11 Places Like Jackson Hole: Ski Towns With A Similar Feel
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Jackson Hole stands out as one of the most unique mountain towns in the United States and worldwide. Its charm lies in its prime location near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, its vibrant western spirit, top-notch accommodations, fantastic food, outdoor activities, and world-class skiing.
Having visited Jackson Hole myself, I quickly understood why so many people are drawn to this town. Although it is a very unique destination, there are a few other towns in the United States that share a similar vibe.
Keep reading as I highlight alternatives to Jackson Hole, including other ski mountain towns with a similar ambiance that you’re sure to enjoy.
Places Like Jackson Hole
If you’re in search of places like Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I know a handful of places that resemble the town. Continue reading below as I dive into each one that stands out.
1. Park City, Utah
Park City is the largest ski resort in North America, so you can expect phenomenal skiing here. With 7,300 skiable acres, skiers and snowboarders of all levels will find terrain they love. While this massive size is very different from Jackson Hole’s 2,500 acres of in-bound terrain, you can expect both mountains to have top-notch skiing and snowboarding trails and conditions.
Beyond the slopes, Park City resembles Jackson Hole with its historic Main Street, reminiscent of Jackson Hole’s main square. Both areas are brimming with shops, restaurants, galleries, bars, and more.
Additionally, Park City offers exceptional accommodations similar to Jackson Hole. Although neither destination is particularly budget-friendly, you can find a range of excellent mid-range hotels and luxurious lodgings.
For a top-tier experience, consider booking a room at the St. Regis, known for its mountainous design, cozy interiors, supreme spa, and excellent location.
2. Whitefish, Montana
We can’t talk about towns similar to Jackson Hole without mentioning Whitefish, Montana. Both are renowned for their excellent skiing and snowboarding.
While Jackson Hole is more well-known, Whitefish holds its own. Whitefish boasts 3,000 skiable acres, receives an average of 300 inches of snow each year, and has 11 lifts.
In comparison, Jackson Hole has 2,500 skiable acres, an average of 458 inches of snow per year, and 16 lifts. Though Whitefish offers more terrain, Jackson Hole surpasses it in snowfall and the number of lifts.
However, both destinations are less crowded than popular resorts like Breckenridge, Vail, Snowbird, and Solitude.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, there are other similarities worth mentioning. Both towns are located near national parks—Whitefish is just outside Glacier National Park, while Jackson Hole is right outside Grand Teton National Park and both are only a few hours from Yellowstone.
This makes both towns great year-round destinations for exploring national parks and enjoying activities like hiking, horseback riding, road trips, snowshoeing, and more.
Additionally, both towns feature charming downtown areas with restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. For a great location and mountain ambiance in Whitefish, consider staying at the Firebrand Hotel.
3. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is one of my favorite towns in the world. I’ve visited multiple times in different seasons, and each visit deepens my love for its outdoor activities and stunning mountain views. While Aspen is a unique town, it shares several similarities with Jackson Hole.
Both Aspen and Jackson Hole are known for their upscale ambiance, featuring high-end hotels and luxurious restaurants. However, they differ in their shopping scenes—Jackson Hole is home to boutique stores, while Aspen is famous for its designer brand stores.
Both towns also boast world-class ski resorts, making them two of the best skiing destinations in the world.
Although I particularly enjoy visiting both places in the winter, they are great year-round destinations. Their beautiful weather and mountainous landscapes make them perfect for winter sports during the colder months and for hiking, biking, and exploring during the warmer seasons.
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Aspen, consider The St. Regis, renowned for its prime location, welcoming staff, lavish spa, and overall atmosphere.
4. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs is a truly special place. Having visited multiple times, I always leave with countless memories that last a lifetime.
One similarity between Jackson Hole and Steamboat Springs is that both destinations require a bit of effort to reach. Neither is serviced by a major airport, so you’ll need to drive or fly into a smaller airport. While this can be a hassle and cost a bit more, it’s worth it for the fewer crowds and the magical mountain towns.
Both Steamboat Springs and Jackson Hole boast impressive ski resorts. Steamboat Ski Resort and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort are the main attractions, but each town also has smaller in-town resorts. Steamboat Springs features Howelsen Hill, and Jackson Hole has Snow King Mountain Resort, offering visitors additional options.
Another charming similarity is the walkable main areas in each town. Steamboat’s Main Street is lined with shops and restaurants, making for a delightful stroll. Jackson Hole’s walkable square offers a similar experience with its range of shops and dining options. Both towns provide excellent experiences on and off the slopes.
Lodging in both towns is equally appealing. You can choose to stay slopeside near the ski resorts or in town close to restaurants, bars, and shops. I recommend staying in town for easy access to dining options. In Steamboat, the Nordic Lodge is a great choice for its fantastic location.
5. Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon is another one of my favorite towns out West, and it shares quite a few similarities with Jackson Hole.
One of the unique ways Bend reminds me of Jackson Hole is their beer scenes. While Bend has more breweries, Jackson Hole also offers great spots for craft brews, making both towns top destinations for beer enthusiasts. If you’re a beer fan like me, be sure to visit Deschutes Brewery in Bend and Snake River Brewing Company in Jackson Hole.
