Top 23 Winter Activities in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Seasons come and go in Jackson Hole, but winter is the one that tends to linger the longest each year. Nestled in a valley, Jackson Hole is essentially one giant playground with endless winter activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re an avid skier, a national parks enthusiast, or simply looking to splurge on a winter getaway that feels straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, there’s something here for you.

Let’s dive into the best winter activities to enjoy in Jackson Hole.

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1). Sleigh Ride through the National Elk Refuge

The National Elk Refuge, located just north of Jackson, is home to the largest migrating elk herd in North America. This affordable, hour-long activity can easily fit in to your day! Guides will take you on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, bringing you up close to the herd so you can sit back and observe them in their natural environment. It’s a wildlife photographers dream, and truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

2). Snowmobiling

Jackson Hole offers a variety of snowmobiling trips to choose from. Popular options include a two-hour Snake River Ranch ride, a snowmobile trip to Granite Hot Springs, or a half-day adventure through the national forest. For more experienced riders, there are also full-day powder trips designed for those familiar with sleds and backcountry terrain.

3). Dog Sledding

Ever wanted to mush through the forest with a sled dog team? In Jackson Hole, several companies that offer full-day, half-day, and one-hour dog sledding trips. This activity tends to book up well in advance, so if it’s on your list, be sure to check availability early!

Can’t make it on a tour? Call of the Wyld offers “Yappy Hour” from 12pm to 1pm every day except Tuesday during their winter season, where you can meet the dog team.

4). Visit Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is closed to regular vehicle traffic during the winter season, so the only way to explore it is by taking a full-day snowmobile or snowcoach tour. Snowmobile tours typically visit Old Faithful and the surrounding geyser basins, with an option instead to visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where the waterfalls are located. Snowcoach tours only go to the Old Faithful area, but they are enclosed and heated, offering a more comfortable ride in winter conditions.

5). Ride the Aerial Tram & Enjoy Gourmet Waffles at Corbet’s Cabin

During the winter, the Aerial Tram is typically only accessible to those with lift tickets, as the resort does not usually offer a sightseeing pass. However, this winter season (2024-25), they’ve chosen to sell sightseeing passes, allowing everyone to enjoy the ride. The tram gains over 4,000 vertical feet in just 9 minutes. At the top, you’ll find a small building called Corbet’s Cabin. This cozy shack sits at 10,450 feet and offers absolutely stunning views of the Tetons, the Snake River, and the valley below.

6). Ice Skating

Two of the best places to ice skate in the area are Teton Village and Jackson Town Square. These are naturally maintained ice rinks, so consistent cold temperatures are required before opening dates can be announced. The rinks are typically staffed from 3pm to 9pm, and ice skate rentals are available at the huts located nearby.

7). Ski or Snowboard at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is an iconic destination located in Teton Village, about a 20-minute drive north of the town of Jackson. Skiers from around the world come here to experience terrain that’s considered some of the most advanced in the country. At the base, you’ll find a charming village with a variety of hotels, shops, restaurants and bars.

8). Snow Tubing at Snow King Mountain Resort

If you’re looking for an adventure that’s fun for the whole family, snow tubing is a must! This ski resort, located in Jackson, offers snow tubing, gondola rides, and a cowboy coaster during the winter months. There are three groomed lanes for tubing, along with a magic carpet to take you back up the hill. Kids must be at least 42 inches tall to enjoy the park, but it’s sure to create great family memories!

9). Snowshoe Adventure

Depending on when you visit in the winter, you can enjoy a snowshoe trip along trails in Grand Teton National Park or into the Bridger-Teton National Forest. If you arrive too early in the season, it may end up being more of a regular hike - so keep that in mind when planning your trip!

10). Luxury Dinner Sleigh Ride

Jackson Hole Vintage Adventures offers the only high-end luxury sleigh rides on private property during the winter months. This experience books up well in advance but is perfect for couples, families, or groups seeking one-of-a kind adventure. Other local companies also offer shorter sleigh rides, which still provide beautiful views, snacks, and warm drinks to enjoy.

