Would you like to get pampered in Jackson Hole?

Jackson Hole has a great mixture of both resort-based and independent day spas, giving you the perfect option to meet your needs. That’s right, not only do we have world-class skiing and Blue-Ribbon fly-fishing, we also have superb, luxurious day spas nestled in our valley that are divine!

All of Jackson Hole’s day spas have their own blend of services and expertise. Perhaps our oldest and most popular day spa in Jackson Hole is the Body Sage Spa at the Rusty Parrot. This spa offers unique bathhouse traditions from Finland, Morocco, and Japan in addition to traditional spa services. Or you could whisk away to SpaTerre, located in Teton Mountain Lodge out in Teton Village, which provides a complete assortment of spa services, including an Oxygen Bar and several age-defying facial and body massage treatments.

A lot is to be expected of a Four Seasons Resort spa, and the Jackson Hole Spa in our Four Seasons does not disappoint. This beautiful and relaxing spa offers a variety of spa services, specializing in deep tissue massages and treatments using locals herbs aimed at rejuvenating you for another day of fun in Jackson Hole.

The Chill Spa, located in Hotel Terra,  offers unique body wraps, couples massages (with chocolate and champagne!) and microdermabrasion as an add-on in their facials. If you are looking to incorporate additional Eastern traditions into your spa experience, Tootsy’s Footsy Lounge offers reflexology massages in addition to other traditional spa treatments.

And these are just a few them. We have over a dozen spas to choose from in Jackson Hole. So after that gorgeous, blue-bird day on skis or that grueling hike in Grand Teton National Park, relax and rejuvenate in one of our luxurious day spas in Jackson Hole. You will not be disappointed!

Looking for some good old-fashioned family fun? Wonder what it’s like to ice skate in Jackson’s town square? 

We have three main ice skating rinks in Jackson Hole where you can rent ice skates, including two outdoor and one indoor rink. This is a great activity for beginners and offers a fast learning curve for the little ones.

If you are staying out in Teton Village, what better way to spend an hour entertaining those wees ones than to rent some skates at the Teton Village Rink just outside of Hotel Terra and Teton Mountain Lodge. Complete with lights, this outside rink is a perfect activity just before or after dinner to burn a few extra calories. The kids will love it!

If you are looking for inside fun, the Snow King Center at the base of Snow King Mountain has just what you need. This indoor ice skating rink will rent you skates and provide your children with hours of ice skating fun. The rink is open to the public starting at 1:00 pm. If you want to practice your triple axel (wink, wink), try the space on the inside of the rink. They also provide chairs for beginners to push around for balance.

If you are looking for a unique experience, Jackson Hole has it’s very own skating rink in the Town Square. You can rent ice skates and twirl under the magical lights that adorn the trees within the town square. This is a fabulous way to spend some time in downtown before heading to one of Jackson’s fabulous restaurants.

A plethora of other ice skating rinks do exist in Jackson Hole, including Wilson’s Owen Bircher Park, the baseball field at the corner of Powderhorn and Maple, and the Rodeo area on Flat Creek Rd. You can skate at these rinks for a quiet and peaceful time but be sure to bring your own gear.

Jackson Hole offers many family adventures, and ice skating is one of many. See you on the ice! 

Escape from the reaches of civilization on your own terms! Travel as far as you want by the power of your own muscles! Cross-country skiing in Jackson Hole is THE way to truly experience all the wonderful parts of nature without the commotion and noise.

Want to hear the birds chirp and the snowfall? Cross-country skiing allows it. Want to experience something that few others do? Cross-country skiing encourages it! Want an adventure with a short learning curve and hours of potential enjoyment? That’s cross country skiing in Jackson Hole for you. 

There are several Nordic Ski centers in Jackson Hole that can give you varying degrees of adventure. If you prefer to be closer to civilization, we would recommend one of the centers close to town, including the Teton Pines Resort and Ski Center or the Shooting Star Nordic Track in Teton Village. For more adventurous spots, we would recommend the inner park road in Grand Teton National Park, Trail Creek in Wilson or Grand Targhee Nordic Center as these trails are more remote.

