EcoTour Adventures — one of Jackson Hole’s most popular wildlife tour operators — has taken wildlife viewing in Grand Teton National Park to a whole new level by offering half- or full-day, naturalist-led tours on snowshoes or cross-country skis.
“We love taking folks to places that are off the beaten path and away from the crowds.” – Taylor Phillips, owner, EcoTour Adventures
Expect to enjoy a day exploring the winter wonderland of our “local” national park learning about winter ecology, animal sign and tracks and beautiful locations. All guides are Wilderness First Responders, with an intensive 80-hour first aid certification.
“We love taking folks to places that are off the beaten path and away from the crowds,” says Taylor Phillips, owner of EcoTour Adventures. “The backcountry areas of Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole are incredibly special places. By leaving cars behind we feel that we can provide a unique and authentic Grand Teton experience.”
These tours are offered from mid-November through mid-April.
Snowshoe Tours
Half-day (4 hours) snowshoe tours can accommodate any skill or activity level from beginners to experienced snowshoers looking for a customized and unparalleled experience through rolling hills and snow-covered forested groves at the base of the Teton Mountain Range. Snowshoes, other equipment and snacks are provided. Full-day tours also include a field lunch complete with hot drinks. The size of the group is kept to a maximum of seven people per guide.
As you explore the park’s backcountry—complete with the use of professional-quality binoculars and spotting scopes—your knowledgeable guide will keep watch for animal signs, interpreting tracks and unique habitats. You will also learn interesting facts about snow science and winter ecology to enhance your experience on the tour.
The cost for a half-day tour is $189 per person.
Cross-Country Ski Tours
Explore Grand Teton National Park’s phenomenal Nordic trails with a half-day(4 hours, morning or afternoon) tour. Your expedition begins in the town of Jackson, where you’ll meet your guide and get fitted for Nordic boots, skis and poles at a local ski shop. Then you’ll climb aboard one of EcoTour’s modern and fully-outfitted safari vehicles to head into the park to one of the top cross-country skiing destinations.
Your guide will help you identify animal signs and tracks, teaching you about the winter ecology and snow science that are unique to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. A cup of hot tea or cocoa will be offered in the field, too.
While this memorable tour is designed to move at a moderate pace to reach the depths of the park, your guide has a passion for making this day unique, catering to your needs and interests. Group sizes are kept to a maximum of seven guests per guide.
The cost of this half-day tour is $189 per person.
Quick Facts
TAKE A TOUR
Snowshoe: Half-day or full-day
Combination Wildlife Safari and Snowshoe
Costs: $189 half-day snowshoe; call for the fee on full-day snowshoe or cross-country
What’s included:
- Experienced and knowledgeable naturalist guide, dedicated to providing you with a safe, fun, educational and unforgettable day
- Pickup/dropoff at a convenient Jackson location. Pickup at your hotel can be arranged as well
- Hot tea and cocoa in the field
- Water to enjoy in one of EcoTour's reusable take home water bottles
- Professional quality binoculars and spotting scopes
- Wide variety of snacks that are locally produced and organic when possible
- Comfortable safari-style vehicle (with winter studded snow tires) that has been equipped with roof hatches and sliding windows
- Window seats guaranteed for every guest
Phone: 307-690-9533
Website: jhecotouradventures.com
Wildlife Safari and Snowshoeing Combination
This combination, 8-hour tour will maximize your winter adventure by combining “on foot” (via snowshoes) winter wildlife discoveries with a safari-type vehicle observance of the abundant critters of Jackson Hole.
In the morning you will embark on a half-day snowshoe excursion to one of EcoTour’s favorite winter destinations in Grand Teton National Park. While exploring the backcountry under the magnificent Teton Range, your naturalist guide will keep an eye out for animal tracks and signs, discussing topics like winter ecology and snow science. You’ll then head over to lunch at Dornans’s (or similar eatery) and switch gears in the afternoon to focus on viewing wildlife in a fully outfitted safari-style rig as you travel to favorite winter habitats in the park and portions of the National Elk Refuge in search of animals and birds such as bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, coyote, fox, eagles, trumpeter swans and more. Your guide will lead discussions on topics of your interest and provide you with ample time to take photographs.
The cost of this full-day tour is $349 per person.
Any of these EcoTour offerings will allow you to have an authentic, winter wildlife viewing experience in and around Jackson Hole.
For more information and reservations, call 307-690-9533 or visit jhecotouradventures.com.