For some adventurers, riding lifts to ski or snowboard can be a dull activity and hiking or skinning to more remote ski runs can be great but sometimes the limited number laps you can take in a day is just not enough.  That is where Heli skiing comes in to save the day, fresh snow on every turn of every run, with access to terrain that is mostly inaccessible without a helicopter. When it comes to Heli Skiing in Jackson Hole, High Mountain Heli Skiing is a one stop shop, being the only Heli-Skiing company that operates in the area. 

A Day On the Chopper

When taking a trip with High Mountain Heli Skiing, your day will consist of six runs, which will net you somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000 vertical feet. Lunch is provided at the “Heli-Deli” and there is potential for extra runs at an additional cost when time and conditions permit.  Each of the A-Star B3 helicopters hold groups of five people (one guide, four guests), 3 groups is the maximum for High Mountain Heli’s daily operations. All trips meet daily at 9am at one of HMH’s two bases which are located at Snake River Sporting Club south of Jackson, and Teton Springs Lodge and Spa near Victor. 

With over 305,000 acres of terrain consisting of ranges south of Teton Village, the Snake River, Palisades, and portions of the Wyoming, Teton and Gros Ventre Mountain Ranges. These ranges feature vast open bowls, steep chutes, forests and glades for guests to enjoy. Heli skiing is mainly recommended for advanced and expert skiers and the trips are split up based on skiing ability when possible, to maximize the experience for all involved. 

Rates & Packages

High Mountain Heli Skiing offers day packages as their main option, which come at the cost of $1450/per person per day. The price may seem steep but the runs are just as steep and the snow is guaranteed to be fantastic. Not to mention the experience being unmatched and exhilarating. If you have ever wanted to go heli skiing in Jackson Hole, be sure to give HMH a call, you will not regret it.

Every ski area has it’s story of how it was founded, to the evolution of how it became what it is today with many stories and characters that fill the spaces in between. The history of JHMR is no different, the resort has seen its fair share of changes over the years from owners, to lifts, hotels, restaurants and more. While covering every detail of the history of this iconic ski resort would make for a fantastic read, it would require a novel worth of text. With that being said, here is a brief history of JHMR.

The Early Years

Prior to 1961 the current location of the resort was a girl scout ranch which Paul McCollister purchased. McCollister, with the assistance of partners Alex Morley and Gordon Graham formed the Jackson Hole Ski Corporation in 1963.  The following year they began construction with Apres Vous mountain opening to the public in 1964, with two double chairlifts. Two years after that, the original Jackson Hole Tram opened in 1966 and held 52 people, taking passengers to the top of Rendezvous mountain in just over 10 minutes. That December the resort officially opened and Pepi Stiegler, reigning Olympic gold medalist of the time, was hired to be the ski school director. Several national ski races and competitions were held at Jackson Hole in the following years. With a notable moment being the final International ski race of the season in 1967, the Wild West classic in which Jean-Claude Killy of France and Nancy Green of Canada were crowned as that year’s world champions. Jean-Claude was quoted by Sports Illustrated as saying “If there is a better ski mountain in the United States, I haven’t skied it.”

The 90’s-Now

After years of slow growth and a few new lifts being added, including the Thunder double chair, which took skiers from mid mountain to a few hundred feet below the summit providing easier access to the central mountain between the tram and Apres Vous lift. In 1992 McCollister sold Jackson Hole Ski Corp. to the Kemmerer siblings, Connie, Jay and Betty whose family had a long family history in Wyoming dating back more than 100 years. That same year the Thunder double chair was upgraded to a quad, by 1997 the family friendly Teewinot beginner lift was upgraded to a high-speed quad and the Bridger Gondola was also added along with new intermediate trails. Aside from the ski resort itself, Teton village was expanding as well at the turn of the century, with Snake River Lodge & Spa, The Teton Club, Teton Mountain Lodge, Four seasons and Hotel Terra all being constructed in just the years between 2000 and 2009. In 2006 the Tram was shut down, to build the larger current Tram we see today, this same year the Headwall Deli and Rendezvous Restaurant at the top of the Bridger gondola were built, now known as Piste. Since then even more lifts have been added including the Casper, Marmot and Teton lifts, and the Sweetwater Gondola.

