Jackson Hole Wyoming - The Ultimate Winter Adventure Guide
From skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to backcountry ski tours in Teton Pass, Jackson Hole is a winter hub for snow sports. Steep powder runs will get the adrenaline pumping, while areas like Granite Creek provide perfect terrain for beginning cross-country skiers.
Live Life Large this Winter in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Nestled against the soaring Teton Range in western Wyoming, Jackson Hole is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the colder months. When snow blankets the mountains and forests from November through April, Jackson transforms into a true winter wonderland, primed for adventure.
Men looking for adrenaline fuelled activities in the rugged landscape won't be disappointed. From heart-pumping downhill skiing and snowboarding to peaceful cross-country jaunts, Jackson Hole offers endless options for conquering the snowcapped terrain.
Ski Jackson Hole's legendary in-bounds terrain or venture into the backcountry for untouched powder runs only accessible by snowshoe, snowmobile, or helicopter. The snow fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down; night skiing and evening snowshoe tours under the moonlight provide uniquely tranquil Wyoming experiences. Après ski, cozy up inside for craft cocktails, or soak in hidden hot springs.
Whether you're a snowsport beginner looking for instruction or an extreme thrill-seeker hunting for heli-skiing, Jackson Hole promises pulse-pounding adventure shaped by rugged natural beauty. We highlight just some of the winter activities available for men (and women) in Jackson Hole - all are sure to create lifelong memories. Get ready to embrace your inner explorer!
Hit the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Description: With over 2,500 acres of terrain and a 4,139 vertical drop, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a skier's paradise. Take the aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain and cruise down long, sweeping runs like Apres Vous and Marmot.
Test your skills in Corbet's Couloir, an experts-only chute with a near vertical entrance. The mountain gets an average of over 400 inches of light, dry powder each year, so you'll have plenty of fresh snow to carve through.
Take a break at the mid-mountain Casper Restaurant for a burger and beer. Lessons and guides are available if you want a little instruction.
Price: Lift tickets start at $140 per day. Lessons and guides extra.
Duration: Full day
Go dog sledding in the backcountry
Description: Feel the thrill of quietly gliding through snow-covered forests on a dog sledding adventure. After getting acquainted with the eager dog team, mush out into the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
As the dogs lead the way along scenic trails, take in views of the mountains and keep an eye out for wildlife. Most tours provide the option of taking a turn at driving the sled. Expect to cover 10-15 miles over the course of 2-3 hours. Warm up after your ride with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee prepared over a campfire.
Price: $150-300 per person
Duration: 2-3 hours
Snowshoe to Granite Hot Springs
Description: Strap on a pair of snowshoes for the 5-mile trek to Granite Hot Springs. As you hike along the forested trail, you'll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and have the chance to spot wildlife like moose, elk, and bighorn sheep. Once you arrive at the hot springs, take a relaxing soak in the geothermal waters, where the temperature averages about 103°F. Due to the remoteness of the springs, chances are you'll have the place to yourself. After your soak, snowshoe back the way you came.
Price: Snowshoe rentals around $20-30. Hot springs free.
Duration: 4-6 hours
Go fat biking on Cache Creek Trail
Description: Plow through the snow on a fat bike ride along scenic Cache Creek Trail. Fat bikes have oversized tires that allow you to traverse snowy terrain and trails with ease. Pedal approximately 11 miles from downtown Jackson to Cache Creek Trailhead as groomed single-track trail winds through evergreen forest and across creeks and ponds. Stop along the way to snap photos of the Tetons looming in the background. Keep an eye out for moose and fox tracks in the snow!
Price: Fat bike rentals around $45 for 4 hours
Duration: 2-4 hours
Sip craft cocktails at The Rose
Description: Even in winter, the deck at The Rose offers breathtaking views of the Tetons. Cozy up by a firepit on the heated terrace and sip inventive craft cocktails like the High Rye Fashioned and Hemingway Daiquiri.
Grab a bite from their small plates menu featuring items like elk chimichanga and steak skewers. On Friday nights they have live music, so you can enjoy local bands as you take in the mountain scenery. With its rustic-chic decor and outstanding drinks, The Rose is the perfect spot for apres-ski relaxation.
Price: Cocktails $12-15, small plates $8-16
Duration: 1-2 hours
Snowmobile in Yellowstone
Description: Embark on an exhilarating snowmobile adventure through Yellowstone National Park. Guided tours allow you to explore areas of the park that are inaccessible by car in winter.
Snowmobile past crystalline rivers and lakes, geysers, and the iconic Grand Canyon of Yellowstone waterfall, which freezes into a dazzling ice formation.
