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Nestled against the epic backdrop of the Teton Mountain Range lies the majestically rustic town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Known for its wild western charm, abundance of outdoor adventure, and proximity to two national parks, this legendary destination has earned the nickname “the last of the Old West.” Whether you’re an avid skier carving first tracks through deep powder or a wildlife enthusiast hoping to spot elk, moose and even wolves in their natural habitat, Jackson Hole promises exhilarating experiences at every turn.
From its early roots as a rural trading settlement to its modern influx of tourists, entrepreneurs and extreme athletes, Jackson continues to capture imaginations with its towering peaks, wooded valleys and western romantics. Some visit simply to surround themselves with the area’s palpable pioneer spirit and stoic natural beauty. Others come to push physical limits while hiking, biking, paddling and especially skiing and snowboarding Jackson’s famously steep terrain. Regardless of why you go, the Crown Jewel of the Rockies is sure to leave you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Without question Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the main attraction for most winter visitors. Recognized as one of the top ski destinations in North America, "JHMR" boasts over 2,500 skiable acres, 4,139 feet of vertical (one of the highest in the country) and an average annual snowfall of 400 inches. These stats translate to absolutely legendary terrain including expert only chutes like Corbet’s Couloir as well as wide open intermediates, tree skiing and towering groomers. The recently updated aerial tram carries 100 skiers at a time to the summit of Rendezvous Peak in just 9 minutes so you can make fresh first tracks all over the mountain on even the busiest days.
While advanced and expert skiers flock here for the steeps and deep powder stashes, beginners also have fantastic options to learn. Whether you take advantage of the ski school and adult group lessons or simply stick to the designated slow zones, newbies can master the basics with confidence before trying more difficult terrain at their own pace. Families also rave over Jackson Hole Mountain Resort thanks to incentives like free skiing for kids under 6 years old and kids 12 and under skiing for $59 including rentals all season long. Mom and dad can even ski with children in on-mountain private lessons for a reasonable $179 a day.
Après Ski Bliss in Jackson Town
Snowy range ski area - family enjoying skiing
When you finally call it quits for the afternoon and head back down the mountain, Jackson Hole town happily welcomes weary skiers and riders with craft beer, live music and western hospitality. Grab a seat by the towering antler arches on the town square to recoup and enjoy exceptional people watching. Boutique shopping, sleigh ride dinners and relaxing spa treatments also tempt those looking to unwind, while the rowdier crowds flock to watering holes like the infamous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar with its saddle seat bar stools. No matter how you choose to revive yourself for the next powder day, Jackson Town delivers a lively base camp experience.
Nearby National Parks
Road to National Park.
Beyond the ski slopes, Jackson Hole offers prime access to two beloved national parks: Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Grand Teton sits just minutes outside of town, inviting visitors to explore over 200 miles of hiking trails past crystal clear lakes, wildflower meadows and extraordinary wildlife. Pronghorn antelope, bald eagles, river otters, moose and black bears all call the park home. With any luck you may even catch a glimpse of the rare gray wolf or reintroduced bison herd.
Yellowstone National Park also boasts epic scenery and wildlife viewing just an hour and a half north of town. Famous landmarks like Old Faithful and the rainbow colored Grand Prismatic Spring dazzle travelers, while hiking trails past mudpots and steam vents unique to Yellowstone reveal the park’s wild geothermal activity. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive wolves, lumbering grizzly bears and huge herds of bison roaming grassy valleys and plateaus. Summertime visitors should note that parts of Yellowstone can be inaccessible during winter months due to heavy snow, so be sure to check current accessibility if visiting between November and April.
Wild West Adventure Activities
Beyond skiing and wildlife viewing, Jackson serves up practically endless outdoor adventure. Snowmobilers can access extreme backcountry terrain only reachable on snow machines, while dog sledding camps teach visitors to mush their own teams. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing also allows you to immerse in peaceful evergreen forests just steps from downtown.
Once spring hits and temperatures warm, the Snake River surges with whitewater rafting thrill seekers taking on raging rapids like Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna. Fishermen flock here to cast lines for trophy sized trout, while hikers and mountain bikers explore hundreds of miles of trails including those inside nearby Jedediah Smith Wilderness. Tack on horseback riding, hot air ballooning, rodeo nights and even barnstorming vintage biplane rides and it’s clear Jackson Hole serves up no shortage of western adventures.
Where to Stay
With its growing popularity, Jackson Hole now boasts a wide variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Ski-in/ski-out resorts like Four Seasons Jackson Hole and Hotel Terra Jackson Hole put you steps from JHMR’s slopes and offer five star luxury complete with fine dining, full service spas and hot tubs ideal for post-mountain recovery. The area also provides ample condo rentals and cozy slopeside cabins for families and groups. Other amazing Jackson Hole hotels include: Elk Country Inn. Wyoming ski resorts are some of the best in the nation.
Budget travelers can bunk affordably at one of several motel chains in town or choose a room at the Hostel or Alpine House Hostel. Vacation home rentals through VRBO and Airbnb also secure visitors gorgeous log cabin digs often complete with incredible views of the Tetons. Whether you crave luxury hotel pampering or prefer the charm of an Old West cabin retreat, Jackson Hole has the perfect place to hang your hat.
No matter how you experience it, the Crown Jewel of the American West is sure to make a lifelong impression with its wild and wonderful blend of rugged beauty, western culture and boundless adventure. From extreme terrain to thriving wildlife to legends that come alive in valley saloons, Jackson Hole stands proudly as the quintessential claim to Old West authenticity. So leave the real world behind, wrangle up your inner cowboy spirit and escape to this Wyoming wonderland where freedom and frontier adventure thrive in the towering Teton shadows. Just be warned that once you roam this western paradise with its towering peaks and wide open landscapes, bidding farewell may prove harder than wrangling a wild stallion. Perhaps that’s why so many find themselves returning again and again to the last of the Old West...
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