Jackson Hole WY or Big Sky, MT?

Old Jun 8th, 2011, 10:39 AM
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Jackson Hole WY or Big Sky, MT?

My husband and I are considering 4-5 days in September or Oct. in Jackson Hole or Big Sky. I'm looking for thoughts on which might be better to visit for the suggested time frame and ideas on where to stay. I'd appreciate any suggestions or insights.
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Old Jun 8th, 2011, 10:53 AM
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What kind of things are you looking to do when you're visiting? Big Sky isn't really a town. There's a small village off the highway, and then there are condos, a hotel, and a few restaurants at the base of the ski area on Lone Mountain. I think you'll find that most places will be closed in September and October, at least at the base of the mountain.

Jackson, WY is a town with shops and restaurants. It's very different from Big Sky which doesn't really have a town at all.
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Old Jun 8th, 2011, 10:55 AM
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There is a lot more to do in Jackson than in Big Sky, and Jackson gives very easy access to Grand Teton National Park--an incredibly beautiful place.

If you like the ski resort atmosphere, you could stay at Teton Village, which is 12 miles north of Jackson and 20 miles south of the park.

In suggesting where you might like to stay it would be good to know your preference for type of property, desired room rate, etc.

HTTY
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Old Jun 8th, 2011, 11:05 AM
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Jackson ... not even close.
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Old Jun 8th, 2011, 11:21 AM
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Thanks. I have been leaning toward Jackson Hole. As for what we like to do - we are pretty flexible when it comes to the outdoors - we love to hike, have done some horseback riding, cycling, etc. And obviously, we truly want to enjoy what the outdoors offers or we wouldn't be trying to visit such a beautiful spot!

As for where to stay, the place doesn't have to be fancy or high-end. We are more about cozy comfort, some place to put our head nicely at night...something that reflects the local area as opposed to a chain or tourist trap. We like cabins, B&Bs, cottages, lodges...good food. I've heard great things about the Jenny Lake Lodge from a cousin, but haven't looked into it. As for pricing, I genuinely don't know what to expect as reasonable. Thoughts as to what to expect? While I can enjoy a great massage or spa visit as much as anyone, staying at a place with such amenities is certainly not important (I can visit on my own).

And I am thinking Sept might be better than Oct weatherwise? Thanks again everyone.
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Old Jun 8th, 2011, 01:07 PM
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And I am thinking Sept might be better than Oct weatherwise?

Used to work at Yellowstone ... last two weeks of Sept and first week of Oct generally offered the best weather -- crisp sunny fall days, elk bugling as they prepare for the rut, smaller crowds, great trout fishing. Might have a quick snow storm pass thru but that's usually the best weather window. Seems to get cold and dreary pretty fast later in October.
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Old Jun 8th, 2011, 05:09 PM
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Thanks for the seasonal info. And that was my concern about too late in Oct. I know even in the Sawtooths in August nights can get really cold. I don't mind it, but good to be prepared! Any suggestions on lodging? Thanks again.
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Old Jun 8th, 2011, 05:29 PM
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There are so many choices in and around Jackson. Specifically the Jenny Lake Lodge needs to be booked almost a year in advance and is very expensive.

There are many hotels/motels in town. Rates don't go down until mid-Oct. Sept and early Oct are still peak season, all the Europeans and retired, no kids people go then, just like yourselves.

There are many condos in the Snow King ski area, east side of town, and many, many more at Jackson Hole ski resort and nearby the base.

There are also vacation homes for rent, but most of these are quite pricey too. It's an expensive town, high demand for lodging, millions of visitors every year. Some motels have kitchen facilities in the room or cabin. Last time I stayed at the Cowboy Village and kind of liked it. They accept dogs, so all the pet travelers stay here.

Start looking now and get some reservations nailed down. DO NOT go without reservations, you end up paying much more last minute.

FYI - they have been paving a nice bike lane on Hwy 89 which is a very popular cycling route. Very hard and dangerous to share that narrow road with motorhomes and gawkers. The bike lane is long overdue - enjoy!

Just know that the later in the year you go, the less chance of rafting, if you care.

Have fun!
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Old Jun 10th, 2011, 05:55 PM
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Late Sept and the first week of August are beautiful in the Grand Teton National Park, because that is when the leaves are turning to fall colors. You can hear the elk bugle, and kayak down the Snake River. It is all very heavenly. Absolutely love it. There are accomodations in the park that are perfectly located. Be sure to go to Gun & Barrel for dinner-it is one of our favorite places!
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Old Jul 20th, 2011, 11:07 AM
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So I have another post regarding places to stay in Jackson - from this posting, it seems first week of Oct still a good time to go and when we have the vacation scheduled, but on others I see it suggested that Oct is too late in general. Thoughts? Thanks.
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Old Jul 20th, 2011, 01:26 PM
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from this posting, it seems first week of Oct still a good time to go and when we have the vacation scheduled, but on others I see it suggested that Oct is too late in general. Thoughts?

You never really know for sure about the weather but in general first week in Oct was still good the years I was there ... mid-Oct and later it seems to deteriorate quickly, with a lot of businesses shutting down.

