Things to Do in Jackson Hole in February

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February in Jackson Hole is, above all else, a ski month. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort carries reliably deep natural snowpack by mid-February, with base depths that typically reach 2 to 3 metres (7 to 10 feet) across the resort's 1,261 metres (4,139 feet) of vertical drop. The valley floor around the town of Jackson sits at roughly 1,900 metres (6,200 feet), and cold air settles in the valley overnight. The Aerial Tram ride to Rendezvous Mountain's summit takes about 12 minutes, and your eyelashes will likely be frozen together by the top.

That said, the valley is striking in February. The Teton Range under heavy snow looks enormous from the elk antler arches of George Washington Memorial Park on Town Square. The National Elk Refuge, stretching north of town, holds several thousand elk through the winter. Daily sleigh rides through those herds run from mid-December through early April. If you're a non-skier, those sleigh rides, the National Museum of Wildlife Art on the hillside above the refuge, and a handful of restaurants in downtown Jackson form your primary entertainment. Mind you, that entertainment is good. The museum alone warrants half a day.

Presidents' Day weekend, typically falling on the third Monday of February, drives the month's biggest crowd spike. Lodging in Teton Village and downtown Jackson books up weeks ahead for that window. Outside the holiday, February sits slightly below the Christmas-to-New-Year peak but remains firmly high season. Plan well ahead for any February visit, and further out for the holiday.

Why visit in February

Skiing conditions at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort tend to be at their seasonal best, with consistent storm cycles refreshing 2,500 acres of skiable terrain every 4 to 7 days through the month
The National Elk Refuge hosts one of the largest wintering elk herds in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, visible from Highway 89 and accessible by horse-drawn sleigh ride
Early-to-mid February, before the Presidents' Day holiday, offers noticeably thinner crowds than the December rush at Teton Village restaurants and lift lines
Clear February mornings produce some of the Teton Range's most dramatic alpenglow, with warm light hitting the peaks around 7:15 AM before the valley floor sees sun

Worth knowing

Cold is a real constraint for non-skiers. Wind chill on exposed ridgelines routinely drops below -20°C (-4°F), limiting comfortable outdoor time without heavy layering to 30 or 40 minutes
Teton Park Road in Grand Teton National Park closes to vehicles from November through late April, cutting off access to Jenny Lake, Cascade Canyon, and most summer hiking trailheads
Peak ski-season pricing applies across the valley, from lift tickets to lodging, with the Presidents' Day holiday commanding the steepest premiums of the winter
If you don't ski, your activity options narrow to wildlife viewing, a few indoor venues, and Granite Hot Springs, which requires a 20-kilometre (12-mile) snowmobile or dogsled ride to reach

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 0° / -11°C 82mm rain · 15 rainy days · 71% humidity rains perceptibly ~2.2h/day · 77% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Insulated waterproof ski jacket and pants rated to at least -20°C (-4°F), merino wool base layers (never cotton, which retains moisture and chills dangerously in dry mountain cold), insulated boots with aggressive tread for ice-packed sidewalks, ski goggles with a low-light lens for storm days, balaclava or full neck gaiter, and SPF 50+ sunscreen for the high-altitude UV reflecting off snow.

February in Jackson Hole is deep winter at elevation. Days stretch from roughly 10 hours of light at the start of the month to 11 by its end. Precipitation falls almost entirely as snow, and individual storms can deposit 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20 inches) on the valley floor. Clear days between systems bring intense UV glare off the snowpack. Mornings are the coldest stretch, with temperatures not climbing above freezing until late March. The dryness at altitude means the cold bites harder than the humidity number might suggest.

