Touted as the best skiing in the United States, Jackson Hole attracts hardcore skiers from around the world. With over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, including steep chutes, wide-open bowls, and tree-lined glades, this winter wonderland caters to skiers and snowboarders seeking adventure.
Home to the legendary Corbet’s Couloir, thrill seekers can have a go at the famed run or if they want to become legendary themselves, enter the Kings and Queens of Corbet’s contest. Typically held in February, snow depending, this contest gives skiers the chance to show off their style, but in the end, only one man and one woman are crowned the King and Queen of Corbet’s. If all that sounds a bit too exciting, you can just grab a waffle at Corbet’s Cabin, they’re amazing! While Jackson is known for advanced terrain, there is terrain for every level of skier and plenty of things to do in town.
Where to stay in Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole, nestled in the Tetons, refers to the valley, not a town. The area has 3 ski resorts: the renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, the local favorite Snow King Mountain in downtown Jackson, and last but not least Grand Targhee, a hidden gem worth the drive, located west of Jackson.
If you plan to ski and après at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, we recommend looking for accommodations in Teton Village. This will put you right on the slopes and walking (or skiing) distance to some amazing après spots! Staying in the town of Jackson offers more options, but get an early start to get to the mountain. Choose a hotel with shuttle service or near the bus route to get back and forth to Teton Village.
Four Seasons Jackson Hole Resort
$$$$
Good for: Families, people seeking luxury, people who want to be right on the slopes.
Proximity to slopes: Ski in / ski out, immediate access to the Teewinot Quad and the Sweetwater Gondola.
Amenities we love: The hotel’s “Base Camp” offers a ski concierge that will manage all your gear. This includes overnight storage, boot heaters, and rentals for those that don’t bring their own gear. With the outdoor heated pool, spa, and on-site dining and après options you have everything you need right on site.
Snake River Lodge
$$$
Good for: People who want to be right in the center of it all, people who want a rustic mountain lodge feel.
Proximity to slopes: A 2-minute walk to lifts and Teton Village shops and restaurants.
Amenities we love: The onsite spa, the indoor/ outdoor grotto swimming pool, and 3 onsite dining options. Check out Yardsale for après.
Tammah Jackson Hole
$$
Good for: Couples, people who want a unique stay and to reconnect with nature.
Proximity to slopes: 5-minute drive to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Amenities we love: Go glamping in the climate-controlled geodesic dome. Each dome has a full bath, kind size bed, wi-fi and a mini kitchenette. Reconnect with nature without giving up modern comforts.
The Cloudveil
$$$
Good for: People who want to be in town close to shops and restaurants, people with Marriot points.
Proximity to slopes: In downtown Jackson, a 15–20-minute drive to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Note it can take 30+ minutes with traffic or if you take the bus.
Amenities we love: Heated rooftop pool and hot tub and a complimentary shuttle for hotel guests to the mountain.
Best après in Jackson Hole
Alpenhof
$$
Where: Steps from the slopes, on the upper level of the Alpenhof Hotel in Teton Village.
When: Open Monday – Saturday 2-8pm, perfect place to grab a drink at the end of the day before heading home.
What to order: Ask about their mug club and have a beer. For food order the Swedish meatballs made with bison meat.
Vibe: Cozy ski chalet in the Swiss Alps.
Mangy Moose
$
Where: In the center of Teton Village.
When: Open daily at 11am. This is a great spot to grab drinks after the slopes, but we recommend going in the evening for live music. See the full schedule of performers here.
What to order: Spicy Margarita
Vibe: Western saloon, casual but lively music hall.
Handle Bar
$$
Where: Located inside the Four Seasons hotel at the bottom of the Sweetwater Gondola.
When: The special après menu is available daily from 3-5pm.
What to order: Can’t go wrong with The Handle Burger or the Elk Chili Nachos! Have a hot toddy or a spiked hot chocolate if you’re sitting outside by the fire pits.
Vibe: Fun American pub, inside is great for having a meal with friends and family, the terrace is more of a fun après party vibe.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
$$
Where: In the center of downtown Jackson, right across from town square.
When: Go after dinner for drinks, live music, and dancing.
What to order: Skip the food and stick to beer or canned cocktails so you can easily move around, dance, or play a game of pool.
Vibe: Very social western dance hall, get into the theme and wear your cowboy hat!
Best places to eat in Jackson Hole
West Bank Grill
$$$$
Cuisine: Upscale steakhouse, refined locally sourced mountain cuisine.
Reservations: Recommended.
Best for: Date night or a special dinner with family and friends.
Shin Shin
$$$
Cuisine: Sushi
Reservations: Highly recommended there are only 30 seats!
Best for: A cozy and intimate date night.
Corsa
$$
Cuisine: Contemporary Italian
Reservations: Walk-in or reservation, the bar is walk-in only and serves full menu.