Just this past year the resort has added yet another lift, the Eagles Rest quad which is another lift catering to beginners. The evolution continues.

For those who desire to go fast and travel to far reaching winter wonderlands that are otherwise inaccessible through most common means of transportation, snowmobiling is the activity for you. Snowmobiling near Jackson Hole is more than just a fun way to get around, because of the vast wilderness in the valley and nearby areas that are difficult to navigate due to harsh, deep snow in the winter. With a snowmobile and a knowledgeable guide you can visit serene lodges, hot springs, and peaceful meadows.

Togwotee Tours

One of the most popular locations for snowmobiling near Jackson Hole is just northeast of the town of Jackson in the Bridger-Teton National forest surrounding Togwotee pass. Togwotee Lodge Adventure Tours offers rentals and guided tours through the region. They have a variety of different tour options near Togwotee pass and all around Jackson Hole, ranging from scenic trail rides great for viewing wildlife and scenery to off-trail riding tours for those looking for a more aggressive ride through vast powder fields. One of Togwotee Lodge’s most popular tours is the Brooks Lake Lodge tour, which takes you through the continental divide trail system, through to Brooks Lake lodge, only accessible by snowmobile during winter, just in time for lunch. The historic lodge sits right next to Brooks Lake, and offers beautiful views of the Breccia Cliffs and Pinnacle Buttes not to mention the delicious gourmet food. 

Granite Hot Springs Trip

Another popular tour that both Togwotee Lodge and Scenic Safaris offer is the Granite Hot Springs trip, which takes you to the gorgeous and toasty warm hot spring pool. The pool itself is man made but the spring which produces the water is natural. This trip takes you through the Gros Ventre Mountain range to around 7,000 feet above sea level, where the hot springs serve as mid-way point on this out and back trip. Guests should come prepared with a bathing suit under their clothes to enjoy the pool which can reach temperatures of up to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. This trip is perfect for when you need a well deserved break from skiing and snowmobiling.

When visiting Jackson Hole, it is a must to get out in the vast nature of the valley, and there are a number of ways to do so. One of the more unique options that you don’t have the opportunity to do any given day is taking a dog sled tour. Jackson Hole Iditarod offers tours through Granite Creek Canyon, which features granite hot springs, and Bridger Teton National Forest from as early as late November through late March/April.  These scenic trips will lead you to areas with plenty of wildlife including deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. You can even lead a team of dogs on your own if interested with a brief orientation session.

The Dogs

With 170 authentic Alaskan racing sled dogs that are manageable, athletic, well-trained and above all else, friendly and affectionate, your trip will be made simply by being in their company if nothing else.  The dogs are descendants and siblings of others that have raced in and won the Iditarod. These Northern Huskies will melt your heart, and make your trip well worth it.

Trips

Jackson Hole Iditarod offers both half and full-day excursions. The full day trips include a hearty lunch, hot soup and beverages and provide enough time to stop and swim in the warm Granite Hot Springs. Half day trips also include hot beverages and soup but lunch is not included, and the trip does not travel all the way to the hot springs. Both trips start with a pick up in Jackson at 8am with the half day ending at approximately 1:30pm and the full day ending around 4:30.

Granite Hot Springs

Located 30 miles southeast of the town of Jackson, this man made pool was built from a natural pool that previously existed and features a campground, changing room, and deck. If you are feeling like you want to be more connected to nature there is another natural spring pool just downstream. The pools are only accessible during the winter via skis, snowshoes, snowmobile or dogsled, and the temperature of the pool can get up to 112 degrees fahrenheit. If you are hoping to make it to the springs on a dog sled tour be sure to book a full day trip.

So what are you waiting for? Mush! Mush! Book your trip now as Jackson Hole Iditarod has limited availability.

1. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has held its namesake as one of the top ski resorts in the country for years on end. Located in a remote corner of Wyoming it’s hard to reach locale makes it one of the more wild and off the beaten path feeling skiing destinations in the United States. Initially known for its aggressive expert terrain, over the years JHMR has evolved to include beginner to intermediate slopes, making it an ideal destination for all skier abilities. The steep terrain, slopeside luxury, incredible natural scenery, and the charming Western feel of the town of Jackson all combine to make it an experience like no other. Not to mention, this part of Wyoming receives some of the best snowfall in the country. 

