The drop in the temperature of the arid climate brings an ethereal beauty to Jackson’s rugged landscape. It’s easy to miss some of the hidden gems our valley has to offer if all of your time is spent warming next to a fire or on the ski hill. If you’re prepared to escape the crowds, you may just experience some of the best views of your life this year.

We hope you enjoy our top 10 best views to enjoy in the winter time in Jackson Hole:

1. Jackson Hole valley views from Piste restaurant

Enjoy the gondola ride and fine dining at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and take in the sweeping views of Jackson Hole valley from the top of the mountain at Piste restaurant in Teton Village. The ultimate in luxury, Piste is the place to be in this town and winter only amplifies the experience to be had on the mountaintop.

2. Snow King Mountain from inside Hayden’s Post restaurant

Located within Snow King Mountain Resort, you’ll find Hayden’s Post restaurant on the second floor. The restaurant is surrounded with floor to ceiling windows that offer incredible views of the vertical slope of the Snow King mountain. Request a window seat and enjoy a meal or appetizer taking in the beauty just off the famous town square. You’ll feel a million miles away among the pine-lined view offered from this secluded restaurant.

3.Granite Hot Springs and Granite Creek Falls 

https://youtu.be/06Jq5g2uQ6k

The only winter access to this location is on a snowmobile or via dogsled. Take the winter chill away in the hot springs and find yourself surrounded by the pristine beauty you can find 35 miles outside of the Jackson city limits.

4. Snake River Overlook

The location where Ansel Adams took the famous shot of the Teton range. Spend some time here to truly take in the majesty that the Teton range provides this winter. The photo opportunities at this location are endless.

5. Sightseeing in Moran, Wyoming

Moran lays on the northeast side of Grand Teton National Park and lays claim on some of the most beautiful, undiscovered, rugged beauty that nature has to offer.

6. Buffalo viewing in the Gros Ventre Wilderness and Mormon Row Historic District

The world-famous Moulton Barn with the backdrop of the Tetons is just as breathtaking in the winter time. Bring a picnic and take in the beauty and some of the history that this land has to offer. Buffalo herds roam across the region, as well, in the winter. Take the long road back to Jackson to see if you can find where these beautiful animals may be hidden among the trees.

8. Town Square Antler Arch

If you don’t take a picture at the famous town square antler arches, people may have a hard time believing you came to Jackson Hole. The day after Thanksgiving will find the antler arches wrapped in thousands of twinkling Christmas lights, a quick picture in the evening under the Christmas lights is at the top of our list for festive holiday fun in Jackson and a must-see annual tradition for all residents. Enjoy free ice skating at the square that is manned from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm Tuesday to Friday during the week and 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm on the weekends. Skate rentals are available in the Stage Stop building.

9.Nordic Skiing in Grand Teton National Park

You can’t mention views in Jackson that will take your breath away without visiting Grand Teton National Park to enjoy the beauty that the Grand Teton’s sheer cliffs provide, in addition to, Mount Owen, Teewinot, Middle Teton, South Teton, Mount Moran, Mount Wister, Buck Mountain, and Static Peak. Road access is closed at the Taggart Lake point, we would highly recommend strapping on some Nordic skis to ski on the groomed roadsides, or take a trip farther into the frozen lakes of Grand Teton National Park to discover the beauty winter brings without the crowds. Visit Jhnordic.com to learn more about Nordic skiing in the national park.

The turn of the season in Jackson brings the promise of Christmas shopping on the town square, time spent with family and loved ones, and a warm cup of hot chocolate to warm up to after a day spent skiing on Snow King Mountain or at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

A few of the holiday events our team is most looking forward to this year:

Town Square Tree Lighting

This year on Friday, November 23 the Town Square Lighting is scheduled from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance as well, arriving on dogsled from the Jackson Hole Iditarod. The event is sure to be a delight with live holiday music, Christmas caroling, and refreshments. The official lighting of the antler arches will begin at 5:30 pm. Santa Claus loves Jackson Hole so much that he’ll be hanging around the Town Square every night starting December 15, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm until Christmas Eve when he needs to visit homes across the globe.

Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides

Every fall the National Elk Refuge fills with thousands of elk coming down from higher elevations. Have you experienced the elk refuge first hand? Get up close and personal with thousands of elk and learn more about these magnificent large mammals and the role they play in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
Schedule a sleigh ride at this link today!

