Draft Winter Itinerary - 8 Days
Yellowstone & Jackson Hole – December 2026
This is a draft hybrid winter itinerary combining time in Jackson Hole with a stay inside Yellowstone National Park.
It is designed for a multi-generation family group, with flexibility for weather, activity levels, and optional activities.
Day 1 – Arrival at Jackson Hole, Settle-In
Base: Jackson Hole (Cabin)
- Arrive at Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
- Pick up rental vehicles (4WD / AWD)
- Grocery stop in town
- Check into cabin(s)
- Casual dinner at cabin or nearby restaurant
- Early night to recover from travel
Notes
- Keeping this day light and flexible
- Buffer day for winter travel delays
Day 2 – Skiing or Snow Play in Jackson Hole
Options by Group
- Downhill skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Snow King Mountain (more family-friendly)
- Snowshoeing or scenic gondola ride
- Cabin day / town exploration for non-skiers
Evening
- Group dinner
- Optional holiday activities or games at cabin
Day 3 – Hot Springs & Wildlife
Morning
- Late start
- Scenic drive south to Granite Hot Springs
- Optional snowmobile access to the pools
Afternoon
- Wildlife viewing
- National Elk Refuge sleigh ride (season dependent)
- Return to cabin
Key Points
- Hot spring soaking is not allowed in Yellowstone if we decide we want to do this.
- Unique winter experience before entering the park
Day 4 – Travel Day: Jackson Hole → Yellowstone (Mammoth)
Route
- Early departure from Jackson Hole
- Drive north via Gardiner, MT
- Enter Yellowstone through the North Entrance
Afternoon
- Check into Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel
- Short walks around Mammoth Terraces
- Wildlife spotting near the lodge
Evening
- Dinner at lodge
- Orientation for winter park rules & tours
Day 5 – Yellowstone Snowcoach: Old Faithful & Geysers
Full-Day Guided Snowcoach Tour
- Mammoth → Norris → Old Faithful
- Geyser basin walks
- Old Faithful eruption viewing
- Lunch stop at Old Faithful area
Why Snowcoach
- Comfortable for those with young children
- Warm, guided, educational
- No navigation stress
Evening
- Return to Mammoth
- Relaxed evening / early night
Day 6 – Wildlife & Easy Winter Exploration
Morning
- Wildlife viewing near Lamar Valley (conditions permitting)
- Ranger-led programs (if available)
Afternoon Options
- Snowshoeing near Mammoth
- Cross-country skiing
- Free time at lodge
Why This Day Exists
- Slower-paced day
- Recovery buffer after long snowcoach tour
- Excellent for photography and wildlife
Day 7 – Optional Snowmobiling or Second Snowcoach
Option A – Snowmobiling (Guided)
- Available from Mammoth or West Yellowstone
- Double riding available
- Shorter routes for first-timers
Option B – Second Snowcoach
- Focus on wildlife corridors
- Less time commitment
- Easier for mixed ages
Evening
- Farewell dinner in Gardiner or lodge
- Pack and prep for departure
Day 8 – Departure Day
- Breakfast at lodge
- Drive to Bozeman (BZN) or Jackson (JAC)
- Depart for home
Converting This to a 7-Day Trip
To shorten to 7 days, remove Day 3 (Hot Springs Day)
or merge Day 6 & Day 7 into a single flexible activity day.
Design Principles Used
- No long drives on consecutive days
- Young children friendly pacing
- Weather contingency built in
- Clear separation between skiing and park immersion. Although I think we might want at least 2 days of skiing but that’s bushing this trip to 9 days.
Draft itinerary – subject to lodging and tour availability