![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-045-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-105-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-004-750x563.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf that sounds like your idea of a good time, then you\u2019ll just love visiting Jackson Hole in the winter. This cozy mountain town in Wyoming really is powder paradise! Plus, who doesn\u2019t love breathing in that crisp mountain air?! It\u2019s kinda a fun mix between <\/span>Park City, Utah<\/b><\/a> and <\/span>Santa Fe, New Mexico<\/b><\/a> (two places we\u2019d love to revisit).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019d honestly never considered visiting Jackson Hole in winter. I always assumed it was more of a summer destination, being so close to the national parks and all (with Yellowstone and Grand Teton only a few miles away). But once I started chatting with one of my favorite childhood friends who lives right in Jackson (hey Li!), she quickly reassured me that Jackson Hole is downright glorious in the winter \u2013 and possibly even better than summer!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
And just like that, my winter trip to Jackson Hole was born. We booked flights that very night, secured a gorgeous hotel right off the main square, and started researching activities ASAP. It was actually super easy to put together! Finally some snow (since we hardly get a real winter living in the <\/span>San Francisco Bay Area<\/b><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psst \u2013 looking for other snowy weekend winter wonderland destinations? Check out <\/span>Bend<\/b><\/a> (Oregon), <\/span>Banff<\/b><\/a> (Canada), <\/span>Park City<\/b><\/a> (Utah), and <\/span>Yosemite<\/b><\/a> (California)!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quick Travel Guide to Jackson Hole in Winter<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-072-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-187-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-116-750x563.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n- Best Time to Go:<\/b> November through April (however, go January through March if you want to be in town for the best snowfall)<\/span><\/li>
- Visit For:<\/b> 3 to 5 Days \u2013 depending if you\u2019re skiing or not<\/span><\/li>
- Getting Around:<\/b> Walk, guided tours, Uber<\/span><\/li>
- Where to Stay<\/b>: <\/span>Hotel Jackson<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Hotel Terra Jackson Hole<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Anvil Hotel<\/b><\/a><\/li>
- What to Do:<\/b> Dog sledding, soaking in hot springs, snowmobiling, explore town of Jackson, drinks at Cowboy Bar, wildlife tour, ski\/snowboard, snowshoeing <\/span><\/li>
- Eat\/drink:<\/b> Local, Teton Tiger, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, Persephone Bakery, Cowboy Coffee<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Before we get into all the fun things to do in Jackson Hole in winter, I\u2019m sharing some additional information to help make your trip planning as easy as possible!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Logistics of Visiting Jackson in Winter<\/strong><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Jackson Hole vs. Jackson<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
First things first, is it Jackson Hole, or Jackson, or both?! Don\u2019t worry, I was super confused at first too, and if you\u2019ve never visited before, I assume you are too (no worries)! Both terms are often used interchangeably, but actually refer to different aspects of the same region.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-140-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nI told a few friends I was going to Jackson, and they were like, \u201cuh, you mean Jackson Hole\u201d, and another friend totally thought I was headed off to Mississippi. HA! Time to settle this once and for all.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jackson Hole <\/b>is a MUCH larger geographical area. It\u2019s a valley (about 80 miles long and 15 miles wide) between the Teton Range and the Gros Ventre Range. The term “hole” was a word used by early mountain men to describe a high mountain valley, and it stuck! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, Jackson Hole is the actual valley (or hole) itself. Within Jackson Hole you\u2019ll find the Teton Mountains, the Snake River, and tons and tons of wildlife! And not to make it even more confusing, but Grand Teton National Park is within Jackson Hole too.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jackson<\/b> is a town located in the Jackson Hole Valley (and the largest one in the area). It serves as a gateway of sorts to all the awesome things to do in Jackson Hole in winter and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
