Things to Do in Jackson Hole in March

VerdictGood
Ranked#5 of 12
PricesPeak Season

March in Jackson Hole might be the finest ski month of the year, if you can handle the spring break crowds. Average highs reach 4°C (39°F) after a long winter that barely cracks freezing, and by late March the sun stays up past 7:30 PM Mountain Time. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village typically holds its deepest snowpack around this point in the season, with consistent summit-to-village coverage and warmer afternoon temperatures that keep the snow workable rather than icy. Worth noting, this is also when spring break hits the valley. The town of Jackson, population roughly 10,500, fills with families from across the United States.

Grand Teton National Park remains largely inaccessible by vehicle beyond Moose Junction through March. The Teton Park Road from Moose to Jenny Lake won't reopen until sometime in May, and most hiking trails sit under 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet) of snow. The National Elk Refuge, home to 5,000 to 7,000 wintering elk along Highway 191, runs horse-drawn sleigh rides daily through early April. On a clear March afternoon, the sleigh crosses close enough to hear the animals grunt and smell the dry hay on the snow. The National Museum of Wildlife Art sits on a hillside overlooking the refuge, and the two pair well for a half-day outing.

Accommodation rates in mid-March often reach their highest point of the entire year, sometimes exceeding even the Christmas week at Teton Village. If your dates have any flexibility, the first week of March or the final days of the month, after most school breaks wrap up, tend to offer better availability and rates. For non-skiers, this is honestly a limited time to visit. Summer's hiking, rafting, and wildflower season in Grand Teton won't begin until June.

Why visit in March

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort typically holds its deepest snowpack of the season in March, with consistent top-to-bottom coverage and afternoon temperatures that soften groomed runs rather than leaving them icy
Daylight extends past 7:30 PM by month's end, giving over 2 additional hours on the mountain compared to December's short days
National Elk Refuge sleigh rides reach peak viewing quality as the herds concentrate on the valley floor before their April migration north
Backcountry skiing access in the Tetons stabilizes as the snowpack consolidates through spring sun-crust cycles, making Teton Pass and the upper canyons more predictable for experienced riders

Worth knowing

Spring break drives accommodation rates to their annual peak, with Teton Village lodges and Jackson hotels often sold out for mid-March weekends months in advance
Grand Teton National Park's roads and trails remain buried in snow and closed to vehicles until May, limiting the valley to skiing and a handful of winter activities
Nighttime temperatures routinely drop well below freezing, which surprises visitors expecting 'spring' conditions in a month called March
Non-skiing activities are limited to wildlife viewing, gallery visits, and dining, which may feel thin for a stay longer than 3 or 4 days

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 4° / -9°C 75mm rain · 14 rainy days · 67% humidity rains perceptibly ~1.8h/day · 83% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Insulated waterproof ski layers, thermal merino wool base layers, UV-rated goggles or sunglasses for intense snow glare at altitude, and SPF 50+ sunscreen. Temperatures swing sharply between sun and shade, so removable mid-layers are essential. A heavy down parka handles cold evenings walking between restaurants in town.

March sits at the transition between Jackson Hole's deep winter and the first softening toward spring. Afternoons in direct sunlight can feel surprisingly pleasant despite the cold readings, creating the classic mountain pattern where you ski in a base layer at noon and need full insulation by 3 PM. Most precipitation arrives as snow, sometimes in multi-day storm cycles that drop 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) at a time. Between storms, bluebird days with sharp blue skies and intense UV off the snowpack are common. Wind chill on exposed ridgelines above 3,000 m (10,000 ft) can push felt temperatures far below the valley floor readings.

Seasonal caution

Overnight lows of -9°C (16°F) are the March average in the valley, with cold snaps occasionally dropping readings to -20°C (-4°F) or below. Exposed skin freezes rapidly at the summit when wind is factored in.
Avalanche danger remains elevated throughout March in the Teton backcountry. Check the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center forecast daily before venturing beyond resort boundaries. Multiple fatalities occur in this zone each winter.
Altitude reaches 1,900 m (6,237 ft) in town and 3,185 m (10,450 ft) at Rendezvous Peak. First-day altitude headaches and dehydration are common, especially for visitors arriving from sea level.

