If you love skiing, adventure, or the Wild West, you've heard of Jackson Hole.
Made up of Jackson, WY, and other small towns, this is a stunning valley tucked in the "hole" formed east of Wyoming's Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains. It's surrounded by Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and Yellowstone National Park, making it a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts.
Adventure is everywhere in Jackson Hole. Whether you're looking for steep, powdery slopes, scenic mountain climbing, or rugged cowboy bars, the valley offers a blend of bygone-era charm and upscale resorts. Here's a guide on unique things to do in Jackson Hole to help you plan your next hiking trip, ski outing, or other open-air activities.
Population: Approximately 10,000 (in Jackson)
Elevation: 6,200 feet (mention town and summit)
Average Annual Snowfall & Sunshine: 200+ days (sunshine) 458 inches (snowfall)1
Nearest Airports:
Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA): distance
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): distance
Best Times to Visit:
Winter: skiing
Summer: hiking
Spring & Fall: wildlife viewing — minus the crowds2
*Pack layers in your Topo Designs Travel Bag regardless of season — mountain weather changes rapidly.
Jackson Hole is accessible by car and plane. The Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is 15 minutes from downtown Jackson and ideal when arriving from most major U.S. cities. If you're driving, you'll likely use Wyoming Highway 22 from Idaho, Highway US 191 from the south, or Highways US 89/191 and US 26/287 from Yellowstone.
In Jackson, there are hotel shuttles. To save money, try the START Bus, which offers free in-town travel and affordable access to Teton Village. In the summer, a shuttle takes visitors to Grand Teton Park for a small fee, plus park entry fees.
Snowfall in the winter makes Jackson Hole a popular destination for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding.
In spring, summer, and autumn, some of the best things to do in Jackson Hole include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and viewing birds, wolves, elk, and bison. The Snake River also offers opportunities for rafting and trout fishing.
If luxury skiing is on the itinerary, stay in Teton Village for its 2,500-acre Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Snake River Lodge, Gravity Haus, and The Alpenhof are some highly rated hotels. For lively nightlife and dining, choose lodging in downtown Jackson. The town is home to The Rockwell Inn, Hotel Jackson, and Elk Country Inn. There are also rugged accommodations that embody Wyoming's Western charm, such as Moose Creek Ranch, Cowboy Village Resort, and campgrounds and RV parks.
Don't want to feel like a tourist? We’ve got you covered.
To eat like a local, grab breakfast at the cozy Cowboy Coffee, Business Insider's pick for Best Coffee Shop in Wyoming. Big Hole BBQ — big on Reddit, so you know it's good — is popular for its burgers and pulled pork, so it's our choice for a filling meal.
For skiing, we like Snow King Mountain for its mix of difficulty levels and stunning Teton views. If you dare, check out Corbet's Couloir, one of the steepest ski slopes in North America. Moose often wander onto ski runs in tree-lined areas, so keep your distance to stay safe.
Ready to pack? At Topo Designs, we make durable and stylish gear for Jackson Hole activities year-round.
For wintertime adventures, dress in warm layers like the Mountain Shirt Long Sleeve, Summit Rise Full Zip Jacket, Waffle Knit Beanie, and Retro Ridge Puffer. A Rover Pack Classic offers 20L of space to carry snacks, navigation equipment, and safety gear when exploring the backcountry.
Temperatures vary in the spring and fall. Choose a Mountain Shirt Jacket, Subalpine Fleece Vest, or Global Jacket for style and light warmth. If you're visiting national parks, take our Sun Hat and Rover Pack.
Like any dry mountain climate, Jackson Hole gets hot days and cool nights in the summer. You'll need light, breathable clothes in the daytime — consider our Desert Shirt and Dirt Shorts. If you're camping or heading into the backcountry, bring jackets for chilly nights, even in peak summer. Don't forget the sunscreen and bear spray!
1Mountain Stats. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Retrieved March 28, 2025, from https://www.jacksonhole.com/mountain-stats
2Jackson Hole Weather & Average Temperatures. Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved March 28, 2025, from https://www.jacksonholechamber.com/plan-your-visit/about-jackson-hole/weather/
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