Seasonal caution

Frostbite risk is real on exposed skin when wind chill drops below -15°C (5°F), which happens regularly on upper-mountain ridgelines and during storm cycles. Cover all facial skin when riding chairlifts or snowmobiling.
Teton Pass (Highway 22) between Jackson and Wilson closes during heavy snowstorms and avalanche control work. Check Wyoming Department of Transportation conditions before driving the pass, particularly after overnight storms.
Avalanche danger in the Teton backcountry peaks in February. The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center issues daily advisories. Never venture off marked resort boundaries without a beacon, shovel, probe, and current conditions check.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Jackson Hole
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	-2	-13	61
Feb	0	-11	82
Mar	4	-9	75
Apr	8	-6	51
May	14	-1	59
Jun	22	5	29
Jul	27	10	13
Aug	25	9	49
Sep	21	5	48
Oct	13	-1	58
Nov	4	-7	55
Dec	1	-9	94

Holidays and festivals in February

Public holidays

Lincoln's Birthday(Lincoln's Birthday)12 February 2027
Presidents Day(Washington's Birthday)15 February 2027

Best things to do in February

Skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

winter sports

The resort spans terrain from groomed intermediate runs to the infamous Corbet's Couloir, one of the most photographed expert chutes in North American skiing. The Aerial Tram climbs to the 3,185-metre (10,450-foot) summit of Rendezvous Mountain. The Sweetwater and Apres Vous areas serve intermediate skiers with shorter lift lines than the tram and Bridger Gondola.

February typically carries the winter's deepest snowpack, with consistent storm cycles refreshing the terrain every few days.

Booking tipBuy lift tickets at least 7 days ahead online for lower rates. Presidents' Day week sells out early.

National Elk Refuge sleigh rides

wildlife

Horse-drawn sleighs carry visitors directly through the wintering herds on the valley floor north of Jackson. The 45-minute ride puts you close enough to hear elk calling across the flat. Bald eagles and coyotes are frequent sightings along the refuge boundary. The creak of the sleigh runners on packed snow and the smell of the horses in cold air are part of the experience.

Winter concentrates the herds tightly on the refuge floor. February's sustained cold keeps the elk grouped and visible before spring dispersal begins.

Booking tipWeekend rides fill 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Weekday morning departures are easier to book and often have smaller groups.

Soaking at Granite Hot Springs

hot springs

A natural hot springs pool maintained by the Forest Service in the Gros Ventre Range, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Jackson. Water temperature sits around 33 to 43°C (93 to 112°F). Reaching it in February requires a snowmobile, dogsled, or fat-tire bike ride from the end of the plowed road. Steam rising off the water into sub-zero air, surrounded by snow-loaded pines, is one of the most striking sensory contrasts in Wyoming.

Winter-only non-motorized or snowmobile access replaces summer's drive-in crowds. February's deep cold intensifies the contrast between the warm water and the frozen forest.

Booking tipBook a guided snowmobile trip that includes the hot springs stop. Most Jackson outfitters offer half-day packages.

Cross-country skiing in Grand Teton National Park

winter sports

The vehicle-free Teton Park Road makes an excellent Nordic ski route, with Teton views that rival any summer vantage. The Moose entrance corridor provides access to trailheads for both groomed-track and backcountry snowshoeing through river-bottom terrain and frozen lakeshores.

February's stable, deep snowpack provides the most reliable Nordic conditions in the park. Fresh storms add a trail-breaking dimension for experienced skiers.

Booking tipRent Nordic gear in Jackson or Teton Village the day before. Shops near the Moose trailheads are limited.

Skiing at Snow King Mountain

winter sports

Jackson's town hill sits at the south end of downtown, a 5-minute drive from Town Square. The resort is considerably smaller than JHMR, but the steep pitch of its front face is surprisingly aggressive. Locals ski here after work. The tubing hill and night skiing run through February.

Snow King's north-facing aspect holds snow well through February. Its proximity to town makes it practical for a half-day when weather closes the upper mountain at the main resort.

Booking tipNight skiing runs Thursday through Saturday evenings. No advance booking needed.

Dog sledding through the Bridger-Teton National Forest

winter sports

Several outfitters run mushing tours through forested trails south and east of Jackson. Trips range from 1-hour introductions to full-day wilderness runs. The sound of sled runners hissing over powder and the dogs panting in cold air sets this apart from any motorized winter activity.

February's cold, stable snowpack produces firm, fast trail conditions. The shorter daylight hours mean afternoon runs often finish in golden late light.

