The mountain town in Wyoming attracts tourists all year round for outdoor fun in the summer and skiers when the temperature plummets. Tourism has started to increase in recent years, and there are now several Jackson Hole cabins to choose from to make your stay perfect. But, this vacationing spot can be a little pricey. Here’s how to get the most value out of your buck at Jackson Hole.
Choose When You Want to Visit
The most popular times to visit Jackson Hole are in the middle of both summer and winter. Most visit between June and August when the weather is warmer, more predictable and tends to be drier. But, with a little adjustment to the dates, you could find the cost of accommodation to drop significantly. If you visit in the low season in either May or October, the weather may not be as good, but the price will undoubtedly be lower. The same principle applies for winter trips too. Check the weather forecast and find out when Jackson Hole gets its first snowfall. Visit at the very start or end of the skiing season rather than in the middle.
Don’t Visit Around Holidays
If you can’t visit off-season, try to avoid the holidays. Christmas and summer breaks will see a boom in tourism. And where there are lots of tourists, the prices will go up. It’s less likely that you’ll find an excellent deal on accommodation during peak season.
Camping
One of the best ways to get reacquainted with nature is to camp. Not only are you out in the great outdoors, but it also cuts the cost of accommodation. Daytime temperatures are warm in Jackson Hole during the summer so camping shouldn’t be uncomfortable. You can find lots of campgrounds in and around Jackson as well as inside the nearby Teton National Park. Just bring your tent, sleeping bag and some drinks for the night. Some people like to book a hotel or resort and spend one night out in the tent. Camping isn’t really an option in the winter unless you want to freeze to death!
Where to Stay
Perhaps you want to stay in a luxurious resort such as a traditional log cabin to get an authentic experience at Jackson Hole. And that’s fine. After all, regardless of what time you’re planning to visit or what you want to do, having a pleasant and comfortable place to stay is a must. Just consider the location. The spots in town tend to be much cheaper and closer to the bars and restaurants. If you stay out in the mountains, you’re going to need to drive. Skiers who stay in the town can also use public transport to get to the slopes.
Use Public Transport
The public transport in Jackson is efficient and reliable costing just a few dollars. Routes pass through Jackson and Teton and often go to some of the ski resorts in winter. This is better than renting a car or driving. Parking fees are high. Expect to pay more than $10 and even higher just to park. If you have no other option, try to carpool with other passengers. Carpoolers can sometimes park for free. The incentives aim to reduce traffic in certain parts of the mountains.
Know What to Expect Before You Arrive
A trip to Jackson Hole doesn’t have to be overly expensive nor do you have to save at every opportunity. But one of the biggest things that catch people off guard is how much everything will cost. If you just book accommodation and turn up, you may find that you spend more than you anticipated. Instead, find out the cost of meals, drinks and tours as well as finding out the parking fees and how much it costs to use the ski lifts in winter. When you know what to expect, it doesn’t come as such a big shock.
Take Advantage of Early Bird Specials
Jackson Town has several bars and restaurants. Some are budget-friendly while others are more upscale. However, many tend to have a Happy Hour promotion in the late afternoon and early evening. If you walk through the streets and see which ones have discounts, why not adapt your eating and drinking habits to save a little bit extra? This is especially the case for those who want to enjoy a beer or glass of wine after a day on the slopes or hiking in the mountains. Not every restaurant or bar has Happy Hour, so it pays to do your research. Or, just do a quick Google search on your phone and see what comes up. Either way, it’s a surefire way to save a few bucks that could go towards other activities.
Enjoy the Free Activities
This money saving tip is mostly aimed at the tourists who plan to visit in the summer. When you go hiking, why not pack a picnic and eat out in the mountains? Some of the art galleries are free too. Search online, and you’ll find several other places to visit and activities that won’t cost a single dollar.
Getting the Most Value in Jackson Hole
The key to having a great time is to get excellent value for money. You don’t have to scrimp and save at every opportunity and miss out on the things you want to do and see. Instead, be smart and make your cash last longer. Splurge if you wish to, just remember that the little bit saved by eating at Happy Hour helps to pay for tomorrows Elk tour or dog sledding.
