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The Complete Jackson Hole Packing List for Families: What to Actually Bring

Linda

The real Jackson Hole packing list for families — not everything under the sun, just what you actually need. Built from a real Spring trip with a toddler and young child.

Packing for Jackson Hole doesn’t have to be complicated. Most families either overpack trying to prepare for everything, or underpack because they assume it’s like any other mountain destination. The truth is somewhere in the middle — there are a handful of things you genuinely cannot show up without, and everything else you can figure out when you get there.

We visited in April with a toddler and a young child. Here is what we actually needed.

The One Rule That Covers Almost Everything: Layer

Spring in Jackson Hole is unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 60°F, and a snowstorm is always possible. We experienced snow boots in the morning, sunscreen by noon, and full winter gear for the tram summit by afternoon — all on the same day.

The solution is not packing more. It’s packing smarter. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a warm mid-layer like a fleece or down jacket, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Pack this system for everyone and you’re covered for almost any April condition Jackson Hole throws at you.

The Non-Negotiables

These are the things families consistently forget or underestimate. Everything else on this list is secondary to getting these right.
Waterproof snow boots or hiking boots for everyone. Not just for ski days. April in Jackson Hole means mud, slush, and surprise snow in parking lots and park paths. Your regular sneakers will not survive a morning at Schwabacher Landing. Bring proper waterproof boots for every family member.

Sunscreen — more than you think. Jackson sits at 6,237 feet. The tram summit is at 10,450 feet. The sun’s UV rays are strong at high altitudes and snow reflection amplifies them. Pack SPF 50+ and lip balm with SPF.

A bathing suit for everyone. This sounds wrong for an April mountain trip. It’s not. Hotel pools and hot tubs are open year-round. Pack a suit for every family member and flip flops for walking between pools.

Car seats if your children are under 8 and you’re booking a wildlife safari or renting a car. The safari company does not provide car seats and requires you to bring your own. This is the most commonly overlooked logistical detail for families booking tours. Plan for it before you leave home.

Bear spray if you’re hiking. Required in Grand Teton National Park. Buy it on arrival at any outdoor gear shop in town — staff will show you how to use it. Don’t skip this.

Layers. Always layers. Jackson Hole can be sunny, beautiful, and absolutely freezing all at the same time the moment the wind picks up. It was really chilly when we took the aerial tram to get waffles at Corbet’s Cabin. Remember to dress warmly and layer.

Clothing: Keep It Simple

Think in layers, not outfits. For a 5-7 day April trip, here is what each family member actually needs:

Thermal base layer top and bottom (non-cotton — merino wool or synthetic only)
Fleece or mid-weight down jacket
Waterproof outer jacket or shell
Ski pants if skiing, comfortable jeans or casual pants for town days
T-shirts and light long-sleeve shirts for layering
One slightly nicer outfit if you’re planning a special dinner
Pajamas

That’s it. Jackson Hole is casual. Nobody is dressing up. The most important clothing decision is making sure every layer is non-cotton and that your outer layer is genuinely waterproof.

For skiing: add ski socks (merino wool, one pair per ski day plus extras), neck gaiter, ski goggles, and waterproof gloves with a backup pair. Rent ski boots and helmets at the resort.

For toddlers: a one-piece thermal suit is easier than separates. Fewer gaps, less to manage during early morning drop-offs.

Footwear: The One Area to Not Underpack

You need two types of footwear and there’s no way around it.
Waterproof snow boots for park days, ski days, and any morning activity. Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes for town days when conditions are drier. If you only pack one, you’ll be underprepared for at least half the trip.

Flip flops are also worth tossing in — the paths between pools at Astoria Hot Springs are uneven and you’ll want something on your feet or if you are planning some time at the hotel pool or hot tub.

Ski boots: rent them. Don’t travel with them.

Gear Worth Bringing

Binoculars — one of the best things you can pack for a Jackson Hole trip with kids. Wildlife viewing is so much better with them, even from the car between safari stops. If you book a tour, your guide should have a spotting scope and also provides binoculars for the day but children sized ones would provide more convenience.
Reusable water bottles — altitude dehydrates you faster than you expect. Kids especially need to be drinking consistently throughout the day.
Hand warmers — worth their weight on cold safari mornings and ski school drop-offs. Tuck a few into each jacket pocket before early starts.
A small daypack — for snacks, layers, and sunscreen on park days. One per adult is plenty.
Downloaded content for the kids — cell service in Grand Teton National Park is unreliable. Download movies, audiobooks, or podcasts before leaving your hotel each morning. Park drives involve more time in the car than most families expect.

Documents to Have Ready

National Park entrance — if driving your own vehicle, the fee is $35 per vehicle for 7 days, covering all occupants. Children are always free. If entering on a commercial wildlife tour, adults pay $20 per person and children 15 and under are free. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80 for U.S. residents) covers all national parks for a year and is worth it if you’re visiting multiple parks. Bring it on safari day and hand it to your guide before the entrance booth. Always verify current fees at nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/fees.htm before your trip.
Ski lesson and safari confirmations — screenshot these for offline access. Cell service in Teton Village and the park is patchy.

Jackson Hole packing tip — if you forget a layer or the weather catches you off guard, Teton Village and downtown Jackson have you covered. We grabbed extra sweatshirts from Lee's Tees in Jackson — great selection, great quality, and one of the best spots in town for Jackson Hole apparel.

What You Can Buy When You Arrive

Jackson Hole has excellent gear shops and grocery stores. If you forget something, you can almost certainly find it in town.

Buy on arrival: Bear spray (easier than traveling with it), groceries if your accommodation has a kitchen (Albertsons, Whole Foods, Target, and Smith’s are all in Jackson), and sunscreen if you run out.
Rent on arrival: Ski boots, helmets, and ski equipment. Don’t travel with gear you can rent more conveniently when you get there.

The Short Version

If nothing else, remember these five things:

Layer everything — non-cotton base, fleece mid, waterproof outer
Bring snow boots AND lighter shoes — you need both
Pack sunscreen and actually use it — altitude sun is no joke
Don’t forget bathing suits — for hot springs and hotel pools
Bring a car seat if your child is under 8 and you’re booking a safari

Everything else you’ll figure out when you get there. Jackson Hole has great shops, excellent grocery stores, and gear rental everywhere.

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Posted On: April 29, 2026