When people think of Jackson Hole in winter, skiing is usually the first thing that comes to mind.
But after spending six days exploring Jackson Hole in December without ever putting on a pair of skis, we discovered that this Wyoming mountain town has so much more to offer.
From riding a mountain coaster through the snow-covered trees and tubing down a mountain at Snow King to snowmobiling through Bridger-Teton National Forest and soaking in a natural hot spring surrounded by snow, Jackson Hole gave us the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and winter magic.
Add in incredible restaurants, cozy downtown streets, holiday lights, and unforgettable wildlife experiences, and it’s easy to see why Jackson Hole is one of the best winter destinations in the United States.
If you’re looking for a Jackson Hole winter itinerary without skiing, this guide covers exactly how we spent six days exploring the area.
Jackson Hole Winter Itinerary Overview
Trip Length: 6 days
Best Time to Visit: December–February
Where We Stayed: Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole
Do You Need a Car? Yes, we recommend renting one
Perfect For: Couples, families, and anyone visiting Jackson Hole without skiing
Our 6-Day Jackson Hole Winter Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Jackson + Downtown Jackson + Jackson Drug
Day 2: Snow King Mountain Triple Play Pass + FIGS
Day 3: Snowmobiling to Granite Hot Springs + Hand Fire Pizza
Day 4: National Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride + Downtown Jackson
Day 5: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram + Corbet’s Cabin
Day 6: Breakfast, shopping, and departure
Why Visit Jackson Hole in Winter If You Don’t Ski?
Jackson Hole is famous for skiing, but skiing is only one part of what makes this destination special.
Winter brings a completely different side of Wyoming. The mountains are covered in snow, wildlife gathers in the valley, and downtown Jackson feels like a cozy winter escape.
Some of the best things to do in Jackson Hole in winter include:
- Snowmobiling through snowy mountain landscapes
- Visiting natural hot springs
- Taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride through elk herds
- Riding the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram
- Snow tubing and riding a mountain coaster
- Exploring downtown Jackson
- Enjoying incredible restaurants
- Experiencing Christmas in Jackson Hole
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or simply want to experience Wyoming in winter, Jackson Hole is worth visiting even if you never ski.
Where We Stayed: Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole
For our trip, we stayed at Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole and loved it as our home base.
The hotel had everything we wanted for a winter trip: a cozy lodge feel, comfortable rooms, free parking, and a convenient location just minutes from downtown Jackson.
After spending full days outside in the cold, it was nice coming back to a warm and comfortable place to relax.
The location was also ideal because we could easily drive into town for dinner, shopping, and exploring Town Square while still staying somewhere quiet.
Day 1: Arrive in Jackson Hole & Explore Downtown Jackson
After flying into Jackson Hole Airport, we picked up our rental car and made the short drive into town.
One of the first things you’ll notice about Jackson Hole is how beautiful the scenery is—even the drive from the airport feels like part of the experience.
After checking into our hotel, we headed downtown for our first evening in Jackson.
Dinner at Jackson Drug
Our first stop was Jackson Drug, a classic downtown restaurant known for burgers, fries, milkshakes, and an old-fashioned soda fountain atmosphere.
After traveling all day, it was exactly what we wanted.
After dinner, we walked around Town Square to see the famous elk antler arches and enjoy the Christmas lights.
During December, downtown Jackson feels like something out of a holiday movie with snow-covered streets, glowing lights, and mountain views in every direction.
Day 2: Snow King Mountain Triple Play Pass
If you’re visiting Jackson Hole without skiing, Snow King Mountain is one of the best places to spend a winter afternoon.
We purchased the Triple Play Pass, which includes:
- Scenic chairlift ride
- Snow tubing
- Cowboy Coaster
This ended up being one of our favorite days of the trip.
Scenic Chairlift Ride
We started with the scenic chairlift ride to the top of Snow King Mountain.
Even without skiing, it’s worth visiting the mountain just for the views.
From the top, you can see downtown Jackson, the valley below, and the surrounding snowy peaks.
Snow Tubing
Next, we tried snow tubing.
This was such a fun activity because it requires no experience and is something almost anyone can enjoy.
The best part? The magic carpet makes getting back up the hill easy, so you can spend more time enjoying the ride.
Cowboy Coaster
The Cowboy Coaster was easily our favorite part of Snow King.
You control your own speed as you wind down the mountain, making it as relaxing or exciting as you want.
We weren’t sure what to expect, but it ended up being one of the biggest surprises of our trip.
Dinner at FIGS
After a full afternoon outside, we finished the day with dinner at FIGS.
