Jackson Hole, Wyoming- the perfect Winter Weekend getaway
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a great place to visit year round with hiking, national parks, and outdoor activities. Wintertime it really comes to life with skiing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and cozy fireplaces. Learn more below about how to get there, where to stay and top things to do in this Jackson Hole Winter Weekend Getaway travel guide.
getting there
If you are flying to the area, the closest major airport is the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) which is 20 minutes north of downtown. Other nearby airports include Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) which is about 2 hour away and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) which is about 5 hours away. On our trip we flew into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) which is about 4.5 hours drive.
getting Around
The best way to get around the area is by having your own car and driving. When you visit in the winter you may want to consider renting a vehicle with 4WD to tackle the snow. There are shuttle services if you don’t want to be bothered with driving during the winter. Of note, during our trip we had to change drive path due to a snowstorm because some road require chains. Also when visiting during the winter access to the National Parks are more limited. Yellowstone you cannot drive into during winter and Grand Teton you can drive but only certain parts.
where to stay in Jackson Hole
Though Jackson Hole is a small town there are so many options of places to stay depending on your budget and desired stay.
During our trip we stayed in the Ranch Inn Motel which was a very affordable option for us. It was the cheapest option in the town. Unfortunately, since staying here the property has permanently closed.
Other options we explored were the Cowboy Village Resort, The Lexington at Jackson Hole and the Anvil. There are cheap accommodations outside of the main town.
when to visit Jackson Hole
This area is absolutely beautiful year-round and wonderful to visit. We have been in the summer as well as the winter and it has a totally different vibe!
Summer is great for hiking, biking and full access to the National Parks (Grand Teton and Yellowstone) while winter is great for sleighing, skiing, and winter activities.
Fees
There are fees to the National Parks but not to the town itself. If you are visiting Grand Tetons you can purchase entry or do like we do and buy the annual pass to get access to all the national parks for 12 months!
things to do in Jackson Hole during winter
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is a must see national park! It is different visiting during the winter because the lakes are frozen over so the boat tours and some of the hiking is inaccessible. The main road is still plowed and you can get some great views of the mountains! You can also spot wildlife- we saw deer and moose!
Winter Activities
Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice skating are all available to partake in around Jackson Hole during the winter. You can check out Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee Resort and Snow King Mountain. Snow King Mountain is also known for its Cowboy Coaster.
National Elk Refuge
This is a must stop during the winter. It is a great place to see elk and during the winter you can find trumpeter swans! During the winter from mid-December to the first weekend in April you can do a sleigh ride through the elk. It is first come first serve with tickets sold at the Jackson Hole Visitor center. The sleigh rides last about 45 minutes-1 hour. Dress warm!
Hot Springs
There are several hot springs in the area and it is a great way to soak in the warmth on these cold days. Popular hot springs in the area include Astoria Hot Springs which is about 20 minutes south open daily except Wednesdays. Granite Hot Springs can only be accessed via a snowmobile or dog sledding tour during the winter.
Enjoying Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole itself is a very cute town with lots of restaurants, shops, and things to do. During the winter there is an ice skating rink in the center. There are so many options for eating you will love it.
Trust me you are going to love exploring the outdoors on your winter weekend getaway to Jackson Hole. It is a perfect escape into the beautiful and serene area. Don’t forget your warm layers and big camera! Jackson Hole offers great nature and mountain charm in every season but make sure to check it out in the winter!
