Skip Jackson, Stay in the Teton Village During Summer

If you’ve been to Jackson, Wyoming, you know it’s a year-round destination. Just 12 miles separate the Town of Jackson, Wyoming, from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which is where the Teton Village and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort are located. Jackson sees more visitors during the warmer months, while Jackson Hole gets more visitors during winter. If you visit the Teton Village during summer, you’ll experience a much different vibe than during ski season.

Step out Onto the Grand Teton Skywalk

Accessible via the Aerial Tram atop Rendezvous Mountain, the new Grand Teton Skywalk enables visitors to step onto a 20-foot-long viewing platform at 10,450 feet for panoramic views of the surrounding Teton Mountains, Snake River Valley and, of course, its star peak, The Grand (13,775 feet). The $50 Summer Sightseeing Ticket includes access to the Aerial Tram, Bridger Gondola, and Sweetwater Gondola.

Climb Via Ferrata

If you’re not familiar with this sport, Via Ferrata is a type of climbing adventure that involves moving upward or laterally through a series of routes using a 2-point harness attachment system to navigate cables and rungs affixed to the rock. From mid-June through October, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers guided full and half-day Via Ferrata tours on 15 unique routes that will spike your adrenaline. Prices start at $446 for 1 - 2 people and $653 for 3 - 5 people.

Rent an E-Bike

More than 55 miles of pathways link the Teton Village to Wilson, the Town of Jackson, and Grand Teton National Park. You can cover much more ground by renting an e-bike from Teton Village Sports to explore the area.

If you take the 8-mile bike path ride south from the Teton Village to the town of Wilson, don’t miss a visit to Hungry Jack’s General Store . The store opened in 1954 and is located in downtown Wilson. It has everything from postcards to locally grown produce and is owned by a community of more than 600 residents. If you go north, you can ride 16 miles to get to Grand Teton National Park . E-bike rentals start at $93 per day and you can save 15 percent by booking online.

If you take the 8-mile bike path ride south from the Teton Village to the town of Wilson, don’t miss a visit to Hungry Jack’s General Store. The store opened in 1954 and is located in downtown Wilson. It has everything from postcards to locally grown produce and is owned by a community of more than 600 residents. If you go north, you can ride 16 miles to get to Grand Teton National Park. E-bike rentals start at $93 per day and you can save 15 percent by booking online.

Hike New or Familiar Trails

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is ever-expanding its offerings by creating new hiking trails, like the new North Ridge Trail, a 0.32-mile trail rated difficult that connects the Cirque Trail and the top of Rendezvous Mountain from the bottom of Tensleep Bowl on steep, exposed trails. You’ll be granted sweeping valley views along the way and may get–ideally distant–sightings of bears and moose. Keep your eye out for foxes and pikas, too. You can also start at the top and take this trail down to the top station of the Bridger Gondola or farther if you prefer. The Wildflower Trail is a crowd favorite and a moderate 3.9-mile trail from the Aerial Tram Base to the top of Bridger Gondola.

Unwind at the Spa

Chances are you’re going on vacation to relax, so make it count by booking some spa treatments. SpaTerre Jackson Hole , located in the Teton Village Lodge, has a substantial menu of skincare, body therapy, and wellness treatments to help you achieve mountain zen. Signature spa treatments include a CBD muscle relief massage, a Thai Herbal Poultice massage, and cryotherapy pain management packages.

Dining in the Teton Village

Dining in Teton Village is an adventure in itself. This little nook of the world has a noteworthy number of high-caliber restaurants.

Four Seasons Handle Bar

You don’t need to stay at the Four Seasons to dine there. Visit The Handle Bar for lunch and try the nachos, elk chili, quinoa burger, cluckin’ sando, and cowboy cookie. If you’re staying at the Four Seasons, don’t miss the new mountainside grab-and-go for quick eats on your way to the hill. There’s also a new 750-square-foot speakeasy with a menu of light bites and fancy cocktails.

Il Villaggio Osteria

Part of the Fine Dining Group, Osteria is an Italian restaurant and wine bar in Hotel Terra. Their pizzas and pasta are made in-house and are out-of-this-world delicious. The menu includes fan favorites like rosemary roasted olives, imported salamis and cheeses, crudo ahi tuna salad, bison short ribs, and Nutella cheesecake. They also have an extensive to-go menu.

Teton Thai

Teton Thai is an institution in the Teton Village. There’s a reason it’s challenging to get a spot at this family-run authentic Thai restaurant – the food isn’t just good, considering it’s located in the middle of the mountains, it’s good compared to Thai restaurants everywhere. You can't go wrong if you go for the Tom Yum Goong soup, Pad Kee Mao, BBQ pork with sticky rice, roasted duck curry, or egg rolls. Be sure to indicate your spiciness level of comfort – they don’t mess around.

The Spur Restaurant and Bar

Located in the Teton Mountain Lodge, The Spur is a great choice for brunch, happy hour, and dinner. Daily happy hours go from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and feature half-off draft beers, margaritas, and well-drinks. There’s also a special après bites menu. Don’t miss the Moroccan couscous for breakfast, and if you go for dinner, the specials are a good bet. Cross your fingers that the Snickers trifle is one of the dessert specials.

Top of the World Waffles

Accessed via the Tram, you’ll find Top of the World Waffles at Corbet’s Cabin. They specialize in… well, waffles. Allow yourself a little high-altitude treat when you arrive at the top of Rendezvous Mountain. The small cabin was built in the 1960s and has been serving waffles since 2009. All the waffles are reasonably priced at $6.50 and are served in foil. The “Trad” is made with brown sugar butter, the Englishman is made with lemon fondant and powdered sugar, the Strawberries waffle is exactly as it sounds, The Italian is made with Nutella, and The Gateway is made with natural peanut butter and smoked bacon. You can even mix two together, like strawberries and Nutella; there are no rules.

Related: Summer Adventures in Jackson Hole