Holidays at the Jackson Hole Playhouse

Looking to spend a little more time enjoying good company indoors this winter season? The Jackson Hole Playhouse is presenting its annual Christmas show from December 13 to January 5, 2019 (Shows not scheduled on December 24 & 25). Call 307-733-6994 and make it a priority to experience this Jackson Hole tradition firsthand with your loved ones. Book online at https://jacksonplayhouse.com

The Wort Hotel’s 22nd Annual 12 Days of Christmas

Make sure to stop by and enjoy some festive fun at The Wort Hotel to ring in the holiday season. The full schedule of both adult and family events can be viewed at their site here. Activities include everything from gingerbread house decorating, Christmas stories, ugly sweater parties, New Year’s celebration, and more.

New Year’s Eve

Celebrate the New Year with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Get updates on all activities scheduled, from the torchlight parades, fireworks, live music and dining options at this link.

Come to enjoy the holiday season in Jackson and make memories to last a lifetime! Wishing you and your family the happiest holiday season.

The Team at Jackson Hole Reservations

Wildlife Tours

Colder temperatures and the beginning of snowfall in the winter season help provide the perfect environment to catch the local wildlife in Jackson and the greater Yellowstone area as they prepare for hibernation or seek warmer temperatures. Winter national park wildlife tours in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park provide an up close and personal viewing experience unlike any other as elk, moose, wolves, bears, bison, and other mammals all come down from the higher elevations seeking viable food sources and become more visible from the roadways and lower valleys with the transitioning seasons. Wildlife tours can be most successful in the early morning or early evening when many animals are most active. Wildlife tours into Grand Teton National Park are, typically, a half day and Yellowstone Wildlife tours are, typically, a full-day. Check with your tour operator on meal options. Tour guides are knowledgeable on the regional history and local wildlife. Bring your best camera and come ready to experience the magic of learning about and witnessing the national park wildlife.

Recommended Local Companies:
Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures
Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris
Scenic Safaris

Snowmobile/Snowcoach Tours

The frigid air and snow-capped Tetons provide the perfect backdrop canvas as you explore areas like the Gros Ventre Wilderness, Togwotee Pass, Granite Hot Springs, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and more on snowmobiles, fat bikes, and even via snowcoach. Snowcoach tours and snowmobile tours are the only authorized access on closed national park roads and trails in the winter. Snowcoach tours typically last the duration of the day while snowmobiling offers the choice of full or half-day tours. Check with your tour operator on meal options. Winter breathes new life into our local landscape and the adventure is only waiting for you to discover.

Recommended Local Companies:
Scenic Safaris
Old Faithful Snowmobile Tours
Teton Science Schools
Togwotee Adventures

In the colder months in Jackson Hole many outdoor activities become much less desirable, but luckily there remains plenty of indoor activities to get you through. One of our favorite activities in town that keeps you out of the cold, is visiting some of the great art galleries and museums that Jackson has to offer. We broke down a couple of our favorite places to learn about western history as well as see some beautiful art.

The National Museum of Wildlife Art

Life imitates art, better yet Wildlife imitates art… Something like that anyway. This beautiful museum (inside & out) overlooks the national elk refuge and is home to a variety of fine art dedicated to wildlife. With art from explorers and original artists who first showed the world glimpses of what the American West looked like, you will find yourself gazing at some beautiful and historic pieces that represent what the wild west has to offer.

Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum

Right next to Jackson Town Square, this museum gives you the most complete view into the history of the Jackson Hole, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and the surrounding region. Well represented are artifacts from the native Americans, fur traders, and ranchers that lived or settled in the region. This museum was founded over 50 years ago and serves the area as a reminder of what the valley was built on and continues to represent to this day.

Art Galleries

There are a very wide variety of art galleries in Jackson, so we will briefly cover a few of the ones that stand out to us. For an extensive list of art galleries in town visit the Jackson Hole Chamber of commerce.

