Best Time to Visit Jackson Hole: Winter
Winter Tours in Jackson Hole & Grand Teton National Park
Experience the Magic of Winter in the Tetons
Winter transforms Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park into a snow-covered wonderland where wildlife, scenery, and adventure converge in unforgettable ways. Sparkling frost on cottonwood branches, fresh powder blanketing the valley floor, and the towering Teton Range standing in sharp relief against crisp blue skies create some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America.
For those seeking an authentic experience of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, winter offers something truly special. Guided winter tours in Jackson Hole allow you to witness wildlife highly adapted for life in the snow, explore the quiet serenity of the parks, and enjoy the comfort of traveling with professional naturalist guides who bring the season to life.
Why Visit Jackson Hole in the Winter?
Winter in Jackson Hole is both peaceful and dramatic. As summer visitors fade and the snow deepens, the valley takes on a quiet calm that feels like stepping into a snow globe. For wildlife, winter is a season of survival, and their movements are more concentrated, making sightings frequent and rewarding.
Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters: Elk, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, foxes, and bald eagles are commonly seen in winter.
Snow-Covered Scenery: The Tetons are at their most photogenic, rising above a pristine white valley.
Peaceful Atmosphere: With fewer crowds, you’ll enjoy solitude at scenic overlooks and along the snow-packed roads.
Unique Seasonal Events: The elk refuge sleigh rides are exclusive to the winter months, as is access to the National Wildlife Refuge while on tour.
Winter Wildlife Highlights
The colder months bring some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the region. Animals are easier to spot against snowy backdrops and often congregate in lower valleys, making sightings frequent.
- Elk: Thousands migrate from their summer habitat at high elevation down to the National Elk Refuge, where they are visible in large herds.
- Moose: Found browsing willow stands and riverbanks, often close to roads.
- Bighorn Sheep: Winter is rut season, and rams can be seen sparring on rocky outcroppings.
- Bison: Their thick coats collect snow and frost as they forage in meadows.
- Foxes & Coyotes: Small predators are active, often seen mousing in deep snow.
- Eagles & Hawks: Bald eagles and other raptors are abundant in the valley.
Our guides help you interpret animal behavior and ecology, ensuring every sighting becomes part of a larger story about survival in the wild.
Scenic Beauty: Winter in the Tetons
While wildlife is the main draw for many winter visitors, the scenery alone is worth the journey. Snowshoe tracks cut across untouched meadows, hoarfrost sparkles in morning light, and sunsets cast a pink alpenglow across the peaks. Whether you’re photographing the Tetons standing guard over a frozen Snake River, or marveling at the stillness of snow-covered forests, the beauty of winter in Jackson Hole is unmatched. Come for the skiing, but stay for the views.
Guided Winter Tours in Jackson Hole
Our winter tours are designed to immerse you in the beauty, wildlife, and culture of the season:
Half-Day & Full-Day Wildlife Safaris: Travel through Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge with expert naturalists.
Photography Safaris: Capture snow-draped landscapes and wildlife with guidance from a professional wildlife photographer.
Private Tours: Tailored experiences for families, photographers, or couples seeking a custom adventure.
Multi-Day Safaris: Extend your journey to explore Yellowstone’s winter landscapes in the Lamar Valley and watch for wolves – prime spotting season for this apex predator.
Planning Your Winter Trip
Best Time to Visit: December through March offers the most consistent snow and wildlife activity.
Weather: Expect frigid mornings (single digits or below zero) and afternoons in the 20s–30s °F. Dress in warm, layered clothing, designed to wick sweat and keep your body dry and warm.
Crowds: Winter is the quietest time in the parks, providing an exclusive and serene experience.
Access: While some park roads close, our tours navigate open routes that still deliver incredible wildlife and views.
Book Your Winter Safari Today
A winter tour in Jackson Hole is one of the most memorable ways to experience the Tetons. With professional guides, luxury vehicles, and premium optics provided, you’ll explore in comfort while connecting deeply with the season’s natural wonders.
Book your winter safari today and discover why so many travelers call this the most magical time of year in the Tetons.
Guest Favorites
Enjoy a guided National Park tour with our professional naturalist guides on one of our highlighted tours in the region…
Half Day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari
This safari gives our guests an opportunity to take in the history, landscape and wildlife of Grand Teton National Park in only 4 hours. Our professional naturalist guides know exactly when to spring to action and will focus on the best habitats in the valley for as many iconic species they can spot. Common wildlife sightings are birds, moose, elk, bison, and bighorn sheep. With our HD Optics you will be able to see animals that are near or far, and get an incredible close up look at these wild creatures. You will also get a chance to visit the National Elk Refuge, where wintering wildlife is concentrated during the winter months, all under the incredible impressive peaks of the Teton Mountain Range.
Public Safari
Private Safari
Grand Teton Wildlife Safari
This full day safari offers a slowed down and more intimate experience with Grand Teton National Park’s wildlife and landscapes. Guides will make sure to explore as much of the park and the National Elk Refuge as possible throughout this day and will visit more than just the iconic sights and viewpoints. Our guides carefully select stops to set up and view wildlife, and they will use this opportunity to also showcase wildlife tracks and sign that help illustrate the greater story of wildlife in the ecosystem. Lunch is provided at a local eatery. From early morning to mid- afternoon, you will have opportunities to enjoy wildlife sightings, historic homesteads, glacial lakes and backroads that take you to some of the best unknown places in the valley.
Public Safari
Private Safari
I took a half-day private tour on Christmas morning with a really experienced guide. It exceeded every expectation I had! We saw an incredible among of wildlife. 10/10 recommend if you’ve never been to Jackson Hole in the winter and want to get a lay of the land and mark places where you can find wildlife. My trip wouldn’t have been nearly as fruitful without this experience.
FAQs
What wildlife can I expect to see in winter?
Winter is excellent for elk, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and foxes. Bears are hibernating, but predators like coyotes remain active.
Are winter tours in Grand Teton National Park family-friendly?
Yes. Our tours are designed for all ages, with comfortable heated vehicles, flexible pacing, and engaging interpretation from guides. Children 8 years of age and older may join us on any of our guided tours. If you are travelling with children under 8 years of age, please book a private tour.
What should I wear on a winter tour?
Dress in layers designed to keep you warm and dry. Wool, or synthetic materials work best. Make sure to have insulating layers as well as a wind-blocking/water blocking shell. Pair this with waterproof boots with ample traction and don’t forget to wear a winter hat and winter mittens (or gloves).
Do tours run in the snow?
Yes, we operate tours daily. Our guides are used to navigating snow-covered roads and adjusting tours to accommodate variable conditions. Safety is always prioritized, so if any changes need to be made to ensure the safety of guests and guides, you will hear from us directly, prior to departure. There are many factors we consider, such as ambient temperature, road closures, weather forecast, and road conditions. For the safety of our guests and guides, we will not operate tours in dangerous conditions.
Is Yellowstone National Park accessible in winter?
Most park roads are closed to vehicles during the winter months. If you book well in advance, you can arrange transport into the park on over-snow vehicles via the south entrance or the west entrance. From the north entrance, travel through the Lamar Valley is possible, and our sister company, Yellowstone Safari Co., operates daily tours during the winter months. You can also arrange for a 3 Day Winter Wildlife Safari with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, where we will explore Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park for premium wildlife watching in the winter months.
Guides and Staff
Our Team
Local, experienced, and passionate guides and photographers.
National Parks Gallery
All photography has been shot by our talented tour guides.
