Jackson in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Jackson

18°C (64°F) High Temp

-6°C (21°F) Low Temp

38 mm (1.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak skiing and snowboarding conditions at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with 2,500 vertical feet (762 m) of fresh powder - January averages 89 cm (35 inches) of snowfall
Winter wildlife viewing is exceptional - elk herds of 5,000-7,000 animals gather at National Elk Refuge, easily spotted from sleigh rides operating daily 10am-4pm
Lowest accommodation prices outside holiday weeks - hotel rates drop 30-40% after January 2nd compared to December peak season
Authentic cowboy culture thrives in winter with Million Dollar Cowboy Montenegro hosting live country music Thursday-Saturday, and locals gathering for après-ski without summer tourist crowds

Considerations

Extreme cold with morning temperatures regularly below -12°C (10°F) - frostbite risk is real during outdoor activities lasting more than 30 minutes
Teton Pass (Highway 22) closes frequently during storms, sometimes stranding visitors for 6-12 hours - rental car chains required by law
Many summer attractions closed including Grand Teton National Park scenic drives and most hiking trails buried under 1.5-3 m (5-10 feet) of snow

Best Activities in January

Jackson Hole Skiing and Snowboarding

January delivers Jackson Hole's legendary powder with consistent snowfall and temperatures cold enough to preserve snow quality. Corbet's Couloir and Rendezvous Bowl offer expert terrain, while Après Vous Mountain serves intermediates. Lift tickets run $150-200 daily, but January weekdays see 50% fewer crowds than weekends.

Booking Tip: Book lift tickets online 7+ days ahead for 15% savings. Equipment rental costs $55-75 daily - reserve through resort or town shops. Lessons book fastest for 9am starts, reserve 10-14 days ahead during MLK weekend. See current tour packages in booking section below.

National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides

January is prime time for elk viewing as massive herds congregate on the refuge's 25,000 acres (10,117 hectares). Horse-drawn sleigh rides get within 18-27 m (60-90 feet) of elk herds. Morning tours at 10am and 11:30am offer best wildlife activity when elk are feeding.

Booking Tip: Reserve 7-10 days ahead as tours sell out during MLK and Presidents Day weekends. Adult tickets typically $25-35, children $15-25. Tours run weather permitting - call morning of for conditions. Dress for -12°C (10°F) temperatures during 45-minute rides.

Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Tours

January transforms Yellowstone into a snow-covered wildlife sanctuary accessible only by snowcoach or snowmobile. Bison herds move to thermal areas, wolves hunt in Lamar Valley, and geysers create dramatic steam clouds in sub-zero air. Full-day tours cover 160 km (100 miles) through the park.

Booking Tip: Book snowcoach tours 14-21 days ahead - only certified guides can enter the park. Full-day tours typically $250-350 per person including lunch and park fees. Tours depart Jackson 7am, return 6pm. See current tour operators in booking section below.

Grand Teton Backcountry Skiing

Advanced skiers find untouched powder in Teton backcountry areas like Teton Pass and Granite Canyon. January's stable snowpack and cold temperatures create ideal avalanche conditions for experienced tourers with proper gear. Guided tours access terrain impossible to reach in summer.

Booking Tip: Only for expert skiers with avalanche training - guided tours require avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. Full-day backcountry tours typically $300-450 per person. Book certified mountain guides 10-14 days ahead. Weather cancellations common during storms.

Dog Sledding Adventures

January's consistent snow cover and cold temperatures create perfect mushing conditions on 16-24 km (10-15 mile) trails through Bridger-Teton National Forest. Teams of 6-12 Alaskan huskies pull sleds through powder snow with Teton Range backdrop. Half-day tours include hands-on mushing instruction.

Booking Tip: Reserve 10-14 days ahead as only 3-4 operators run tours. Half-day experiences typically $200-275 per person, full-day $350-450. Tours cancel below -23°C (-10°F) for dog safety. Dress in provided arctic gear for 2-3 hour outdoor exposure.

Thermal Hot Springs Soaking

Soaking in 40°C (104°F) natural hot springs while snow falls creates Jackson's most relaxing winter experience. Granite Hot Springs requires 13 km (8 mile) snowshoe or ski access, while developed pools offer easier access. January's cold air intensifies the thermal contrast experience.

Booking Tip: Granite Hot Springs requires $5 entrance fee and advance parking reservation on weekends. Commercial hot spring resorts charge $15-25 daily access. Bring wool swimsuit and quick-dry towels - cotton freezes. Check road conditions before driving to remote springs.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Festival

Local celebration featuring ski demos, equipment sales up to 60% off, live music at base lodge, and pro athlete appearances. Includes family-friendly activities like torchlight parades and fireworks over the slopes.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated snow boots rated to -25°C (-13°F) - regular winter boots fail in Jackson's extreme cold and 1-2 m (3-6 feet) snow depths

Merino wool base layers (top and bottom) - synthetic materials become clammy during high-exertion activities like skiing

Down parka rated for -18°C (0°F) or colder - Jackson's wind chill regularly drops effective temperature 8-11°C (15-20°F) below actual

Waterproof ski gloves plus liner gloves - you'll remove outer gloves frequently for zippers, cameras, and equipment

Wool or synthetic insulated hat covering ears - 40% of body heat escapes through head in sub-zero conditions

SPF 30+ lip balm and sunglasses - UV reflects intensely off snow even with low winter sun angle

Hand and foot warmers (chemical packets) - essential backup for lift lines and outdoor activities exceeding 1 hour

Waterproof ski pants even for non-skiers - sitting on snow during wildlife viewing or walking in deep powder soaks regular pants

Insulated water bottle - regular bottles freeze solid within 2-3 hours in January temperatures

Emergency car kit with blankets, snacks, flashlight - Teton Pass and rural roads regularly close during storms

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat lunch at 11:30am and 1:30pm to avoid noon rush at on-mountain restaurants - save 15-20 minutes in lift lines

Download Jackson Hole Resort app for real-time lift status and wait times - Tram typically has 45+ minute waits after 11am

Park downtown before 9am for free street parking - paid lots charge $10-15 daily but meters are often broken under snow

Grocery shop at Smith's or Albertsons before 8am or after 7pm to avoid tourist crowds and get best deli selection

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects at 1,925 m (6,311 feet) elevation - drink 3-4 liters water daily and limit alcohol first 48 hours

Wearing cotton clothing which retains moisture and loses insulation when wet - synthetic or wool materials maintain warmth

Driving without tire chains or 4WD experience - rent AWD vehicle and practice chain installation before needing them on mountain passes