Best for: Fun group dinner
Persephone Bakery
$
Cuisine: Café, bakery
Reservations: Walk-in only, can order take-out ahead of time online.
Best for: Quick casual breakfast or lunch, you must try their cookies!
Pinky G’s Pizza
$
Cuisine: New York-style pizza.
Reservations: Walk-ins only.
Best for: Late-night cravings, open until 1:30am on the weekends, grab a pizza on the way home from the bars.
Things to do in Jackson Hole other than ski
Wildlife Safari & National Elk Refuge
$$
Where: Guided tours will take you all around Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park to observe local wildlife.
When: They offer half day and full day tours the early morning ones are recommended!
Why we love it: A magical experience that teaches guests about the local wildlife and ecosystem. It gives guests a true appreciation of the mountains we enjoy. P.S. if you’re staying at the Four Seasons they have a partnership with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris that offers exclusive tours for their guests.
National Wildlife Art Museum
$
Where: 10-minute drive from Jackson town square. The museum has beautiful views of the Elk refuge.
When: Open Tuesday – Sunday, great indoor activity if the conditions aren’t great for skiing.
Why we love it: View artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Carl Rungius as well as rotating exhibits all focused on wildlife.
Ice Skating
$
Where: Enjoy ice skating at the Teton Village or Town Square rinks.
When: Typically, open late November through early March.
Why we love it: Family friendly and both locations offer skate rentals so no need to bring your own.
Snowshoeing in Grand Teton National Park
$$$
Where: Grand Teton National Park, pick up in downtown Jackson.
When: There is a morning and afternoon half day tour each day, November through April.
Why we love it: This tours allows you access to trails that skiing and snowmobiling can’t reach. Each tour is customizable based on your activity level.
Astoria Hot Springs Park
$
Where: just outside Jackson.
When: Open year-round, each ticket is for a set 2 hour session, if you want to stay longer you can book back to back sessions.
Why we love it: A great way to relax and recover after working your body hard on the mountain, stunning views of the Snake River.
How to get to Jackson Hole and getting around
Jackson Hole has their very own airport located right at the base of the Tetons. 12 major US cities offer direct flights to Jackson Hole airport including LA, Seattle, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Salt Lake City. From the airport it’s just a short drive to the town of Jackson or Teton Village. You can rent a car, get a cab, or check if your hotel offers airport shuttle service! Check the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort website for information and promos on flights, they often offer early bird airfare credits!
If you didn’t rent a car no worries, there are plenty of ways to get around! Teton Village and downtown Jackson are both very walkable, but you can’t walk from Teton Village to Jackson. If you rented a car it’s just a short drive, but keep in mind the traffic heading to and leaving the mountain can be brutal on powder days. Parking in Teton Village can range from $20-$50 per a day and fills up quickly. There is the free parking lot, the Stilson lot, at the Village Road Transit Center. Stilson is 7 miles from Teton Village and a free shuttle will take you all the way to the mountain.
Jackson Hole also has a great public bus system, the START Bus. Within the town of Jackson the bus is free, if you’re heading to Teton Village the fare is between $1-$3 depending on the exact pick up and drop off location. You can also take the bus for free to the Stilson lot and then take the free ski shuttle from Stilson to Teton Village. There are limited cab and ride shares but many hotels offer a shuttle to help you get from town to the mountain so check with your hotel when you book!
Ski passes and ski rentals
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is on the Ikon Pass, giving pass holders 7 days of skiing. Reservations are required for Ikon Pass holders. If you’re not on the Ikon Pass you can buy lift tickets directly through the mountain. If you’re not sure what dates you’ll be skiing lock down the best price on tickets, buy The Flex 5 pass. The Flex 5 allows you to ski any 5 days within a 7-day period, no reservations needed. But it is only on sale until September 30.
If you want to mix it up and add some variety to your trip (and we think you should) spend a day skiing at Snow King Mountain or Grand Targhee. Snow King Mountain is part of the Powder Alliance, which gives you a total of 60 days at 21 different resorts when you buy a qualifying season pass. You can also buy single day and multi-day lift tickets directly through Snow King Mountain (they also offer night-skiing!)
Grand Targhee is just that, GRAND! It is on the Mountain Collective Pass which gives you 2 days and then 50% off additional single-day lift tickets. This mountain is 100% worth a day trip, you can buy single day and multi-day lift tickets directly through the mountain.
Jackson Hole is the kind of place you may want to bring your own gear to. The advanced terrain challenges even advanced skiers so having gear you’re comfortable with is a huge plus! Use Ship Ski to have your gear safely transported to your destination, they take care of everything for you so you don’t have to worry about anything other than showing up at the mountain. If you are planning to rent gear you can do so directly through Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, they have 4 convenient pick-up locations in Teton Village. There is also a Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery in Jackson Hole, they offer free delivery, custom fittings, and premium gear. Reserve your gear online and they will deliver it right to your accommodations!