We also have our very own JH Nordic Alliance that provides detailed information about the conditions of the trails, best spots for the various Nordic activities, as well as information about the skill level needed for the trail. Their website has everything you need to get started on your cross-country skiing adventure.

The beauty of cross-country skiing in Jackson Hole is that it’s a pretty easy sport to pick up. Once you get the hang of gliding, kicking and going downhill, the sky’s the limit for where you can go. You can easily receive some instruction from guides at the various Nordic tracks or you can trial and error your technique. Cross-country skiing is a pretty safe sport; you can manage your own speed and can easily sit down if you don’t like where you are going.

While there is an abundance of activities in Jackson Hole to choose from, cross-country skiing provides an excellent way to tour the valley while appreciating the beauty of your surroundings. Furthermore, it provides a great cardiovascular exercise and uses a completely different set of muscles, making it a great activity when you need a break from downhill skiing.   

Endless fields of white powder surround you. You are weightless on cloud nine with the biggest grin on your face imaginable. All you can hear is your breath and the faint hum of something above you. Trees glide past you as if they are cheering you on. You shout in complete glee, not knowing how to contain your excitement! WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!

Suddenly, the alarm goes off. You wake from your slumber only to realize you were dreaming one of the best dreams you have ever had. Saddened, you wish you could get back to that happy, euphoric, out-of-body experience.

It’s possible!

Jackson Hole offers exclusive, private “heli-skiing” trips in the backcountry surrounding the area. It entails hopping in a helicopter and being dropped off on top of a mountain in the Snake River Range. Open fields of untouched snow are there for you to carve up and devour! And just when the field ends, the helicopter scoops you up and takes you back to the top.

Currently, there is only one company in the valley that offers this incredible experience. High Mountain Heli-Skiing will take you in the Snake River Range and provide you with 6 heli-ski run (visit their website for current rates). For those vertical feet trackers, it’s roughly 12,000-15,000 feet of untracked snow. Lunch is of course included in your adventure and you will be transported from their office helipad. A maximum of 12 other skiers/snowboarders will be in the general region with you, however, there is one guide per 4 skiers in smaller groups.

If you want to make that dream become a reality, book this incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Jackson Hole heli-skiing is truly a euphoric experience, one that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

While anyone can ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, only a select few get to experience heli-skiing. Who do you want to be? Jackson Hole heli-skiing is the ultimate experience.

Imagine a white wilderness where all you can hear is the sound of snow falling, the trickle of the nearby streams, and the footsteps and breath of some canine pals. Imagine being warm and toasty while feeling the invigorating sensation of the cold mountain air on your face. Now imagine taking a relaxing warm dip in remote hot springs and the smooth sensation of a warm drink and a tasty lunch after your first mushing experience. Have we piqued your interest?

Taking a dog sled tour in Jackson Hole will give you that very experience. There are currently two companies that run these sorts of tours through the valley and we highly recommend both. These dog sled tours are a unique experience in Jackson Hole, an adventure that not many have discovered at this point.

Both Continental Divide Dogsled Adventures and Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours, Inc. offer half-day and day trips in the valley. If you are looking for overnight adventures, you can take a tour with Continental Divide Dogsled Adventures as they travel up to Togwotee Mountain Lodge and Brooks Lake Lodge. Alternatively, JH Iditarod Sled Dog Tours offer full and half day tours to Granite Hot Springs, also a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The dogs at both of these companies are extremely athletic and train to race in the Iditarod. They are either Alaskan Huskies or Eskimo work dogs, all with great dispositions and stamina.  You will be bundled in warm blankets as they race you down the trails at dog speed. You can even see dog sledding in action between January 26th and February 3rd when the Pedigree Stage Stop Race travels through the town of Jackson.

Whether you are new to the area or just stopping through, a dog sled tour in Jackson Hole is a unique experience, unlike any others.

Are you looking into snowmobiling tours in Jackson Hole for your upcoming visit? We have a few tips to help you with your decision. We can also point you in the direction of the most popular spots for snowmobiling tours in Jackson Hole. A snowmobile tour through this area is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

A couple of things to consider:

• Do you have your own gear or would you need to borrow some? (ie a thermal snowsuit, goggles, a beacon, and gloves)
• Do you want to go off-trail or on a trail?
• How long of a trip would you like to go on?

