First Timer's Guide
If you've found your way to this page, we're presuming you've never been to Jackson Hole. Most of the information below is located somewhere else on this site - links are provided where appropriate, but all of the basics are below, in one convenient spot. First things first, Jackson Hole is a uniquely beautiful, special place - unlike any ski destination in the world - and we're excited to share it with you for the first time...
How do I get to Jackson?
Travelling to Jackson Hole during the winter has never been easier. The Jackson Hole airport has daily non-stop flights from seven US Cities on Delta, United, American, and Northwest Airlines. If you happen to live in any of the direct flight cities - Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, or Los Angeles - then you're one flight away. Everywhere else (in the world - almost literally) connects to one of these cities. Easy.
Once you're here, things don't get much more complicated. Jackson Hole is a flat valley surrounded by mountains. No mountain passes or canyons to negotiate, no city or highway traffic to stress you out... The airport is located in Grand Teton National Park, so fight (or ask nicely) for a window seat on your flight into Jackson. It's a view you'll never forget.
Travel Links - Flying to Jackson - Getting Around Once You're Here - Air-Inclusive Vacation Packages - I'd Rather Drive
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Local Geography 101
Jackson Hole is a name that can refer to several things - the general area, the town, and also the ski resort. This often causes confusion at the beginning.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (the reason you're reading this) is the ski area, located in Teton Village. Jackson generally refers to the Town of Jackson, twelve miles from Teton Village. Jackson Hole is the valley - a broad, flat plain, approximately sixty miles long and fifteen miles wide - that runs from Hoback Junction in the South to Jackson Lake and Togwotee in the North. It encompasses the Town of Jackson, Teton Village, and Grand Teton National Park. It'll all make sense once you're here, if you can take your eyes off the scenery.
Important to know: the Jackson Hole Airport is about 15 minutes from the Town of Jackson; Teton Village & Jackson Hole Mountain Resort are about 20 minutes from town.
What's the weather like?
Like any mountain environment, the weather in Jackson Hole can vary greatly (and rapidly) during the winter. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort averages 459" of snow each winter, but remember that's an on-mountain measurement. The valley receives less snow each winter, but there will be snow on the ground all winter long, so plan accordingly. The roads are rather flat and generally well-plowed, so if you're thinking of renting a car, know that driving in the winter is relatively easy. It's not uncommon for us to get inversions, where the on-mountain temperature is actually warmer than at the base or in the valley. In any case, plan to be in the mountains - during the winter - where the weather can vary, but no more so than any other high alpine location.
Weather Links - NOAA Forecast for Teton Village - Snow Report - Average Temps and Precipitation
Where Should I Stay?
There are three distinct lodging options in Jackson Hole - in the Town of Jackson, in Teton Village, or in between town and the Village. Each option has its own benefits, depending on what you're looking for. Staying in town is nice if you want a wide variety of shopping and dining choices, and don't mind driving or riding the bus to Teton Village to ski each day. Teton Village hotels, condos and homes are located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and are quite convenient if skiing or riding is your top priority. Staying in between Jackson and Teton Village is a hybrid of the two - closer to town for shopping and eating, and just a short drive or bus ride from Teton Village. Your best bet is to talk with a reservation agent at Jackson Hole Resort Lodging (800.443.8613) or Jackson Hole Central Reservations (888.838.6606) and let them help you figure out the best option based on your preferences.
Lodging Links - Vacation Packages - JH Resort Lodging - JH Central Reservations - Book Your Vacation Online
How is the skiing - will it be too hard?
It’s a little known fact that Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is as great a place for learning to ski as it is for cruising, long intermediate groomers. Beginner and intermediate trails make up 50% of our terrain, meaning that our non-advanced/expert terrain acreage (1250 acres) is larger than many ski resorts' total terrain. Yes, we're known for the Aerial Tram and expert terrain, but they're only half the story, with the Bridger Gondola and Apres Vous Quad accessing the mellow side of the mountain. We highly recommend lessons with our Mountain Sports School, and if you're looking for a little more challenge, you might consider a Steep & Deep Camp or Backcountry Guide. Whether you're just getting started or can't remember how long ago you made your first turns, skiing or snowboarding Jackson Hole is an experience you won't soon forget...
Skiing & Snowboarding Links - Trail Map - Mountain Sports School - Kids Ranch - Wild West Camps - Backcountry Guides
Should I rent skis or bring my own?
The airlines aren't making it any easier or less expensive to check bags (especially skis and snowboards) - and we appreciate that skiers and snowboarders LOVE their gear….but this is the year we are going to advise you to leave your equipment at home. Avoid the hassle of traveling (and paying for) your gear on the airlines, choose equipment that's designed for the terrain and conditions at Jackson Hole, and have it ready to pick up in a ski-in, ski-out location. To make the deal even sweeter, JH Sports is offering a 20% discount if you book your skis online before you arrive. So to make a long story short - rent!
Still determined to bring your own boards? JH Sports also has a shipping service that will receive your gear, give it a wax and tune and have it ready for you slopeside upon arrival. They'll also make sure your equipment gets packed and boxed carefully, and ship it back to you.
Rental Links - Jackson Hole Sports - Hole in the Wall Snowboard Shop - Ski & Board Rentals - Rent Online and save 20%
What about the kids?
We promise our programs will completely surpass your expectations! The Kids Ranch is based out of a slopeside center that's convenient for families with one handy location for drop-off and pick-up. Fun teaching tools such as the TRAM GANG ensure that it's easy for kids to relate and learn while having fun.
We pay attention to the important stuff - our Kids Ranch lunches only serve free range and natural meat, as we know a child’s health means everything. Our dedicated child care and teaching professionals love to spend time with kids of all ages and their energy is contagious!
The Kids Ranch offers daycare programs for children 6 months to 3 years, ski and snowboard lessons for kids of all skill and age levels, and camps for the older kids (through 18 years). If you prefer to ski with your children all day, but want to go out in Teton Village or Jackson on your own, the Kids Ranch also offers a Kids Night Out program. We're pretty sure your children will thank you for a vacation in Jackson Hole!
Kids Links - Kids Ranch - Kids Map
More questions? Call us at 307.733.2292 or email us with whatever's on your mind.