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 March

Public holidays

Good Friday(Good Friday)26 March 2027

Best things to do in March

Late-season skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

skiing

The resort spans 133 named runs across Rendezvous and Apres Vous mountains. March conditions often feature a stable mid-season snowpack topped by softer afternoon snow on sun-exposed pitches. Corbet's Couloir, the resort's signature chute, typically holds ideal conditions through mid-March.

Deepest snowpack of the season combined with longer daylight and warmer temperatures. The corn-snow afternoons on south-facing terrain are a texture you won't find in January.

Booking tipSeason passes sell out by fall. Day lift tickets should be purchased at least a week in advance for spring break dates.

National Elk Refuge sleigh ride

wildlife

Horse-drawn sleighs depart from the refuge visitor center on East Broadway in Jackson and roll directly into the wintering elk herd. Rides last roughly 45 minutes and pass within meters of hundreds of elk. Bald eagles and coyotes are common sightings along the route.

The elk herd is still concentrated before its spring migration, and March's slightly warmer temperatures make the open-air sleigh more comfortable than the January version.

Booking tipRides run daily but sell out by mid-morning during spring break. Book online the evening before or arrive at the visitor center by 9 AM.

Cross-country skiing in Grand Teton National Park

skiing

The unplowed Teton Park Road from the Taggart Lake trailhead north toward Jenny Lake becomes a groomed cross-country ski trail in winter. The route offers Teton Range views without the crowds of the downhill resort. Moose sightings along the Cottonwood Creek corridor are common.

Longer days and milder temperatures make extended Nordic outings comfortable, and the groomed track remains in good condition through month's end.

Booking tipNo booking needed. Free access. Rent Nordic gear in Jackson or at the Moose visitor center area if you didn't bring your own.

Backcountry skiing on Teton Pass

skiing

Highway 22 crosses Teton Pass at 2,566 m (8,431 ft) between Jackson and Wilson, and the surrounding terrain offers some of the most accessible backcountry skiing in the Rocky Mountains. Glory Bowl, Coal Creek, and Twin Slides are the classic lines.

The spring snowpack consolidation cycle makes March avalanche conditions more predictable than midwinter, though by no means safe without training and proper equipment.

Booking tipHire a certified guide for your first time in the Teton backcountry. Guide services book up weeks in advance for March.

Snowshoeing in Bridger-Teton National Forest

hiking

The Cache Creek trailhead, a 5-minute drive from downtown Jackson, provides immediate access to snowshoe-friendly terrain in the Gros Ventre Range. The trail follows the creek through quiet forest with views of Snow King Mountain above.

March snow coverage remains complete, but the trail-breaking effort is lower than January thanks to the consolidated base. Wildlife tracks from moose, elk, and fox line the creek corridor.

Booking tipNo booking required. Snowshoe rentals available at gear shops on Town Square.

Snow King Mountain skiing and tubing

skiing

Jackson's original ski area, operating since 1939, sits directly above the town center. The mountain is smaller and steeper than JHMR, with 400 vertical meters (1,571 ft) and a genuine local feel. A snow tubing park on the lower slopes works well for non-skiers and kids.

March's extended daylight makes Snow King's night skiing sessions, the only night skiing in the valley, worth the trip. Lift lines here are shorter than at the main resort even during spring break.

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

Wildlife viewing along the Gros Ventre Road

wildlife

The Gros Ventre Road east of Kelly remains partially plowed in March, and the riparian corridor along the Gros Ventre River is one of the best moose-viewing areas in the valley. Bald eagles roost in the cottonwoods above the river. Early morning drives before 8 AM yield the best sightings.

Moose are still on their low-elevation winter range in March, concentrated near the river and visible from the road. By May they disperse into the high country and become much harder to find.

Visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art

culture

The museum holds over 5,000 works spanning 2,500 years of wildlife art, with permanent collections including pieces by John James Audubon, Charles M. Russell, and Georgia O'Keeffe. The building's stone facade was designed to echo the nearby sandstone cliffs, and the east-facing windows frame the elk refuge below.

March is the last month to combine a museum visit with a sleigh ride at the neighboring refuge. Weekday mornings before spring break families arrive offer near-empty galleries.

What to eat in March

On menus now

Elk tenderloin
Wyoming's signature game meat reaches peak menu presence in late winter. Restaurants across Jackson feature elk prepared as steaks, medallions, or slow-braised stew, sourced from local ranches. The meat has a clean, slightly sweet flavor, leaner than beef and without the gaminess many expect.
Bison chili
A Jackson Hole cold-weather staple. Local restaurants build thick-bodied chili from ground bison, often finished with Wyoming craft beer. The dish appears on nearly every lunch menu in town through March and pairs well with a sourdough bowl after a morning on the slopes.
Huckleberry pancakes
Wild huckleberries, harvested in the Tetons and greater Yellowstone region each August, are preserved and served through winter as pancake toppings, syrup, and pie filling. March is the last full month before the preserved supply thins out.

What to drink

Hot buttered rum
The après-ski staple in Teton Village and downtown Jackson bars. March's warmer-but-still-cold afternoons make this the peak month for lingering on a base-area deck with something hot and strong in hand. The Silver Dollar Bar at the Wort Hotel on Glenwood Street pours a good one.
Wyoming Whiskey bourbon
Distilled in Kirby, about 3 hours east of Jackson, Wyoming Whiskey appears on most local bar menus. March evenings in the valley call for brown spirits, and this small-batch bourbon has become the default local pour at spots like the Mangy Moose in Teton Village.

Regular events in March

Jackson Hole Rendezvous FestivalFree

A multi-day spring celebration at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort featuring live outdoor music, a torchlight ski parade on the mountain, cardboard box derby races on the lower slopes, and community gatherings in Teton Village. The festival marks the unofficial start of late-season spring skiing and draws locals and visitors for the relaxed, end-of-winter atmosphere.

Third weekend of March (Friday through Sunday)

First Friday Gallery WalkFree

Downtown Jackson's galleries open for an evening walk on the first Friday of each month. The Center for the Arts on South Cache Street and the galleries ringing Town Square anchor the route, with wine, new exhibitions, and conversations with local artists. The March edition tends to draw a solid crowd, as spring break visitors mix with the regular gallery scene.

First Friday of March

St. Patrick's Day celebrations

The Silver Dollar Bar at the Wort Hotel and the Mangy Moose Saloon in Teton Village host the valley's largest St. Patrick's Day gatherings, both with live music and themed specials. The overlap with spring break makes mid-March in Jackson louder than usual.