Booking tipBook at least 2 weeks ahead for weekend trips. Midweek availability is usually open.

Wildlife watching along the Gros Ventre Road

wildlife

The Gros Ventre River corridor east of Jackson remains accessible by vehicle in February and is one of the valley's most reliable spots for moose. Bald eagles perch in the cottonwoods along the river. Early morning, around 7:30 to 8:00 AM, tends to be the most productive window.

Deep snow at higher elevations pushes moose into the valley-floor willows along the Gros Ventre through February. Winter concentration makes sightings more frequent than any other season.

Booking tipNo booking required. Pull over completely when you spot animals. Keep at least 25 metres (80 feet) of distance from moose.

Visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art

culture

The museum overlooks the National Elk Refuge, about 5 kilometres north of Town Square. Its permanent collection spans over 5,000 works focused on wildlife and the American West. The building, clad in local sandstone, was designed to blend into the hillside. February afternoon light through the west-facing galleries gives the paintings a quality that summer visits don't match.

February's limited outdoor options for non-skiers make this the month where the museum earns its place on the itinerary. The elk herds visible from the museum's windows are at their peak winter density.

Booking tipNo advance booking needed. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

What to eat in February

On menus now

Elk chili
Wyoming elk from local ranches appears in thick, slow-cooked chili at pubs and restaurants around downtown Jackson. The game flavor is leaner and slightly sweeter than beef. A bowl after a full ski day, with the cold still in your fingers, is hard to beat.
Bison burger
Ranch-raised bison from the Greater Yellowstone region appears on most Jackson menus year-round, though the heavy protein feels particularly right in February. The meat is denser than beef, with a faintly mineral quality.
Huckleberry pie
Rocky Mountain huckleberries, harvested in the Bridger-Teton National Forest during August and September, are preserved and baked into pies and cobblers through winter. The berry carries a tartness closer to a wild blueberry than a cultivated one.
Smoked trout
Local trout, smoked over regional hardwoods, appears as appetizers and salads on Jackson restaurant menus through winter. The firm texture and gentle smoke pair well with the heavier game-meat mains that dominate February dining.

What to drink

Hot buttered rum
The après-ski staple at Teton Village base-area bars and lodges. Butter, brown sugar, warm spices, and dark rum. The warmth hits your chest immediately after hours in sub-zero wind. Several bars in both Teton Village and downtown Jackson serve their own versions.

Regular events in February

Presidents' Day WeekendFree

The mid-February federal holiday draws the winter's heaviest visitor volume to Jackson Hole, particularly families on school breaks. Ski area crowds, restaurant wait times, and lodging rates all reach their February peak during this 4-to-5-day window.

Third Monday of February, typically February 15-21

International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog RaceFree

A multi-day, multi-stage professional sled dog race through towns across western Wyoming. The race has run annually since 1996. When a Jackson-area stage is scheduled, spectators gather to watch mushers compete along a marked course through the valley.

Late January through early February, exact stage dates shift annually

Wyoming Cutter and Chariot Racing Season

A distinctly Wyoming winter tradition where horse-drawn cutters and chariots race on straight tracks at regional fairgrounds. Races run at venues across western Wyoming through February, with events in the Star Valley (Afton area, about 90 minutes south of Jackson) among the most popular.