2. Grand Teton National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the main draws for visitors to Jackson Hole throughout the summer months, as the town of Jackson sits one hour away from its southern entrance and serves as the perfect place to stop on a cross country roadtrip. What visitors to our region don’t often consider when planning a trip through the valley is the lesser known Grand Teton National Park,  just twenty minutes from downtown. Smaller in size compared to it’s more widely regarded neighbor, Grand Teton National Park lacks no punch on the scale of jaw dropping beauty and outdoor recreation. The Teton Range comes bursting out of the flat valley floor, laying down one of the most incredible natural playgrounds in the U.S. where visitors can hike, camp, backpack, kayak, rock-climb, swim, mountaineer, trail run, sail, or even rent a motor boat for the day. 

3. Rafting the Snake River

A summer vacation to Jackson Hole is not truly complete without some sort of rafting excursion down the Snake River. There is a wealth of wildlife that live along both the scenic flat water and whitewater stretches of the Snake River. Bald eagles, moose, osprey, otters, and beavers are just a few of the species that take up residence in the valley. Not to mention the majestic Teton Range views, the hilly horizon of the Grey’s National Forest, and the impressive walls of the Snake River Canyon.

4. Granite Hot Springs

Granite Hot Springs is the gorgeous resident hot spring pool of Teton Valley perfect for relaxing after any sort of mountain adventure. Located directly next to the Gros Ventre Range, Granite is a rustic but developed hot spring that can be accessed in the winter months only by snowmobile. Take a dip in the natural spring water and revel in the 360 views of Swift Creek Pass, the Gros Ventre mountains, and in the summer months – blooming wildflowers. 

5. Snowmobiling

From groomed trails to scenic trips to wide open powder field experiences, Jackson Hole runs the gamut on access to world class snowmobile terrain. Experienced riders will find themselves right at home with the ability to rent a snowmobile here in town and take off to the surrounding natural landscape or choose from one of the many guiding companies to show you the way. Whether your goal is to see wildlife, soak in hot springs, visit Yellowstone National Park, or play in powder the options are seemingly endless. Togwotee Mountain Pass, considered some of the best powder snowmobiling in the country, is located just one hour from the town of Jackson and offers incredible views of the Tetons and Absaroka Range. 

6. Camping

Camping is a favorite past time of visitors and locals alike through the summer and fall months in Jackson Hole. The options range from right outside of town to more remote but there is no shortage of beautiful places to pull in for the night and throw up your tent. Curtis Canyon, Shadow Mountain, and Mosquito Creek are three of the more accessible free car camping options located near the town of Jackson. To get a bit further away you could try traveling into the Gros Ventre Range towards Slide Lake or heading out along the Granite Creek – both will offer established campsites. For the more adventurous there is a world of backpacking options between Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the national forest areas surrounding Jackson. Whichever route you choose the views are sure to please. 

7. Biking

One of the best ways to explore Jackson Hole is on two wheels. There is a world of cycling with Jackson’s Friend of Pathways bike path system that will take you around town and into Wilson, Wyoming. Explore Jackson Hole Mountain Resort of Grand Targhee Resort’s mountain bike parks for some downhill riding or hit some of the local favorites like Munger Mountain or the Cache Creek trail system for a cross country experience. There are also the unbeatable views of riding on the bike paths within Grand Teton National Park or even further north to Yellowstone National Park.

8. Fly-fishing

Jackson is home to some of the best fly-fishing throughout the Western U.S. The Snake River, Green River, Grey’s River, and Salt River play the perfect host to whole range of options for fly-fishing day trips, whether floating in a drift boat or walking along the banks. The lakes within Grand Teton National Park are perfect for beautiful mountain views and the chance to view some local wildlife. A little further out from the town of Jackson, visitors can also choose to explore the Hoback River, Pacific Creek, or Granite Creek.