The Mediterranean-inspired dishes and cozy atmosphere made it the perfect place to unwind after a busy day.
Day 3: Snowmobiling to Granite Hot Springs
If we had to recommend one unforgettable Jackson Hole winter experience, it would be snowmobiling to Granite Hot Springs.
This was easily one of the most unique adventures of our trip.
We spent the day riding snowmobiles through Bridger-Teton National Forest, surrounded by snowy forests and mountain scenery.
The highlight was arriving at Granite Hot Springs.
There’s something surreal about sitting in warm mineral water while surrounded by snow-covered mountains and freezing temperatures.
It felt like the ultimate Wyoming winter experience.
After a long day outside, we headed back into Jackson for dinner.
Dinner at Hand Fire Pizza
Hand Fire Pizza was the perfect casual meal after snowmobiling.
The wood-fired pizzas were exactly what we needed after spending the entire day outdoors.
Day 4: National Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride
One of the most unique things to do in Jackson Hole during winter is visiting the National Elk Refuge.
Every winter, thousands of elk migrate into the refuge, and visitors can take horse-drawn sleigh rides directly through the herd.
Seeing hundreds of elk surrounded by snowy Wyoming scenery was an experience we’ll never forget.
The combination of wildlife, mountains, and winter landscapes made this one of the most memorable activities of the trip.
Tip: Dress warmer than you think you need. The sleigh ride gets cold!
Afterward, we headed back into town.
Lunch at Liberty Burger
We stopped at Liberty Burger for lunch before spending more time exploring downtown Jackson.
This was a great afternoon to slow down, browse local shops, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of town.
Day 5: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Without Skiing
Even if you don’t ski, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is still worth visiting.
The main reason?
The views.
Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram
The aerial tram takes visitors nearly 4,000 vertical feet to the top of Rendezvous Mountain.
The views from the summit are incredible.
Standing above the snowy Tetons and looking across the valley was one of those moments where you stop and appreciate how beautiful Wyoming really is.
Corbet’s Cabin
At the top, make sure to stop at Corbet’s Cabin.
The cabin is famous for its waffles, and after trying one ourselves, we understand why it has become such a popular stop.
After returning down the mountain, spend some time exploring Teton Village before heading back to Jackson.
Dinner at Local Restaurant & Bar
For our final night, we enjoyed dinner at Local Restaurant & Bar.
If you want to try Wyoming favorites like steak, elk, or bison, this is a great place to experience local flavors.
Day 6: One Last Morning in Jackson
Before heading to the airport, we spent one last morning enjoying downtown Jackson.
We grabbed breakfast, walked around Town Square, and did some last-minute shopping before making our way back to Jackson Hole Airport.
Six days felt like the perfect amount of time to experience the best things to do in Jackson Hole in winter without feeling rushed.
Where We Ate in Jackson Hole
During our trip, these were some of our favorite restaurants:
- Jackson Drug
- FIGS
- Hand Fire Pizza
- Liberty Burger
- Local Restaurant & Bar
- Glorietta Trattoria
Jackson Hole Winter Travel Tips
Do You Need a Rental Car in Jackson Hole?
Yes, we recommend renting a car.
While downtown Jackson is walkable, many of the best winter activities require transportation.
What to Pack for Jackson Hole in Winter
Bring:
- Waterproof winter boots
- Warm layers
- Gloves
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Hand warmers
- Warm socks
The temperatures can drop below freezing quickly, especially during outdoor activities.
Book Activities Early
Winter is a popular time to visit Jackson Hole.
We recommend booking ahead for:
- Snowmobiling tours
- Elk Refuge sleigh rides
- Hotels
- Rental cars
Is Jackson Hole Worth Visiting in Winter Without Skiing?
Absolutely.
Jackson Hole is one of those destinations where the scenery alone is worth the trip, but the experiences make it unforgettable.
From snowmobiling through forests and soaking in hot springs to seeing thousands of elk and exploring a snowy mountain town, there is no shortage of things to do in Jackson Hole without skiing.
For us, this trip proved that Jackson Hole isn’t just a ski destination—it’s a year-round adventure destination that deserves a spot on your winter travel list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Jackson Hole during winter?
We recommend 5–6 days. This gives you enough time to experience the major attractions while still having time to relax and enjoy downtown Jackson.
What are the best things to do in Jackson Hole without skiing?
Some of the best non-skiing activities include snowmobiling, hot springs, elk sleigh rides, the aerial tram, snow tubing, mountain coasters, and exploring downtown Jackson.
Is December a good time to visit Jackson Hole?
Yes. December is especially magical because of the Christmas lights, holiday atmosphere, and snowy scenery.
The Traveling Two 
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