beauty. Though the bears are still hibernating, winter is a good time to see large animals in Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. Plus, since its located right in town, Snow King is within walking distance of 3 local breweries Stillwest, Snake River Brewing, and Roadhouse Brewing Co. so youll have no problem finding the perfect apres-ski destination!
In the winter, thousands of elk from several different herds converge in Jackson Hole to spend the harsh season at a lower elevation. Turquoise hot springs. Absolutely stunning in love with the incredible photos but everything you painted with your words too. It requires a little more technique than snowshoeing but is quick to pick up seriously fun. The hill boasts one of the steepest sustained pitches, top-to-bottom, of any area in the lower 48. There are plenty of alternatives to downhill skiing and snowboarding that offer gorgeous winter vistas and a great workout. What to Pack for Jackson Hole in the Winter, Things to Do in Jackson Hole in the Winter, Cross Country Ski Along the Base of the Tetons, Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art, he Ultimate Yellowstone in Winter Guide: Everything You Need to Know, 9 Awe-Inspiring Things To Do in Zion National Park, Utah: The Ultimate Guide to Zion, American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education. Visit Jackson's neighbor to the west, Grand Targhee, and relish in a day of Snowcat skiing on Peaked Mountain. Nurture yourself inside and out with a visit to one of Jackson Holes spas, which offer a range of services and experiences from traditional facials and bodywork, to more comprehensive wellness programs such as guided yoga instruction. This is a great guide! Merino wool is super warm, incredibly soft (nope, its not itchy) and much more lightweight than synthetic fabrics, as well as being naturally antibacterial, which means you can re-wear it without the re-wear funk. Soaking in the hot springs can leave you parched, and cold water is important to help your body get the most out of your soak.
Always respect the wildlife that call this valley home. jackson wyoming hole winter mountain ski serge skiba resort photograph park teton grand views snow Sign up for a day of Snowcat skiing to experience a memorable ride that delivers untracked snow off the beaten path. This is your chance by way of horse-drawn sleigh! Due its remoteness and harsh weather, Jackson was only settled by European Americans because of the Homestead Act of 1862, which essentially gave free land to anyone willing to build some stuff and use it for something for a few years. Winter in Grand Teton can mean avalanches, difficult trail conditions, grumpy wildlife, and extreme cold.
Gloves with fingers are especially great for adjusting the focus on binoculars and scopes.
Understand National Park and National Forest policies and regulations if you recreate within these areas.
Daytime rides through the National Elk Refuge will get you within 30 feet of majestic elk and you may also see eagles, bison, foxes, and wolves. So, be sure to bundle up in your favorite warm wool sweaters, your winter parka, and waterproof winter boots! Oddly enough, they dont perceive humans in a sleigh as dangerous, so you can safely view them within a few dozen yards of where you sit. Cliffs, trees, moose(! Nonetheless, seeing the elk is a unique bucket-list item for visitors and is a major contributor to the tourism economy of Jackson. Traveler Tip: Find out about groomed cross-country ski trails and conditions in the Greater Teton area at JHNordic.com, or tetonparksandrec.org. hole In Grand Teton National Park, skiers and snowshoers enjoy the trails to Bradley and Taggart lakes or the Phelps Lake overlook.
Grand Targhee Resort is located on the typically snowier west side of the Tetons in Alta, Wyoming, and is known for the most powder days of any ski area in the country. If you don't ski and your group wants to visit a ski resort this winter - make sure you choose a destination like Jackson Hole, where there is plenty to do outside of downhill skiing and snowboarding.
document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The best chances youll have of seeing this incredible wildlife is with a guided tour. If you think youll be great at it because youre a bomb downhill skier, think again the two activities are very different. Walk the boardwalks where youll find local boutiques, western apparel and gifts, art galleries, outlets, and major retailers.
If youre unfamiliar with dogsledding, the Iditarod is a 1,000 mile sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska, commemorating the historical significance of this method of travel in Americas last frontier. Winter brings animals like moose, elk, and deer down to lower elevations, and travelers should be cautious driving on roads and walking on trails. So pack your warmest socks and your coziest sweaters, and read on for 9 unbelievable things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the winter! Low key stalk us here and on social media. The groomed trail continues from the Taggart Lake trail for 15 miles, but I dont suggest you make that your goal remember, you have to ski back. Keep browsing for more ideas.
But Jackson Hole is more than just a magical mountain ski town; its also filled with majestic elk, wildlife-inspired art, and craft breweries, for instance. But that geothermal activity can be found throughout Wyoming, and there are two fantastic opportunities for soaking in a natural mineral-fed hot spring right near Jackson Hole! Jackson, though no exception to the emphasis on steak and game, hosts a variety of restaurants that dress up these staples and add delicious alternatives for vegetarians and vegans. In addition to keeping you warm as you explore in town, weatherproof clothing is especially important if youre going to do outdoor activities like snowshoeing, skiing, or ice trekking. Hours: 3 to 9 p.m. The museum built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge holds more than 5,000 artworks representing wild animals from around the world.
