So I finally got to writing about our big Wyoming trip. *Spoiler Alert* I loved it. There’s just something about being out West that gets me every time. The landscape is so different from home that it really feels like a big adventure every time I cross the Rockies. This is especially true being up in Wyoming, Idaho, Montana…you almost feel like it’s just you and the wilderness.
For our trip, we flew into Salt Lake City and took the long (but gorgeous) 4 and a half hour trip up to Jackson, Wyoming. It was, in fact, so gorgeous that Sam and I were too busy gawking at the scenery to even want to murder each other after 10 straight hours of travel 🙂
My conference that I was attending was actually just north of Jackson in Teton Village. To be honest I didn’t really know what to expect. I assumed we would be driving into Jackson nightly looking for things to do. It turns out that we had a really good time exploring Teton Village and there was plenty there to do to keep us occupied for a few days.
More About Teton Village
Teton Village is an area about 12 miles (20 minute drive) north of Jackson, Wyoming. The Village itself is located at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Ski Resort and just at the entrance of the Grand Teton National Park- you can just imagine how amazing the views are. The Village is comprised of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops so there’s plenty to do!
Getting to Teton Village
By Air:
The closest airport to Teton Village is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), located just 22 miles away. This small but well-connected airport has direct flights from several major U.S. cities, including Denver, Salt Lake City, and Dallas. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Teton Village.
By Car:
If you’re driving, Teton Village is about a 4.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City, Utah, and a 7-hour drive from Denver, Colorado. The drive itself is scenic, passing through beautiful landscapes, so consider making a few stops along the way to enjoy the views.
By Shuttle:
Several shuttle services operate between Jackson Hole Airport and Teton Village, including Jackson Hole Shuttle and AllTrans. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Tip: If you’re visiting in winter, be prepared for snow-covered roads and ensure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires or chains.
Teton Village Hotels
Because my conference was held there, we stayed at Hotel Terra throughout our whole trip. I would definitely recommend Hotel Terra because it’s 1) a beautiful hotel and 2) it’s location is perfect. If you exit to the side of the hotel, you land in the main courtyard. There’s plenty of benches and picnic tables where we enjoyed our morning coffee and you’re surrounded by a lot of the Teton Village restaurants and activities.
I found the Jackson Hole area to be a little pricey. That being said, I do come from an area in the midwest that’s probably one of the more affordable regions in the United States. Hotel Terra cost us more than I would usually spend on a hotel, but the location and amenities made it worth it for us. From my research, I would say this is about average for the location and the summer months.
Other Hotel Options:
1. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
For a luxurious stay, the Four Seasons Jackson Hole is the top choice. This five-star resort offers ski-in/ski-out access, spacious rooms with mountain views, a full-service spa, and several dining options. It’s perfect for those looking to indulge in comfort and convenience.
2. Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
A family-friendly option, Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa offers spacious suites, a large indoor/outdoor pool, and a rooftop hot tub with panoramic views of the Tetons. The lodge is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and excellent amenities.
3. Hostel X
For budget-conscious travelers, Hostel X (formerly The Hostel) provides affordable accommodations with a laid-back vibe. Located right in the heart of Teton Village, it’s a great option for those who want to be close to the action without breaking the bank.
Tip: Book your accommodations well in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak ski season or the summer months.
Where to Eat in Teton Village
Mangy Moose– Located in the heart of the Village and easily walkable. There are two sides to the Mangy Moose- one side is a steakhouse, the other is a more informal saloon. Both sides do serve food. Sam and I frequented the saloon several times during our trip. During the evenings, you will find live music on the saloon side which was pretty fun.
Spur Restaurant & Bar- Located in the Teton Mountain Lodge. Serves modern takes on sandwiches, nachos, steaks and wide variety of appetizers. We stopped here for lunch and it was probably our favorite meal. We sat outside on the covered patio which was very enjoyable. I highly recommend the 307 Fries with the elk gravy if they still offer it- absolutely delicious.
Piste Mountain Bistro- Located at the top of the Bridger Gondola (more about that later). Lots of apps, sandwiches and other causal fare (think upgraded bar style food). The food is delicious but the view is even better- enjoy a truly stunning view of the surrounding mountain landscape. Pro tip: This makes a great spot for an after dinner drink too!
Teton Thai- Located on Granite Loop Road close to the entrance to Teton Village. Just what you expect, Teton Thai serves up authentic thai food. They have a bar as well as patio seating/heated porch (depending on the time of year).
Westbank Grill- located in the Four Seasons Resort and Residences. If you’re looking for some upscale dining while in Teton Village, this is your place! Seafood, pasta, elk? They’ve got it. You know what else they’ve got? An amazing panoramic view of Teton Village and the mountains. This would be a great spot for an anniversary or birthday dinner.
