Grand Teton National Park is a summer destination in the minds of many visitors, but a snowy winter in the Park holds an allure all of its own.
Be sure to check out our Winter Guided Tours page!
Lodging and Reservations
Loding in Grand Teton National Park
Once the inner park road closes for the winter, campgrounds within Grand Teton National Park shut down between September and October and stay closed until May or June (depending on the campground), but there are still lodging options within just outside the park. Both Triangle X Ranch (located just off of HWY-89/191) and Dornan's Spur Ranch (just south of Moose near Phelps Lake) provide rustic-styled cabins.
Lodging in Jackson, Wyoming
If you decide to stay in Jackson Hole, or one of Jackson Ski Resorts lodging options, book your rooms in advance, especially if you're travelling during one of the holiday weeks.
Jackson Hole Lodging Options
Getting Here
Most winter visitors fly directly into the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). Many Jackon hotels offer airport shuttles and a public bus service makes it easy to get around town. Less expensive flights are sometimes found into Idaho Falls (IDA) but keep in mind that a rental car is necessary to drive the roughly 1.5 hours to Jackson.
View Transportation Options
Winter Gear Rentals
Whether you plan on skiing at one of the local downhill resorts, cross-country skiing through Grand Teton National Park, winter camping or doing a winter ascent of a Teton Peak, your winter vacation might end up being a bit more gear-intensive than a quick summer weekend trip. Luckily, a number of shops provide affordable rentals.
Outdoor Gear Shops & Rentals
Full Day Suggestions
Cross-Country Skiing
With the main Park roads closing down for the winter, cross-country skis are one of the prime ways to explore Grand Teton National Park while it's covered in snow. Teton Park Road is groomed for skiing, and there are a number of other winter trails throughout the Park as well (GTNP's Cross Country Skiing Brochure). If you don't have your own equipment, or don't want to bring it with you, numerous shops in Jackson offer cross-country ski rentals.
More Info on Cross Country Skiing in GTNP
Download the GTNP Cross Country Skiing Brochure (PDF)
Cross Country Ski Rentals
Snowshoeing
If cross-country skiing doesn't tickle your fancy, pick up a pair of snowshoes from any of the local rental shops instead and head out to the mountains to explore.
Take a Ranger-Led Snowshoe Hike from December through March - Call (307) 739-3399
Ski the Village
Just south of Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (‘The Village') has made itself known as one of America's premier skiing destinations. Whether you're a beginning skier or a hard-charging gnar hound, you'll appreciate the terrain, snow and sheer size of this mountain. Rentals and lodging are available at the base of the resort.
Tickets, Rentals & Lessons at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Contact the resort directly at 307-733-2292
Ski Grand Targhee
If the crowds and prices at Jackson are a bit too much for you, take a drive over Teton Pass and spend a day skiing at Grand Targhee Ski Resort. Targhee is much more of a family-friendly resort than Jackson, with plenty of intermediate terrain, and boasts over 500 inches of snow a year. If you feel like pampering yourself, spend a half-day or full day cat skiing on Peaked Mountain.
Tickets, Lessons & Rentals at Grand Targhee
Contact Targhee at 307-353-2300
Mountaineering
A winter ascent of one of the Tetons many peaks is no mean undertaking, and guide services within Grand Teton National Park are limited during the winter months, so be sure that you have the proper skills and gear before attempting a summit. If you'd rather go on a guided trip, local guide companies do offer trips in the surrounding forest service land.
Jackson Hole Mountain Guides - 307-733-4979
Exum Mountain Guides - 307-733-2297
Dog Sledding
Dog Sled Tours are available at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, south of Jackson along Granite Creek (ending at Granite Hot Springs), and along the vast terrain of Togwotee Pass.
Find a local Dog Sled Tour
Snowcoach Tours
It's a bit of a drive up to Yellowstone, but the chance to see this National Park in the winter from the back of a snowcoach shouldn't be missed. With most of the Park roads closed, you'll see a different side of Yellowstone, minus the crowds and noise. Once you reach Old Faithful, you can spend the night at the Lodge before heading back, or just make your excursion a one-day affair. Most snow coach tours start and end at Flagg Ranch, at the northern end of Grand Teton National Park.
Find a Snowcoach Tour
Half-Day Suggestions
Visit the Elk Refuge
The National Elk Refuge contains the world's largest wild elk herd, and during the winter season (mid-December to early April) there's no better way to visit the Refuge and see the herd up close than with a winter sleigh ride.
Contact the Visitor Center (307-733-9212) for more information and to sign up.
Snowmobiling
Nearby Towgotee Pass is a hot spot for local (and not-so-local) snowmobilers. Bring your own sled or rent one and explore on your own or with a guide. Just be ready to rev the throttle and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
Find a Snowmobile Tour
Paragliding
Sign up for a tandem paraglide from the top of the Jackson Hole Tram, an exhilarating ride above the Tetons and Grand Teton National Park. It doesn't get mcuh better than that.
Call 307-739-2626 or visit JH Paragliding for more information and to make reservations.
Tubing
At the end of each afternoon, Snow King Mountain offers kid-friendly (and adult-friendly) fast-paced fun on their tubing hill. No reservations required.
Evening Entertainment
Watch a Moose Hockey Game
Jackson Hole's very own USAHA hockey team keeps the action and the puck moving every Friday and Saturday night at the Snow King Arena. Even if you're not a hockey fan, Moose games are guaranteed fun. Tickets are just $8/adult and $3/child.
Visit the Moose website for more schedules and more information.
The Hootenanny at Dornan's
This Monday night open-mic event is hosted every week at Dornan's (just south of the Park in Moose) by Bill Briggs, the first man to ski off the Grand Teton. Music starts at 7pm. Call 307-733-2415 for details.
Wine Tasting at Dornan's
If you're in Grand Teton National Park for the first Sunday of the month, be sure to come into Dornan's for their monthly wine tasting. Just $10/person will open your palate to a variety of wines and open your pocket for a $5 coupon off a bottle of wine. Corks pop at 6pm. Call 307-733-2415 for details.
The Stagecoach Bar
Located at the base of Teton Pass, a night at the Stagecoach will find everyone from backcountry skiers just finishing a lap of the Pass to old-time cowboys to just-visiting Floridians sitting down for a drink and standing right back up to join in Disco night (every Thursday) or country swing (Sunday nights).
Jackson Hole Town Square
Once snow begins to fly, Jackson Hole's signature elk antler arches are lit up with holiday lights, giving a festive air to downtown. Come walk through the arches, play in the snow and visit the many restaurants, bars and shops.
Dining
Although you won't find dining option in Grand Teton National Park, there are plenty of dining options in Jackson Hole.
Jackson Hole Restaurants
Related Packages
We offer a variety of summer vacation packages. View ALL Packages.
