Winter Activities

Jackson Hole gets hundreds of feet of snow in winter, turning it into a fabulous area for winter sports. The three big ski resorts offer a wide variety of kids' ski programs, from little ones to experienced junior skiers. Skiing and snowboarding isn't the only option, there are horse-drawn sleigh rides in the Elk National Refuge, ice skating, snow tubing, and wildlife excursions. The sight of Jackson Hole valley in winter is spectacular - herds of elk and bison in the snow.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Teton Village) - Kids Ranch offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids ages 3 -17, programs for advanced teenage skiers and snowboarders, and ski camps. Kids' goggle, mitts, helmets and ski rental are available. There's also childcare for infants 6 months - 2 years, Wrangler Pre-ski program for 2 year olds, and in the evening, Kids' Nite Out (pizza, movies and indoor activities). Advance reservations are recommended.
Snow King Resort (Jackson) - Snow King Resort, conveniently situated at the southern edge of Jackson, has a ski school with group and private lessons daily, and rental shop. Everyone in the family will have fun at the " King Tubes" snow tube park, and ice skating rink.
Grand Targhee Resort (Targhee, Idaho) - Grand Targhee typically gets over 500 inches of snow. Located about 40 miles from Jackson Hole, on the western side of the Teton mountains, there's plenty of easy trails for kids. The Ski & Snowboard School has full day ski and snowboard lessons for kids 4 - 16, Kids Club is a combination childcare and private or group ski instruction. Winter Explorers Evening program has snow tubing, movies, star gazing and other activities for kids. Childcare, infants - 5 years old is available also. It's a good idea to reserve in advance.
Horse drawn sleigh rides - In winter, the National Elk Refuge is filled with thousands of migrating elk who spend the winter season here. Go for a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh into the refuge, for close-up views of the elk, as well as other wildlife and birds. Rides last about an hour, daily (except Christmas), start in December and typically go through to April. Buy tickets for the sleigh rides at the Jackson Hole Visitors Center in Jackson.
Ice skating - In Jackson, go ice skating at the indoor rink at the Teton County Fairgrounds, or the outdoor rink at the Snow King Resort.