• Astoria Fine Art – Located on the Town Square next to Jackson Drug, Astoria features a varied collection of works from both historical and contemporary artists from 25 states and 5 countries. Much of the art focuses on Western landscape and wildlife, but there is more than just that including fantastic bronze sculptures.
• Tayloe Piggott Gallery – With art from over 60 different artists from all over the US and well beyond this gallery features mainly contemporary art. Located on S. Glenwood next to Gather, this gallery frequently has new exhibits and is highly recommended.
• Wilcox Gallery – With two locations, one on the north side of the Town Square and one further north on highway 89 past the Flat Creek Inn on the way to Grand Teton National Park. This gallery features world-class sculptures and paintings revolving mainly around western themes and currently representing 40 nationally and internationally known artists.
• Ringholz Studios – One of Jackson’s most recognizable and burgeoning artists, Amy Ringholz, captures the soul of Jackson and Wyoming while taking artistic liberties to form her unique style. You can visit her studio on Broadway about a block east of the square.
• RARE Gallery of Fine Art – 6000 Square feet of fine art, this gallery features art from American legends Andy Warhol and Ansel Adams, as well as contemporary artists and sculpturists. RARE is located on the Southeast corner of the square next to JD High Country Outfitters.

The valley seems to be moving at a slower pace this time of year as the weather gets colder, luckily many of the restaurants and stores are offering great off-season specials to lure in customers before ski season. It would be a shame if you were in town without knowing you are able to take advantage of some of these specials. Without further ado here is our ranking of the top 10 specials in town this offseason.

10. Bin 22 

**Lunch Only** Buy one dish get the second for a $2 donation to a local nonprofit. This deal is great for those looking for a nice casual lunch deal and maybe a glass of wine or two.

9. Jackson Drug

One of Jackson’s newest/oldest places to dine is back open for the first time in 17 years on the square and is offering a fantastic new double happy hour for the fall Monday through Friday from 4pm-6pm and 9pm-10pm.  The happy hours will feature a special menu, $1 off beers, half off cocktails and buy one get one half off wine. They will also be serving a $10 burger with a domestic beer or glass of wine. Look no further for a reason to stop into this newly rebooted Jackson staple.

8. White Buffalo Club

Starting on October 21st White Buffalo club will be offering a 20% off your bill deal through their offseason closure on November 3rd. No need for a special occasion to dine at the WBC this fall with a deal like this.

7. E. Leaven

Right off the town square, E.leaven has a great fall special for $5 bloody mary’s and mimosas on Saturdays & Sundays to quench your thirst, but the real kicker is the two for one breakfast that they are offering daily from 8-11am. Not to mention the return of biscuits and gravy offered weekdays this is fall.

6. The Kitchen

Starting on Oct. 22nd The Kitchen will be offering a buy one entree get one for $2 deal but they will only be open Thursday-Monday 6pm-close.

5. Il Villaggio Osteria

Osteria will be open for lunch and dinner offering a $10 lunch special and a buy one entree get the second for $2 during dinner service.

4. Cafe Genevieve & Orsetto

For the remainder of the month of October, these two great dining spots will be offering a deal in which they have partnered with St. Johns Hospital Foundation. Mention the special and receive a buy one entree get the second for a $2 donation deal. Proceeds will go to the St. Johns Women’s Health Care Fund.

3. Rendezvous Bistro

Starting October 21st Rendezvous Bistro will be offering a familiar buy one entree get the second for $2 deal on a limited schedule of Tuesday-Saturday 5:30pm-close

2. Pizzeria Caldera

2 fer 1 Tuesdays is back all day every Tuesday. Buy one 12” pie and get the second for free, can’t beat that. Deal is available for both dine-in and carryout, with a limit of 6 pies per carry-out order.

1. Silver Dollar Bar & Grill

Coming in hot at #1 is the Silver Dollar Bar & Grill with their two for one entrees at the grill from 5:30pm-9pm every day and the always popular Flip Ya for Lunch deal where you pay a dollar to flip a coin, call it right and the lunch is free. Flip Ya for lunch is Monday – Friday 11am-3pm.

Not all the fun in Jackson is strictly outside of the confines of building walls. As the off-season creeps in and camping becomes less pleasant due to colder weather, heading to the theater in Jackson Hole for an evening of entertainment indoors is a great alternative. There are a few options depending on when you are able to attend a play, what kind of show you are wanting and whether or not you would like dinner to go along with your entertainment.

The Jackson Hole Playhouse

Located at the oldest building in the town of Jackson, The Jackson Hole Playhouse provides the classic western feel that many come seeking when visiting Jackson. With shows paired with dinner (optional) Monday through Saturday nights during their on-season June 1st- October 6th 2018, there is plenty of opportunities to see a play. Currently this year the featured play is “The Ballad of Cat Ballou” which is aptly described by the theater company as “A Zany Western Musical Comedy”.  See their site for further details and reservations.

