Snow King Mountain

Snow King Mountain holds a special place in Jackson Hole family lore: it's the 'town mountain,' the one you can see from Main Street, and it's been sending locals up its slopes for recreation since the 1940s. For families visiting Jackson Hole, Snow King punches well above its weight — it's not as famous as the big resort at Teton Village, but it offers an impressive lineup of summer activities in one compact location, and it's genuinely walkable from downtown.

The centerpiece is the gondola, which lifts families to the summit for panoramic views of the Teton Range, the Snake River, and the town of Jackson far below. At the top, you can hike, visit the Snow King Observatory and Planetarium (a fantastic add-on for curious kids), or just soak in the view before heading back down. The gondola alone is worth the trip.

But what makes Snow King special for families is the activity stack. The Alpine Slide is a classic — riders take a chairlift up and speed down a concrete track on a wheeled sled they control themselves. It's thrilling for kids 5 and up (parents can ride too).

The Treetop Adventure Park is a ropes course system strung through the trees, with multiple difficulty levels so toddlers and teens can both find their challenge. There's also a bungee trampoline and mini golf at the base area.

Practically speaking: the mountain base area has restrooms, a restaurant, and plenty of open space. Strollers can navigate the base area but won't work for most activities or the summit. Plan for a half-day minimum if you want to sample multiple attractions. Budget varies widely — the gondola alone is $25-30 per person, but activity bundles can save money if you're planning to do several things.

Weather is the main wildcard. Summer afternoons in Jackson bring frequent thunderstorms that can suspend gondola operations. Arrive in the morning, and check the forecast before heading up.