9. Snow-shoeing and Nordic Skiing

For those looking for an alternative to downhill skiing when planning a visit to Jackson Hole, snow-shoeing and nordic skiing are popular winter activities that can provide additional access to the surrounding natural beauty. Within Teton County itself there is a wide sweeping trail system that receives regular upkeep and maintenance. You could rent some equipment from a local gear shop and head out on your own or opt for a guided adventure to take you into some of the more pristine locales within the valley. Read about Jackson Hole’s extensive trail system here.

10. National Elk Refuge

The National Elk Refuge is located just north of downtown Jackson and was created back in the 1900s to protect the habitat and provide a standing sanctuary for one of the largest Elk herds on earth. The refuge spans a total of 24,700 acres and borders both Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger Teton National Forest. Throughout the fall Elk migrate to the refuge and winter on the plains getting relief from the accumulating snow in the surrounding hills and mountains. The refuge offers an incredible chance to view local wildlife and watch the sunset over the Teton Range.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village Wyoming offers world-class skiing and access to the Tetons that are unbeatable throughout the winter months. The steep terrain, sidecountry access, and variety in ski runs draw thousands of people each year to experience what the locals cherish and call home. What visitors might not know about Teton Village before arriving is the liveliness of the apres ski, restaurant, and music scene. After a long day of hitting the slopes any of these favorite Teton Village hot spots are sure to keep you entertained.

Situated directly next to the Aerial Tram at the base of the mountain, the Caldera House offers some of the best dining throughout Teton Village. This intimate boutique hotel is home to both the South Cable and Old Yellowstone Garage restaurants with some of the best beers on tap and cocktails around. South Cable is the perfect spot for a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or apres beer to get you on and off the slopes without fuss, while Old Yellowstone Garage offers an old-world Italian style menu with perfect views of Teton Village to end your day.

The Mangy Moose Saloon is one of Jackson Hole’s best music venues and it is conveniently located at the base of Teton Village. With eclectic mountain decor and a western saloon feel, the Mangy Moose has live music almost every night of the week and has played host to a variety of national musical acts. Names like Sam Bush, Brandi Carlile, Yonder Mountain String Band, Blues Traveler, and Taj Mahal have all taken stage there, in addition, the local acts that play regularly. Check out their events calendar to see what’s playing during your visit. https://www.mangymoose.com/live-music

The town of Jackson Hole is home to a surprisingly large number of Thai restaurants – but by far the best of them is Teton Thai, located in Teton Village just a short walk or shuttle ride from the Aerial Tram. The restaurant is tiny, with a small bar and just a few indoor tables in the winter months, but the food speaks volumes – keeping visitors and locals coming back year after year. Dishes like the Dumpling Soup or the Panang Curry will warm you up after a chilly day on the hill. The Sake and the employees laughing behind the bar will make you feel at home and satisfied. 

When driving into Teton Village you will likely see the gas station situated directly behind the main parking lot in front of the tram. What you might not realize is that this gas station is actually the Bodega, a one-stop-shop for delicious grab and go food, a huge assortment of craft beer spirits and carefully selected wines, a small intimate bar, locally sourced products, and groceries. The brainchild of the Fine Dining group (the restaurant group responsible for some of the best restaurants in Jackson) the Bodega is one of those places unique to Teton Village that can really do no wrong. Grab a sloshy (a favorite local boozy frozen drink) or hit the food truck for some amazing eats while you meander around the village.

Check out our other favorite Hot Spots below…

The Handle Bar https://www.michaelmina.net/restaurants/the-handle-bar/

Il Villaggio Osteria https://jhosteria.com/

Piste Mountain Bistro https://www.jacksonhole.com/piste-mountain-bistro.html

The Bar at Continuum https://www.continuumjh.com/drink-and-eat/

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Looking to explore beyond the town of Jackson and Teton Village? There are plenty of great sights to see and adventures to take just outside of town even during the winter. Whether you are interested in snowmobiling, riding on a heated snow coach, or getting some exercise cross country skiing or snowshoeing, there are a number of great winter tours in Jackson Hole to get you out and about regardless of the weather. 

