For the first-time visitor to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, choosing from the world-class array of activities, adventures, and amenities can be a daunting task. So we’ve rounded up our favorite stops on a day’s itinerary that will launch a perfect weekend or week in Wyoming’s mountain paradise. Get your bearings, tune up your skills, and settle in for a memorable vacation as we take you on a tour of “The Village”—so you can spend less time on planning and more on enjoying your first day in the high-altitude heaven of the Tetons.
Waffles on Top of the World
There’s no better way to start your first day than with an early morning climb up the iconic Aerial Tram to the summit of Rendezvous Peak. The memorable ride ascends 4,139 feet in 10 minutes, ending at the beloved Corbet’s Cabin just in time for breakfast. This quaint little spot is barely more than a ski shack, but it has been serving up hot drinks, world-famous waffles, and jaw-dropping 360° views for generations. Squeeze into the cozy space alongside ski patrollers on break and adrenaline junkies fueling up before they attempt the infamous Corbet’s Couloir next door. Grab a coffee and some waffles (the peanut butter and bacon topping is a perennial favorite) and watch the sun rise over the Teton range and the valley below. We think you’ll agree that waffles and coffee taste the best at 10,450 feet.
Last-Minute Essentials
Head back down to the base to prepare for your first day on the slopes. The saying goes that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing, so stop off at Jackson Hole Sports to make sure you’re fully prepped for a day playing in the powder. The airy lodge-style store is the largest ski shop in the valley, with two stories of the best gear, clothing, and supplies, as well as top-quality rentals, fittings, and tune-ups. Let the knowledgeable staff help you ensure that you’re fully outfitted for Jackson Hole’s terrain. Then, before you go, make sure you’re stocked up on the little essentials you may have forgotten—such as pocket-sized sunscreen sticks, versatile base layers, and plenty of extra Smartwool socks.
Brush up and Settle In
A short ride up the Sweetwater Gondola will take you to Solitude Station, the resort’s full-service 12,000 square foot ski school and lodge. Their safe, low-pressure slopes are the prime spot to brush up on the basics for all levels of skill and experience. Sign up for a lesson from their expert instructors, who will give you tips and pointers on how to tackle all the mountain has to offer. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings on the slopes and prepare for a week of memorable runs. Afterwards, grab lunch inside the lodge and relax on its decks, strewn with Adirondack chairs and roaring fire pits. If you’re still feeling ready to go after your refresher course, ride the gondola up from Solitude to the Casper lift and explore the abundance of intermediate trails at the top.
Drinks on the Deck
Take the Bridger Gondola up to Piste Mountain Bistro for a slopeside late lunch with a view, Jackson-style. Stroll through the entryway with its huge roaring fire and into the chic, mid-century interior with its cool, casual retro-alpine feel. Dishes are based around local and sustainable ingredients, putting a modern twist on après comfort foods like mac and cheese and meatloaf. Try to nab a table near the floor-to-ceiling windows so you have a prime view over the valley while you peruse the cocktail menu. We suggest their warming Old Fashioned with spiced brown sugar as the perfect antidote to the cold outside.
Soak and Soothe
The first day on the slopes always leads to tired muscles, so treat yourself and re-energize for the days to come with a visit to one of the resort’s world-class spas. Choose from rooftop pools and hot tubs with panoramic views, soothing eucalyptus steam rooms, consultations with expert sports therapists and masseuses, or some good old-fashioned pampering. If you’re in the mood to splash out, it’s hard to beat the luxury of the Four Seasons Après Ski Ritual. Starting with glasses of icy champagne and a warm body soak, it includes an hour-long hot stone massage, an anti-inflammatory willow bark wrap, and an invigorating arnica rub to restore and relax strained muscles.
First Night’s Feast
It can be hard to know where to start with the resort’s inexhaustible dining options, but on a first night in town, we suggest ending your day at the cozy and elegant Old Yellowstone Garage. This valley favorite has seen many iterations throughout the years, from a tiny cabin in Dubois to a bustling hotspot in downtown Jackson. Recently, the beloved institution moved to the Caldera House in the Village, offering their exquisite Italian fare to the après-slope crowd with rave results. We’re fans of their impressive wine list and great service, but it’s the impeccable menu that keeps locals coming back night after night. Start with an array of antipasti and salads, then move onto their wood-fired, thin-crust pizza that locals have been lauding for decades.
As your first day at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort comes to a close, make sure you look up as you make your way to bed. The night sky puts on a stunning show with its tapestry of crystal-clear stars and constellations. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a shooting star before you settle in for a good night’s rest—and wake to start the fun and adventure over again tomorrow.