Adventure Guide: Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is a great place for good skiers, and even better for good skiers who want to raise good skiers! The skiing in-bounds is off the hook, and backcountry is a whole other league. And you can heli ski if conditions warrant. If you don't ski or are injured, there are a myriad of activities off-piste.
Stay
The Snake River Lodge is less expensive and more casual than some higher-end offerings. We love the kitschy wooden bears everywhere, kids love the indoor-outdoor pool, and it is central to everything. And a stay in the top suite (complete with lots of wild west memorabilia) is less than a single room at the Four Seasons. The spa and ski rental staff know their art, so take advantage. It is also ski-in (and walk-out).
Four Seasons is the most lux with ski concierges, ice cream cones for the kids and warm shots for adults in the outdoor pool, a formal and informal apres scene, a top-notch spa, and gorgeous, if not expensive, rooms.
Hotel Terra is a fan favorite with excellent rooms (some have kitchenettes) and spa amenities. It is also home to one of the best restaurants in Jackson (see below).
Some people like to stay off-mountain at the Amangiri, which is halfway to town. It is all an Aman should be, but I like the buzz and convenience of being on the mountain.
Do
Skiing
Jackson is known for its double black terrain. It is well worth it to get an instructor to learn the ins and outs of the mountain as there are lots of secret spots and stashes.
Corbett's Couloir is the ultimate challenge on-piste, and there are several more minor challenges (like Meet Your Maker) to see if you are up to the task. You want to take advantage of local knowledge on a powder day to find all of the little stashes.
The Hobacks and Ten Sleep Bowl are fantastic when conditions are good.
The Alta Chutes are leg burners for more aggressive skiers.
What Jackson is especially known for is its out-of-bounds skiing. Jackson Hole embraced the terrain a few years back and now offers several options for guided backcountry skiing. We do advise taking a guide, or an Avi Pack at the very least, as the avalanche danger is very real, even though the gates are open.
Besides Skiing
There is a Cross Country Ski and Snow Shoe center right in Teton Village.
The snowmobiling tours are epic. Ride through Grand Teton and see moose, elk, and wolves race through glades and around corkscrew mountain paths and dine lunch at a truck stop seemingly in the middle of nowhere. You can also tour Yellowstone.
The Alpine Roller Coaster in town at Sky King is a blast for an early evening or daytime folly.
Jackson Ecotours offers wildlife tours by van. Their knowledgeable guides take you out to see the rich ecosystem in Jackson, including wolves, moose and bighorn sheep.
Take a sleigh ride into the Elk Preserve (fun for the little ones), all within 20 minutes of the hotel. Combine this with a trip to the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
The Shooting Range in Jackson offers a ton of fun for those who want to play shoot 'em up and do target practice with various guns in a safe environment.
Eat & Drink
Teton Village
Teton Thai is on top of everyone's list- the food, the vibe, the owners- it's all good. Rent the place out on an off night and bring in a DJ for a special occasion. They do not take reservations. Order out to avoid the long waits but still enjoy the pad thai.
Il Villaggio Osteria at Terra is a great lunch or dinner option for dependable Italian in a cozy atmosphere. Order lots of share plates as the apps and the pizzas are divine. If you have a large group, reserve the private dining room.
Spur at Jackson Lodge is an excellent stop for lunch. Just good, dependable, all-American food.
The Mangy Moose is a staple for live music, apres and big family dinners with those of all ages. No gourmet delicacies here- but good for comfort food.
Alpenhof Lodge has a fun, more local apres scene upstairs and downstairs hosts Swiss comfort food and fondue dinners perfect for families.
The Handle Bar at Four Seasons is fun for lunch with a pretty good take on American bar food.
Corbett's Cabin is a must-stop at the top of Bridger Gondola for a snack or breakfast of Waffles made to order.
In Town
The Bunnery is a great breakfast spot (lunch, too).
Snake River Grill is the gold standard. Like Cache Cache in Aspen, everyone has to try it once.
Silver Dollar Bar is a fun cowboy bar with saddle bar stools and live country music, and it makes for a great night out.
Bin22 and The Kitchen are two other standout restaurants in town.
Shop
Rodeo has the best curation of stylish clothing, gifts and fun jewelry.
The main square in Jackson hosts lots of small shops with trinkets and western gear. The antler arch is a must-do photo op.
Nomad Sports in Teton Village is a well-curated ski shop, and you can get some great deals during spring break.
Most hotels in Jackson have rental shops with a good selection and knowledgeable guides.