Certain destinations seem to be made for winter, and Jackson Hole is one such place. Although the popular Wyoming resort town is a year-round destination, it turns into a winter wonderland once the snow starts to fall. With sleigh-riding, skiing, and snow-capped mountains, Jackson Hole feels extra festive during the holiday season.
Whether hitting the world-famous ski slopes or cozying up fireside in one of Jackson Hole's spectacular lodges, here are some of the most iconic attractions that draw visitors to Jackson Hole every winter.
10 Cowboy-Inspired Bars
Perhaps the most iconic Jackson Hole watering hole is the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Established in 1937, it is a longstanding favorite among locals and tourists alike. Complete with a mechanical bucking bronco and saddle-topped bar seats, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a must-visit for an authentic Jackson Hole experience. Patrons will enjoy live music almost every night of the week from both local and national country music artists too.
Another local favorite, dating back more than 70 years, is the historic Stagecoach Bar. Situated a few miles west of Jackson Hole at the base of Teton Pass, 'the Coach', as it's affectionately known, is a Jackson Hole institution. Thursday and Sunday nights attract the biggest crowds, so arrive early.
9 National Parks: Grand Teton And Yellowstone
Jackson Hole gets bragging rights to not one but two of the most iconic US National Parks. Just north of the city sits Grand Teton National Park, where visitors will find alpine lakes, an incredible network of hiking trails, and a chance to get up close and personal with the real locals (elk, bears, and moose, to name a few). The park encompasses more than 300,000 magnificent acres among the Teton Mountain Range.
Also in close proximity to Jackson Hole sits Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone has the honor of being the very first National Park in the United States and just celebrated its 150th birthday this year! Home to Old Faithful and an array of other geothermal geysers, visitors will also be in awe of Yellowstone's beautiful rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and of course, wildlife.
8 Stunning Mountain Inns And Lodges
One of the most memorable parts of a Jackson Hole vacation is the incredible accommodation on offer. The area is renowned for its ranches, inns, and lodges set among the stunning wilderness. While the surroundings are rustic, the lodging is luxurious. Even those opting for a more economical option will enjoy the panoramic views and sheer beauty of the surroundings.
Many of the Jackson Hole lodges are complete with their own day spas and wellness centers, so it is the perfect destination to indulge in some self-care. Many of the spas incorporate elements of the natural environment, such as aromatherapy treatments using oils derived from native plant species.
7 World-Class Skiing ( And Snowboarding)
Snow sports enthusiasts have long flocked to Jackson Hole. Although Jackson Hole is considered the birthplace of extreme skiing, there is plenty of more mellow terrain that is suitable for beginners and intermediates as well. One of the best parts is the convenience and ease of access; visitors can go from the airport to the ski fields in about 30 minutes.
The area is home to numerous ski resorts, with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort repeatedly voted as the best in all of North America with its 2,500+ acres of trails. Jackson Hole also boasts the most expansive backcountry skiing terrain in the United States. Adrenaline junkies looking for the freshest powder will find heli-skiing options in Jackson Hole too.
6 Jackson Town Square
The historic Town Square is home to another iconic Jackson Hole landmark: the antler arches. Constructed from roughly 2,000 elk antlers (all of which were shed naturally on the nearby National Elk Refuge), visitors love to snap photos underneath. Officially named George Washington Memorial Park, the Town Square is the heart of Jackson and serves as a great jumping-off point for other area attractions.
Jackson Town Square is both a cultural and retail hub too. It features a diverse mix of shopping, from authentic cowboy apparel to local boutiques and major retailers. There are also art galleries, excellent dining options, and in the winter time, an ice-skating rink, visits from Santa, and a holiday art bazaar.
5 Dog Sledding
For those wanting to experience the majestic, snow-covered wilderness without hitting the slopes, dog-sledding is a unique alternative. Accompanied by an expert musher and a team of seasoned sled dogs, passengers can simply cozy up in the sled bag and enjoy the ride! Half-day and full-day options are available.
Not only is dog sledding fun, but it is also educational. Guests will learn about the natural environment and the local wildlife along the way. Expect to see animals like deer, elk, moose, bald eagles, and more. Some of the full-day tours will even stop at nearby hot springs.
4 National Elk Refuge
Bordering the city of Jackson Hole lies the spectacular National Elk Refuge. Spanning over 25,000 protected acres of grasslands, wetlands, and forests, the area is home to the largest population of wintering elk in the world. There are also large herds of bison, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.
During the winter months, the National Elk Reserve offers horse-drawn sleigh rides to take guests through the white-and-drifting snow. This is one iconic Jackson Hole experience that is sure to get everyone into a festive mood! Sleigh rides provide an opportunity to get up close with the gentle giants, and the guides provide a ton of interesting information about the refuge and wildlife, too.
3 Aerial Tram And Gondola Rides
The 100-person Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Resort climbs to a staggering elevation of 10,450 feet, giving passengers incredible panoramic views of the valley below. Skiers can access some of the steepest terrains when disembarking at Rendezvous Peak during the winter months. From May - October, guests can enjoy an array of alpine hiking options instead.
Both Jackson Hole Resort and Snow King Mountain offer gondola rides as well. Each gondola sits between 4 - 8 passengers. Although it doesn't reach ascend to quite as high of an elevation, the views are still spectacular, and there is the added bonus of accessing bars and dining at the top gondola station.
2 Snow Tubing
Jackson Hole's snow tubing parks will have visitors feeling like a kid again. It is a fun activity that allows everyone to enjoy the slopes, even if they aren't into skiing or snowboarding. There is no skill level or learning curve required, and anyone over 42 inches tall can hop in a tube and zip down the mountain.
Snow tubing locations can be found at Snow King and Grand Targhee Mountain Resort. There are designated hills that are only for tubers, with well-maintained runs and rope tows to easily get back to the top. Snow tubing is also a much more affordable option on the mountains, with tickets averaging around $20 USD per person.
1 Antelope Flats And Mormon Row Historic District
One of the most iconic Jackson landscapes is the historic Mormon Row and Antelope Flats. Situated about an hour outside the main town, close to Grand Teton National Park, visitors will want to have their cameras charged en route because the scenery along the drive is spectacular. The barns and former homesteads of Mormon Row frequently grace the covers of Jackson Hole tourism websites and will be quickly recognizable.
As the name implies, Antelope Flats is renowned for its population of pronghorn antelope. The 640-acre wilderness tract is also home to an array of other species, as well as those just passing through as part of their seasonal migration. Adding to the appeal, access to Mormon Row and Antelope Flats is free of charge.