pianogirl

My husband and I have talked about flying into Jackson hole and spending a few days at Christmas. We've been to the area and both parks in the summer before, but my concern is the weather. It is extremely expensive to fly into Jackson hole, so I wondered if other airports are an option, but I'm concerned about snow and getting around. I read that they close the main road between Tetons and Yellowstone, so what road do you take to travel between the two parks? Also, we don't ski, just want to maybe do some snowmobiling and see the parks. I'm having trouble finding much info on going there during the winter months and would appreciate any help.

Gretchen

It is COLD, snowy, and I would have to surmise extremely hard to get around. We called our dude ranch owner one time in winter and it was 30*below.
http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/hours.htm

roundthebend

The Jackson area is made for winter. Even after a big storm, they get the roads cleared quickly...they have to...tourism is their lifeblood. I've only been there for the skiing, so can't comment on the parks, but the valley is mostly flat and driving is not a big problem. Lots to do there in winter!

I've flown into Idaho Falls,(Horizon Air) rented a car, and driven for about 2 hours into Jackson. I usually go in February. It's under 100 miles but you go over a mountain pass before you drop into Jackson. I've not had a problem with the pass, but you need winter driving skills to do it comfortably. Maybe locals can provide an opinion on road conditions, and driving over that pass...including the name of the pass.

pianogirl

30 below does sound really cold to be riding around in a snowmobile.

Hmm, I live in the mountains of TN and I know how bad the weather can get (more extreme there I realize). Those mountain passes are what make me nervous as far as flying into a different town. And yet I'm considering it because the high cost of airfare. We fly several times a year, and the only thing I can compare to the cost of flying into Jackson Hole is our flight to Hawaii!

Thanks, I'll check out Idaho Falls.

Gretchen

Why don't you go to Colorado and do your snowmobiling. You are really risking being snowed into your hotel for the whole time also.
If you fly "somewhere else" you will need to rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle and spend X amount of time getting to jackson Hole.
Christmas is going to be "high season" at any mountain resort also for hotels and air fare.

pianogirl

I don't want to snowmobile for the sport, I thought that was how people got around Yellowstone/Tetons in the winter because so many of the roads are closed.