How to Plan an Amazing Lake Tahoe Winter Trip, 12 Epic Things to do in Banff, Canada in Winter, Where to Stay in Barcelona (& Where NOT to), 28 Epic Things to do in Lassen National Park, California: The Ultimate Guide to Lassen. The elk that winter here are wild that is, they would still be coming here each year regardless of the designated land. Or contact a local guide company, such as Exum Mountain Guides or Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, about available courses and trips. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Youll want to wear a merino wool base layer underneath your clothing every day during your Jackson Hole winter trip that means that the layer closest to your skin should all be made from merino wool. Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours is the original dogsledding company in Jackson, operated by an experienced Iditarod veteran. Owen Bircher Park Rink (Wilson): Family skate time is noon to 2 p.m. daily. After your base layer, youll need to add on at least one additional layer before your outerwear, like a pair of pants and a sweater. })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-P6R8DKB'); 3 years ago we quit our jobs, put our stuff in storage, and took off on a (disastrous) year-long honeymoon. Ive visited Jackson Hole, the Tetons and Yellowstone NP in late September and fall just had started. Rope tows and conveyor lifts make it quick and easy to get back up to the top of the hill. Ever since Grand Teton National Park was established in the late 1920s a close neighbor to Yellowstone National Park, the very first National Park in the country this once quiet valley now attracts visitors from all over the world. Youll receive professional Nordic skiing instruction and winter ecology interpretation from a naturalist guide certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America. (COVID-19) Jackson Hole & Grand Teton Travel Updates, Grand Teton National Park Camping & RV Parks, Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, Snow King Sports and Events Center ice arena. Indigenous peoples such as the Eastern Shoshone, Bannock, Blackfeet, Nez Perce, and Aaninin nations have been traveling through the valley since the last glaciers receded roughly ten thousand years ago. jackson After refueling on some delicious food, Jackson offers plenty of places to continue to warm up with a stiff drink, and maybe some dancing if your legs arent too tired.
Snow King Sports and Events Center ice arena: Public ice skating Monday to Friday, noon to 1:30 p.m. And if youre doing winter activities, add a waterproof layer as well, like lined snow pants or water-resistant hiking pants. Which one of these things to do in Jackson Hole are you most excited about? The rink is manned from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and noon to 9 p.m. on weekends; free hot chocolate and skate rentals ($15) are available in the Stage Stop building.
OMG, just loving this post for the lovely pictures and the detailed tips! Tour Yellowstone National Park, the Gros Ventre Range, Togwotee Pass, or Greys River and visit landmarks like Old Faithful or the Granite Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a relaxing soak. If youre up for a full day of winter adventure, take the full day snowshoeing & wildlife tour that combines winter sports with wildlife spotting in this two-for-one all day long winter adventure! Even seen thousands of elk up close? You can learn more about Emily on her website Emily Carol Copy. Powderhorn Park Rink: Free. You cant really pick a wrong day for this activity if its sunny, youll have incredible views of the highest snowy peaks. Cost: adults $10/kids $5.
The nice thing about skiing the King is that you have the option for evening skiing, and you can get a discounted pass if thats all you want to do. Come to Jackson Hole and try our picks for the top 10 winter activities for non-skiers.
October and November are cold and often snowy, but without the festivity that true winter brings. This steep, winding mountain pass regularly closes due to snow and avalanches and can be an absolute nightmare to drive save yourself the anxiety. In response to this problem and with the support of a local wildlife biologist, the federal government set aside land for a National Elk Refuge. And dont forget a water bottle! The most magical adventures await you if youve never tried snowshoeing through a winter wonderland.
If wool isnt your thing, wear an equally insulating base layer, like one made from silk (heres a silk top and bottom option). wyoming Open Monday from noon to 2 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday 3 to 7 p.m., weekends noon to 7 p.m.; closed Tuesday. Anyone more than 42 tall can snow tube.