So basically, Jackson Hole is a large valley, and Jackson is the major town within the valley. Easy peasy! When people talk about visiting Jackson Hole (myself included!), they\u2019re often referring to experiencing both the town of Jackson and the surrounding natural beauty of the valley.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where is Jackson Hole, Wyoming <\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-061-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-120-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-019-750x563.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nJackson is a small mountain town located in the northwest corner of the state of Wyoming. And get this \u2013 it\u2019s only 15 miles from the border of Idaho (perfect if you\u2019re trying to <\/span>visit all 50 states like I am<\/b><\/a>, although I made two separate trips to see Wyoming and Idaho).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wyoming is part of the Mountain West subregion of the Western US \u2013 bordered by Montana to the north, South Dakota and Nebraska to the east, Idaho to the west, and Utah and Colorado to the south. Kinda sandwiched in between so many others. Before visiting, I honestly don\u2019t think I could have pointed Wyoming out on the map, and not entirely sure I can now, haha!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Specifically, Jackson is situated in Teton County in the Jackson Hole Valley. And its surrounding by the *stunning* Teton Range (of the Rocky Mountains), AND is not far from both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Meaning, there\u2019s tons of scenic beauty basically anywhere and everywhere you look. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to get to Jackson Hole<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Flying to Jackson Hole<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you fly into Jackson Hole, you\u2019ll be heading to <\/span>Jackson Hole Airport (airport code JAC)<\/b> \u2013 they really couldn\u2019t have made the name any easier, haha. And the airport is super easy flying into and out of since there\u2019s only a single terminal (it\u2019s a pretty small airport if you haven\u2019t picked up on this). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The airport, albeit tiny, is served by major airlines, although some are seasonal so always check on this before planning your trip.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-217-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-215-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-002-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAND get this \u2013 JAC serves complimentary MIMOSAS at the airport! Like what?! Look for the little stand once you get off the plane. I\u2019ve never seen a Chamber of Commerce do that before \u2013 you know we started our trip off in style. Talk about a bougie airport. You even walk through an antler arch after landing (so cool!). The whole airport is beautiful and modern and charming \u2014 I mean there\u2019s a fireplace right at the gate (don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever said that before\u2026).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re lucky that we have nonstop flights directly from SFO to Jackson Hole (in under 2 hours no less!), but if you\u2019re not coming from a major city, you\u2019ll probably need to connect. All part of traveling!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever you do, look out the window for some fantastic mountain views upon arrival. JAC is the *only* airport in the US that\u2019s located within a national park (Grand Teton National Park), so don\u2019t miss those Teton views. I took way too many photos, haha.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-003-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNote you can technically fly into <\/span>Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)<\/b> as well, a much-larger airport with way more domestic flights and even some international ones.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
BUT THEN you\u2019ll need to make the (possibly super-snowy) 5-hour, 300-mile drive through the mountains. Sure, you may find nonstop flights to Salt Lake City, but then you\u2019ll undoubtedly need to rent a car and potentially drive through a scary snowstorm. No thanks! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Honestly, it\u2019s just safer and downright easier to fly right into Jackson, even if that means a connection and a higher flight price. Plus, free mimosas! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting from the airport to downtown<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve had your fair share of mimosas (seriously, I saw some thirsty people down a few \u2013 no judgements, it’s vacation!), it\u2019s time to make your way into town! And thankfully, it\u2019s super easy no matter where you\u2019re staying.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a quick drive to the town of Jackson (about 20 minutes), or slightly farther to Teton Village (more like 40 minutes). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uber\/Lyft\/Taxi<\/b>: We took an Uber to our hotel right off the main square in downtown Jackson, and it cost us about $30. It felt kinda expensive, but again, this ain\u2019t a cheap area! There\u2019s also plenty of taxis around if you\u2019d rather go that route.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