Weekends through January and February, dates vary by venue

Best places this February

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Teton Village
ski resort
The resort base at Teton Village sits at the foot of the Tetons and functions as its own small community in winter, with lodges, restaurants, and rental shops clustered around the tram and gondola base stations. In February, the village hums with ski-boot foot traffic from first tram at 9 AM through après at 4 PM.
Teton Village
National Museum of Wildlife Art
museum
Founded in 1987, the museum houses over 5,000 works spanning centuries of wildlife art. The sandstone building sits on a hillside with direct sightlines to the elk refuge below. Winter hours are typically 11 AM to 5 PM daily.
North Jackson
George Washington Memorial Park
park
The central park on Jackson's Town Square, framed by the famous elk antler arches. In February, the cleared paths and benches serve as a gathering point for the town's gallery district and restaurant row. The Tetons frame the view to the west.
Downtown Jackson
National Elk Refuge
wildlife refuge
A 10,000-hectare (25,000-acre) winter range for elk, bison, and other ungulates stretching north from the edge of town. The refuge visitor center near the Jackson National Fish Hatchery is the departure point for winter sleigh rides.
North Jackson
Snow King Mountain
ski area
The 'town hill' at the southern edge of downtown Jackson. The north-facing slopes hold snow through February, and the summit views look directly across the valley toward the Teton Range. Night skiing and a tubing hill operate through winter.
Downtown Jackson
Chapel of the Transfiguration
historic site
A small log chapel built in 1925 near the Moose entrance to Grand Teton National Park. The window behind the altar frames the Teton Range. In February, reaching the chapel requires a short walk from the plowed highway, and the building may not be open for interior visits. The exterior and setting are the draw.
Moose
Granite Hot Springs
hot springs
A natural hot springs pool in the Gros Ventre Range, maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. In February, the pool is accessible only by snowmobile, dogsled, or fat-tire bike from the end of the plowed road. The winter-access experience is fundamentally different from the summer drive-in operation.
Gros Ventre Range
Jackson National Fish Hatchery
nature
Founded in 1950, the hatchery raises native Snake River cutthroat trout for conservation stocking in regional waters. The interpretive trail and outdoor raceways are accessible in winter, though indoor exhibits may have reduced hours. It sits adjacent to the elk refuge visitor center, making a natural pairing with a sleigh ride visit.
North Jackson

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Insulated ski jacket rated to -20°C (-4°F)February wind chill on Jackson's upper mountain demands serious insulation. A shell designed for spring skiing will not cut it here. Shop
Merino wool base layersCotton retains moisture from sweat and chills dangerously in dry mountain cold. Wool wicks and insulates even when damp, which matters on a full ski day. Shop
Ski goggles with low-light lensFebruary storms can reduce visibility on the upper mountain to near zero. A clear, yellow, or rose-tinted lens for flat-light days prevents whiteout blindness on the open bowls. Shop
Balaclava or full neck gaiterExposed facial skin reaches frostbite risk within minutes during February wind events on the summit ridge. A balaclava that covers everything below the goggles is not optional. Shop
Insulated waterproof boots with aggressive treadJackson's sidewalks compact into polished ice sheets by February. Smooth-soled shoes are a fall waiting to happen. Look for Vibram or equivalent lug soles. Shop
Chemical hand and toe warmersEven quality ski gloves lose effectiveness after 2 to 3 hours of sustained cold. Disposable warmers placed inside gloves and boots extend your comfort window significantly. Shop
SPF 50+ sunscreenUV at this altitude reflects off snow and causes sunburn even on overcast February days. The reflective snowpack effectively doubles your exposure compared to bare ground. Shop
Lip balm with SPF protectionThe combination of wind, cold, and altitude UV cracks unprotected lips within a day. Apply before every outdoor outing. Shop
Polarized sunglassesFor walking in town and driving between storms. February sun on packed snow creates intense glare that standard lenses cannot manage. Shop

Insider tips

The elk antler arches on Town Square photograph best at dawn, when the Tetons catch the first pink and orange light directly behind them. By mid-morning the square fills with ski traffic and the angle changes. Arrive by 7:00 AM for February's sunrise window.
The START Bus connects downtown Jackson to Teton Village through the ski season, which makes a rental car optional if your days split between the resort and town. Routes run into the evening and eliminate the icy Highway 390 drive after dark.
Snake River Brewing in downtown Jackson draws more locals than tourists, particularly at lunch. The brewery opened in 1994 and has won multiple Great American Beer Festival awards. The midday crowd is quieter than the Teton Village base-area restaurants.
The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar on Town Square has been open since 1937. The saddle-mounted bar stools draw tourist attention, but the live music on weekend evenings draws locals. It's one of the few places in Jackson where ski-town culture and Wyoming ranch culture overlap.