March 17

Best places this March

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
ski resort
The valley's primary ski area, with over 1,200 m of vertical drop and terrain spanning two mountains. March offers the deepest coverage and warmest on-mountain temperatures of the ski season. The Bridger Gondola provides mid-mountain access and views even for non-skiers willing to ride up for lunch at the Couloir restaurant.
Teton Village
National Elk Refuge
wildlife refuge
A 10,000-hectare (24,700-acre) federal refuge stretching north from Jackson. The winter herd, one of the largest in North America, is best observed from the daily sleigh rides departing near the visitor center. March mornings also bring bald eagle and trumpeter swan sightings along the refuge roads.
East Jackson
National Museum of Wildlife Art
museum
Founded in 1987, the museum sits on a hillside above the elk refuge. Its collection spans 2,500 years and includes American masters of wildlife art. The building's stone facade was designed to echo the nearby sandstone cliffs. Winter hours tend to be shorter than summer, so check before heading out.
Highway 191 corridor
George Washington Memorial Park (Town Square)
park
The central square of downtown Jackson, marked by elk antler arches at each of its four corners. In March, the arches frame a snow-dusted park surrounded by galleries, restaurants, and shops. The square is the natural starting point for any walk through the town center.
Downtown Jackson
Chapel of the Transfiguration
historic site
A small Episcopal chapel built in 1925 in the Moose area of Grand Teton National Park. Its west-facing window frames the Teton Range, and in March the snow-covered peaks create a stark, beautiful composition through the glass. The chapel is accessible by car year-round via the Moose entrance road.
Moose
Snow King Mountain Resort
ski resort
Jackson's in-town ski area rises directly behind the town center. The smaller mountain offers a local alternative to the main resort, with shorter lift lines, a snow tubing park, and night skiing under floodlights. The summit at 2,466 m (8,090 ft) gives a panoramic view across to the Tetons.
Downtown Jackson
Jackson National Fish Hatchery
attraction
Established in 1950, this federal hatchery on Fish Hatchery Road raises Snake River cutthroat trout. The visitor center is open year-round and offers a free, family-friendly introduction to the valley's aquatic ecology. March visits are quiet, with few other visitors and a chance to watch feeding in the outdoor raceways.
North Jackson

Your packing checklist

Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.

0 of 9 packed

Insulated waterproof ski jacketMarch temperatures swing from below freezing at the summit to near-thaw in afternoon sun. A breathable, waterproof shell with pit zips handles the range better than a heavy parka that traps heat by noon. Shop
Thermal merino wool base layersCotton kills in cold, wet conditions. Merino regulates temperature during high-exertion skiing and resists odor after multiple wears, which matters when you're layering every day for a week. Shop
UV-rated ski gogglesMarch sun at altitude reflects off snow with enough intensity to cause snow blindness in under an hour. Amber or rose-tinted lenses also help with flat-light conditions during storm cycles. Shop
SPF 50+ sunscreenUV intensity increases roughly 10% per 1,000 m of elevation gain. Sunburn on the face, neck, and underside of the chin from snow reflection is the most common beginner mistake on spring ski days. Shop
Heavy down parka for eveningsAfter a warm day skiing, the walk from a restaurant to your lodging in deep subfreezing air feels brutal without a proper town jacket. Ski layers alone are not warm enough for standing still. Shop
Hand and toe warmersDisposable chemical warmers prevent the cold toes and numb fingers that ruin the first few morning runs before the sun warms the slopes. Tuck spares in your jacket pockets. Shop
Neck gaiter or balaclavaWind chill at the upper mountain can drop felt temperatures to -25°C or below on breezy March mornings. A fleece-lined neck gaiter protects exposed skin on early-morning lift rides. Shop
Insulated waterproof boots for townJackson's sidewalks are packed snow and ice through March. Insulated, waterproof boots with traction soles matter more here than in most mountain towns, because you walk everywhere downtown. Shop
Lip balm with SPFThe dry mountain air and UV exposure at this elevation crack lips within 2 days. Reapply every time you take a lift ride. Keep one in your ski jacket and one in your town coat. Shop

Insider tips

The START Bus runs free service between Jackson and Teton Village every 20 to 30 minutes. Most visitors don't realize it exists and pay for parking at the resort instead. The route stops at Town Square and the Smiths grocery store on South Highway 89.
Ski the Hobacks in the afternoon when the south-facing pitch has softened into corn snow. Morning runs there are icy and unforgiving, but by 1 PM on a sunny March day the surface transforms into something that feels like buttered velvet under your skis.
Book your National Elk Refuge sleigh ride for a weekday morning. The spring break crowds concentrate on weekends and afternoon slots. The elk tend to be calmer and closer during the quieter early-morning departures.
Persephone Bakery on East Broadway opens at 7 AM and fills by 7:30 during spring break. The smell of fresh pastry and roasted coffee hits the cold air the moment you open the door. If you want a seat before skiing, arrive when the doors unlock.
Check the avalanche forecast at the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center site every morning, even if you plan to stay in-bounds at the resort. The forecast tells you which aspects are loading and whether storm slabs are a concern at the sidecountry gates that tempt adventurous skiers.

