TL;DR – Fast Facts for Winter Lodging in Jackson Hole
- Want ski-in/ski-out luxury? Stay in Teton Village
- Need variety and nightlife? Book in Downtown Jackson
- Looking to be off the beaten path? Try The Aspens or Wilson
- On a budget? Explore Teton Valley, ID or Alpine, WY
- Snowmobiling trip? Head for Togwotee Pass
Why It Matters - Your Lodging Choice Will Shape Your Whole Trip
Look, we get it. You're scrolling through a hundred Jackson Hole hotel websites and they all look the same. “Luxury this,” “world-class that.” But nobody's telling you that half the places in Teton Village shut down at 9 pm or that you can actually stay in town for $70 a night if you know where to look.
It can get a little confusing with so many areas to stay and we understand. So read on for the locals’ guide to where to stay in Jackson this winter.
We Know, This Place is Confusing
Jackson Hole is the whole valley. Jackson is the main town with Snow King Mountain and the iconic antler arches. Teton Village is where Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is.
They're 12 miles apart, which matters a lot more than you'd think when it's dumping snow and you forgot to buy groceries.
Most first-timers mess this up and book something random, then spend their whole trip in traffic or paying $40 for mediocre nachos because they're stuck in the wrong spot.
Teton Village: Ski-In/Ski-Out Convenience
Best for: Die-hard skiers, après-ski lovers, couples who want everything steps away
Skip it if: You’re on a tighter budget or looking for nightlife past 9 p.m.
Teton Village is the heart of Jackson Hole skiing. Many properties offer true ski-in/ski-out access to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR), meaning you can click into your skis just outside your door.
Why Stay Here:
- First chair to last run access
- Legendary après at The Mangy Moose and the Four Seasons’ Handle Bar
- On-site dining, shopping, spas, and even ice skating
- Romantic winter wonderland vibes at night
Local Tip: Teton Village quiets down after dinner. If nightlife or restaurant variety is important to you, consider staying in Jackson and day-tripping to the slopes.
👉 Browse Teton Village Lodging Options »
Downtown Jackson: Culture, Nightlife & Convenience
Best for: Families, foodies, social travelers, and those who want to explore more than just the slopes
Skip it if: You want to be on the mountain by 8 a.m. every day
Staying in Town means you're in the heart of it all—from restaurants, galleries, and brewpubs to the iconic Jackson Town Square with its antler arches. You’ll have access to local outfitters, gear shops, and easy pickups for wildlife tours and snowmobile safaris.
Why Stay Here:
- Wider range of lodging: boutique hotels, budget motels, family-friendly suites
- Easy access to Snow King Mountain (skiing, tubing, night skiing)
- Sleigh rides on the National Elk Refuge
- Legendary nightlife: Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, Silver Dollar Bar
Consider the Trade-Off: It’s a 20–45 minute ride to Teton Village each day depending on the weather and traffic. START Bus and hotel shuttles help, but if first tracks matter, this commute can be a drag.
👉 Compare Hotels & Motels in Jackson » or check Luxury Lodging Options »
The Aspens & Wilson: The Quiet Middle Ground
Best for: Families and groups wanting condo space, peace, and easy slope access
Skip it if: You want walkability to bars, restaurants, or grocery stores
Just west of Jackson, these residential-style neighborhoods strike a smart balance: close enough to the ski resort (4–8 miles) but far from the buzz. You'll find spacious vacation rentals, many with full kitchens, fireplaces, and moose sightings from the deck.
Why Stay Here:
- Quick 10–20 min drive or START Bus to the slopes
- Quiet, forested neighborhoods with short-term rentals
- Groceries and wine at Aspens Market, coffee at Persephone West Bank
- Easy parking + more privacy
Local Tip: If you're renting a vacation home, stock up in Jackson when you arrive. While the Aspens has basics, bigger shopping trips are better done in Town.
👉 Explore Cabins & Vacation Rentals »
Teton Valley, ID: Budget Basecamp (with Perks)
Best for: Powder hounds who can go with the flow
Skip it if: Your ski trip must include multiple JHMR days
Driggs and Victor sit on the Idaho side of the Tetons. Lodging and food are significantly cheaper, but there’s a catch: you’ll have to drive the infamously steep and often-closed Teton Pass to reach Jackson or JHMR.