Jackson is somewhat lower elevation than Yellowstone or Big Sky, which helps ...
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 09:54 AM
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You can't go to WY or MT in early Oct without some risk of weather issues BUT that doesn't mean you shouldn't go then as it is a beautiful time of year. I grew up in MT and our family had a house in Big Sky. October is clearly the "shoulder" season (esp in Big Sky) between the summer tourists and the ski season. However, I still loved that time of year as the crowds were less in Yellowstone and Tetons, the colors beautiful, and the wildlife getting ready for winter and coming down from the higher elevations so you have a better chance of seeing more. You could have 70F or 30F weather but chances are, even if an early snowstorm came in, it wouldn't stick and you could still hike and be outdoors - just be prepared clothing-wise for rapid and unexpected temperature changes. Not sure where you are from but there are many sporting good shops in Jackson that would be more than happy to sell you warm clothes....

I've stayed at Jenny Lake lodge which is great although expensive and they included dinner in the price so you felt like you had to eat dinner at their restaurant (although it was quite good). Maybe this has changed since I stayed.

On Big Sky, even though it is probably my favorite place on earth, I have to agree with the other posters that Jackson has a lot more going on during October in terms of restaurant/shopping options and proximity to Tetons and Yellowstone. You can get to West Yellowstone from Big Sky in about 45 minutes/1 hour but Jackson is a better overall option. Big Sky is great in the winter for skiing/snowmobiling and in July/Aug for hiking, flyfishing, floating the river, horseback riding, etc. You could still do most of these things in early Oct (not float the river) but is a higher elevation and greater chance of early snow.
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 11:49 AM
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NorCal_Jo - Thanks so much! I have family who has a home in Big Sky so plan to make it one day!! We decided on Jackson Hole for many of the reasons suggested - time of year, lower elevation, more going on, etc. Appreciate your confirming that while the weather may be "ify" it's a fine time of year to go. We live in Upstate NY - a little snow and cooler weather won't bother us, and it sounds like, overall, it's a very pleasant time to visit. We will just plan accordingly when packing! We are actually looking at being there (if all goes as we hope!) the last week Jenny Lake Lodge is open, and it's booked. Might visit for a trip to a spa or dinner, but hope maybe for something a little less pricey as well if we can find something appropriate. I posted another link in this regard. I am hoping to find a place (truly local in flavor) for between $150-$200 if that is possible. Thanks again to you and everyone for your thoughts!
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 11:52 AM
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Good advice from Bill_H.

Skip Big Sky that time of year. We included it in our last trip to Yellowstone/GT in September, and it was dead, dead, dead. Looks to be pretty much a ski place, but when we visited, most stores were closed, one or two restaurants were open. And it's not a town, anyway.

As to your timing - last time we went in mid-September, and the time before it was early October. We preferred the early October trip, just luck of the weather-draw (believe it or not, there was a heat wave in our September trip).

P.S. Jackson is great and things will stay open. But West Yellowstone started boarding things up by the time we arrived on October 6, and was so quiet that week that the town turned off the power in the middle of the day, just for a maintenance activity.
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 11:55 AM
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Check out Alpenhof Lodge in Teton Village (about 20 minutes from Jackson). http://www.alpenhoflodge.com/alpenhof.htm
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 12:42 PM
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Thanks so much for the lodge recommendation! Looks like a great possibility!
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 12:46 PM
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Am I looking correctly at the map that Teton Village is about 20-25 miles (50 minutes) from Grand Teton National Park?
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 12:48 PM
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BTW - I'm not suggesting that's too far, just trying to get my logistics correct! Thanks!
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 01:56 PM
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pupchic, from Teton Village there is a "back entrance" to the park. It's called Moose-Wilson road; narrow and winding, very very pretty in the fall and a good route to look for moose. It takes you from Teton Village to Moose (park hq), about 9 miles. So not only do you not have to backtrack into Jackson, you are right next to a road that I consider a "must do" anyway.
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Old Jul 23rd, 2011, 01:26 PM
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Sorry I can't help you more on the lodging as I don't remember any of the names of places we have stayed in the town of Jackson Hole. Have you checked availability at Jackson Lake Lodge (if you looking to stay in/near the park)?It has a gorgeous view of the Tetons and even if you don't stay there, I recommend you have a drink in their bar that has big windows that frame the range like a postcard!

Other posters may have mentioned, but basically your choice of lodging is either in/near the park in official park lodging (see www.gtlc.com) or private resorts/hotels/homes scattered around. Or, you go to either Jackson Hole proper or Teton Village. IMO, I prefer to stay either in/near the park if I want close access and will be spending my time mostly hiking, etc. or going up to Yellowstone. However, if we were in the mood for more restaurant/shopping options and "nightlife", we would stay in Jackson Hole proper (usually at some basic hotel close to the center). I prefer Teton village the least in the summer/fall as it has that off season ski feel and I have to drive to both Jackson and to the park (although it is closer to the park using the "back entrance" mentioned by sludick).

Tripadvisor has good photos/descriptions.
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