Snowshoeing & Cross Country Skiing

If you are not into downhill skiing, or want to take a day off to get out have a more serene experience among the mountains, then a cross country skiing or snowshoeing tour may be right up your alley. Hole Hiking Experience offers a few different tour options to choose from, ranging from 2 hours to 6 hours, and the option to choose between snowshoes or cross country skis. The tours take place in both Grand Teton National Park and surrounding national forest. Another option is to simply rent cross country skis or snowshoes and explore on your own, or take a leisurely ski on the park road. 

Snowmobiling

There are a variety of snowmobile tours to take in the surrounding areas of Jackson, the main areas being Yellowstone, Togwotee, Gros Ventre, and the Granite Hotsprings. Scenic Safaris offers a number of tour options, with their main attraction being Yellowstone tours, to either Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon. These tours are full-day and include several stops along the way, with a high chance of seeing wildlife, not to mention the amazing hot springs and landscape of Yellowstone. Togwotee Mountain Lodge offers tours as well including the Granite hot springs tour where you can take a nice long soak after your ride, or the Brooks lake lodge tour to stop and have a nice lunch and coffee or hot cocoa. 

Snowcoach Tours

Snowcoach tours are perfect for those that are looking to see Yellowstone without having to be exposed to the elements for the majority of the trip. Stay warm on your trip and hop out at key stops along the way to get a closer look. The snow coaches are either custom equipped with snowmobile like treads or just hefty snow tires made for winter excursions. Brushbuck, Scenic Safaris and Teton Science Schools all offer great options for Snowcoach Tours to Yellowstone. Snowcoach tours are the best way to see the most possible attractions in one trip.

If you come to Jackson and simply take a look around it’s not difficult to picture yourself in this majestic place with the one you love. There is an abundance of places to take in the cites, dine, and adventure in the outdoors together. Here are some of the most romantic getaways to take your love on your getaway to Jackson in the winter season.

Elk Refuge sleigh ride is one of the most unique experiences in town. The National Elk Refuge consists of 24,700 acres. The winters are harsh so a refuge was established in 1912 in order to help the elk and many other species get through by providing supplemental feeding. The horse-drawn sleigh takes you right up to the elk herd. The elk and the horses are comfortable together so the sleigh doesn’t spook them. It’s such a rare opportunity to see the elk up close. Taking photos and videos are encouraged but keeping your voice down, your phone off and staying in the sleigh at all times is required. This intimate experience is the perfect romantic getaway and unlike anything else in the valley.

Private sunset or sunrise wildlife tours are incredible opportunities for you to have an intimate adventure together. Jackson’s wildlife is remarkable with elk, bear, bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and many more species. Both sunset and sunrise are when the animals are beginning to either bed down for the night or waking up to begin a brand new day. Wildlife tour guides in Jackson are familiar with the native species and their habitats with great respect and knowledge to share.

The Granary Restaurant at Spring Creek Ranch at the top of the East Gros Ventre Butte has it all. The dining has been called “upscale mountain-man cooking” by Bon Appetit magazine and has something delicious for everyone. The views are breathtaking with a full Teton range from their dining room. The atmosphere they provide their guests are truly memorable. 

The Blue Lion Restaurant is another unforgettable fine dining experience in the Jackson area. The lamb chops are the most popular item on their menu and never disappoint. The facilities are more intimate with a cowboy guitarist serenading the guests as they dine in a cozy cottage right in the Town of Jackson. The waitstaff is attentive and knowledgeable and make you feel right at home.

Another unique and rare outdoor adventure is a snowmobile ride to Granite Hot Springs just 30 miles south of Jackson. The road to the hot springs is not plowed in the winter for a car to travel but it is groomed for snowmobiles, cross-country skis, fat bike or dog sleds that can surely make the 10-mile trek. The windy road is long but just beautiful with the winterscape. Once you make it to the Granite Hot Spring you will see steam rising from the spring just over a wooden bridge. You pay a soaking rate for adults $8, change into a bathing suit in their changing rooms and jump right into the natural springs that get up to 112 degrees in the wintertime. Surrounded by the winter wonderland and soaking in this thermal pool is a relaxing experience to share with your love.

No matter your interests Jackson has so much to offer lovers as they take a romantic getaway to have some quality time together.