Most of the shops in town, up at Togwotee Pass, in West Yellowstone, and at Flagg Ranch will rent you a full bodysuit set-up that will keep you warm throughout the day. We would recommend that you wear several layers so you can adjust your warmth throughout the day. Goggles, gloves, a warm hat and warm boots are essential. It is also especially important to have an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel if you plan to go off trail without a guide.

In Jackson Hole, there are snowmobiling tours both in Yellowstone National Park and in Bridger National Forest. You can also travel outside of the valley to more open spaces near Bondurant, Alpine, and over in Teton Valley, Idaho. If you would like a faster, on-trail tour with the potential to see natural geological features and wildlife, we would recommend a tour to Yellowstone. If you are looking to go off-trail and to play around in the snow at a slower pace, we would recommend going on a tour in Bridger-Teton National Forest. There’s also an option to rent your own snowmobiles and travel to Granite Hot Springs or tour around up at Togwotee Pass. If you choose option 3, make sure you have some understanding of avalanches and safe pitches to travel on before you go.  

Yellowstone snowmobile tours are full day excursions and will include a lunch break up at Old Faithful (a reliable geyser in the park that goes off roughly every 1 ½ -2 hours). There are also overnight trips up in Yellowstone which can truly be a magical experience. The ability to potentially see buffalo, wolves and other little creatures increase dramatically in Yellowstone, although there is potential to see wildlife up at Togwotee Pass as well. At Togwotee Pass, there are a handful of companies that run day tours and you can also rent snowmobiles for ½ days. There is also a wide variety of skill levels and the Togwotee Mountain Lodge will set you up with the right trail for your skill level. This lodge also has several packaged deals, allowing you to do a multi-night stay. If you are planning to rent your own gear, we would suggest you plan to spend several hours, including travel time, as both Granite Hot Springs and the Gros Ventres take about an hour to get to.

A couple other tips:

• Request thumb heaters. This is a necessity for the happiness of your thumbs!
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. You can always throw a backpack on the tail of the machine.
• Layer up. Weather in Jackson Hole can change quickly so be prepared.
• Check the weather and the avalanche report. Getting to play in fresh, new snow is the best!
• Plan your snowmobile trip to Yellowstone far in advance. There are a limited number of permits to this pristine magical place in the winter!

Snowmobiling tours in Jackson Hole are a great way to take a break from the fresh powdery skiing we have (if you want one). It’s also a great way to see more of the valley and get some great photos of the Tetons and our resident wildlife.

Are you ready? It’s time to start preparing for snowboarding and skiing in Jackson Hole. The winter season begins November 25, 2017 at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and we are gearing up!

Need to rent some ski and snowboard gear? There are several companies in Jackson Hole that provide rental gear. Check out Hoback Sports, Teton Village Sports, and Jackson Hole Sports located in the Bridger Gondola Center in Teton Village. You can also call D2D, JH Skis, and Ski Butlers to have rental gear delivered to your condo, home, or hotel room.

Trying to figure out where to ski? The Jackson Hole area has three ski resorts to fit your needs and budget. The most well know is Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, located in Teton Village. This expansive ski resort has 12 lifts, 131 trails, and includes a half-pipe and some other terrain parks. Lift tickets average $149 on peak days and $135 for non-peak days. Be sure to buy online and in bulk to save on cost!

We also have Snow King Mountain Resort, our local in-town ski resort. This smaller ski resort has 3 chairlifts, 32 trails, and includes two terrain parks. The lift tickets average $55 per day and they also have great deals on multi-day ski passes. This resort is best for those who like open lift lines, beginner slopes and steep, north-facing terrain.

Finally, we have Grand Targhee, located in Alta, WY. This great family resort boasts the best powder in the area as it is west facing. While the terrain is not as steep as JHMR, there is still plenty of great slopes to explore. There are 4 ski lifts, 66 trails, and 2 terrain parks. Lift tickets range $90 during the peak days. Grand Targhee is about a 1-hour drive from the town of Jackson, but well worth the trip.