11). Soak in Hot Springs

Wanting to escape the cold by soaking in hot springs? Head to Astoria Hot Springs to enjoy a variety of pools along the Snake River, or embark on a snowmobile trip to Granite Hot Springs (more details on that below).

12). Cross Country Ski

Although the interior roads of Grand Teton National Park close to vehicle traffic during the winter, the park becomes an ideal destination for cross-country skiing. The terrain is mostly flat and runs parallel to the Teton Mountain Range, offering a spectacular experience.

13). Explore the Town of Jackson

Jackson’s Town Square is lined with local western stores, souvenir shops, coffee shops, art galleries, bars, and restaurants. I recommend spending an evening strolling around the square, enjoying dinner, and then stopping by the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar for drinks and some swing dancing!

14). Jackson Hole Shooting Experience

The Jackson Hole Shooting Experience is ranked as the top activity in the area. During the winter months, they offer a private Multi-Gun Rifle and Pistol experience in the afternoons from 1pm to 4pm. The coaches are attentive and provide thorough instruction to ensure your safety while making sure you have a great time on the range.

15). Horseback Riding

For a true winter wonderland experience, head to Dubois, Wyoming, for a horseback ride at a ranch located two hours northeast of Jackson. The scenic drive alone is worth the trip, and horseback riding on a private 1,200-acre ranch with views of the Wind River Mountain Range will create unforgettable memories.

16). Search for Wildlife on a Safari

A beautiful and relaxing way to experience Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole valley is on a wildlife safari. These tours are offered at sunrise or sunset and typically last about four hours. You can choose to join a guided tour that are led by experts with degrees in environmental science or wildlife biology, or you can embark on your own adventure! I recommend heading out around 7am or in the afternoon around 1pm for the best four-hour window.

17). Heli-Skiing

Heli-skiing is an exciting option for experienced skiers or snowboarders looking to enjoy the ultimate thrill of fresh powder in the Tetons. You can typically join a group or book a private helicopter for your party, with an option to add additional runs depending on how the day unfolds.

18). National Museum of Wildlife Art & Galleries

The National Museum of Wildlife Art overlooks the National Elk Refuge and features beautiful sculptures of local wildlife. I recommend grabbing lunch at Palette while you’re there! You’ll also find countless art galleries throughout the town of Jackson.

19). Spa Day

There’s nothing better than a trip to the spa after a long day of skiing. Whether you’re just looking to soak or indulge in a full-body massage targeting sore muscles from a day on the slopes, it’s the perfect way to unwind.

20). Playhouse

The Jackson Hole Playhouse offers dinner and a show throughout the summer and winter seasons. If you’re visiting during the holidays, they feature special performances to celebrate the season. Shows take place in the evenings, making them a perfect way to unwind after a day of skiing.

21). Visit Idaho & Ski at Grand Targhee

Idaho is located just over Teton Pass from Jackson with a steep mountain road connecting Wilson, WY, to Victor, ID. Many people who work in Jackson or Teton Village actually commute from Idaho, where housing tends to be more affordable. One of the highlights on that side of the pass is Grand Targhee Resort, which offers stunning views of the backside of the Tetons. A daily shuttle is available to take visitors to the resort for a day of skiing.

22). The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

A must during your trip is a visit to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, located in Jackson. A live band plays every night except Sundays, starting at 8:30pm. Fridays and Saturdays get busy quickly, so be sure to arrive early to grab a table.

23). Stargazing

As long as the skies are clear in the winter, this is the perfect place to see a brilliant display of stars. Wyoming is home to some of the darkest skies in the U.S., and you’ll have to see it for yourself! There’s nothing quite like watching a shooting star streak across the pitch-black sky.

I hope this gives you a better sense of all the amazing activities you can enjoy on a winter trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This place is dear to my heart, and I feel incredibly lucky to call it home - for now.

I’d love to hear about your own experiences! As always, thank you for reading and sharing this post. I truly appreciate each and every one of you!