Winter in Jackson Hole is known for skiing, but there is a lot to do beyond the resort. If your group includes non-skiers, you are planning rest days, or you simply want variety, these off-mountain winter activities make it easy to enjoy winter in every kind of itinerary.
Use this guide to build a trip that works for skiers, non-skiers, families, and mixed groups, with ideas that stay flexible across winter conditions.
Jump to: Hot springs, Wildlife tours, Snowshoeing, Cross-country skiing, Fat biking, Snowmobiling, Sleigh rides, Ice skating, Explore town, Indoor activities, FAQs
Relax at Hot Springs
Hot springs are one of the most popular off-mountain winter activities in Jackson Hole. Naturally warm water paired with winter scenery makes them a comfortable, low-effort way to spend time outside without technical gear or prior experience.
They add a great balance to an otherwise active trip. Plan them for rest days or an afternoon when you want to slow the pace while still experiencing winter in the valley.
Our Hot Springs Guide breaks down the difference between Astoria and Granite Hot Springs, and offers tips on access, reservations, what to expect, and what to bring.
Photo courtesy of Visit Jackson Hole.
Wildlife Winter Tour
Winter is one of the best times to spot wildlife in the Jackson Hole area. Animals often move to lower elevations, and the quiet season can make viewing feel especially memorable.
Outpost partners with Backcountry Safaris to offer guests exclusive discounts on guided winter wildlife tours and other offerings. Book your rental today to access your code!
Explore our in-depth guide to winter wildlife viewing to learn what to expect, what to bring, when to go, and about guided tours.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is one of the simplest ways to get out into the landscape. It’s beginner-friendly, low cost, and easy to fit into a half-day plan. For a classic winter experience, many visitors head into Grand Teton National Park to explore areas around Bradley and Taggart Lake.
In-town spots like Emily Stevens Park offer an easy way to snowshoe without committing to a longer drive, making it a great option for more flexible winter days. For convenient access to these town-adjacent trails, homes on the Westbank provide a great home base for snowshoeing and other off-mountain winter activities.
Our snowshoeing guide covers where to go, guided tours, rentals, what to wear, and where to stay for easy access.
Photo courtesy of Visit Jackson Hole.
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is one of the most accessible winter activities in Jackson Hole, especially for visitors looking to explore the valley without skiing downhill. Unlike resort skiing, it avoids lift tickets and crowds, and many routes follow flatter terrain that feels approachable for beginners. One of the most popular options is the groomed Teton Park Road, which offers a quiet, scenic trail for cross-country skiing in winter and offers a unique way to experience Grand Teton National Park.
For easy access to the park and trailheads, exploring our homes North of Town.
Explore our cross-country skiing guide for trail suggestions, guided tours, rental options, and planning tips.
Fat Biking
Fat biking has become increasingly popular in Jackson Hole thanks to equipment designed for winter conditions. Wide tires provide stability on snow-packed trails, and many rentals include winter-friendly features like insulated handlebar mitts.
Our fat biking guide breaks down where to ride, where to rent bikes, what to wear, and how to plan your day.
Photo courtesy of Visit Jackson Hole.
Snowmobiling
For a faster-paced winter activity, snowmobiling offers access to wide-open spaces and expansive views. Guided tours take you across groomed trails and through winter landscapes that feel remote and sprawling.
Backcountry Safaris also offers guided snowmobile tours, and Outpost guests receive exclusive discounts on these experiences. Book your stay to access the discounts!
Read our Snowmobiling Guide for tour details, gear tips, and planning advice.
Photo courtesy of Visit Jackson Hole.
Sleigh Rides
A historic and uniquely Jackson experience, a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge is a family-friendly winter tradition. Large horse-drawn sleighs carry visitors across frozen meadows where thousands of elk spend the winter.
These guided rides are slow, scenic, and educational (a nice contrast to the adrenaline of downhill skiing) and offer memorable close-ups with wildlife in a beautiful winter setting.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is an easy, classic winter activity to add to any Jackson Hole itinerary. Downtown, the rink on Jackson Town Square offers a nostalgic winter setting with lights, music, and a lively atmosphere that works well for all ages.
For a different backdrop, the rink at Teton Village pairs skating with mountain views and a more resort-style feel. Both options are simple to fit into an afternoon or evening and don’t require much planning, making ice skating a great complement to other off-mountain winter activities.
Photo courtesy of Visit Jackson Hole.
Explore Town
Spending time in town is an easy way to balance outdoor activities during a winter trip. Downtown Jackson is compact and walkable, making it simple to explore coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, and local boutiques at a relaxed pace. Some of our favorite spots include Snake River Roasting Co Cafe for coffee, pastries, and Jackson merch, and Made for the obligatory Jackson keep sake.
For visitors wanting to stay close to the action town has to offer, explore our homes in Downtown Jackson.
Indoor Activities
Sometimes the best winter days include a break from the cold, and Jackson has plenty of indoor activities worth building into your itinerary. Museums, shops, and wellness options provide a comfortable way to experience the area while still feeling connected to its culture and landscape.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art is a standout, offering exhibitions inspired by wildlife and the natural world, along with family-friendly programs throughout the winter. The Jackson Hole History Museum provides insight into the valley’s past and is an easy stop during a town day. For families, Teton Toys is a favorite winter stop, while Jackson’s spas offer a warm, restorative option for adults looking to unwind after time outdoors.
FAQs
Is Jackson Hole worth visiting in winter if you don’t ski?
Yes. Jackson Hole offers a wide range of off-mountain winter activities, including wildlife tours, hot springs, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and scenic access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
What are the best winter activities in Jackson Hole without skiing?
Popular non-skiing activities include hot springs, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, fat biking, winter fly fishing, and exploring town.
Can you visit Grand Teton National Park in winter?
Yes! While some roads are closed to vehicles, the park is accessible by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and guided winter tours, offering a quieter experience with epic views.
Is winter in Jackson Hole too cold to enjoy outdoor activities?
No. Many winter activities are designed for cold conditions, and outfitters provide gear that makes spending time outdoors comfortable and manageable.
What are the best family-friendly winter activities in Jackson Hole?
Sleigh rides on the National Elk Refuge, ice skating in town or the village, wildlife tours, and museum visits are all great options.
Are there indoor activities in Jackson Hole during winter?
Yes. In addition to museums and galleries, downtown Jackson offers shopping, restaurants, and coffee shops that are ideal for colder days.
