Preparing for a Trip to Jackson Hole – The Nine Things You Need to Know Before You Go

You need adequate planning to make the most of your Jackson Hole vacation. It’s a place where you’re likely to spend most of your time outdoors. So before booking a trip, there are some things about the area that you should know.

Jackson Hole is more than a skier’s paradise.  It’s an outdoorsman’s haven, given its unique location. And you can visit any time of the year and still have a blast. But where is it exactly, you ask?

Jackson Hole is an area bordered by two of the most beautiful nature parks in the world. That’s why you can explore both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. And there are so many other sights, too. So, it offers a bit of everything all year round.

That said, there are some important things to know about Jackson Hole before going there.

1.   Embrace the Off-Season

It doesn’t matter where you plan to go on a vacation. Everyone knows that off-season prices are lower. And in the case of Jackson Hole, the differences can be significant. The months of April, May, September, and October are favorites for budget travelers.

It’s best to avoid rush seasons if you only want to take pictures, hike, and explore the area on your own.

Keep in mind that everything can get very expensive during the summer. That’s due to Jackson Hole’s unique positioning between two of the most impressive national parks. But for the winter season, the prices are OK if you want to go skiing.

2.   Have UV Protection on You All Year Round

Sunlight can be just as harmful in the winter. And, since there are lots of things to do in Jackson Hole that involve the outdoors, you should make it a point to wear protection. The sun can be unforgiving, especially at higher elevations.

Most would recommend that you have on your protective clothing and sunscreen at all times. And that includes riding the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort aerial tram in the winter.

3.    Pack Plenty of Clothes

Having different layers with you is very important. You may not know this, but temperatures there vary wildly year-round. You can even experience temperature changes of 30 degrees intraday in the spring.

Things get a lot more capricious in the winter, with intraday temperature changes of between 40 and 80 degrees. So, having a change of dry clothes and extra layers is essential.

4.   Consider Hiring a Guide

Grant Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are to the opposite sides of Jackson Hole. The landscape can be futuristic, lush, and, most of all, unlike anything else. But you can’t explore much of it alone. It’s easy to get lost in an area so vast.

It’s even easier to accidentally skip over important sights if you rely strictly on a map. A local guide can take you safely to where you want to go. And since there are plenty of treacherous hikes, it’s best to make preparations.

5.   Have Plenty of Room on Your Camera

If you want to preserve your memory of Jackson Hole, bring a camera or two. It’s one of the best places in the US to take pictures, make movies, and so on. And it’s a real shame not to take the highest resolution photos possible.

You’ll especially want to have a camera on you if you take the aerial tram. And when you go skiing, a helmet cam is almost a must if you want to document your adventures.

Sure, you can always revisit Jackson Hole. But why not make the most of it while you’re there? This simply makes sense even if you’re not a professional content creator or Instagrammer.

6.   Buy Good Skiing Gear

Of all the things to do in Jackson Hole, skiing is one of the most popular. That’s owing to the fact that the region has plenty of challenging slopes and courses. Because of this, you may want to reevaluate your gear before you book a winter vacation.

Quality boots with great grip on icy terrain are essential. You should also have clothing that protects you from subzero temperatures. It can be freezing even on a sunny day due to the chilly winds.

7.    Consider Travel Options in the Area

Jackson is pretty much the heart of Jackson Hole. It has most of the accommodations in the area, as well as restaurants and stores. And it’s also home to the highly-rated Snow King Mountain Resort.

Teton Village is 12 miles away from where the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is. While you can land in Jackson, you still need to take the bus to Teton Village if you don’t want to travel in your own car. It’s also a good idea to carry some cash on you, too, as you won’t be able to use a card to pay for everything.

8.   Plan Your Accommodations Based on What You Want to Do

Both Jackson and Teton Village cater to tourists all year round. However, you need to know what each has to offer before you book your trip.

Teton Village is the main destination for skiers. It’s right at the base of the mountains, after all. And it has more ski resorts, guides, and instructors.

In contrast, Jackson is a lively town with plenty of things to do. It makes more sense for general tourists with varied interests. There is also more dining variety in this town, including farm-to-table places. Jackson also has more shopping outlets if you want to take something back for your family and friends.

9.   Wear Comfortable and Durable Footwear

You’ll quickly find out that most of the fun activities in Jackson Hole involve a lot of walking. Whether trekking or hiking up the mountains, you need shoes that will make life easier for you.

The terrain in Jackson Hole and the two national parks can be rugged. Of course, this is precisely why the scenery is to die for. Just to be safe, bring your best hiking boots for the season of your visit.

The Iconic Valley Awaits

If you have an adventurous lifestyle, vising the valley of Jackson Hole is a bucket list activity. Go for Grand Teton National Park or visit parts of the ancient Yellowstone caldera. Most of the landscapes there interestingly look futuristic even if they’re old.

Everything comes together here to create a unique experience. So, pick your month, find convenient accommodations, and get your gear in order.