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5 Winter Activities for Non-Skiers in Jackson, Wyoming

TravelWhitney CarlsonComment
5 Winter Activities for Non-Skiers in Jackson, Wyoming

We've been going to Jackson, Wyoming every December for five years now. Jackson is well known for their downhill skiing but I actually do not ski! My husband loves to ski so he typically skis for a few days while I work from our cabin and explore the downtown area. One of my favorite things to do is attend classes at Pursue Movement Studio during the day. I walk there from our cabin, get my sweat on, and then move on with my day. As much as I love classes, I love to get outside in Jackson and explore the area during the winter.

Since I have so many people ask me about what to do in Jackson if they don't ski, I decided to put it all in one place right here for you!

P.S. If winter isn't really your thing we've also been to Jackson in September after hiking in Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park. You can read about it here.

5 Winter Activities for Non-Skiers in Jackson

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Snowshoeing

Each time we travel to Jackson we rent snowshoes so we can explore on foot for at least a day or two. We typically take ours up to Taggart Lake in Grand Teton National Park. It's freeing to be able to walk the trails in the snow. They take a few minutes to get used to but after that you'll be walking like normal in no time!

Snoeshoeing through Grand Teton National Park in Jackson, Wyoming

Snoeshoeing through Grand Teton National Park in Jackson, Wyoming

Snowmobiling

We just did this for the first time a few months ago and it was AMAZING. We don't buy each other gifts, we take trips instead so our snowmobiling trip was our Christmas and 10th-anniversary "gift" to each other. I'm having a hard time describing the trip, it was that amazing. I'm going to do a separate post on this soon but we took a full day trip from Jackson to Yellowstone National Park. The scenery was amazing and we were even able to see a bison in the snow! You can read the original post I did on this trip here.

We used Scenic Safaris.

Snowmobiling through Yellowstone National Park in Jackson, Wyoming

Snowmobiling through Yellowstone National Park in Jackson, Wyoming

Snowmobiling through Yellowstone National Park in Jackson, Wyoming

Snowmobiling through Yellowstone National Park in Jackson, Wyoming

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding was one of the first non-skiing winter activities we did in Jackson. It was a great experience but we probably wouldn't do it again. Honestly, after we went snowmobiling we decided that we liked that a lot more. They are two completely different experiences though so if it's on your bucket list, book it! You might just love it!

We used Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours.

Dog sledding in Jackson, Wyoming

Dog sledding in Jackson, Wyoming

Fat Tire Biking

We went fat tire biking at Cache Creek right outside of Jackson, Wyoming. If I remember correctly it was -13 degrees that day (yes, NEGATIVE!). It was an amazing experience and we will definitely do it again. If you are looking for a workout, this is it! 

We rented from Teton Mountain Bikes.

Fat Tire Biking in Jackson, Wyoming

Fat Tire Biking in Jackson, Wyoming

Fat Tire Biking in Jackson, Wyoming

Fat Tire Biking in Jackson, Wyoming

Fat Tire Biking in Jackson, Wyoming

Fat Tire Biking in Jackson, Wyoming

Sleigh Rides

This is one that I don't have any pictures for because we have never done it! It looks gorgeous though, picture a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow with huge mountains in the background - doesn't get much better than that! There are a few options for sleigh rides in Jackson. One that we see each time we visit is the one in the National Elk Refuge.

Bonus: Cross Country Skiing

I didn't include this one on my list of five because it is skiing but I think it still deserves a mention. :) Cross-country skiing is a great activity if it's just the downhill part of skiing that you don't enjoy. We've been cross-country skiing to Taggart Lake and Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and we've been to the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone, Montana twice. Even though I don't like downhill, I enjoy cross-country skiing. Give it a try - you might also!

We typically rent our skis from Skinny Skis.

Cross Country Skiing in West Yellowstone, Montana

Cross Country Skiing in West Yellowstone, Montana

Cross Country Skiing through Grand Teton National Park in Jackson, Wyoming

Cross Country Skiing through Grand Teton National Park in Jackson, Wyoming

If you aren't into outdoor activities, there's still plenty to do. Take a stroll through the cute stores (one of our favorites is MADE) and restaurants downtown (check out Pinky G's pizza and the hot and cold bar at Jackson Whole Grocer - this one is a little bit further out of the downtown area!). Driving around and taking in the breathtaking views is another one of our favorite things to do!

I'm a little behind (like years!) on recapping our trips but you can read this one from a few years ago when we went to Jackson, Wyoming!

5 Reasons to Visit the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

TravelWhitney CarlsonComment

DISCLAIMER: Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa graciously paid for Scott and I to stay at the resort. Thank you for supporting He and She Eat Clean!


As I shared in my weekly update, we visited the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL a few weeks ago. We went for Scott's family reunion. This was our second reunion here, we loved it so much last year we returned again this year! It was action packed weekend but also relaxing at the same time. We were only there from late Thursday night to late Sunday night, next time we will definitely stay longer! We drove down Thursday after Scott got off work and arrived at the resort around 11:30 PM.

