Grand Teton Early Winter 2027

November 30, 2027 to December 4, 2027

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Overview

Historically, winter is tightening its grip around the Tetons by late November...the first popping trees are right around the corner.

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep make their way to foothills surrounding Jackson. Elk are migrating to their winter refuge while moose gather on the sagebrush flats. Bachelor groups of bull moose and elk of a dozen or more are common sights.

River otters mass around spawning trout, trumpeter swans gather in the last bits of open water, bison are about, wolves and even mountain lions are all coming out of their summer homes. In recent years grizzly bears have even been out in to December.

Our all-inclusive private early winter adventure can be a tour, a photo workshop or anywhere in between. We will take up to 6 guests across our two SUVs.

Grand Teton National Park

On our Grand Teton winter tour, earlier in the season finds moose everywhere, elk migrating south, bison still grazing, grizzly bears occasionally still about, swans heading for lower elevations and otters feeding on a late season trout run.

Landscape and wildlife viewing and photography abound. Much of the park is still open ensuring you have access to and incredible experience.

National Elk Refuge

Adjacent to Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge was created in 1913 to feed elk whose migration route was blocked by the growing town of Jackson. At some 26,000 acres up to 7000 elk make their home here every winter. Miller Butte hosts a migratory bighorn sheep population and is also home to badgers, coyotes, elk, wolves, golden eagles and mountain lions.

Details

We start and end in Jackson.

We are on the verge of winter. Bring warm clothing and waterproof footwear. Anything made of cotton can stay at home.

We can accommodate almost any diet with advance notice.

We plan on staying at the Elk Country Inn but have a few options for lodging with full kitchens if you need.

We will spend our days on the National Elk Refuge, Grand Teton National Park and surrounding area.

There will be some light walking and you may spend some time standing in the early winter weather, but the vehicles are never far.

itinerary

November 30

Pickup at Jackson airport or local lodging. Spend the afternoon looking at bull moose and rutting bighorn sheep. Lunch and Dinner in Jackson. Lodging at Elk Country Inn.

December 1

We spend the morning looking for iconic Teton landscapes along with congregating moose and elk. We'll check some places for wolves and otters. Breakfast in the field. Lunch in the field or in Jackson. Dinner in Jackson. Lodging at Elk Country Inn.

December 2

We will roam up north on at least one morning for our best chance at catching a late grizzly bear and the Lower Gros Ventre wolves. We will check the Snake for otters and coyotes. Breakfast and lunch in the field. Dinner in Jackson. Lodging at Elk Country Inn.

December 3

Today will be a summary of our previous days. What do you want revisit? Breakfast in the field. Lunch ad hoc. Dinner in Jackson. Lodging at Elk Country Inn.

December 4

One last look at sunrise on the Tetons and then venture toward moose and elk in southern Grand Teton. Drop off at airport. Breakfast in the field.

‍Itinerary booking faq's terms & conditions

Price

Sharing:

$4495

Single:

$5995

Deposit:

$2000

Key Areas Visited

Grand Teton National Park
National Elk Refuge

Group Size

Group size 1-6

Included

All meals from lunch on November 30 – breakfast on December 4.
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, drinking water
5 nights lodging
Parks pass
Transportation
Photography instruction
The use of binoculars, spotting scopes

Not Included

Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs
Flights

vehicles

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Team 399 is an authorized permittee of Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge and Yellowstone National Park

FAQ's

What wildlife will I see on a winter tour?

Wildlife is wild and can show up anytime anywhere. Wildlife looks as good as they will look all year in late autumn and early winter, gradually showing the strain of winter's grip. Winter is the best time to see canines (wolves, foxes, coyotes). Bighorn sheep are readily visible in both parks. Moose congregate right after their autumnal rut, showing up in loose herds until early January. We are seeing the occasional bear in recent years as predators congregate around any food source.

What will the weather be like?

While the weather patterns are rapidly changing we've seen it as low as -42 Fahrenheit in January and as warm as 60. The winter wind bites pretty hard in the sagebrush flats and you might not need a coat at Oxbow Bend.

What should I wear?

We always recommend dressing in and bringing layers. We have plenty of room for you to bring varies levels of clothing. Waterproof boots above the ankle are always favored. Long pants and SPF long sleeve shirts. A knit cap and a sun or baseball cap. We always recommend sunblock and SPF lip balm. Leave anything made of cotton at home.

Who is the tour for?

This tour is for singles, couples, families and private groups. People of all ages, photographers and non-photographers alike are welcome. Anyone wanting to get a deeper appreciation for the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem will enjoy this private tour.

Will we be hiking or snowshoeing?

Our tours are road-based. Most trails are closed and impassable. We will get out of the car on many occasions and walk around. If the tour is to Yellowstone the boardwalks are generally passable. We do not have a concession to lead snowshoeing tours.

What happens in the event of a blizzard or inclement weather?

If the roads are open we go. We will do our best to find things to do in the area that may not include inside the park. If the roads are all closed we stay in a safe place and wait for the weather to clear. While your safety is always our first concern inclement weather often brings out the wildlife and provides for the best photography.

Terms & Conditions

Payment

1. $2000 pp lodging deposit due at time of booking via check or wire transfer.

2. Remaining balance due 60 days before the start of tour via check or wire transfer.

Cancellations/Refunds

1. 60 days or more before start of tour: Full refund less $250 booking fee, any lodging cancellation fees, any credit card fees, any wire transfer fees.

2. 30 – 59 days before start of tour: Refund of 50% of balance less $250 booking fee, any lodging cancellation fees, any credit card fees, any wire transfer fees. unless we can re-book the dates of the tour in which case full refund less the fees listed above.

3. Less than 30 days before start of tour: No refunds available.

Unplanned Events

Floods, pandemics, forest fires, terrorism, severe weather and other unplanned or unforeseeable global catastrophes are beyond our control. In the event of one or more of these events we will make every attempt to provide you with a quality experience, but these types of events are not our fault. Please consider trip insurance if you have any concerns.

Medical Concerns

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a dry, high altitude relatively remote environment. Please consult with your medical provider if you have any health concerns.