Besides their beer scenes, Bend and Jackson Hole are similar in being home to excellent skiing destinations like Mount Bachelor and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. While the slopes are the main attraction in winter, the surrounding mountains add to the charm with opportunities for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and other winter activities. During spring, summer, and fall, both destinations are fantastic for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and more.
If you’re looking to stay in Bend, don’t miss the chance to book a room at the Oxford Hotel Bend, known for its beautiful rooms, great location, and stunning views.
6. Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is another destination that shares many characteristics with Jackson Hole. Both towns are known for their stunning mountain views, world-class ski resorts, and western vibe.
The most striking similarity is their western appeal. Jackson Hole is famous for its cowboy atmosphere, highlighted by bars like The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where you can sit on top of saddles while enjoying a cold beer. Similarly, Telluride boasts a western atmosphere, epitomized by the New Sheridan Hotel. There, you can savor drinks at the Historic Bar Telluride, one of the oldest bars in the West, and soak in its rich history and western feel.
Beyond their western charm, both towns offer some of the best skiing in the United States, with challenging resorts that attract experienced skiers. The mountain views from the summits of both resorts are truly breathtaking.
If you plan on spending time in Telluride, consider staying at the Madeline Hotel & Residences, known for its excellent location, outstanding service, and upscale amenities.
7. Ketchum, Idaho
Ketchum and Jackson Hole have a lot in common, making them great spots for skiers and snowboarders. Both towns are known for their amazing skiing—Ketchum has Sun Valley Resort, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is famous for its slopes.
In addition to skiing, both places offer a touch of luxury with upscale hotels, fine dining, and unique shops. You can enjoy gourmet meals and luxurious stays in both towns.
In Ketchum, don’t miss Michel’s Christiania for a delicious French meal, especially their trout, lamb, and steak. For a great stay, check out the Sun Valley Resort with its fantastic ambiance, service, and amenities.
Both towns also have a history of attracting celebrities, which adds to their exciting and lively atmosphere. This mix of luxury, outdoor fun, and cultural experiences makes them popular destinations.
8. Truckee-Tahoe, California
Truckee-Tahoe, a charming mountain town near Lake Tahoe in California, is known for its numerous ski resorts and outdoor activities. Similar to Jackson Hole, Truckee-Tahoe offers a range of ski resorts for different skill levels.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for gentle slopes at Northstar California Resort or an experienced skier seeking challenging runs at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Truckee-Tahoe has something for everyone.
While Lake Tahoe and Jackson Hole may not seem alike at first, they share some unique features. Both areas have excellent ski resorts and upscale accommodations.
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Truckee-Tahoe, consider The Ritz-Carlton, which offers top-notch amenities, a great location, and stunning views.
The cherry on top that makes both destinations similar is the incredible mountainous landscape. At both Truckee-Tahoe and Jackson Hole, you can enjoy winter sports during the colder months and activities like fishing, hiking, and road tripping during the warmer months.
9. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe has many similarities with Jackson Hole. Like Jackson Hole, Stowe is known for its impressive snowfall. While it might not reach the levels of Western ski resorts, it still gets a good amount for an East Coast destination.
Stowe is also a great year-round vacation spot, just like Jackson Hole. It offers hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and stunning views in every season.
Both places also feature world-class spas. For a relaxing experience, visit Stowe Village Massage for excellent massages,perfect for unwinding after an active day.
Lastly, Stowe has plenty of upscale accommodation options, similar to Jackson Hole. The Lodge at Spruce Peak offers a luxurious atmosphere, fantastic amenities, and an overall incredible stay.
10. Taos, New Mexico
Taos and Jackson Hole share many of the same characteristics. For starters, Taos is the best ski resort in New Mexico, and Jackson Hole is the best ski resort in Wyoming. So, you can expect excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions at both places.
Both Taos and Jackson Hole are not serviced by major airports, which means a bit more effort is required to get there. This results in fewer crowds and shorter lift lines, which is a great bonus for passionate skiers and snowboarders.
Additionally, both towns have charming areas filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. These walkable and lively areas are fun to explore after a day on the slopes and add to the overall atmosphere of each town.
Both Taos and Jackson Hole offer a variety of places to stay. If you’re looking for the best hotel in Taos, consider booking a room at El Monte Sagrado, known for its spa, pool, and friendly staff.
11. Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky is another ski mountain town that shares similarities with Jackson Hole. With 5,850 skiable acres, Big Sky offers a balanced mix of terrain: 50% for beginners and intermediates, and 50% for advanced riders and experts. Although Big Sky’s in-bound terrain is twice the size of Jackson Hole’s, the distribution of terrain levels is the same.
Additionally, both Big Sky and Jackson Hole are somewhat remote, lacking large nearby airports. This means fewer crowds, as getting there requires a bit more effort and expense.
Both towns also feature lavish accommodations. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Big Sky, consider the Montage Big Sky, which offers a pool, multiple dining venues, a great spa, and an overall charming atmosphere.
Final Thoughts On Alternatives To Jackson Hole
Destinations like Jackson Hole provide a variety of outdoor activities, luxurious amenities, mountain vistas, and top-notch service. Whether it’s the exceptional ski slopes or the bustling main area with shops, restaurants, and bars, each town has its distinct charm while also sharing some traits with Jackson Hole.
Whether you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder seeking adventure or a beginner looking for a unique mountain retreat, these destinations offer a fantastic alternative to Jackson Hole, promising an unforgettable trip for mountain lovers.