Winter is in full swing here in Jackson Hole and the snowy Teton range is the perfect backdrop for the holiday season, regardless of what you celebrate. If you plan on being here this holiday season there are a number of events that you won’t want to miss out on. 

12 Days of Christmas at the Wort

The Wort Hotel, just a short saunter from the town square, transforms into a Christmas miracle each year with decorations and lights throughout the building. The hotel hosts its annual 12 Days of Christmas ongoing event from December 7th through the 31st (Technically 24 days, but who’s counting). Starting with the Holiday Street Party Chamber Mixer, which features Glenwood street lighting with Santa, and wrapping up with the New Years’ Eve Party with One Ton Pig bluegrass. For the full list of events including an ugly sweater party visit The Wort’s website.

Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides

Take a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge just outside of the Town of Jackson and get up close and personal with our resident elk friends. The sleigh rides run from mid-December through early April departing 3-4 times per hour 10 am-4 pm daily, herd and weather conditions permitting. Reservations are not required but recommended during the holidays, groups will be shuttled from the visitors center where tickets can also be purchased the day of. For reservations call 307-733-0277.

Appearances by Santa

As mentioned previously, Santa will be in attendance for the Glenwood street lighting, but aside from that, he will also be showing his face on Town Square every night starting December 15th until the 24th from 5-7 pm at the Stage Shop building.  Santa will be making another stop at The Wort Hotel for breakfast, on December 22nd, doors open at 9:30 am with first come first serve seating, reservations required and can be made by calling 307-733-2190. 

Santa will also be swinging by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and rappelling from the Tram on Christmas Eve. On Christmas day he will also be available to ski with on the Teewinot lift between 11 am and 1 pm.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Torchlight Parades

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain and Grand Targhee each hold their own torchlit ski ceremonies, with fireworks, shows that follow shortly after. Snow King’s parade has been going strong since the 1950s as skiers slowly make their way down the mountain with a torch in hand, with the parade beginning at 6:15 and fireworks starting at 7. 

In Teton Village, at JHMR the festivities are similar with an additional glow worm parade for children holding glowsticks, starting at 5:30, followed by a traditional torch procession by JHMR employees and a Fireworks show below in the village commons.

Grand Targhee also has a children’s glowstick parade starting at 4:30 and the adult torchlight event begins at 5:30.

Spring in Jackson Hole is a light hearted and easy going time of year. The temperatures have started to rise, skiing conditions are still at an all time high, and the spirit of the locals and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of reverie and joy – having just made it through the coldest of the winter months. March in Jackson Hole can offer some of the best snowfall of the year – or those dreamy bluebird days that make you want to apres vous like there is no tomorrow. Regardless of the weather, the events around the town and the resort make spring time one of the best times to visit Teton Valley and its surrounding majesty.

Music Under the Tram Concert Series

Starting the first week of March Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers a weekend concert series set up right underneath our beloved Aerial Tram. Spend the day hitting the slopes then partake in a free outdoor concert to kick back, relax, and soak in the sunshine. 

Rendezvous Festival

The last weekend of March brings the annual Jackson Rendezvous Festival, now in its seventh year. Rendezvous Festival is a three day, spring lifestyle and music festival taking place in both Teton Village and the heart of downtown Jackson from March 27-29th. Current and national acts such as Grace Potter or Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, take the stage at both locations and contribute to the spirit of slopeside parties and events that make this time of year one not to be missed.

Wildlife and Scenery

Spring in Jackson Hole can be one of the best times to visit our neighboring national parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone, as temperatures rise and the parks begin to come alive again before summer. Wildlife safaris or snowmobile tours offer an extremely unique way to experience the local wildlife and scenery with the help of experienced guides. Take an evening sunset wildlife safari into Grand Teton and experience the Tetons at one of the best times of day when wildlife becomes most active. Or try a snowmobile tour into Yellowstone and experience Old Faithful at a time of year when most people won’t get to see it. 

Jackson Hole Demo Fest

Jackson Hole Demo Fest takes place at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort from March 7-8th and offers skiers and snowboarders the unique opportunity to try out next year’s line the ski industry’s favorite brands at a low cost.