Jackson Hole Local Guide
With 12 direct flights from cities all over the United States, and an airport situated 15 minutes from town, it has never been easier to get to Jackson. Even better, if you have the Ikon Pass and are taking an extended ski vacation, Jackson is an easy 4 – 5 hour drive from Park City and the Salt Lake Valley. This allows you to ski Solitude, Brighton, Alta, Snowbird, and Deer Valley and easily fly into Salt Lake City International Airport before either taking a shuttle van or rental car up to Jackson.
Jackson Hole Resort sets the bar for skiing in North America. From the Apres Vous chairlift all the way to Corbet’s Couloir, Jackson has a reputation for being one of the most challenging ski resorts around. The best way to access the mountain? The Aerial Tram. The Tram holds 100 people and rises over 4,100 vertical feet to drop you at the top of Rendezvous Mountain, a stagering 10,450 feet above sea level. Once at the top, check out Top of the World Waffles at Corbet’s Cabin and grab a “Gateway,” featuring peanut butter and bacon. You won’t regret it. Take in the views overlooking Teton Village and the town of Jackson before starting your descent on some of the most incredible terrain in the world.
If the resort doesn’t quite seem big enough, or isn’t challenging you the way you thought it might, Jackson Hole also offers unparalleled access to over 3,000 acres of backcountry terrain through seven marked gates. As for snowfall, Jackson Hole is one of the country’s leaders, averaging over 450 inches of snow per season. Not a powder-loving expert? There is plenty of groomed beginner to intermediate terrain for the whole family, including new lifts built for better access to easier terrain.
An additional perk of taking a trip to Jackson is the proximity to two other resorts. Snow King Mountain, located directly in the town of Jackson, is a great alternative to get away from the bigger resort feel. Locally known as the “Town Hill,” Snow King still offers over 1,500 vertical feet and 32 trails spread out over 400+ acres of skiable terrain. If you are up for a short drive, pending the weather, head over Teton Pass towards Alta, Wyoming to find Grand Targhee Resort. Considered by most to be a hidden gem, Grand Targhee averages over 500 inches of snow, has over 2,600 acres of terrain, and even offers cat skiing on-site. With all three resorts close by, a trip to Jackson provides the ultimate winter escape.
Need a break from skiing? Located just outside of famed Yellowstone National Park, the Teton Valley region offers endless outdoor opportunities. In addition, you can’t go wrong with the dining options in Jackson Hole, Wilson, and Teton Village.
Image Credit: Pinky G’s Pizzeria
Jackson is home to one of the most unique off-hill activities, the Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Tour. With full and half day trips available, make sure to book early as spots are limited and sell out fast. Another way to get an adrenaline fix away from the resort is snowmobiling. With everything from short two hour rentals to over 120 mile guided tours, there is something available for everyone. If you are looking to slow it down a bit and take in nature, you must head up to Yellowstone National Park, just a few hours from Jackson, and view the local wildlife from afar. There are numerous companies who will provide “Eco Tours,” complete with van shuttles to and from Town Square all the way out to Yellowstone daily. If you want to stay closer to town on your off day, check out The National Museum of Wildlife Art that overlooks the 20,000 acre National Elk Refuge. You can even explore the refuge on a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
There is so much to do and see in Jackson that you may find yourself forgetting about your appetite. Need a full meal before hitting the slopes? A must-visit is Nora’s Fish Creek Inn, located in the adorable village of Wilson, Wyoming. Nora’s and Wilson are conveniently located nearby Teton Village, and you can’t miss the opportunity to have some of the world’s best pancakes as well as the huevos rancheros with homemade green chili. Which, by the way, was made famous by Guy Fieri on the popular show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Local tip: be sure to get to Nora’s early, especially if going on a weekend day, to avoid a line. Grab-and-go breakfast more your speed? Hop on over to Pearl Street Bagels in downtown Jackson to have a bagel in the car on the way to the mountain.
As your day is winding down, make sure to stop in the Mangy Moose in the heart of Teton Village to find live music and an apres atmosphere second-to-none. Prefer taking in the view at sunset from a heated terrace? For a more formal cocktail, head over to Handle Bar at the Four Seasons Resort.
If you are exploring the town of Jackson, make sure to stop at Local Restaurant and Bar- a favorite spot for an up-scale, but casual lunch or dinner. Out on a date night? You cannot go wrong with a visit to The Kitchen. Known for being one of the top restaurants in the area, The Kitchen offers everything from a proper steak, sushi, to more eclectic seasonal items. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time as this is a popular choice and for good reason. Another spot to check out for a bite and a beer is Thai Me Up/Melvin Brew Pub- the Thaiger Style IPA pairs great with the Pad Thai. Craving pizza? Don’t worry, Jackson has an answer for that, too. Tucked just off of Broadway, Pinky G’s Pizzeria is a local legend. Come here to expand your taste buds by trying the “Funky Chicken,” which is also a Guy Fieri favorite!
Once you have recharged with some food, head on over to Town Square and grab a picture under one of the famous elk antler arches. Start the late night circuit at the Silver Dollar Bar at the Wort Hotel where you will find 2,032 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars sealed into the bar counter. End your night at one of the best ski town bars in the world, The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where you can listen to live music from your saddle, we mean barstool, and even dance the night away on the dance floor. Keep your head up, because you may run into a celebrity or two while you are there. Staying out in Wilson and don’t want to drive? Head on over to the Stagecoach Bar at the base of Teton Pass. Thursdays provide a very popular “Disco Night” and Sundays are reserved for live bands. Enjoy a local beer, fantastic bar bites, play pool, and dance!
Resources:
Public Transportation: https://www.jacksonhole.com/getting-around.html
Jackson Chamber: https://www.jacksonholechamber.com/
Jackson Hole: https://www.jacksonhole.com/
Grand Targhee: https://www.grandtarghee.com/
