Winter Travel Guide: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Getting There

Jackson has a small airport, so there is no need to fly into another city and drive there. The airport is only about a 15-minute drive from surrounding areas (Wilson, Jackson, and Teton Village, to name a few).

Getting Around

Rental Car

If you plan to stay in Jackson but ski in Teton Village (as we did), I highly recommend getting a rental car. We got ours from Dollar Rental Company because it was cheaper than the “big names” at the airport. You can book your car beforehand, and they will shuttle you from the airport to the rental car place.

Tip: They will ask if you want to upgrade to a four-wheel drive vehicle, but it’s unnecessary because the main roads are well-groomed and plowed. However, I would ask for a larger vehicle to load up your gear each day if you plan to ski.

START Bus

We did not use this, but I read that it is a cheap transportation option. I would probably use it in the summer, but it was better to have a rental car since it was so cold and we were skiing.

Where to Stay

Part I: Teton Village, Jackson, or Other?

When researching places to stay, one of our biggest questions was whether we should stay in Teton Village, Jackson, or another city. Here are the main differences.

Teton Village

Teton Village is more expensive but located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. If you plan on skiing the entire trip, staying here might be worth it. However, this area does not have much to do regarding dining and shopping (most are in Jackson), so to enjoy that, you would have to drive anyway.

So, to lead to the next area and the one we chose to stay in…

Jackson (My recommendation)

Downtown Jackson has most of the restaurants and shops you read about when researching what to do in Jackson Hole. If you stay downtown, you are a short distance from everything. There is also a ski resort called Snow King Mountain. It is smaller than Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, but if you want to ski there, you do not have to drive. Otherwise, it is only a 20-25-minute drive to the popular Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Wilson or Another Nearby Town

Wilson and other nearby towns are cheaper than Teton Village, and some are cheaper than Jackson. However, there is no ski resort or much to do, so you must drive everywhere.

Part II: Airbnb/VRBO or Hotel?

We stayed at an Airbnb in Downtown Jackson. We chose an Airbnb over a hotel because we wanted to cook some nights and have breakfast there to save money.

However, there are lots of cute and affordable hotels nearby. I will say, though, look at the map to see where they are located. For example, our friends stayed at Hampton Inn in Jackson, and although it was only a 5-7 minute drive to downtown, they could not walk to places like we could.

List of places to stay:

• Airbnb or VRBO (prices vary)
• Generic Hotel (ex: Hampton Inn) ($)
• The Lodge at Jackson ($$)
• Anvil Hotel ($$)
• Hotel Jackson ($$$)
• Continuum ($$$)

What to Do

Ski

There are a few options for skiing. The most popular is Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, located in Teton Village. We skied here, and it was an amazing experience. However, it is one of the harder ski mountains. Most of the slopes are blues and blacks; we hardly saw beginners on the mountain.

The second option is Snow King Mountain Resort, located in Jackson. Third, Grand Targhee, located on the opposite side of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, is supposed to be a less crowded option, according to a local we spoke to.

Where to Rent Ski Equipment

• Hoback Sports: this is where we went; exceptional, quick service
• REI Co-Op

General Tips

• Purchase lift tickets beforehand here
• Keep your lift pass in the left pocket of your ski pants so it can reach the scanner, and do not take it out; this is so you do not forget it one day.
• Keep your phone and credit cards away from your ski pass or it could get de-activated.
• If skiing multiple days and you have time, try to split up the ski days to give yourself a break. Skiing is hard when you are tired! We skied two days in a row, took a two-day break, then skied again for two more days.

National Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride

This was so much fun! You take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge and get to see the elk close-up. The guide was also very informative.

Reservations are not required, but if you have a large group (more than two), I recommend calling beforehand to guarantee your spots on the sleigh. The tour is organized by the National Elk Visitor Center. You will park your car there and get shuttled over to the refuge.

General Tips

• Bring a blanket and wear lots of layers.
• Wear sunglasses if you have them… the sun was BRIGHT reflecting off the snow.
• Arrive 30 minutes before your reserved time to pay for tickets and get set up.
• Bring cash to tip the guide.
• Hand and toe warmers are a must.
• Bring a camera for some great photos of the elk.

Snowmobile to Granite Hot Springs

Snowmobile

Granite Hot Springs

This activity is a little pricey, but worth it. You ride a snowmobile through the mountains, enjoying the most breathtaking views, and stop halfway for a soak in the hot springs. I was in awe of the beautiful scenery.

You can book a full or half-day tour. We did the half-day, about 4-5 hours from start to finish, which was perfect. We booked with Teton Tour Company, and our guide was phenomenal! If traveling as a pair, I recommend renting a double sled versus two separate ones. We did this so that I could take videos during the ride and we could talk.

When you arrive at Granite Hot Springs, there’s a cabin to change in, and your guide will hold your towel. We spent about 30 minutes in the hot springs, then rode back.

What is Provided:

• Snowmobile suit
• Boots
• Helmet

What to Bring:

• Towel
• Wear a swimsuit underneath your clothes
• Dry sports bra and undies to change into
• Backpack (the guide gave us a bag to borrow and put on the back of the mobile since our bag was too small and would have flown away…oops!)
• Hand warmers
• Waterproof gloves
• LOTS of layers!
• Ski goggles to put over the helmet, so it’s easier to see
• Snack and water

Shop

Favorite stores:

• MADE
• Roam
• Yippy-I-O Candy Shop
• Persephone Bakery
• Lee’s Tees

Visit the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

This is probably one of the most famous places to visit in Jackson. The bar has western, eclectic decor and a full bar. You can even sit on saddles at the bar. We went on a Friday night, and they had live music, too!

Photo in Front of a Famous Antler Arch

These antler arches are located at the main square in Downtown Jackson. There is one at each corner, and they look so beautiful lit up at night.

Where to Eat and Drink

Breakfast

• Persephone (the Quiche is AMAZING!)
• Café Genevieve
• Pearl Street Bagels
• The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant

Lunch & Dinner

• Local ($$$)
• Snake River Grill ($$$$)
• Pinky G’s Pizza
• Yeah Buddy Pizza
• Hatch
• Piste Mountain Bistro: With a reservation at the restaurant, you can ride the Teton Village Gondola up the mountain for free. I got the burger, and it was one of the best burgers I’ve had!
• Mangy Moose (located in Teton Village)

Coffee & Sweet Treats

• Cowboy Coffee Co.
• Persephone Bakery
• The Bunnery Bakery
• Coco Love

Drinks

• The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
• The Silver Dollar Bar
• Bin22 Wine Bar
• Fahrenheit 47 Igloo Bar
• Snake River Brewing

Tips to Save Money

Jackson Hole was  one of the most expensive places I have traveled to, so here are some ways to save money:

• Stay at an Airbnb or VRBO with a kitchen and go to the grocery store to eat at home for some meals.
• Purchase hand warmers from Safeway or Albertson’s (cheaper than the ski equipment stores).
• If you do not have a blanket for the sleigh ride, you can buy one at Target or borrow one from your rental place.
• Many places added an automatic gratuity, so make sure to check so you do not over-tip.

Download My Free Winter Packing List and Travel Guide:

Bye Now…

I hope you enjoyed reading about this cowboy town and dreamy winter travel destination! Make sure to Pin this post to your travel bucket list board.

Madison Marie