Jackson Hole Activities

A lot of the local winter activities in or near Jackson Hole revolve around the wildlife. Some Jackson Hole things to do are obvious, like visiting the National Elk Refuge and going for a sleigh ride to see the herds of elk. Others require a little bit of effort and patience.

Jackson Hole Heli Skiing

Heli skiing out of Jackson Hole is an ideal activity considering how difficult it can be to score fresh tracks at the ski resort, and because USA heli skiing in the lower 48 states is somewhat unique. Make the most of the opportunity for the ultimate in powder skiing and go out for a day trip with High Mountain Heli-Skiing.

Other Skiing Activities Near Jackson Hole

Snowcat skiing is offered at Grand Targhee ski resort, which is suited to intermediate riders. The terrain is very small so it would only be good straight after a snowfall. Teton Backcountry Guides offer a range of backcountry ski tours including day trips and clinics, multi-day yurt trips, and skill building backcountry camps.

Cross Country Skiing

There are multiple spots in the region for cross country skiing, and outfits that offer tours. Shooting Star Nordic Track is located very close to Teton Village and offers 15km of tracks. Teton Pines Cross Country Ski Center is about 4 miles south of Teton Village and has 16km of groomed trails which often provide wildlife spotting. Short cross country and snowshoeing trails can be found at Snow King Resort on the fringe of Jackson town. Grand Teton National Park offers some cross country routes and Trail Creek Nordic Center at the base of Teton Pass is also popular.

Family Activities

If the kids haven’t had enough ski action during the day, the Snow King Resort in town offers night skiing. Snow King also has a tubing park, so the kids should sleep well after all that action. If not, there’s a small ice skating rink in Teton Village or you could take the family dog sledding.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is literally just up the road from Jackson. It is one of the world’s great national parks and it’s well renowned for its wildlife and hot springs. Winter access is probably better from the Idaho/Montana side of the range (via West Yellowstone), but otherwise there are various outfits that take tours into the park via Flagg Ranch, the southern entrance of Yellowstone. Yellowstone tours are usually a full day activity and you have the choice of exploring the park on a snowmobile or from the comfort of a snowcoach.

Other Wildlife Activities Jackson Hole

Many Jackson Hole activities centre around the wildlife, so if you don’t go to Yellowstone, one of the wildlife museums, or the elk refuge, you can do some DIY wildlife touring. If you want to be guaranteed of seeing a moose, take a drive up the Snake River Valley. In winter, the snowy sheltered banks of the Snake River are a favourite refuge for moose. You’ll see them propped up in the snow minding their own business.

Day Spas

You will find it hard not to relax in Jackson and Jackson Hole considering that there are more than 8 day spas in the area. Knock yourself out! A great pick is the day spa at the Teton Mountain Lodge – mmmmmm.