Off Square Theatre Company

Off Square offers unique performances as the Resident Theater Company of the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts, they perform at both the full 530-seat Center Theater and the intimate Black Box theater which has 100 seats. Recently, Off-Square also held a performance of Macbeth outdoors at the center for the arts in their brand new series “Thin Air Shakespeare”.

Off Square Theater Co. does not have performances quite as regularly as the playhouse, with performance dates on select weekends throughout the year making each performance a bit more special. Their next upcoming show “Annapurna” is set to take place on November 1st-3rd and 8th-10th, at 7:00 pm. Check on their site for tickets and more upcoming performances as they are announced.

Other Live Entertainment

If watching a play is not exactly what you had in mind, there are several other options for live entertainment in town including various live concerts, speakers and more. The Center for The Arts and the Pink Garter Theater host and book all kinds of different artists and shows, check out their calendars for upcoming events. For more consistent live music the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar has live bands nearly every night, and the Silver Dollar Bar at the Wort also offers live music weekly.

As you likely already know, the Jackson Hole valley has a vast array of gorgeous areas with stunning views, but it can be tiring to hike to many of these areas. Although it’s not for everyone, horseback riding is a great solution to avoid this excessive hiking and there are a number of various outfitters around the valley that are more than equipped with the knowledge and trusty steeds to take you on a great adventure.

When considering horseback riding in Jackson Hole there are several outfitters and types of trips to choose from. For example, you may be interested in riding for just a few hours, a few days, or even a multi-day camping trip. As far as the different outfitters are concerned, each one has its own specialties, whether you want to simply take a short ride near the town square or get further away in the surrounding wilderness areas.  We decided to break down some of our favorite options for you.

Teton Village Trail Rides

With trips leaving every hour between 8 am and 5 pm there is plenty of opportunity with this outfitter to get trips in. Most of their trips all take place on the property of the beautiful and historic Snake River Ranch which is located right across from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.  They offer 1, 2 and 4-hour trips, with the 4-hour trips taking place on Munger mountain, about 10 miles south of the ranch. Trips range in price from $45 to $100.

Spring Creek Ranch

Spring Creek Ranch’s horseback riding trips take you atop the East Gros Ventre Butte with the Teton Range as your backdrop. Similar to Teton Village Trail rides they offer trips on the shorter end of the spectrum with 1 and 2-hour ride options which are $49 and $69 respectively. Aside from the basic horseback trips they also offer a 2-day package trip in conjunction with Jackson Hole Whitewater where you can combine trail riding with a view-filled meal at the Granary as well as a choice between either a fun and exhilarating whitewater rafting trip or relaxing scenic float.

Mill Iron Ranch

This outfitter is perfect for those looking for more than a brief 1-hour trip, as they offer 2-hour, 4-hour, full day, and pack trips by request. If you are looking for a full day trip they have three different options including a ride from the ranch into the Gros Ventre Wilderness, a ride into the Hoback/Granite area where you can see herds of Elk and their babies, and lastly a fishing trip into the Willow Creek area in the Bridger Teton National Forest. Prices range from $80 for the basic 2 hour trip to $450 for a Pack Trip.

Thinking of proposing in Jackson Hole? Finding that perfect romantic place and time to ask your love to marry you can be a challenging task, luckily if you are going to be in Jackson Hole there is an abundance of locations and occasions that are perfect for popping the question.  Here are some of the most ideal spots in the valley for professing your desire for everlasting love with your partner.

The “Wedding Tree” or Other Great Teton Overlooks

With its fitting name and near perfect view of the Teton range, the Wedding Tree as it is commonly known is an overlook with some unique trees not too far back on the Gros Ventre road and is within a few minutes walk from your car. The other great overlooks include Blacktail Butte, Inspiration Point, Shadow Mountain, Schwabacher’s Landing, and although this one is not necessarily an overlook, the Moulton Barn offers some of the most iconic views of the grand.

Along the Snake River: Fishing or Floating

The calming waters of the Snake River, combined with the plentiful beauty of the surrounding valley can provide the perfect romantic setting for the big question, whether you are on the shores or floating in a drift boat, raft or other aquatic apparatus. Not many things are more special than having your special someone catch their first cutthroat, and getting a ring moments later. If fishing is not you or your partners’ thing, the river and its surroundings will undoubtedly provide you with a magical backdrop.

