Survival Skills: Winter Safety in Jackson Hole
Let’s face it: Jackson can get cold. Many sane people would turn the other way and make for Orlando, but not you. And not us, either. Because rather than just enduring the cold, people who love Jackson Hole have mastered the art of thriving in it. Here are some winter safety skills that our time in Jackson has taught us—lessons that can be applied anywhere frost creeps in.
1. Layer Like a Pro
Forget just throwing on a big coat and calling it a day. It’s all about strategic layering. Start with moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat off your skin, add insulating mid-layers like fleece or wool for warmth, and finish with a waterproof outer shell to block wind and snow. Pro Tip: Merino wool socks are a game-changer for keeping your toes toasty without overheating. Don’t have any of the above? Our favorite outdoor shop is Teton Mountaineering.
2. Respect the Power of the Sun (Even in Winter)
Never underestimate the sun’s strength, even on the chilliest days. The sun can be a bit like a toddler with a permanent marker: you don’t know how much devastation it can cause until it’s too late. The weather might be freezing, but the high-altitude sun in Jackson Hole can wreak havoc on exposed skin. Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses are winter safety non-negotiables to avoid sunburns and snow blindness.
3. Master Winter Driving
Jackson’s icy, winding roads demand driving skills that city slickers may not get the chance to hone. Locals know the value of good snow tires, four-wheel drive, and a properly stocked emergency kit (always carry extra blankets, snacks, and a flashlight in your car during winter outings), because nobody wants to get stranded and eaten by marauding sasquatch. Another winter art to make sure you’ve mastered is slow and steady cornering to avoid fishtailing on black ice.
4. Stay Active to Stay Warm
In Jackson Hole, movement isn’t just a way to pass the time—it’s a survival tactic. Whether it’s chopping firewood, snowshoeing, or just a brisk walk, staying active keeps your blood pumping and wards off the chill. Even when temperatures plummet, locals know that a little physical effort goes a long way. Just be smart about it when you’re venturing out—know your limits, or you’ll be giving search and rescue a chance to get their own blood pumping.
Whether you’re braving a Jackson winter or just preparing for a particularly frigid spell, these winter safety lessons will serve you well. You can turn the cold into an opportunity for adventure, self-reliance, and even a little fun.
Would you survive a Jackson winter? Let us know your go-to cold-weather tips in the comments!
This post is brought to you by Flat Creek Inn.
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Ryan Kunz is a copywriter and freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics, including media, the outdoors, and whatever else strikes his fancy. He threw that line in about the toddler with the marker from experience.
Photo: Corbet's Couloir, by Enricokomasa
