The family ski trip over the holidays is a postcard-perfect tradition. But what about those of us who just aren’t born to shred? In Jackson Hole, you don’t have to ski to enjoy the holidays. The mountain town, tucked in the Wyoming Tetons, still offers plenty of holiday magic. From epic snow landscapes, steamy spas, cocktails by the fireplace, and joining the slope crew for après-ski cowboy-style, you can enjoy Jackson Hole without ever touching the lifts (except maybe to get waffles).
Stay: Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
Ready to settle in? Start your cozy stay slope-side at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) at the Teton Mountain Lodge, which has plenty of rustic holiday charm. With roaring stone fireplaces, timber accents, and comfortable rooms, you can cozy up in the jetted tub or wander down to a late breakfast while the rest of the fam hits the slopes. Since the Lodge is part of the larger resort, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and activities available. You can even enjoy a sleigh ride or book a dogsled tour if you’re feeling adventurous.
Eat: Waffles at 10,450 Feet
Even if you don’t ski, join the family on the aerial tram up to Corbet’s Cabin, perched at the top of the resort. On a clear day, you can see for miles; on a snowy day, you can see three feet in front of you. Either way, bundle up. Wander over to the little mountain shack of a restaurant and enjoy Corbet’s cult-favorite waffles. They mix and match flavors like breakfast maestros, pairing things like peanut butter and smoked bacon, mixed berry compote and whipped cream, and cookie butter, drizzled with caramel and topped with powdered sugar. For my money, the best is the waffle with brown sugar butter. While you’re there, why not get a hot chocolate to warm up? And since you’re not skiing, make it a Mexi Cocoa with tequila and Kahlua. Wave the skiers off and take the tram down, sugared up and happy.
Stargaze: Snow King Observatory & Planetarium
Located at the top of another peak is the Snow King Observatory & Planetarium. Ride the gondola at night to reach this mountaintop destination—the only one of its kind in the United States–at 8,000 feet. Inside the planetarium, small groups enjoy immersive guided star shows about winter constellations and night sky phenomena. Expert staff will help you use the observatory’s telescope for clear, direct views of stars and planets, with zero light pollution, enhancing your experience.
Relax and Recharge: SpaTerre at Teton Mountain Lodge
After your day of relaxing by the fire, nothing will reinforce the calm like a trip to the day spa. SpaTerre is on-site at Teton Mountain Lodge. With massages, facials, bath rituals, a tranquility lounge, eucalyptus sauna and salt chamber, a visit to the spa can be an all-day experience. Don’t miss the rooftop hot tub with 360 views of the mountains and the contrast of cold air and hot water. It feels like soaking in a snow globe.
Effortless Après: Spur Restaurant & Bar
Meet up with the snow crew for late-afternoon nibbles at the Spur Restaurant and Bar for a rustic après ski. Sip an old-fashioned and grab a happy hour small plate or two from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Spur Board is enough for several people to share and includes two cured meats, two cheeses, pepperoncini, whole grain mustard jam, pickled blackberries and grilled sourdough. Or get the steak frites and treat it like an appetizer. Nothing like getting fries for the table that happen to come with steak. Linger by the fireplace with a hot toddy.
Bonus: Try Skiing With an Instructor
If you’re skipping the slopes because you’re new to skiing (like me!), consider scheduling a small group or private lesson. You can rent gear on-site, and your instructor will even help you get on and off the lift. Your pro will patiently help you through all the nuances of staying upright while sliding down a mountain on a pair of sticks. You’ll get step-by-step instructions as you learn how to move on skis, balance and manage turns and stops. Your instructor will give you tips, watch your technique and help you overcome beginner’s mistakes. After the lesson, you may enjoy skiing enough to want another go.
See more stories like this and all our Travel coverage. And while you’re here, why not subscribe and get six annual issues of Salt Lake magazine’s curated guide to the best life in Utah?