Atop One of the many Peaks Surrounding the Valley

Whether you just want to work for your breathtaking view on a long hike to a beautiful mountaintop away from civilization, or take a simple tram ride to the top of Rendezvous Mountain and be spoiled by the views at 10k+ feet. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. Some of the hiking options include the South, Middle, and Grand Teton, or their surrounding peaks depending on how intense you’d like your excursion. Jackson Peak and Sleeping Indian are some great ones as well.

Hot Air Balloon Among the Tetons

This activity is not one that you get the opportunity to do everyday, not to mention doing it in such a scenic area floating to the height of the tops of mountains. The romance will be present without doubt as you float gently high up in the air. Check out our blog on this topic to learn more here.

Jackson Hole golf courses are among some of the most beautiful in the country with stunning views and well-curated grounds. Whether you live nearby or are visiting for a short time, we recommend getting out on the links for at least a day, or more if golf is your forte. Here are some of the local courses that we feel are worth your time.

Teton Pines

Annually touted as the best public course Wyoming has to offer, Teton Pines was designed by Arnold Palmer himself in 1987 and is surrounded by beautiful mountain views. The course is situated on relatively flat terrain at the base of the Teton Mountain Range and is a challenging par 72 with over 7,412 yards tip to tip. Non-member play begins at noon and prices range from $70-$175 depending on season and time, with tee times before noon reserved for members.

Shooting Star

Situated just next to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village this members-only course designed by Tom Fazio in 2009 is said to have moved roughly 500,000+ cubic yards of land when it was constructed. The course is peppered with several creeks and ponds that add to the scenery and difficulty of the course. The club offers a variety of amenities outside of its incredible fairways and greens, including a pool, spa, fitness center, and dining facilities. If you get an opportunity to play this course you would be a fool to turn it down.

3 Creek Ranch Golf Club

Designed by Rees Jones in 2005 this private club provides stunning views of the Grand Teton, situated around natural creeks, wildlife, and native greenery. The course itself is frill-free, and near perfectly maintained to provide friendly greens and fairways that are enjoyable for most skill levels while still posing a challenge to all.  This club is the only member-owned club in the valley to this day, and truly captures the spirit of Jackson Hole.

Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis

Originally Designed by Bob Baldock, and opened in 1965 this club may have some of the richest history in being the valley’s first golf club. It was purchased by Laurance Rockefeller in 1967 and was redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1973 turning it into one of the countries most pristine mountain resort courses.  After being sold once again to Vail Resorts, the course was redesigned once more by Jones to refresh the layout. With a new driving range and practice facility, you will not regret spending time here.

Looking for a better way to catch morning views of the Tetons? We suggest hot air ballooning. In an unbeatable location, these floating balloons can carry you up to heights of over four thousand feet above their launch site. Balloons usually range from about 75 to 85 feet tall which is equivalent to 9 stories. They typically contain at least 105,000 cubic feet (or about 105,000 basketballs worth) of air. The attached gondolas can carry anywhere from two people to twelve! As winds are most gentle during daybreak, balloon companies typically take flight in the AM presenting the Tetons in the pink glow of the morning sun and a higher possibility of seeing wildlife (our true locals) from great heights. Jackson hosts many different ballooning companies; to find your best option it is encouraged that you choose your preferred locale and optimal cost range. Here are some potential selections we have looked into:

Wyoming Balloon Company (Wyoming side)

Wyoming Balloon Company flies from a launch site located on a ranch bordered by the Grand Teton National Park, Snake River, and Teton Village. Take off times usually begin around 6 am and you can expect to be back on the ground around 9 to 9:30 am. This balloon company offers an hour-long flight, celebratory drinks and certificates, and lifts to and from hotels in Jackson and Teton Village.

Teton Balloon Flights (Idaho side)

Teton Balloon Flights affords views of the Tetons, Teton Valley, Swan Valley, and possibly The Grand Teton. The balloons can travel anywhere from 4 to 8 miles through the sky and flight length averages about an hour. Upon reaching solid ground, they conclude with a traditional French celebration.

Nevertheless, whichever option you decide to choose, scenic views, peaceful rides, and time well spent is a guarantee.

If you are more interested in seeing the balloons rather than riding them, The Teton Valley Summer Festival takes place in the first week of July. It includes a craft and street fair as a part of the festivities as well. Over 40 hot air balloons ascend into the sky in the mornings to race among the Tetons.