Jackson Hole Wyoming Christmas And New Year
Jackson Hole Wyoming Christmas
For several years now, we’ve made the choice to give memories over gifts each Christmas and have never regretted it.
The time together is even more special now that the kids are older and living all over the place.
The hubs has always wanted to go to Yellowstone and the kids always vote skiing so Jakson Hole was the perfect combination for holiday fun! We staye home Christmas day since the holiday season has been wide open and chose to fly out a few days later.
How To Get To Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is located in western Wyoming, about 12 miles from the town of Jackson. The easiest way to get there is by flying into Jackson Hole Airport, which is served by several major airlines. From the airport, you can take a shuttle or rent a car to get to your accommodations. The fresh squeezed miimosas have JAC hitting the top 3 airports in the US for me. The adventure began just trying to get all of our luggage in the trunk. It’s a good thing the drive to our accommodations was not far at all. The afternoon was spent discovering downtown Jackson Hole and then we headed to Mangy Moose for dinner that evening. Mangy Moose is in Teton Village. We loved the fun vibes and the food was delicious. The Wagyu burger was voted by everyone the #1 meal of the night although everything was yummy! It’s a great place to go when you’re headed off the slopes and hungry.
Related: Must Have Airplane Travel Essentials
Jackson Wyoming To Yellowstone National Park
The next morning started early as we headed out for our snowmobile tour. We chose to do the full day tour of Yellowstone and it was the perfect day. It truly felt unreal with all the snow everywhere. In Austin’s words “It felt like we were in a real life Narnia!” We had the chance to see Buffalo, a few deer, Old Faithful, other geysers and lots and lots of gorgeous nature. Lunch was in a heated yurt which was really neat, too. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
We left when it was dark and got back when it was dark so we showered, had dinner and went straight to bed.
Another favorite day was New Year’s Eve. The day was spent shopping and just enjoying the cute downtown area and then we left early afternoon for our sleigh ride. This evening will go down as one of my favorite ways to spend New Year’s Eve. We drove about 30 minutes from Jackson Hole to a private ranch where we were met with these beauties for our sleigh ride.
The hosts were super prepared and met us with warm wool blankets and heated river rocks. That made this cold natured chick super happy and the ride so enjoyable. It was another view of gorgeous nature but we were all wowed when we arrived to the private tented camp. The entire place with firepits, heated tents, the cutest little outhouse (yes, cute LOL) and a dining tent was ours for the evening. We were met with hot chocolate, hot cider and an ahhhmazing charcuterie board to enjoy while exploring. We were able to choose our menus prior. Some had chicken, some steak and some salmon. Everything was cooked to perfection. It was the best meal! After dinner, we relaxed and played a few games before heading back into town.
Timing was perfect because we were able to get back into town in time for ice skating, Around 11:30 PM, the town square transformed for the torchlight parade, This is the coolest display of skiers descending from Snow King Mountain, lighting up the night sky. Be sure to put that on your list. We rang in the New Year at the Silver Dollar. Silver Dollar is located in the popular Wort Hotel and is popular with locals and tourists this time of year. The Million Dollar Cowboy is a cool place to visit, too but the lines were already super long so we opte out of that one.
Jackson Hole's Elk Antler Arch
New Year’s Day was a day where everyone got to spend the day doing what they wanted. The boys went skiing and the girl’s had a spa day.
We were very happy with our choice, I might add. It was a day well spent.
So much fun was had by everyone and I will say that this was one of those vacations where no one was ready to get back home.
These views were hard to leave! Check out our instagram page to see more fun pics.
What To Do In Jackson Hole In Winter
Jackson Hole in winter is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cozy mountain charm. If this has you ready to experience Jackson Hole in Winter, be sure to do add the following things to your list:
Skiing and Snowboarding:
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort:
Known for its challenging slopes and breathtaking views, this resort is a haven for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Snow King Mountain: A family-friendly option with a variety of terrain, Snow King is perfect for both beginners and seasoned winter sports enthusiasts.
2. Sleigh Rides:
Experience the charm of winter with a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Many operators offer sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge, providing an opportunity to see elk in their natural habitat. We LOVED this experience.
3. Snowmobiling:
Explore the backcountry on a snowmobile adventure. Guided tours take you through scenic landscapes, including Togwotee Pass and Gros Ventre Range. Ours included Yellowstone. It’s a long, full day but so worth it!
4. Wildlife Safaris:
Take a guided wildlife safari to spot animals like elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and bison against the stunning backdrop of snow-covered mountains.
5. Cross-Country Skiing:
The Jackson Hole area offers numerous cross-country skiing trails, allowing you to explore the serene winter landscapes at your own pace.
6. Ice Skating:
Embrace the winter spirit with ice skating at the Snow King Sports and Events Center or the outdoor rink in the town square.
7. Snowshoeing:
For a peaceful winter experience, try snowshoeing on the various trails in Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest.
8. Après Ski and Dining:
Unwind after a day of activities at one of Jackson Hole's cozy après-ski spots or enjoy a meal at one of the town's excellent restaurants, which offer everything from hearty mountain fare to gourmet cuisine.
HOMEBODY TAKEAWAYS
Irish Coffees were a staple to help keep us warm during the single digit temps.
This recipe had been added to our homebody collection for the winter.
2 tsp brown sugar
4 ounces of strong coffee
1 1/2 ounces of Irish whiskey
lightly whipped heavy cream