START Airport Shuttle:<\/b> There\u2019s currently a <\/span>pilot program underway<\/span><\/a> (winter 2023\/2024), that\u2019s gauging demand for public transit from the airport to the town of Jackson. The bus picks up from the airport every hour between 5:40am and 9:40pm for $10 a person. Not tons of savings if you\u2019ve got 2 or more people. If you\u2019re solo this is good way to get to town for cheap!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hotel Shuttle<\/b>: A few hotels provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. I was super surprised that ours (Hotel Jackson) did not, and feel this is something that should be required from a 5-star hotel! But check if yours does!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Jackson](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-174-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDriving to Jackson<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Personally, unless you\u2019re super comfortable and experienced with driving in winter weather, I recommend flying straight to Jackson. BUT if you\u2019ve got experience, know how to put tire chains on and\/or have snow tires, have a vehicle with 4WD, and aren\u2019t coming from crazy far away, it may make more sense to drive.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s driving distances from other popular spots nearby-ish:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Grand Teton National Park (Moose, WY): <\/b>20 minutes, 12 miles<\/span><\/li>
- Idaho Falls, Idaho: <\/b>2 hours, 90 miles<\/span><\/li>
- Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance)<\/b>: 2 \u00bd hours, 125 miles<\/span><\/li>
- Bozeman, Montana:<\/b> 4 \u00bd hours, 225 miles<\/span><\/li>
- Salt Lake City, Utah<\/b>: 4 \u00bd hours, 275 miles<\/span><\/li>
- Cody, Wyoming:<\/b> 5 hours, 300 miles<\/span><\/li>
- Denver, Colorado:<\/b> 8 \u00bd hours, 550 miles<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to get around Jackson in the winter<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rental car<\/b>: If you feel comfortable driving in snow and have the appropriate winter gear (snow tires, tire chains, etc), you may enjoy the flexibility of having your own rental car. Just ensure your hotel has overnight parking available as public parking garages seem to have some stipulations. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a rental you can drive up to Yellowstone (bison!), around Grand Teton National Park sans tour, and to Amangani and Teton Village yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walking<\/b>: Once you’re in town or Teton Village, you can walk everywhere! Downtown Jackson really is tiny, and you can walk to anywhere in 10 minutes or less \u2013 no joke, our hotel was basically a 4 minute walk from everywhere we wanted to go in town, haha.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-115-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-184-750x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/apassionandapassport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/jackson-hole-winter-196-750x563.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nGuided tours<\/b>: If you\u2019re itching to go snowmobiling, dog sledding, and\/or explore the nearby parks, there\u2019s tours for that! Plenty pick you up from your hotel or right in town, so you don\u2019t need a car for those. We enjoyed having someone else do the driving for sure, haha!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Complimentary hotel cars<\/b>: If you\u2019re staying in a bougie place, ask your hotel if they offer this. Our hotel (Hotel Jackson) offered free rides anywhere within a 2-mile radius!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Public Bus<\/b>: In town (and the surrounding areas), the local START bus is your best option for public transit \u2013 between Jackson, Teton Village, Teton Valley, and Star Valley. Exact change is required \u2013 cash only (<\/span>fares here<\/span><\/a>) because drivers can\u2019t give change. It\u2019s only $3 from town to the village, so super affordable!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The city even provides free shuttles around the Town of Jackson with their <\/span>START on-demand service<\/span><\/a> \u2013 can\u2019t beat that!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weather in Jackson Hole in Winter (and when to visit)<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I hate to break it to ya, but Jackson Hole winter temperatures are a bit harsh. However, if you\u2019ve stumbled upon this Jackson blog post, there\u2019s a <\/span>good<\/span><\/i> chance you already realize that Jackson Hole in winter is drastically different than during the summer season.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Idaho Falls, Idaho: <\/b>2 hours, 90 miles<\/span><\/li>
- Grand Teton National Park (Moose, WY): <\/b>20 minutes, 12 miles<\/span><\/li>
- Visit For:<\/b> 3 to 5 Days \u2013 depending if you\u2019re skiing or not<\/span><\/li>