1. What Airlines Fly Into Jackson Hole?
The airport is serviced by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and in summer, Sun Country Airlines. These airlines provide direct service to Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, Houston, Newark, JFK-New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles. The airport is located entirely within Grand Teton National Park and is a 15-minute drive to downtown Jackson.
2. Is It Jackson or Jackson Hole?
It’s both, actually. Trappers often referred to any valley or depression between mountain ranges as a “hole.” In the early 1800’s, mountain man William Sublette coined the moniker “Jackson’s Hole,” naming the region after his trapping companion, Davey Jackson. Eventually the apostrophe “s” was dropped, and the valley has been known as Jackson Hole ever since. “Jackson” refers to the actual town of Jackson, which was established in 1894.
3. How High is the Grand Teton?
The Grand Teton’s elevation is 13,775 feet. While many people think the Grand is the tallest peak in Wyoming, it is actually the second highest. Gannett Peak, located 70 miles southeast of the Grand Teton in the Wind River Range, is 13,804 feet in elevation.
4. Where Did the Tetons Get Their Name?
French trappers are responsible for naming the three peaks now known as the South, Middle and Grand Teton. They called the mountains “Les Trois Tetons,” or “The Three Breasts.” The Grand Teton—the tallest of the three—literally means “the big tit."
5. What's the Weather in Jackson Hole Like?
Average temps in Jackson Hole during summer range from 70 to 85-plus degrees, with cooler mornings and evenings. In wintertime the temperature averages 30 degrees and below. Jackson Hole’s high elevation, rugged terrain and relatively low humidity can create major fluctuations in temperature, meaning the weather can—and does—change rapidly. For current conditions visit MountainWeather.com.
6. How Hard is the Skiing in Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has a world-renown reputation for being steep and deep; an expert skier’s paradise. However, beginner and intermediate trails make up half of the ski mountain’s terrain, so there's plenty of downhill powder fun for all. Snow King Mountain—or the “Town Hill” as it’s known by locals—also offers trails for beginner through expert skiers.
7. Where Should I Stay in Jackson Hole?
If you're in search of ski-in/ski-out accommodations, Teton Village puts you right at the base of the mountain. Some of the advantages of choosing lodging in the town of Jackson include easy access to shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Condominiums, as well as bed and breakfast choices, lodges, guest ranches and cabins are also available throughout Jackson Hole and in the national parks.
8. Where Can I See Wildlife?
The short answer is, everywhere. Nearly 500 animal species inhabit the Greater Yellowstone region, including bison, elk, bears, moose, wolves and bighorn sheep. More than 7,000 elk winter on the National Elk Refuge, so you can see them not only from the highway, but also up-close by taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride on the refuge. Both Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks offer numerous opportunities/locations to view wildlife, as do the Antelope Flats loop in Kelly and the Miller Butte area in the elk refuge. Additionally, we recommend taking a wildlife tour with a knowledgable guide service.
9. How Far Are Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks To Jackson Hole?
The south entrance to Yellowstone National Park is 57.3 miles from the town of Jackson; approximately a one-hour, 13-minute drive. Old Faithful is located 40 miles from the south entrance. The Moose entrance to Grand Teton National Park is an 18-minute drive (or 13.2 miles) from the town of Jackson. The Granite Canyon entrance is just a four-minute drive from Teton Village.
10. How Many Antlers Are In the Arches On Town Square?
There are four elk antler arches on each corner of Town Square in downtown Jackson, made up of 2,000 antlers apiece. These antler arches have come to be iconic symbols of Jackson Hole. Make sure you get a photo of yourself in front of one!