Avoid these mistakes

Renting a rear-wheel-drive sedan. Jackson's roads compact into ice sheets by February, and Highway 390 to Teton Village gets slick after every storm. Request a vehicle with all-wheel drive or 4WD specifically.
Planning only outdoor activities with no indoor fallback. A February storm can shut down the upper mountain at JHMR for half a day or close visibility entirely. The National Museum of Wildlife Art and the town's gallery district keep a storm day from stalling your trip.
Arriving for Presidents' Day weekend without dinner reservations. The 4 or 5 most popular restaurants in Jackson and Teton Village book out for the holiday week, sometimes by early February.
Approaching wildlife too closely for photos. February elk on the refuge are stressed by winter conditions and depleted forage. Moose along the Gros Ventre corridor are unpredictable in winter. National Park Service approach distances are strictly enforced, and a provoked winter moose is dangerous.

Practical tips for February

February visits benefit from advance planning. Reserve lodging 6 to 8 weeks ahead, or further for Presidents' Day week. Teton Village properties fill first, followed by Jackson hotels. Rental cars with AWD or 4WD are essential on Highway 390 and the town's icy side streets. Ski rental shops in Teton Village get crowded on Saturday mornings, so fitting your gear on Friday evening saves a slow start. Downtown Jackson and Teton Village restaurants take dinner reservations, and the popular spots fill for the holiday by early in the month. Grocery options are limited to a few stores in town, with prices reflecting the resort markup. If you plan to snowmobile to Granite Hot Springs or explore backcountry terrain, book guided trips at least 2 weeks ahead. Solo travelers can take comfort in Jackson Hole's solo-traveler safety score of 8.3 out of 10 (see /research/solo-safety/), though the town's layout is car-dependent for most movement between areas. Cell service is reliable in Jackson and Teton Village but drops off on canyon roads and inside the park. For detailed arrival logistics and local transit, see the Wikivoyage Jackson Hole guide (https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Jackson_Hole#Get_in). General safety context is covered at https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Jackson_Hole#Stay_safe.

FAQ

Is February a good time to visit Jackson Hole?

If you ski or snowboard, February is one of the best months. Storm cycles tend to refresh the terrain regularly, and crowds are more manageable than the December holiday rush outside of Presidents' Day week. For non-skiers, the appeal narrows to the elk refuge, the wildlife art museum, and the town's dining scene. The cold limits comfortable outdoor time considerably, so plan indoor alternatives.

What is the weather like in Jackson Hole in February?

Cold and snowy. The valley floor sits below freezing for most of the month, with significant overnight drops. Precipitation falls as snow, typically in storm cycles lasting 1 to 3 days with clear periods between them. Wind chill is the variable that turns cold into genuinely dangerous conditions, particularly on exposed ridgelines. Dress in insulated layers with moisture-wicking fabrics and cover all skin during storms.

Can you visit Grand Teton National Park in February?

Yes, but access is limited. The park stays open year-round, though the main interior road is closed to vehicles through winter, as noted in the drawbacks section. The Moose entrance on Highway 89/191 stays accessible, providing trailhead access for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Most summer trails require backcountry ski equipment to reach. The park's visitor center at Moose operates with reduced winter hours.

Is Jackson Hole crowded in February?

It is high season for skiing, so yes. Teton Village and the mountain resort are busy most days. The mid-February holiday week is the most crowded stretch of the month. The first half of February, before the holiday, is noticeably quieter. Town Square restaurants stay busy most evenings but are manageable with reservations. The elk refuge sleigh rides and the museum remain relatively uncrowded even on peak ski days.

What can non-skiers do in Jackson Hole in February?

The National Elk Refuge sleigh rides are the standout non-ski activity, running daily through the wintering herds. The National Museum of Wildlife Art warrants a half-day visit. Wildlife watching along the Gros Ventre Road offers moose and raptor sightings in the early morning. Granite Hot Springs is accessible by snowmobile or dogsled for a memorable day trip. Downtown Jackson has galleries, restaurants, and the historic Cowboy Bar. Beyond these, options are genuinely limited by the cold and road closures.