Avoid these mistakes

Booking a mid-March trip without checking which week the major school districts in Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco take spring break. The timing shifts year to year, and hitting peak week versus the week after can mean the difference between sold-out lodging and half-empty slopes.
Attempting Teton Pass on Highway 22 without checking WYDOT road conditions. The pass closes for avalanche control work several mornings per week in March, sometimes for 2 to 3 hours at a time. Missing this can strand you on the wrong side of the valley if you're staying in Wilson.
Packing only ski gear and no warm town clothes. March evenings in Jackson drop rapidly once the sun sets behind the Tetons, and walking between restaurants in ski boots and a shell jacket is both cold and awkward. Bring separate insulated boots and a heavy jacket for the town.
Planning a non-skiing trip longer than 3 days. The wildlife viewing, museum visits, and restaurant scene are genuine draws, but they fill 2 to 3 days comfortably. After that, without snow sports, the valley's winter identity runs thin.

Practical tips for March

Book Teton Village lodging by January for mid-March spring break dates. Grocery shopping at Albertsons on West Broadway in Jackson is significantly cheaper than eating every meal at restaurants, and many condo rentals near the ski area include full kitchens. The START Bus eliminates the need for a rental car if you're staying along the Jackson-to-Teton Village corridor, though a car opens up the Gros Ventre Road east of Kelly for dawn wildlife drives. Dress codes in Jackson run casual even at the more upscale spots. Tipping at 20% is standard at sit-down restaurants. Many shops around Town Square close by 6 PM in winter, though restaurants stay open until 9 or 10 PM. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), the only commercial airport inside a national park boundary, sits about 11 km (7 miles) north of town and receives direct flights from Denver, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and several other hubs during ski season. March flight availability tightens around spring break, so book early if you're flying in. To be fair, the valley is small enough that even without a car you can manage most activities through a combination of the free bus, hotel shuttles, and short walks.

FAQ

Is March a good time to visit Jackson Hole?

For skiers and snowboarders, March is arguably the best month of the year. The snowpack is deep, daylight runs until evening, and afternoon temperatures soften the snow into excellent spring conditions on south-facing runs. For non-skiers, March is more limited. Grand Teton National Park's roads and trails remain closed, and the valley's activity options beyond wildlife viewing and dining are thin. That said, the elk refuge sleigh rides and the museum alone can fill 2 solid days.

What is the weather like in Jackson Hole in March?

Expect daytime readings a few degrees above freezing and overnight lows well below it. Sunny days between storms feel warmer than those averages suggest, thanks to intense high-altitude sun, but mornings start cold and evenings chill fast once the sun drops behind the Tetons. Roughly half the days in March see some form of precipitation, almost always arriving as snow at this elevation.

Is Jackson Hole crowded in March?

During spring break weeks, typically mid-March, the valley reaches peak-season crowd levels. Lift lines at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort grow noticeably longer, Town Square restaurants fill by 6 PM, and Teton Village lodges sell out entirely. The first and last weeks of March are meaningfully quieter and offer a noticeably different experience on the mountain.

Is Jackson Hole safe for solo travelers?

Jackson Hole rates 8.3 out of 10 for solo-traveler safety (see /research/solo-safety/). The town of Jackson is small, walkable, and low-crime. Solo skiers should be aware that backcountry travel in the Tetons demands a partner and proper avalanche equipment. Within the resort boundaries and in town, solo visitors will feel comfortable at any hour.

Can you hike in Grand Teton National Park in March?

Not in the traditional sense. Most trails are buried under meters of snow. However, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski on many of the same routes, particularly the Taggart Lake trail and the unplowed Teton Park Road. Some visitors hike with traction devices on the packed paths near Moose, but expect full winter conditions on every surface. Summer-style hiking won't return until late May or June depending on the snowpack year.