Il Villaggio Osteria– located in/next to Hotel Terra. If you’re looking for a place to cozy up and dine on some delicious Italian cuisine, Il Villaggio Osteria is the place for you! Pizza, antipasti, pasta- if it’s Italian they have it. Side note: If you’re staying at Hotel Terra you can have their food delivered to your room!
Shopping in Teton Village
Teton Village has a small but charming selection of shops where you can find everything from outdoor gear to unique souvenirs.
1. Teton Village Sports
This is the go-to spot for all your outdoor gear needs. Whether you’re looking to rent skis, buy new hiking boots, or pick up some last-minute accessories, Teton Village Sports has a wide selection of high-quality products.
2. Rodeo
For unique, Western-inspired clothing and accessories, Rodeo is a must-visit. The shop features a curated collection of apparel, boots, hats, and jewelry that embody the spirit of the West.
3. Mangy Moose Emporium
If you’re looking for a quirky souvenir or gift, the Mangy Moose Emporium offers a fun selection of items, from T-shirts and mugs to locally made crafts and artwork.
What to Do in Teton Village
Outdoor Activities- Ok, I know this is kind of broad. However, I think it goes without saying that a mountain resort town like Teton Village is going to offer skiing, snowboarding, biking and hiking. I wasn’t going to add it to the list but I feel like it kind of needs added to the list, even if it’s obvious.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort– If you’re visiting during the winter, visiting the Jackson Hole Mountain resort is a must. Renowned for its steep terrain, deep powder, and incredible vertical drops, this resort is a must-visit for advanced and expert skiers. With over 2,500 acres of inbounds terrain, including the legendary Corbet’s Couloir, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort promises an exhilarating experience. Check out my post on the Best Ski Resorts in Jackson Hole HERE.
Ride the Aerial Tram- If you’re walking through the Teton Village, you can’t miss the big, red Aerial Tram. This tram will take you to the mountain summit- in just 12 minutes!- for a full 360 degree view of the surrounding areas.
Ride the Bridger Gondola- We were a little confused at the differences between the Aerial Tram and the gondolas. Basically the Tram takes you to a different, higher point on the mountain. Both are currently the same price during the day but the Gondola is free after 5 pm! The Gondola is what takes you to the Piste Mountain Bistro that I mentioned above. If you’re planning on taking advantage of the free ride, I would plan on being there right at 5 pm, if not before, because the lines can get really long.
Play Some Disc Golf- Teton Village has a free 18 hole disc golf course! If you’ve never played disc golf, it’s essentially the same idea as regular golf but instead of hitting balls in holes your goal is to throw a disc into an elevated basket.
Paragliding- Looking for a thrill? Jackson Hole Paragliding offers tandem flights and paragliding instruction that will have you flying high, taking in all the views.
Via Ferrata- If you’re an adventurer, you have to check out this guided climbing experience at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Via Ferrata offers cable ladders, bridges and all sorts of climbing and is perfect for thrill seekers of all ages.
Mountain Sport School- Interested in skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and the like but are unsure where to start? Maybe you need to brush up on your skills? Check out the Mountain Sport School at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for all kinds of classes for any skill level.
Visit Grand Teton National Park- Continue 1 mile down the road from Teton Village and you will run into Grand Teton National Park. I feel like this park is sooo underrated. You never hear anyone talk about it, yet it’s gorgeous and one of the most enjoyable experiences that I’ve ever had at a national park! Don’t believe me? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Grand Teton National Park HERE.
We saw the park via a Wildlife Tour which Sam and I both agreed was our favorite part of the entire trip. The tour’s safari van picked us up from our hotel lobby and took us straight to the park. It was a small group tour of only a few other people which made for a personalized experience. We saw moose, coyote, elk, deer and bison among many other animals. Our guide was awesome and provided water bottles, binoculars, snacks and beverages. I would highly recommend taking the tour- we had such a good time!
Take a day trip to Yellowstone NP- Now, if you’re making the trek up to Teton Village, you may already have some days set aside to enjoy Yellowstone National Park. But what if you only have one day? That’s fine too! As I’ve proved in the past (check out my post here) it is possible to have an enjoyable one day experience at Yellowstone! If self guided tours aren’t your thing, there are a few tour companies that offer 1-day Yellowstone NP tours.
Ok, so I’m 100% I have to be missing something- please let us know in the comments below!
Would Teton Village stay be good for my two teenager boys?
Hi! Yes I think they would love staying in Teton Village. We actually saw a ton of teenagers when we were there- in particular they all seemed to be loving the frisbee golf course and the mountain bike trails!
We are visiting in September as long as Covid doesn’t restrict us. Are most shops & restaurants open?
Yes the majority of restaurants and attractions are open with likely more to follow soon. I think as long as Wyoming continues along the same path you will have no problems for your trip. September will be so nice!