Are the skiers and snowboarders in your life clamoring to hit the slopes on a winter vacation this year? If youre out on your own (and an experienced and prepared skier, of course), you can rent a pair of cross-country skis in town at Skinny Skis and park again at the Taggart Lake Trailhead. Family skate time is 2 to 4 p.m. daily. When settlers began building big ranches with extensive fencing, the elk couldnt access enough forage and began dying off in huge numbers some people even said you could walk miles across the valley stepping only on the backs of dead elk. Tours are conducted by the Bar-T-Five's Elk Refuge Scenic Tours and depart from the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center at 532 North Cache in Jackson between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, from mid-December to early April. Each year. Psst: Planning a trip out West? That should keep you warm and toasty. Jackson Hole, WY 83001 A magic carpet whisks you up the hill for each tubing run. This FREE 3-page printable packing list will help make sure you don't forget anything for your next winter trip. While you wont be traveling a thousand miles or even a hundred youll learn a ton about the sport from true professionals. Let me say that again. Take in Jackson Holes amazing wilderness on cross-country skis, snowshoes or a fat bike. With most of the roads in Grand Teton National Park closed in the winter, a half- or full-day cross-country ski or snowshoe tour with an outfitter such as EcoTour Adventures or Hole Hiking Experience offers a truly unique glimpse into the park's winter habitat. Weve got all the details you need. You'll also be subscribing to our monthly newsletter. While this trail is packed in the summer, during the winter youll likely enjoy a pretty quiet walk to the lake. Considered the closest to a European ski experience within the U.S., JHMR boasts acres of expert terrain and out-of-bound skiing, plus the longest continuous vertical rise of any ski area in the country: 4,139 feet. Unsubscribe anytime. Taking a dip in a natural hot spring gazing out at the pine trees and mountains while snowflakes swirl around you is one of the most memorable and relaxing things to do in the winter. Refuge tours: If you want to get really close to Jackson Hole's resident elk, consider a sleigh ride on the National Elk Refuge. It seems to depend entirely on each individual business. Guided by a trained biologist and conducted from the comfort of a specially equipped van with spotting scopes and a large sunroof, you will remember this excursion forever. Home to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village is pretty busy in the winter, and does not disappoint with winter festivities. Grab an early afternoon drink in Teton Village or downtown Jackson to meet up with skiing friends and take part in the aprs-ski scene.
This 22 million acre ecosystem is one of the largest in-tact temperate ecosystems on the planet, and is home to populations of elk, bison, moose, grizzly bears, wolves, mountain lions, and more. Ever heard that saying, theres no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing? When snowflakes are swirling around the mountains you must make sure youre prepared for any conditions. If snowshoeing isnt fast enough or difficult enough or you simply didnt fall down enough, try cross country skiing. Rent a snowmobile or join an outfitter for guided half-and full-day tours. Dont miss the famous Million Dollar Cowboy bar, where the seats are saddles, or pop into theSilver Dollar Bar at thehistoric Wort Hotel where there is live music most evenings. Youll also notice a lot of accommodations in Teton Village, which is about 20 minutes away from Jackson and a lot more expensive. new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
Here are some other posts about nearby destinations that you might find helpful: With a little bit of preparation and flexibility, traveling to Jackson Hole in the winter should be pretty straightforward. Emily is a writer, educator, and artist, and can often be found with a good book in hand.
I was there in September and loved it, but I feel like its on another level in the winter. For a taste of Jacksons lively art scene, visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art, located directly across from the National Elk Refuge.
Im not going to lie it isnt easy but its a fun, active way to explore during the winter, and the only way (aside from cross country skis see below) youre going to get anywhere on the trail. Day passes are available to groomed trail systems of Teton Pines Cross Country Ski Center, Grand Targhee Nordic Ski Area, and Trail Creek Nordic Center. It must be so magical! outage Here are a couple of tour options we recommend: Ice skating is one of those things I really wish I could do well. The brand newCowboy Coasterat Snow King takes riders up 456 feet and then back down on a thrill-ride of twists and hairpin turns. Its also the oldest ski resort in the state of Wyoming.
Call 307-201-1633. At 10,450 feet, the resorts highest peak, youll find a snow-covered cabin serving up decadent waffles with bacon, nutella, or lemon glaze. Dont get me wrong, you can still have a relaxing time here, but youll enjoy yourself more if youre prepared! ), 17 Best Things to do in Boston, Massachusetts in the Winter (A Local's Guide), https://www.instagram.com/p/B6T2vLilYgV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link, 43 Cozy Things to do in Chicago in the Winter (A Locals Guide), The 4 Best Salt Lake City Ski Resorts for a Weekend Getaway, 33 Quirky Things To Do In Key West, Florida (& Massive Travel Guide), The Best Salt Lake City Ski Resorts: a Complete Guide to Skiing in Salt Lake City, How to Plan an Amazing Lake Tahoe Winter Trip (on a Budget), 14 Epic Things to do in Yosemite National Park, California, The Ultimate Salt Lake City Brewery Guide: 25 Best Salt Lake City Breweries & Brewpubs, The Perfect 2-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary, 8 Outdoorsy Things to Do in Ruidoso, New Mexico, Copyright 2022, Practical Wanderlust.