With frequent wildlife sightings of bison, moose, bald eagles, coyotes, and sometimes even wolves, there's ample opportunity for photography. Stop for lunch or hot drinks in the warmth of Old Faithful Lodge before continuing your wintry journey through the park's postcard-perfect scenery.
Price: Guided full day tours $300-450 per person
Duration: 6-8 hours
Go ice climbing in Jackson Hole
Description: Scale frozen waterfalls and ice walls on an guided ice climbing excursion for beginners. After receiving instruction on equipment and technique from professional guides, test your skills on towering cliffs and slots of blue glacial ice outside Jackson.
Routes range from moderate to advanced. With ice axes and crampons you'll ascend towering ice curtains just minutes from downtown. The physical challenge will get your adrenaline pumping! Afterwards, wind down and refuel with a hearty meal and local brew.
Price: Full day guided tours from $170 per person
Duration: 5-6 hours
Ski Jackson Hole Resort's legendary terrain
Description: Regarded as one of the best ski mountains in North America, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort boasts over 2,500 skiable acres, 4,139 vertical feet, and some of the most challenging terrain out West.
Test your mettle by dropping into Corbet's Couloir, tackling black diamond runs like S information Resource Center and in the famous Jackson Hole backcountry.
Take a gondola or tram ride up from Teton Village for jaw-dropping views as you make fresh tracks down the mountain. Stop for waffles and burgers at the mid-mountain lodges before hitting runs like Thunder to finish off your epic ski day.
Price: Lift tickets from $140 per day
Duration: Full day of skiing
Snowshoe to wildlife-rich Phelps Lake
Description: Trek through white wilderness on snowshoes to Phelps Lake, a stunning alpine lake that offers great winter wildlife viewing. The moderately challenging 8-mile roundtrip route winds through lodgepole forest and open meadows before reaching the lakeshore.
Look for animal tracks and watch for moose feeding on shrubs. Have lunch on the banks of Phelps Lake, admiring views of the Grand Tetons reflected in its calm waters. Retrace your steps back to the trailhead afterwards.
Price: Snowshoe rentals around $20-30
Duration: 4-6 hours
Go ice skating on Snow King Pond
Description: Lace up your skates for an afternoon of outdoor ice skating on Snow King Pond. Nestled at the base of Snow King Mountain right in town, the pond offers convenient frozen fun for all ages. Glide across the ice taking in wintry views of the surrounding forests and mountains.
At night, the pond is lit up beautifully so you can skate under the stars. You'll feel like a local as you carve up this neighborhood pond, a favorite winter gathering spot for Jackson residents. Warm up with hot cocoa after.
Price: Free access, skate rentals available nearby ($5-10)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Snowshoe and ski at Granite Creek
Description: Enjoy a scenic snowshoe hike followed by some cross-country skiing along the trails of Granite Creek outside Jackson. Start by strapping on snowshoes and hiking approximately 2 miles from the trailhead through peaceful pine forest and meadows to reach an area perfect for cross-country skiing.
Once there, swap your snowshoes for skis and glide your way around 5 miles of groomed track and loops that weave through the ranchland. Keep your eyes peeled for moose and other wildlife as you explore the expansive wilderness.
Price: Snowshoe and ski rental around $40
Duration: 3-5 hours
Go backcountry skiing in Teton Pass
Description: Venture into the backcountry on an exhilarating ski tour in Teton Pass. After gearing up with skis, poles, avalanche transceiver and other essential equipment, follow an expert guide out from the trailheads into wide open bowls and tree-lined slopes. Test your skills descending untracked powder down steep pitches and open glades. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you to the best terrain and most epic descents. End your day refueling on hearty burgers and local beer at The Virginian Lodge.
Price: Full day guided tour $500-600 per person
Duration: 5-7 hours
Snowmobile at night to Granite Hot Springs
Description: Experience snowmobiling under the stars on an evening ride to Granite Hot Springs. Depart as the sun sets to see the landscape blanketed in moonlight and the mountains silhouetted against the night sky. The trails are nearly deserted at night, so you'll have a private experience. Arrive at the steaming hot springs and go for a soak, looking up at the dazzling stars overhead. Snowmobile back along the moonlit trails, stopping halfway for hot drinks and snacks beside a campfire.
Price: Guided tour $300 per person
Duration: 4-5 hours
Ski Jackson Hole Mountain Resort by night
Description: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind skiing experience under Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's state-of-the-art lights for night skiing. As the sun goes down, hit the slopes for fresh powder turns on runs like Thunder, Headwall and Bowl. Ride the Bridger Gondola up in the dark for stunning nighttime views of the valley before cruising down runs like Apres Vous illuminated brilliantly against the night. Take a break in the warm fireside lounges before heading back out to ski until 9pm when the lifts close.