Below is a quick recap of our stay:

Friday (Day 1): We toured the facility with Jenna, relaxed at the Cabana Beach Club, and had Dinner at Alice & Pete's Pub (delicious!). We were supposed to do the Hobie Cat but the weather didn't cooperate! We'll make sure to try that next time!

Saturday (Day 2): We woke up and went to spin class (one of the best we've taken!), had breakfast at Vernon's, toured the apiary with Chef Matt, tried out the SurfStream® and then relaxed at the Cabana Beach Club. That evening we ate dinner at a BBQ restaurant and hung out by one of the fire pits.

Sunday (Day 3): We started the day at the pool but it didn't stay open long because of bad weather! The boys were playing at The Stadium Course and were delayed about two hours because of the weather. Since we were running late and had a six-hour drive in front of us we got our dinner to-go from Alice & Pete's Pub (yes, again!) and drove six hours straight home (arriving at 4 AM)!


As I mentioned, this was our second time at the resort. We have a big spread of ages (from babies to retirees) come to the reunion and this resort has a little bit for everyone! There is always something to do not matter what. Below are just a few of the reasons we visited the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa.

5 Reasons to Visit the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa (these are in no particular order!)

1. The Cabana Beach Club

Just a short shuttle ride away from the resort is a private beach club. There are pools, the beach (obviously), and restaurants! You can rent chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and paddleboards!

2. The Pools

Have people in your party that do not like the beach? No problem! There are pools galore! You can choose between the pools at the resort or the pools at the beach! The SurfStream® is also at the resort near the pools. I was terrified of the SurfStream® at first but it was a blast!

3. The Golf Course

The guys in the family played at The Stadium Course and loved it. It was a great bonding experience for Scott, his uncle, and cousins. Scott was impressed with the clubhouse and loved the 17th hole!

4. The Bees

We loved our apiary tour with Chef Matt! Ever since we lived with my cousin (who had bees) for five weeks in between houses, we've been very interested in bees. You can just sense the passion in Chef Matt when he talks about the bees. He was even kind enough to give us some honey to take home and we have already used it multiple times. We can't wait to come back one year and the apiary tour is a major attraction!

5. The Restaurants

We ate dinner at Vernon's twice last year, we ate at Vernon's for breakfast twice this year, and we ate at Alice & Pete's Pub twice this year for dinner! There are five restaurants to choose from and you will be satisfied whether you are at the resort, pools, or the beach. Food is always convenient, which is important for us! Not only is it convenient but it's also delicious. I normally don't like hotel restaurants but Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa had very good food!

5 Reasons to Visit the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

We haven't been to the spa but I'm sure it would be our 6th reason to visit. We did take a spin class in the spa that was amazing! Maybe we'll do the spa experience along with the Hobie Cat next year.

If you are looking for a relaxing but adventurous (if you want it to be!) vacation in Florida, consider the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida!

Glacier National Park

TravelWhitney CarlsonComment
Hiking in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking in Glacier National Park, Montana

We hiked over 54 miles in Kootenay National Park and Banff National Park in September 2016. You can read about the Kootenay and Banff National Park portion of the trip here. The second portion of our trip was spent in Glacier National Park in Montana. This was our second time in Glacier National Park. We were there for the first time in 2013 and hiked over 60 miles. Read about our first trip here.


Glacier National Park in Montana

Day 6 (Friday 9/9)

After hiking Moraine Lake/Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass in Banff National Park, Canada (a 10 (+) mile hike) and eating lunch, we drove through Canada to East Glacier, Montana. We were starving and we were so happy to find out that one of our favorite restaurants from the last time we visited Glacier was still open! We ate at Luna’s and had a great Greek salad and huckleberry pie. After eating we checked into our awesome rental and went to sleep!


Day 7 (Saturday 9/10)

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

For our first hike in Glacier National Park, we woke up early to hike Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake. Both are absolutely gorgeous hikes. We went to Ptarmigan Tunnel first and only saw a few other people. The trail was pretty steady (but steep!) until you reach the lake below the switchbacks. Once at the lake it is switchback after switchback and a very steep climb up. Once through the tunnel, it was like a completely new world and the views were magnificent. I loved the different colors of rocks.

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

After going back down part of the Ptarmigan Tunnel trail we arrived at the intersection of the trail that goes to Iceberg Lake. This trail was very, very crowded but I'm glad we didn't turn around because the hike to Iceburg Lake and the actual lake was breathtaking.

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

After the 15 mile hike, we met up my with my cousin and his wife who just happened to be in Glacier at the same time. This is actually my cousin that we lived with for five weeks while we were in between houses. We ate at the Many Glacier Hotel Restaurant. We also tried a Huckleberry Margarita! After leaving dinner and heading back to our cabin we stopped for a Huckleberry Milkshake. Can you tell we are obsessed with huckleberry when we go to Montana?!

