Waffles on the mountaintop and wildlife safaris: 7 family-friendly things to do in Jackson Hole during winter
This gem of a destination is a gateway to Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest and, just a bit farther to the north, Yellowstone National Park. While the high season might be summertime with its verdant valleys and bountiful sunshine, don’t overlook the winter season in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Whether it's your first trip or you are a repeat visitor to this special place, there are plenty of local activities to keep you and your kiddos busy — even if you don’t ski.
Related: How to plan an epic road trip through Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks
National parks and wildlife safaris
A must for any trip to this part of the country is a visit to the national parks, and from Jackson Hole — you are in luck — Grand Teton National Park is 15 minutes north of downtown Jackson, and Yellowstone is about an hour north. In fact, Yellowstone was the first national park to be designated and protected in 1872, long before the National Park Service was established in 1916. Known for its famous geyser, “Old Faithful,” the park is open year-round, but during the winter months, some roads are open only to commercially-guided snow coach and snowmobile tours.
If visiting both parks is on your list, be sure to purchase the America the Beautiful National Parks pass for $80 — valid for a year, it allows you unlimited visits to all national parks in the U.S. and can easily pay for itself when visiting both of these parks over multiple days.
Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris has been offering guided private and small group tours since 2007. Our half-day private tour was arranged through the Four Seasons Jackson Hole, and it was nothing short of amazing. We counted 10 different species of wildlife throughout the day as we drove through Grand Teton National Park and into the National Elk Refuge. Our guide, Lee, formerly a Yellowstone biologist, pointed out elk, bison, moose, mule deer and more.
Each time we had a sighting, he would stop the vehicle, set up the Swarovski spotting scope and let us take photos. I am not a wildlife photographer, but with Lee’s help, I took a photo of a ram, pictured above. Even my 8-year-old approved of the tour and enjoyed spotting animals.
Mountaintop waffles and gondola rides
Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling or sleigh rides. You can do it all in this area.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village offers skiing and riding, and also operates lifts, gondolas and an aerial tram. Lift tickets are available on the website, and the resort honors major ski passes, as well. If planning a visit, be sure to check the website and see if you can score the Golden Ticket — 50% off lift tickets for skiers and snowboarders who own a valid 2023-24 season pass from resorts around the world, available on select dates.
Lessons and camps are also available if you or your kids are new to skiing and snowboarding. The trail status and grooming reports are posted daily on Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s website.
Ever had a waffle at 10,450 feet elevation? Don’t miss the chance if you’re in Teton Village. Take the aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain to Corbet’s Cabin for a sweet treat and amazing views of the mountains and valley below. Be sure to bundle up, though, if you aren’t skiing down; it gets pretty chilly that high up.
Art imitates (wild)life
The National Museum of Wildlife Art — just 2 1/2 miles north of downtown Jackson — is a world-class museum showcasing more than 5,000 artworks representing wild animals from around the world and overlooks the 25,000-acre National Elk Refuge.
Works by prominent artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Robert Kuhn, John James Audubon and more are featured, while the permanent collection chronicles the history of wildlife in art from 2500 B.C.E. to the present. The museum also offers an interactive children’s gallery for the youngest visitors. Adult admission is $18, and children 4 and under are free.
Outdoor ice skating
There’s something magical about skating at night under a string of twinkling lights. Take a spin on the ice in two locations — outdoor ice rinks are set up for the winter season in both Teton Village in front of the Hotel Terra and downtown Jackson in the town square. Skate for $18 per person, including skate rentals.
See the Milky Way
Jackson Hole and the national parks are dark sky areas with relatively little light pollution and a high elevation, making viewing the night sky an absolute must. Wyoming Stargazing, a 501(c)3 organization that advocates for the preservation of the night sky and education, offers free public stargazing events on Thursday nights. You can also book private stargazing tours and night photography classes in Grand Teton National Park.
Coming soon (June 1, 2024) is North America’s first ski resort observatory and planetarium at the summit of Snow King Mountain Resort. Accessible by gondola, the observatory will house one of the world’s largest telescopes — a 24-foot AstroHaven dome featuring an awe-inspiring 1.0-meter PlaneWave telescope.
Where to stay and spa
So many properties are family-friendly and pet-friendly in the Jackson Hole area. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back just about everywhere, so you really can’t go wrong with any of these standout properties that offer services and amenities to make for a memorable and relaxing stay.
Teton Village
A boutique property at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with 132 rooms, Hotel Terra is the first LEED-certified hotel in Teton Village. The hotel boasts a full-service spa to relax after a day of skiing and a rooftop outdoor hot tub to soothe tired muscles. Enjoy house-made pasta and brick oven pizzas in the on-site restaurant, Il Villaggio Osteria. Be sure to save room for dessert and order the decadent Nutella cheesecake (or take it to go for later).
The luxurious Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole offers 152 guest rooms and suites with cozy fireplaces, plus the only ski-in/ski-out restaurant — the Handlebar — at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village. Residences of two to five bedrooms offer a home away from home feel, and the resort’s ski concierge can assist with equipment rentals or storage of your own gear while on property. The year-round heated pool with three, hot-spring-shaped whirlpools is a great way to relax after a day on the slopes or book an Alpine Glow Rejuvenating body wrap, which helps reduce muscular inflammation and soothes dry skin.
Jackson
Just blocks from the historic Jackson Town Square is Snow King Resort, the town’s largest full-service resort and spa, offering 203 guest rooms at the base of Snow King Mountain Resort. The resort unveiled a new 9,000-square-foot Grand View Spa in the summer of 2023, featuring six treatment rooms, an infrared sauna, a scenic outdoor deck and hot tub, and Wyoming’s first halotherapy salt lounge.
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TPG featured card
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.