Jackson Hole is one of the top adventure capitals in the world, offering year-round activities that range in level from family-friendly hikes to adrenaline-pumping action sports. In wintertime, you can ski, snowshoe, dogsled, and heli-skiing. In the summertime, you can off-road on an ATV, horseback ride, and rock climb. While Jackson Hole adventures seem to have no limits, since you are exploring Mother Nature, you’ll have to follow Mother Nature’s rules.
The great outdoors can be unpredictable, so it’s important to keep safety top of mind to maximize your time having fun. We recommend having a family sit down before your trip to go over safety tips and scenarios that will prepare everyone and give you peace of mind that you have the knowledge to tackle any emergency situation.
Stay Connected
If you plan on embarking on a self-guided trek through the wilderness, always bring a buddy and be sure to tell a few people where you are headed and when you expect to return. While a charged cell phone is always a good start, it won’t do you much good in areas with spotty service. Instead, we recommend investing in a satellite phone with GPS, which you can rent for a minimal daily fee. Be sure to study your route, and bring along necessary items like plenty of water, sunscreen, and a map in a waterproof bag.
Stay in the Know
Knowing your surroundings is key to understanding what challenges you might face on the trail. Reading up on the latest travel and weather advisories will help you anticipate and avoid flash floods, avalanches, and rock slides. Get an overview of the active wildlife in the area and what to do in case of an encounter. In Jackson Hole, moose, bears, and bison are some main species to keep an eye out for. The National Park Service requires you to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards away from all other wildlife.
Go With a Professional
The best way to keep safe is to join an adventure tour with one of the many highly-rated professional tour companies that operate in the area. Look for companies with local guides that have certification in wilderness first aid and CPR. By having a guide, you’ll be with someone who has years of knowledge of the area under their belt and have been trained to know what to do in an emergency situation.
Support the Local Heroes
When an emergency does strike, Teton County Search & Rescue is the first on the scene. Compiled of a group of volunteers who complete a rigorous 1-year training program, the search and rescue team has strong ties to the community and take great pride in their work. This year, the Snow King Resort and the TCSAR Foundation have put together a benefit to help fund the life-saving organization. Rescuefest will take place on September 14th from 4-7pm on the Snow King Resort’s Grand Lawn. The event will include raffles and a silent auction, lawn games, and live music.
Snow King Resort is based on the bottom of Snow King Mountain and is known as a premier home base for those looking for adventures in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Accommodations are upscale with rustic elements so you can enjoy the mountain atmosphere in style. Plan for the coming seasons with their Fall and Winter Specials, or take an impromptu weekend trip and enjoy the last of the summer activities.
For those looking ahead to winter, you’ll be glad to hear that the resort has a complementary winter ski shuttle to and from Teton Village, on-site ski and snowboard rentals, and a year-round outdoor hot tub. Three different accommodation types offer the ideal combination of space and amenities, whether you need a 3-bedroom Luxury Condo for your family vacation or an intimate King Guest Room for that romantic weekend getaway.
