Things to Do in Jackson in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Jackson
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring skiing conditions are typically excellent - March sits right in that sweet spot where you've still got a solid base from winter storms, but daytime temperatures in the 30s to 40s°F (around -1 to 4°C) make for softer, more forgiving snow by afternoon. The slopes are significantly less crowded than February's Presidents' Day chaos.
- Wildlife viewing hits its stride as elk herds move through the National Elk Refuge (just 1.6 km or 1 mile north of town square). You'll see thousands of elk congregating before their spring migration, and sleigh rides through the refuge run through early April. Bald eagles and trumpeter swans are also active along the Snake River.
- Lodging prices drop noticeably after the first week of March once spring break crowds clear out. You're looking at 25-35% lower rates compared to February, and you can actually get dinner reservations at popular spots without booking weeks ahead. Mid-March to late March is genuinely one of the best value windows of the year.
- Bluebird days become more frequent as storms space out. You'll get those classic Wyoming mornings with cobalt skies and visibility for miles across the Tetons. The light in March is exceptional for photography, with the sun higher in the sky than winter months but still hitting the peaks at dramatic angles.
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable and can shift dramatically within hours. You might start the day in a t-shirt with temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and end it in a snowstorm with temps dropping to -7°C (20°F). March storms can dump 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) overnight, which is great for skiing but can close Teton Pass and make driving treacherous.
- Spring conditions mean slushy afternoons on the mountain. By 2pm, especially on south-facing runs, the snow gets heavy and wet. If you're used to powder, this takes adjustment. Some lower elevation trails and runs may close entirely as snow melts and refreezes into ice patches.
- Many summer attractions remain closed. Grand Teton National Park's main roads don't fully open until early May, hiking trails at higher elevations are still buried under 2-3 m (6-10 ft) of snow, and several popular restaurants and shops in town operate on reduced hours or stay shuttered until late April. If you're expecting full summer access to the backcountry, March isn't your month.
Best Activities in March
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Spring Skiing
March offers some of the season's best value skiing with fewer lift lines than peak winter. Morning corduroy is still firm and fast, while afternoon spring skiing gives you that softer, more playful snow. The resort typically stays open through early April, and March conditions mean you can ski in lighter layers. Rendezvous Bowl and Casper Bowl are usually fully accessible by March with stable snowpack. Expect 10-15 minute lift waits on weekdays versus 30-45 minutes in February.
National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides
This is THE month to see thousands of elk up close before they migrate into the high country. The refuge, located just north of town, hosts one of North America's largest elk herds through March. Horse-drawn sleigh rides take you directly into the herd, often within 6-9 m (20-30 ft) of the animals. You'll also spot bison, coyotes, and birds of prey. The combination of snow-covered landscape and massive elk herds against the Teton backdrop is spectacular. Tours run daily through early April, weather permitting.
Backcountry Snowmobile Tours
March is actually ideal for snowmobile touring because the snowpack is consolidated and stable, making for smoother rides than the deep powder months. Temperatures are more comfortable too, you're not dealing with the -20°C (-4°F) cold snaps of January. Tours head into Bridger-Teton National Forest or up toward Granite Hot Springs. You'll cover 80-130 km (50-80 miles) depending on the tour length, with incredible views of the Gros Ventre Range. The variable weather means some days you'll ride in sunshine, others through light snow, which actually makes it more adventurous.
Wildlife Photography Safaris in Grand Teton National Park
While the main park roads remain closed, guided wildlife tours access the southern sections and surrounding areas where animals are most active. March is prime time for photographing elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. The animals are more visible because they're concentrated in lower elevations, and the snow cover provides dramatic contrast. Early morning tours from 6am-10am offer the best light and animal activity. You might also catch wolves if you're lucky, though they're more common in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley, about 100 km (62 miles) north.
Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing at Teton Pines or Spring Creek Ranch
If downhill skiing isn't your thing, the valley floor offers excellent groomed nordic trails with stunning Teton views. March conditions are perfect because the trails are well-established but temperatures are mild enough that you won't freeze. Spring Creek Ranch has about 24 km (15 miles) of groomed trails at 2,000 m (6,600 ft) elevation with panoramic views. It's peaceful, significantly cheaper than resort skiing, and you can go at your own pace. Snowshoeing works on the same trail systems when snow is deep enough.
Scenic Flights Over the Tetons
March weather is variable, but when you get those clear bluebird days, the aerial views are unmatched. The peaks are still fully snow-covered, and the contrast between the white mountains and darker valley is striking. Flights range from 30-minute tours circling the immediate Teton Range to longer 60-90 minute flights that include Yellowstone's geothermal features. You'll see terrain that's completely inaccessible in winter by any other means. Morning flights tend to have calmer air and better visibility.
March Events & Festivals
Pole Pedal Paddle
This quirky relay race combines alpine skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, cross-country skiing at Teton Pines, road cycling through the valley, and kayaking down the Snake River. It's been running since 1975 and draws around 400 teams. Even if you're not competing, it's entertaining to watch and the town has a festive atmosphere. The event typically happens in early April, but some years it falls in late March depending on snow conditions and the calendar.