Dinner at Many Glacier Hotel Restaurant in Glacier National Park, Montana

Dinner at Many Glacier Hotel Restaurant in Glacier National Park, Montana


Day 8 (Sunday 9/11)

  • No hiking/rest day/travel day

When we woke up Sunday morning to head to Whitefish it was raining so we ended up leaving early around 8 AM. Our plan was to take Going to the Sun Road but it was snowing and they closed the road. Yes, snowing in September...enough to close the road. Once we got to the Whitefish side the sun was shining and it looked like it would be a pretty day. The weather fooled us though because once we got to our AirBNB rental and went to the grocery store it was dark and rainy. We took that as a sign that we should have an off day so we just walked around the town in the rain, ate lunch and then just relaxed at the townhouse.

Lunch: Loula's


Day 9 (Monday 9/12)

We were so excited to get to go to our favorite place again! We went to the Polebridge side of Glacier, which is much less crowded than any other part of the park. It could be best described as an old school type general store but we go there for the bakery. We stopped in to get a few bear claws, for pre and post hiking nutrition (of course) and then headed to the trailhead for the Numa Ridge Lookout Trail which started at Bowman Lake. The views from the top were magnificent but the actual trail to the top became kind of boring because you were basically in a forest for most of the trail. We actually contemplated turning around a few times. It was definitely great at the top but I don't think we would do the same hike again.

Hiking Numa Ridge Lookout Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Numa Ridge Lookout Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Numa Ridge Lookout Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Numa Ridge Lookout Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Numa Ridge Lookout Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Numa Ridge Lookout Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking in Glacier National Park, Montana

The Polebridge Mercantile and Bakery in Montana

The Polebridge Mercantile and Bakery in Montana

The Polebridge Mercantile and Bakery in Montana

The Polebridge Mercantile and Bakery in Montana

After the Numa Ridge Lookout, we did a short hike to Hidden Meadow. For some reason on this hike we were aware of every single noise and every single noise sounded like a bear so we ran most of the trail. It was a gorgeous meadow once the trail opened up. We even saw two white swans swimming.

Going to the Sun Road was still closed so we headed back to Whitefish to eat dinner at Piggyback BBQ.

Hiking Hidden Meadow in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Hidden Meadow in Glacier National Park, Montana


Day 10 (Tuesday 9/13)

Going to the Sun Road was still closed so we ended up doing a short hike to Sprague Lake on the portion of the road that was still open. It was an okay hike but definitely not one of our favorites.

Big horn sheep on Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana

Big horn sheep on Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana


Day 11 (Wednesday 9/14)

We actually had a hike planned for outside the park but once we got on the road, we decided to head for the park. We didn’t plan very well though and ended up only doing Trail of the Cedars. We didn’t have time to go all the way to Avalanche Lake, but we were able to do it on our last trip. It was soooooo cold and windy so I'm glad we didn't hike very long. After leaving the park we drove to Hungry Horse Dam after getting some advice from a park ranger.

Hiking Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park, Montana

After riding around at the dam for awhile, we went back to Whitefish for lunch (at Loula's again) and walked around town.

That afternoon Scott played golf at Whitefish Lake Golf Course and I walked the course because I had nothing else to do. ;-) After golf we got Piggyback BBQ again, but this time we ordred it to-go.

Whitefish Lake Golf Club in Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish Lake Golf Club in Whitefish, Montana


Day 12 (Thursday 9/15)

Going to the Sun Road was FINALLY open so we *thought* we would be able to do our scheduled hike and we tried...We woke up at 5 am to hike Siyeh Pass. We hiked all the way up to Siyeh Pass and at about 3/4 of the way up we turned around. The switchbacks were covered in snow and ICE and it was taking us forever to really go nowhere. I was scared and kept sliding all over the place. We were bummed to turn around so close to the top but it was the best and safest option. We decided to do Piegan Pass since we were already close by (and we wanted to do both anyway). We backtracked and went back to the fork in the trail and took the path to Piegan this time. The views from Piegan were unbelievable. I couldn't find any pictures from Siyeh so I guess we didn't take any since we were so cold!

Dinner: Pizza at Mackenzie River Pizza Co

Hiking to Siyeh Pass & Piegan Pass in Glacier National Park, Montana

Hiking to Siyeh Pass & Piegan Pass in Glacier National Park, Montana


Day 13 (Friday 9/16)

  • Mount Aeneas in the Jewel Basin
  • 6 miles (1,700 ft)

Friday was our last day. Our flight left that afternoon so we decided we would try to squeeze in one last hike before departing. We didn't have time to go back into the park so we researched some areas outside of the park and ventured into the Jewel Basin. The hike we did was Mount Aganeas outside of Glacier in Jewel Basin, Montana. It was a gorgeous hike, worthy of National Park status. It was a 6-mile hike and by the time we finished we didn't have time to grab lunch so we headed straight to the airport. Good thing we had eaten leftover pizza for breakfast.

Crazy thing is once we were on the plane a couple from our gym were on the same plane as us, what are the chances?!

Hiking Hiking Mount Aeneas in the Jewel Basin, Montana

Hiking Hiking Mount Aeneas in the Jewel Basin, Montana

Hiking Mount Aeneas in the Jewel Basin, Montana

Hiking Mount Aeneas in the Jewel Basin, Montana


Just for fun, this is a video I put together of the funny things Scott said on some of our hikes in Glacier National Park. Enjoy. :)

Hiking Glacier National Park in Montana

Hiking Glacier National Park in Montana