Top 10 Winter Activities for Non-Skiers in Jackson Hole
Need to plan a trip that pleases the skiers in your group but also thrills non-skiers as well? Come to Jackson Hole and try our picks for the top 10 winter activities for non-skiers.
Are the skiers and snowboarders in your life clamoring to hit the slopes on a winter vacation this year? But what if you aren't a downhill person? If you don't ski and your group wants to visit a ski resort this winter - make sure you choose a destination like Jackson Hole, where there is plenty to do outside of downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Jackson, Wyoming offers winter activities perfect for families looking to spend some time together, or downhill enthusiasts who are looking to take a break from the mountain and see more of the beautiful Wyoming wilderness. Here are our picks for the top 10 winter activities for Non-skiers in Jackson Hole:
1. National Parks & Wildlife Tours
Take a winter tour through nearby Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, or the National Elk Refuge and enjoy the pristine Wyoming winter landscape from the comfort of a heated snowcoach. These tours offer unparalleled vistas, options to see geological wonders like Old Faithful, and encounters with elk, moose, bald eagles, and more.
2. Snowshoeing or Cross Country Skiing
There are plenty of alternatives to downhill skiing and snowboarding that offer gorgeous winter vistas and a great workout. Snowshoe through one of Jackson Hole’s many powder-covered trails or take a guided snowshoeing trip through a Grand Teton National Park. Cross country skiing offers a low impact workout and a great way to find peace and tranquility of the winter landscape. Cross country skiers can enjoy groomed Nordic tracks or nature trails through Grand Teton National Park. Guided cross country ski trips and snowshoe adventures are available from Eco Tour Adventures and Hole Hiking Experience.
3. Iditarod Dog Sledding Tours
It doesn’t get more authentic than this! A musher guide and a team of Alaskan sled dogs will pull you through the wilderness where you’ll learn about local wildlife and spot deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. Choose from a half or full-day dog sledding adventure. The full-day tours even stop at Granite Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the natural spa-like waters.
4. Snowmobiling
A snowmobile tour in Jackson Hole can take you to beautiful natural settings that are otherwise inaccessible in the winter months. Hang on to your hat as an expert guide whisks you across the winter landscape. Tour Yellowstone National Park, the Gros Ventre Range, Togwotee Pass, or Greys River and visit landmarks like Old Faithful or the Granite Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a relaxing soak.
5. Sleigh Rides
Glide through Wyoming’s stunning winter landscapes in a horse-drawn sleigh. This is a perfect winter activity to get your family into a festive holiday mood. Daytime rides through the National Elk Refuge will get you within 30 feet of majestic elk and you may also see eagles, bison, foxes, and wolves. Or take an afternoon sleigh ride and top off your evening with a delicious fireside meal at Mill Iron Ranch or Spring Creek Ranch. (Photo courtesy of Eco Tour Adventures).
6. Arts & Culture
Nestled into a cliff overlooking the National Elk Refuge, The National Museum of Wildlife Art is a must-see for new and returning visitors to Jackson Hole. This collection details the history of wildlife in art with a focus on European and American painting and sculpture. Art lovers will also enjoy touring Jackson Hole’s more than 25 galleries featuring painting and photography by local and world-renowned artists. Check the schedule of ongoing events at the Jackson Hole Center for The Arts for nighttime fun.
7. Snow Tubing & Cowboy Coaster
Ready to laugh and scream like a little kid again? Snow tubing parks offer hours of winter fun for all ages. Get out and enjoy the snow at Snow King Mountain's tubing park. Rope tows make it quick and easy to get back up to the top of the hill. Remember that snow tube riders must be 42 inches or taller. The brand new Cowboy Coaster at Snow King takes riders up 456 feet and then back down on a thrill-ride of twists and hairpin turns.
8. Tram & Gondola Rides
Jackson Hole is known for its Aerial Tram, which takes passengers from the Mountain Resort to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450 feet. The Tram offers panoramic views of the Teton Mountains, the town of Jackson, the Snake River Valley, and Grand Teton National Park. Warm-up at the top, with world-famous waffles at Corbet’s Cabin. You can also take the Bridger gondola up more than 9,000 feet and enjoy a meal at Piste Mountain Bistro at the top of the lift.
9. Shopping & Dining
Jackson Hole offers a range of shopping and dining options. Spend a day in downtown Jackson exploring historic Town Square, with its iconic antler arches and the nearby stores and restaurants. Don’t miss the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where the seats are saddles, or pop into the Silver Dollar Bar at the historic Wort Hotel where there is live music most evenings. Walk the boardwalks where you’ll find local boutiques, western apparel and gifts, art galleries, outlets, and major retailers. If you are looking to gear up for outdoor fun, then stop by Teton Village’s ski and snowboard stores. Teton Village also offers plenty of additional dining options. Grab an early afternoon drink in Teton Village or downtown Jackson to meet up with skiing friends and take part in the après-ski scene.
10. Spas & Wellness
Nurture yourself inside and out with a visit to one of Jackson Hole’s spas, which offer a range of services and experiences from traditional facials and bodywork, to more comprehensive wellness programs such as guided yoga instruction. Many of Jackson Hole’s spas harness the ingredients and natural beauty of the surrounding area to give you a truly unique treatment. Visitors interested in wellness can also enjoy daily classes at one of Jackson Hole’s yoga or pilates studios.