Price: Night lift ticket $89
Duration: 2-3 hours of night skiing
Take a sleigh ride through the elk refuge
Description: Bundle up for a festive sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. Nestle under thick blankets as a horse-drawn sleigh brings you as close as 50 feet from the refuge's thousands of wintering elk. Glide through fields of grazing elk as your knowledgeable guide shares facts about their behaviors and migration. With the Tetons rising majestically in the background, this iconic winter activity provides an unforgettable Jackson Hole memory. Most rides end with hot cider, cocoa or coffee to warm you up.
Price: $20-30 per person
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Go cross-country skiing at Laurance Rockefeller Preserve
Description: Escape into winter solitude on cross-country skis at Laurance Rockefeller Preserve. Just minutes from Jackson, the preserve features over 25km of trails that wind through evergreen forests, across meadows, and along the banks of the Snake River. Ski out to Phelps Lake for stunning views of the Teton Range reflected in its mirror-like surface. Look for animal tracks and watch for moose. Stop at designated warming huts along the way to enjoy hot drinks. With no crowds, this is the perfect place to immerse yourself in wintry peace.
Price: Free access, ski rentals around $25
Duration: 2-4 hours
Go heli-skiing for advanced deep powder thrillseeking
Description: For the ultimate Jackson Hole ski experience, book a helicopter skiing adventure into the remote backcountry. A helicopter shuttle will fly you and your guide out to fresh powder runs only accessible by air. Unique to Jackson, these heli-ski tours provide expert skiers access to an endless expanse of untracked terrain across 6 different mountain ranges. Expect to get 10-15 powder runs averaging over 2,000 vertical feet each down steep pitches and wide open bowls—all completely untouched. Après ski stories don't get better than this extreme adventure!
Price: Full day tours from $1,200 per person
Duration: 6 hours of ski time
Snowshoe under the full moon
Description: Trek under the glow of a full moon on an evening snowshoeing excursion. As darkness falls, the scenery takes on a magical quality, with moonlight glittering off the snow-draped pines and creating silvery reflections on lakes and rivers. Your guide will take you on gently rolling trails perfect for a nighttime adventure, stopping along the way to point out unique nocturnal sights. Afterwards, enjoy hot drinks and snacks while swapping stories around a crackling campfire under the moonlight.
Price: Guided tours $80-100 per person
Duration: 2-3 hours
Take a winter photography workshop in Grand Teton National Park
Description: Hone your winter landscape photography skills during a workshop in Grand Teton National Park. Start with classroom instruction on technique before heading out into the park with professional photographers. Stop to capture the Teton Range at Schwabacher's Landing, framed by the Snake River. Experiment with long exposures of the elk refuge and Gros Ventre River glistening under moonlight. Learn to properly expose snowy scenery and freezing lakes. Editing tips will help you create stunning wintry images to share.
Price: Day workshops from $300 per person
Duration: 8 hours
Go snow tubing at Snow King Mountain
Description: Zip down snowy slopes on an inner tube at Snow King Mountain's snow tubing hill right in town. Accessible via a magic carpet, the groomed chutes offer fast and fun rides for all ages and abilities. Link together runs for an extended 300 foot descent. Snow tubing under the lights at night provides added excitement. Enjoy a break from the cold in the warming hut with hot cocoa between rides. With reasonable rates, this is a budget-friendly winter activity the whole family can enjoy.
Price: 2 hour pass $20-30
Duration: 1-2 hours
Final thoughts
From skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to backcountry ski tours in Teton Pass, Jackson Hole is a winter hub for snow sports. Steep powder runs will get the adrenaline pumping, while areas like Granite Creek provide perfect terrain for beginning cross-country skiers.
Snowmobile through Yellowstone National Park or dog sled in Bridger-Teton Forest for an intimate look at the winter wilderness. For more mellow outdoor fun, snowshoe to hidden hot springs or frozen waterfalls for ice climbing. Après ski, refuel with craft cocktails at local bars or take a sleigh ride through the elk refuge at sunset.
Guided excursions like heli-skiing and backcountry skiing provide access to truly remote terrain, while night skiing and after-dark snowshoe tours create magical moonlit experiences.
With expert instruction available in town and endless stretches of untouched snow, Jackson Hole offers skiing and outdoor adventure for any visitor ready to get stuck in and live life large!