Christmas at Yellowstone

A December 2005 trip to Jackson Hole by rshp

A winter wonderland!

  • 5 reviews

Snow King ResortBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Snow King"

This rustic log cabin-style hotel is not glamorous but does the job, with well-appointed rooms, good views of the mountain, sliding doors to a porch, and plenty of heating. The bathrooms were large enough and clean.

The restaurant was disappointing but usable – the breakfast buffet was good, with the usual cold cereals, juice, and pastries, as well as hot items, including oatmeal, sausages, eggs, bacon, pancakes, and plenty of coffee - a great way to start the day and look onto the mountain.

You can hire ski/ snowboard equipment from the hotel, and they provide a complimentary bus service to the main square in Jackson. You can also take the bus to Grand Targhee or Jackson Hole resort from the front of the hotel.

The activities concierge was very helpful. I would definitely stay here again.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by rshp on June 28, 2005

Snow King Resort
400 E Snow King Avenue Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83001
(307) 733-5200

National Elk RefugeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Wyoming's National Elk Refuge in Jackson"

This is worth a trip - the sleigh ride is good fun if you don't mind getting a bit chilly. You get very close to the elk and may also see bald eagles, moose, and wolves.

The Museum of Wildlife Art is okay (I'm not very artsy), but the café looks out over the elk - perfect with a hot chocolate!

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by rshp on June 28, 2005

National Elk Refuge
675 E Broadway Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83001
(307) 733-9212

This is a busy ski resort frequented by Olympic trainees apparently, but also suitable for beginners. If you are not a skier, the ski lift ride to the top of the mountain (and back down) is well worth it.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by rshp on June 28, 2005

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
1405 N Beckley Park Way Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83014
(307) 733-7510

Dog SleddingBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Wow! It's a little chilly, but bundled up inside a wicker crate, being hauled by a team of 6 to 10 huskies, is a wonderful way to spend the morning. If you are brave, you can try mushing the team yourself, or you can sit back, relax, and soak up the views, maybe catching a glimpse of a coyote, wolf, or moose.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by rshp on June 28, 2005

Dog Sledding
Togwotee Mountain Lodge/Cowboy Village at Togwotee Jackson Hole, Wyoming

It’s just like surfing on a Christmas cake. This is the only way to see Yellowstone in the winter. You are provided with appropriate clothing, a helmet, and a snowmobile, as well as two or three guides. After breakfast in Jackson (not great, but at 6am, who cares!) and a 90-minute van ride to the park, you climb aboard the snowmobile and head off. We managed to see bison, a wolf, elk, moose, and coyotes, as well as Old Faithful. Lunch wasn't great, but the day was so fantastic, it really didn’t matter.

Tip: Share one mobile between the two of you - that way you get to enjoy the views, as well as have a turn at driving.

The best activity ever!

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by rshp on June 28, 2005

Snowmobiling and Dog Sledding
Jackson Hole Jackson Hole, Wyoming

About the Writer

rshp
rshp
CHICAGO, Illinois
  • "We try to visit one new place every year - usually a city or place on the continent we are residing..."
  • 4 journals
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  • 14 reviews

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