Skiing in Jackson Hole for the first time? You will likely want to take a ski lesson if you are skiing or snowboarding for the first time. All three resorts have instructors. Visit the resort websites (mentioned above) for more details. A little-known trick…if you are planning to visit Jackson Hole Mountain Resort during the peak season, we would recommend considering a ski lesson (you get to skip the lines on powder days!!!!)

What should I wear skiing in Jackson Hole? We always recommend layers! We tend to have inversions in the area. You may be super warm on top in the morning, and get colder as you head down the hill. Our weather is typically dry as is our snow (hence the champagne powder that we get!) Breathable down-filled coats on cold days is preferable to wet-resistant wool since we are a dryer climate.

Jackson Hole is absolutely fabulous! If you get the chance to ski or snowboard here, consider yourself extremely lucky. The champagne powder, the steep, rocky, and varied terrain and the long winters make for some of the best skiing in the United States. Come check it out!!!

If you are planning a trip to Jackson Hole, you have a decision to make regarding your lodging: vacation rental or hotel? Making a decision about this is tough so let us help!

To start, let’s discuss the benefits of each:

Vacation rental

• Kitchens are usually included, saving on cost
• Various sizes depending on your group size
• Located out in the country or right in the thick of things
• More cost effective for larger groups
• Quieter
• It can be your home away from home
• Great for short or long stays

Hotel

• Amenities
• Food prepared for you, breakfast often included
• Transportation to and from airport
• Located in the heart of Teton Village and Jackson
• Varying prices

Based on the above-mentioned benefits, it’s safe to say that both have their strengths. So how do you choose whether or not you want a vacation rental or hotel in Jackson Hole? Here are a few things to consider when deciding:

What are the dates of your travel to Jackson Hole? If you are traveling here in the height of the busy season, you may consider a vacation rental. The option to retreat to a quieter spot and make your own meals may be a perfect way to escape the crowds. However, if you are here in the off-season or slower seasons, you may want to consider a hotel with a built-in restaurant rather than having to rely on other restaurants being open.

How big is your group and who is in it? While hotels can manage several guests, a vacation rental may be perfect for a large family retreat.

Will you have transportation? If the answer is no, you may want to consider staying at one of our hotels with airport service. The airport is about 15 minutes from town. If you have transportation, you will want to consider any costs associated with parking your car at the hotels. Taxi services are available.

Will you have any pets with you? Both vacation rentals and hotels in Jackson Hole allow pets depending on the place. However, the costs can be higher depending on the size of the animal. Plus, you will want to consider how to take care of your animal while you are in the parks.

To be perfectly honest, both vacation rentals and hotels in Jackson Hole are fabulous. You really cannot go wrong.  We are sure you will find your stay in Jackson Hole absolutely delightful!

#1 IT IS GORGEOUS. We love Jackson Hole because these huge, gorgeous mountains jut up from a green valley floor filled with scenery.

#2 IT HAS PERFECT WEATHER. We love our summer average of 82 degrees and our winter average of 29 degrees. Jackson Hole has low humidity which makes the summer and winter bearable.

#3 IT HAS WILDLIFE EVERYWHERE. We love that we can see moose hanging out in our streams near willow bushes, that elk wander in herds around the valley, and that we can frequently see coyotes foxtrotting around searching for a good hunt. Eagles and hawks bless us with fly-bys and fish are abundant in our streams.

#4 IT HAS A SMALL TOWN FEEL. We love that people say hi to each other on the street, things move at a slower pace, and traffic is minimal compared to other places. Because it’s surrounded by mountains and national forests, it will never become a big city.

#5 IT HAS BIG TOWN AMENITIES. We love that we can access great restaurants, movies, plays, and bands, yet do not have to fight the crowds of the big city. Our airport connects to major US cities.

#6 IT IS FULL OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. We love that we can hike, camp, fish (winter/summer), climb, bike, paddle, row, sail, ride (horses), paraglide, ski, snowmobile, glide, snowshoe, and just about anything else you can imagine in this valley.

#7 IT IS GORGEOUS. We can’t stress this enough.

#8 IT HAS NATIONAL FOREST AND NATIONAL PARKS NEARBY. We love that Jackson Hole holds Grand Teton National Park and it is just south of Yellowstone National Park. These two parks have an abundance of activities, scenery, and wildlife that are not to be missed. Bridger Teton National Forest and Targhee National Forest also provide a wealth of activities and places to explore.

