If you're visiting the Jackson Hole area for the first time this winter, A) What took you so long?, and, B) Congratulations—you are embarking on the trip of a lifetime! To help prepare you for a memorable visit to the Tetons, here are some things you'll need to know about our weather, high altitude, what to pack and how to get around, among other valuable tips.
Prepare For High Altitude
With the town of Jackson above 6,200 feet and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram taking skiers and snowboarders to an elevation of 10,450 feet, some travelers to the area may experience difficulty adjusting to the altitude. And the common misconception that drinking less water is OK because of the area’s cold climate can sometimes add to this problem. If anything, more water should be consumed to stay ahead of the ill effects of altitude sickness. To stay hydrated, you may want to limit caffeine and alcohol consumption as well.
RELATED STORY: High Altitude Health Tips
What To Bring To Jackson Hole
With ever-changing temperatures and wind chills, packing for a Jackson Hole winter can be a challenge. Bring lightweight clothing that can be layered to ward off subzero temperatures or peeled off for sunny, warmer days spent working up a sweat doing numerous outdoor activities. Essentials such as warm base layers, a waterproof ski jacket and pants, boots with good grip for icy streets and terrain, a hat, gloves or mittens, a camera and lip balm are also great to bring along. Sunscreen is another important item to ward off sunburns that can sneak up on visitors even on cloudy days.
Casual attire is not only accepted pretty much everywhere in the valley, but it is often expected. Jeans, flannel and beanies are mainstays around the area where dressing comfortably is a priority.
Getting Around Jackson Hole
Taxis, Lyft, Uber, hotel shuttles, an AllTrans shuttle and Avis, Hertz and Enterprise rental cars are all available options to get from the Jackson Hole Airport to town or Teton Village.
The town of Jackson is located approximately 12 miles from Teton Village, where the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is in addition to popular hotels, restaurants, shops and condos. For those who decide to stay in town, there is a convenient bus service to and from Teton Village, as well as around town. The Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit—or START bus—will deliver you to Teton Village for a $3 fee each way. It is a good idea to have exact change on hand because bus drivers are not able to make change for fares. Transportation around town on the START bus is free.
While many winter visitors choose to stay at a resort that is walking distance from the slopes, staying in town has its advantages, too. Beautiful hotels in the town of Jackson such as the Hotel Jackson, White Buffalo Club, the Wort Hotel and Snow King Resort offer luxurious amenities at competitive prices.
Whether you choose to stay in town or Teton Village, there are many activities, restaurants and stores within walking distance. Snow King Mountain, which offers day and night skiing, is also located in town.
Eat Your Way Through Jackson Hole
For casual, quick meals by the ski resort, Osteria serves lunch, après ski and dinner. This local favorite also boasts a full bar and laid-back atmosphere.
A popular après ski and late-night location in Teton Village is the Mangy Moose Restaurant and Saloon, which caters to locals and tourists alike and makes for an often rowdy, but very friendly atmosphere. The varied après ski crowd offers entertainment on its own, and excellent live music throughout the afternoon or evening adds to the Mangy Moose’s appeal.
The fire pits and seating along the Four Seasons lobby lounge and Handle Bar make for a good family après base camp. And the food is first-rate!
If you’d like to take a break from skiing without coming to the base of the mountain, Piste Mountain Bistro is a great choice for lunch or après ski. Located in Rendezvous Lodge at the summit of Bridger Gondola, diners can enjoy breathtaking views while eating local, high-quality ingredients and delicious cuisine. Lunch is served daily.
A great après ski location in town, the Snake River Brewery is a family-friendly restaurant that has pub favorites such as a pulled pork sandwich, pizza and burgers. Award-winning beer brewed in-house is also available. The pub is a popular “Sunday Funday” destination with people coming in for a John Daly or Bloody Mary that is only served on Sundays.
RELATED STORIES: Family-Friendly Restaurants in Jackson Hole, 7 Spots For Lunch on Town Square, Cheers To Jackson Hole Breweries
Mingle With Locals and Tourist Alike
Enjoy the laid-back vibe of the town and take the opportunity to speak with people who live in the area and those who may be visiting from across the globe. Ask other patrons what they ate for dinner or activities they enjoyed on their vacation for more insider tips to enhance your trip.
Traveler Tip: Learn the lingo! “The Village” is how locals refer to the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, or “JHMR.”
Think Outside the Box
Feel free to branch out from downhill skiing and snowboarding to try many of the other outdoor winter activities available in the area such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling or tubing. Nordic skiing is available at Teton Pines Cross Country Ski Center, located about 4 miles south of Teton Village along the Moose-Wilson Road. Gear rentals and instructors are also available. Scenic Nordic trails are accessible in town and in Grand Teton National Park.
RELATED STORIES: JH Nordic is a Vital Resource, Unique Things To Do in Jackson Hole
What To Do On Cold Days
When a temperature inversion occurs, seemingly cold days could end up being the perfect occasion to hit the slopes. While the temperature at the base of the mountain may be colder, temperatures higher up the mountain may actually be quite pleasant.
However, if you do choose to forego skiing, there are plenty of activities to hold your attention for a day or more. Taking a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge or going on a wildlife excursion are two great ways to view wildlife. If it is just too cold to be outside, you can visit one of the town’s many art galleries, or you can head to the National Museum of Wildlife Art to view a variety of collections.
RELATED STORIES: Jackson Hole Wildlife Tours: The Essentials, A Day Off the Slopes
Recuperate
Don’t kill yourself trying to do every available activity in the area in one trip. No vacation is complete without a little indulgence, so take the opportunity to have a glass of champagne and decadent dessert in a hot tub or by a fireplace that many hotels feature, such as Four Seasons Resort & Spa. Snow King Resort hotel is the home of Jackson's newest and largest, full-service resort, the Grand View Spa. You can also head over to Healing Waters for a zero-gravity float. Other treatments available include whole-body cryotherapy, full-spectrum infrared sauna and cold plunge, plus Emsculpt Neo.