Why Stay Here:
- Major lodging savings
- Direct access to Grand Targhee Resort (low crowds, big snow)
- Cool, local food scene: Teton Thai, Big Hole BBQ, and the Knotty Pine
- Great option for a more laid-back, uncrowded ski vacation
Know This Before You Book: Teton Pass frequently closes in winter for avalanche control or weather. If your whole trip hinges on skiing JHMR, this is a risk.
👉 Compare rates in our Budget Lodging Guide »
Togwotee Pass: Snowmobiling Paradise
Best for: Snowmobilers and off-the-grid adventurers
Skip it if: You want nightlife, dining options, or plan to ski every day
Staying near Togwotee Mountain Lodge puts you right on top of the best snowmobiling terrain in the West. With over 600 miles of trails and backcountry access right out the door, it’s a dream for sledders.
Why Stay Here:
- Deep snow, big terrain, and no daily driving
- Remote and wild, the opposite of a resort town
- Guided snowmobile tours, rentals, and fuel all on-site
Keep in Mind: This is not a ski trip base. It’s 60+ minutes to Jackson, and roads can be nasty. Plan to eat and hang out at the lodge.
👉 See Snowmobile-Friendly Lodging Options »
Alpine, WY: A Sleeper Budget Option
Best for: Budget snowmobilers or flexible adventurers
Skip it if: You need to ski JHMR daily
Alpine is about 45–60 minutes south of Jackson, nestled where the Snake, Salt, and Greys Rivers meet. It’s far, but it’s affordable. Think clean motels, rustic cabins, and great access to snowmobile trails.
Why Stay Here:
- Lower rates than Jackson
- Direct access to Greys River snowmobiling
- Less touristy, more local
Local Insight: If you’re just looking for a place to crash after long snowmobile days, and don’t mind the drive, Alpine’s a solid pick.
👉 Compare Budget Hotels & Cabins in Alpine »
The Stuff Nobody Tells You
Getting Around
- The START bus is FREE in town and $3 to Teton Village.
- Airport bus in winter: $10. Shuttles: $40+. Do the math.
- Teton Village charges $25/day for parking unless you're staying there.
- Uber exists but gets expensive fast. The START Bus is the way to go.
When to Book
- First two weeks of December: Everything's open and lodging is less expensive
- January 3–February 15: Good prices if you avoid MLK weekend
- February: Most snow but also most people
- March: Best weather, still good snow, deck lunch weather
- April: Locals' favorite—“corn snow,” fewer crowds, sunny days
Weather Weirdness
The town sits at 6,200 feet and can be freezing. But there's this thing called temperature inversion where the mountain (at 10,000+ feet) is actually 20–40 degrees WARMER. You’ll be able to ski in a T-shirt while people in town are scraping ice off their cars.
Getting Around in Winter: Don’t Wing It
If you're not staying on the START Bus route (Town – Aspens – Teton Village), you’ll want a 4WD or AWD vehicle with snow tires. Mountain passes get slick, and Teton Pass can shut down with no notice.
Explore our Winter Transportation Guide for more details.
FAQs: Real Questions From Real Winter Visitors
Q: What’s the best area to stay for first-time Jackson Hole skiers?
A: Teton Village puts you closest to the action, but Downtown Jackson offers better variety for non-skiers and easier access to restaurants, shops, and family activities.
Q: Is staying in Teton Valley (Driggs/Victor) worth the savings?
A: Yes! If you're skiing Grand Targhee or are okay with Teton Pass closures impacting your JHMR access. It’s a gamble, but many think it’s worth it.
Q: Do I need a rental car in Jackson Hole?
A: If you’re staying in Town, Teton Village, or The Aspens, the START Bus works well. Anywhere else? You’ll want a 4WD/AWD rental with snow tires.
Q: What’s the most family-friendly place to stay?
A: The Aspens is great for condo space and quiet, but Town of Jackson is perfect for families who want walkable dining, sleigh rides, and tubing at Snow King.
Q: Wait—are Jackson and Jackson Hole the same thing?
A: Not exactly. Here’s the local breakdown:
- Jackson is the name of the town—the cultural, historic, and commercial hub of the area. It's where you'll find the elk antler arches, Town Square, most of the restaurants, shops, and local nightlife.
- Jackson Hole refers to the entire valley, which includes the town of Jackson plus surrounding communities like Teton Village, Wilson, The Aspens, Moose, and even parts of Grand Teton National Park.
Think of Jackson Hole like the name of the region, and Jackson as just one (very important) part of it.
