by Kate Ready
Here in Jackson Hole, we’ve got a passion for powder. It’s kind of our thing. Every year, it’s a countdown to the first powder day. We’re a bit obsessed with our recreation and yes, our gear. To help you tackle our world-renowned slopes in style and ease, consider us your concierge for looking — and feeling — the part. Because the right gear switches you into the right — dare we say it? — gear.
Feeling ready to attack our slopes in high-performing skis that glide through powder or staying dry and warm inside an Arc’Teryx jacket ultimately leads to more time outside, more icicles on the beard and crispier turns.
And just because you’re here, we’ll offer you a special Traveler Tip: Consider a guided skiing tour from an Exum backcountry guide. An Exum guide will plan an unforgettable trip for you, exploring backcountry skiing and snowboarding in an incredible variety of terrain for first-timers to the experienced carvers.
Okay, here’s how to dress to shred the Tetons.
Must-Have Skis and Boots
Buy your hot new skis for the 2023-24 season at JH Sports, (pictured above) right at the base of the Bridger Gondola in Teton Village. JH Sports is the village hub for ski and snowboard rentals, outerwear and accessories, as well as boot fitting, ski repairs and tuning. Ski in and ski out.
Teton Village Sports is the oldest specialty retailer and ski shop in Jackson Hole, offering hard and soft goods from top brands, ski and bike rentals, repairs and professional boot fitting, paddleboards, plus full-service guided fishing trips with Grand Fishing Adventures.
Other shops selling top-notch skis, snowboards and even backcountry gear include Teton Mountaineering and Wilson Backcountry Sports. Don’t forget to buy/wear a buff, and if you’re venturing into the backcountry, make sure you’re avalanche-prepared.
Need to Rent Gear?
Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery is your personal ski concierge offering free delivery and custom fitting. Black Tie offers a huge selection of rental skis and snowboards that are delivered right to your accommodations. All you need to do is make your reservations online, and your gear will be delivered when you arrive.
For those staying in town, about 20 minutes away from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort but a stone’s throw away from Snow King Mountain Resort, is Hoback Sports, your one-stop specialty ski and snowboard shop for the whole family. Conveniently located off Town Square is JD High Country Outfitters which offers cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals.
Locally-Founded Gear
To really look like a local, Stio is a must-stop. Founded and designed in Jackson Hole, each piece is truly Teton-tested. From jackets to base layers to beanies and gloves, a visit to the Stio flagship store on Town Square will leave you with an authentic piece of Jackson Hole for years to come.
Another company born in the Tetons, Teton Gravity Research, offers base layers, headwear and goggles that locals love to shop. TGR’s gear is a true souvenir fueled with the stoke and spirit of the Tetons. To get extra amped for your trip to Jackson Hole, check out TGR’s ski films on YouTube.
Our top pick for gloves is another brand born and bred in the Tetons: Give’r. Named CNN Underscored’s “Best Ski Gloves of 2023,” and Backcountry magazine’s "Best Gloves of 2018," these are the world’s most comfortable, versatile and durable waterproof, all-leather, insulated gloves; customizable with hand-branded initials. Join the Jackson Hole Glove Geek club and check out Hugh’s Secret Stache for a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Traveler Tip
Okay, our last Traveler Tip will earn you some serious points on your next gondola ride: Ullr’s "Prayer for Snow." According to legend, Ullr is the god of archery, war, and, most importantly, winter. When it's hurling snow, you have this guy to thank. And when it's not, it's him you have to beg. It’s a bit of a thing around here — the favorite prayer of all of the locals:
"Come snow! Come snow!
Fall fast, fall slow be it powder or crud,
Let the inches be shown
Come snow! Come snow!
Blessed ULLR bestow
Make white our peaks
Make full our bowls
Come snow! Come snow!
From here to fro
Let the snow god be praised
Let his gifts be shown."
The Last Word
Get yourself decked out for the slopes or the Nordic skiing trails with a little help from the tips above. Dressing like a Jackson Hole skier is easy, and shopping locally is always the best way to go.
We admit, however, that skiing isn’t the only thing to do in Jackson Hole in the winter. Check out some of our other tips below. Let’s get inspired.
• Things To Do in Jackson Hole in Winter
• Snowmobiling Through Yellowstone National Park
Kate Ready is a freelance writer for Jackson Hole Traveler. In her off hours, she enjoys kayaking, cross-country skiing and attempting to bake bread. Kate recently received the statewide "Journalist of the Year" award from the Wyoming Press Association.