#9 IT HAS STARS! We love that Jackson Hole has no pollution and that you can see the Milky Way, lots of stars and occasionally the Aurora Borealis at night. (We also have a few movie stars that live here, including our favorite helicopter pilot and hero, Harrison Ford.)

#10 IT HAS LIGHT, POWDERY SNOW! We love that Jackson Hole gets light, fluffy snow that makes it easy for us to enjoy our winter sports.

Come visit Jackson Hole. We promise you will fall in love with it!

Jackson Hole is known for many things: amazing views, abundant wildlife, a plethora of activities year-round, world-class skiing, an antler archway town square, and a world-championship hill climb to name a few. But we also happen to have a few great restaurants that stand out above the rest. Restaurants that stand the test of time and have a local following are ones that will make this list. Here are 10 great restaurants in Jackson Hole in no particular order that are sure to leave you wanting more.

#1. Jenny Lake Lodge– The ambiance and food at this quaint lodge on the Inner Park Rd in Grand Teton National Park is amazing. You do need to make reservations for this restaurant several months in advance and the five-course meal is expensive but well worth the experience. The menu varies from evening to evening so be sure to check the website for more information.

#2. Trio– This great bistro just off the Square has a great variety of food and drink, a fun atmosphere, and has mouth-watering food! Blue-cheese fondue waffle fries, flatbread pizza, and the risotto are a few of our favorites!  A reservation is recommended as this is a hot spot!

#3. Snake River Grill– This fine dining restaurant located on the town square is a Western-elegant dining experience. The menu includes game, poultry, and fish creations and an excellent appetizer, wine, and dessert selection. Reservations are a must.

#4. Granary-This American dining experience has excellent views of the Teton range, great service, and a wonderful selection of game meat, fish, poultry, and steaks. It’s nice to go up there a little early and catch some jazz music on a Saturday night in the bar before dinner. A reservation is needed most nights of the summer, especially if you want an unobstructed view of the Tetons.

#5. The Blue Lion– A French-inspired cuisine makes this staple Jackson Hole earn a place on the list. Started in 1976, the Blue Lion offers nightly specials and a great wine list. Try the crab cakes or stuffed mushrooms for a starter, or the mud pie or tiramisu for dessert. Anything in between is absolutely mouth watering (the Chicken Marsala or the Huckleberry Buffalo Tenderloin are some of the best). Reservations are required.

#6 Wild Sage– For a luxury dining experience, the Wild Sage is the way to go! Their lamb shank literally falls off the bone and their mushroom risotto is made with local wild morels, yum!! Located in the Rusty Parrot Lodge close to downtown shops and Flat Creek, this elegant and small restaurant is sure to leave you wanting more. Reservations are a must!

#7 The Kitchen– This Asian-infused, modern cuisine restaurant provides a refined, yet casual experience to its guests. Located just off the square, the atmosphere is clean, simplistic and visually stunning. We would suggest trying the Cucumber-Watermelon-Mint Salad,  Lemongrass Coconut Halibut, and the Seared Scallops. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended due to the popularity of this restaurant.

#8 Bin 22. Who doesn’t love tapas? Bin 22 is a cozy restaurant with a large selection of wine that you can pick out yourself. The atmosphere is always buzzing and the great selection of cheeses and elegant meats are divine! Try the meatballs, they are delicious! Reservations are suggested but not required.

#9 Gather– All we have to say is…Brussel Sprouts. Just when you thought you would never eat them, Gather creates this dish and WOW! Try the Carter Country Burger or the Hazelnut Crusted Salmon to go with. Reservations are recommended.

#10. This spot is tough. We could recommend the Rendezvous Bistro for its lively atmosphere, fresh oysters, and comfort food, or the Alpenhof, for its yummy Fondue. Cafe Genevieve offers a great Buffalo NY Strip and a yummy Ratatouille, and both Teton Pines and The North Grille offer delicious food in a great atmosphere.

In short, you really can’t go wrong with any of these 10 great restaurants in Jackson Hole. In fact, we would venture to say that all of the restaurants in Jackson Hole are great, as only the strong survive here.