Your Guide to Winter Adventure in Jackson Hole, WY

GETTING THERE

Flying into Jackson isn't cheap (nor is any other part of this trip). It's a very small yet awesome airport. When we arrived they were handing out mimosas when you walked in the terminal. Why can't every airport do this? I guarantee everyone would be calmer and care less about missing a flight.

Fun fact - It's the only airport in the United States that's in a national park (Grand Teton).

This is the sign you see immediately leaving the airport area.

RENTAL VEHICLE

We rented an SUV through Hertz ahead of time from the Jackson airport. Obviously, make sure it's 4WD/AWD. The folks in Jackson really know how to handle those icy roads, so you'll want to blend in.

Travel Hack - Ship your ski/heavy winter gear ahead of time to the cabin where you're staying. Ski gear is very heavy and takes up a ton of space, doing this will allow you to have more room in your suitcase. At the end of the trip just make a stop at FedEx and ship it back home. 

WHERE WE STAYED

We stayed at Rendevous Mountain Rentals (specifically, the Granite Ridge Cabins). They were phenomenal and everything you would want in a luxurious mountain cabin retreat. We had a hot tub outside on the deck. There's just something magical about hopping into a hot tub after a long day of skiing with sore muscles watching snow falling around you as you enjoy a beer. Winter wonderland perfection.

Our cabin covered in snow.

SKI EQUIPMENT

A brilliant company called Ski Butlers came to our cabin to outfit us with our ski rental gear. This is the greatest service ever! We're experienced skiers, but going to the ski rental shop and bringing them back where you're staying is always a hassle (plus it smells like feet in there). They arrived at our cabin with everything needed for each person which made it so much easier getting ready to hit the slopes. The return was simple too - we put them outside by the garage and they picked them up.

THE SKIING

We skied all around Jackson Hole. Something you should be aware of is that the terrain is some of the most difficult in the country. Some of the blues are very steep and feel like blacks; plus, there's a lot of trails between the trees if you're looking for something a little more adventurous. You can also take the tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain which is the highest peak at 10,450 feet, and then take the Rendezvous Bowl run down. The view at the top of this peak is unreal. You can even just go up for the view then ride the tram back down if you'd like.

This is the safety message at the top of the tram and before you get to the Rendezvous Bowl :)

SNOWMOBILING

We went snowmobiling two separate, full days arranged through Scenic Safaris.

Day 1: Yellowstone National Park

This was one of the coolest life experiences for me. First off, our guide picked us up in a shuttle bright and early at 6am,  took us to the main ranch where we had a hot breakfast, and then outfitted us with intense snowmobiling gear (boots, one-piece suit, helmet, and gloves). At first, I thought the gear was a bit over the top (after all, I was in my ski gear already) but I was wrong; we actually put their gear OVER our ski clothes. You'll feel like a marshmallow and an astronaut at the same time but will be thankful you're warm. We went 120 miles through Yellowstone and saw wildlife, geysers, springs, and absolutely beautiful views.

Day 2: Togwotee Pass

Very similar to day 1 of snowmobiling with an early start, all the gear, and gorgeous views but what made this different was that we had more freedom. In Yellowstone, there are strict rules that you have to stay on the road, follow the leader style, but here in Togwotee Pass, there were fields and fields of plush white snow where you could just go play around in. It was incredible! One of my sisters got her snowmobile stuck in very deep snow and it took 3 men and a very long time to get it out :)

Stopping along the trail in Yellowstone to check out the view.

RESTAURANTS

The food at these restaurants were delicious:

• Snake River Grill (get the elk steak)
• ll Villaggio Ostrtia
• Spur Restaurant & Bar
• Coulior (at the top of the Bridger Gondola in Teton Village)