Some places feel like they’re touched by magic. Jackson Hole is one of them. Tucked into the heart of the Tetons, it’s a destination where adventure, relaxation, and wide-open skies collide. By day, the mountains call with trails, wildlife, and alpine charm. But once the sun dips behind the peaks, the real show begins – an endless canopy of stars that feels so close, you could almost reach up and grab a handful.
For travelers staying at Snow King Resort, that nightly spectacle is more than just an afterthought. Thanks to its unbeatable proximity to Snow King Mountain’s new observatory and planetarium, and Jackson Hole’s growing reputation as a dark sky destination, the resort has become the perfect basecamp for stargazing adventures.
The Mountain Next Door
One of the best parts of Snow King Resort is its location. Guests are just steps away from the gondola that whisks you up Snow King Mountain – where the brand-new Snow King Observatory & Planetarium awaits. It’s not only the first planetarium at the top of a U.S. ski resort but also one of the most unique celestial experiences anywhere in North America.
At 8,000 feet, the summit feels worlds away from town, even though it’s only a short ride up. By day, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Tetons and Jackson below. By night, the mountain transforms into a balcony to the universe. The observatory’s telescope brings Saturn’s rings, far-off galaxies, and sparkling star clusters into focus, while the planetarium immerses visitors in an interactive cosmic journey.
For Snow King Resort guests, it couldn’t be easier: wander out of your room or condominium, hop on the gondola, and in minutes you’re among the stars – no riving, no long detours, just an effortless transition from comfort to cosmos.
Snow King Resort is the only property in Jackson Hole with direct gondola access to a professional observatory and planetarium. This unique setup makes it effortless to experience the night sky without booking outside tours or traveling long distances.
Stargazing Starts When You Land
The celestial theme begins the moment you arrive in Jackson. In April 2025, the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) became the first airport in the world to earn Dark Sky certification. As the only commercial airport in a national park, it has taken extraordinary steps to reduce light pollution – shielding fixtures, dimming unnecessary illumination, and embracing a night-friendly lighting plan.
That means as soon as your plane touches down, you’re already in a certified dark sky destination. Few places can boast an airport arrival that doubles as an introduction to pristine night skies. For leisure travelers, it sets the tone: this is a place where nature’s brilliance is respected, and the night sky is a treasured part of the experience.
This certification highlights Jackson Hole as one of the best places to enjoy the Wyoming night sky. Visitors can arrive and immediately experience the brilliance of the stars, whether they’re interested in casual stargazing, photographing the Milky Way, or joining a free public program in the valley.
Why Snow King Resort is the Stargazer’s Basecamp
There are countless reasons to choose Snow King Resort as your Jackson Hole home base:
Proximity: The resort is steps from the gondola to Snow King Mountain’s observatory – no need to plan long nighttime drives.
Comfort & Convenience: After a night under the stars, retreat to spacious accommodations, cozy up by the lobby fireplace, or enjoy a late-night drink at the bar without leaving the property.
Balance: Snow King Resort is equally positioned for daytime adventure and nighttime wonder. You can hike, bike, or explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks during the day, then end your evening with stargazing just outside your door.
Community Vibe: Unlike some larger resorts tucked away in remote corners, Snow King Resort is right in the heart of town – blending small-town charm with big-sky adventure.
Think of it as your launchpad to the galaxy, where mountain hospitality meets celestial wonder.
For travelers looking for a true stargazing getaway, Snow King Resort combines premium lodging with direct access to the Snow King Observatory and Planetarium. Unlike public or free stargazing events, this is a private, elevated experience that blends comfort, astronomy, and convenience.
The Beauty of a Dark Sky
For leisure travelers, stargazing is often one of the most underrated experiences. It’s free, it’s awe-inspiriting, and it connects us to something bigger than ourselves. Jackson Hole’s commitment to dark sky preservation ensures that visitors can still see the Milky Way painted across the heavens – a sight many have never experienced back home.
On especially clear nights, guests can often see deep-sky objects and constellations that are rarely visible elsewhere. The Jackson Hole night sky is among the most pristine in the lower 48 states, making it one of the best places in the country for Milky Way viewing and celestial photography.
Whether you’re lying back on a blanket outside Snow King Resort, gazing from the observatory deck, or spotting constellations while soaking in the hot tub, the clarity of the stars here feels almost unreal. It’s the kind of memory that lingers long after your trip is over.
Apps That Bring the Sky to Life
Of course, you don’t need to be an astronomer to enjoy the night sky. Thanks to modern technology, stargazing has become more interactive and accessible than ever. A few traveler-friendly apps can elevate your evening:
SkyGuide (iOS): Simply point your phone at the sky and watch constellations and planets light up with explanations.
Stellarium Mobile (iOS & Android): A favorite among both hobbyists and pro, it shows real-time constellations, satellites, and deep-sky objects.
SkyView: Combines your phone’s camera with augmented reality to label stars and celestial events as you look.
Star Walk 2: Sends alerts for meteor showers and special sightings – perfect for timing your trip to coincide with a cosmic show.
Dark Sky Finder: Handy for exploring even darker corners of Jackson Hole if you venture beyond the observatory.
Apps like Stellarium and Star Walk 2 also provide real-time stargazing conditions in Jackson Hole, helping you plan your evening around the clearest skies and the most dazzling celestial events. These tools make stargazing approachable, especially for families or first-time visitors. They’re like having a pocket-sized astronomer along for the ride.
A Leisurely Path to the Cosmos
What makes stargazing at Snow King Resort so special isn’t just the sky – it’s the way the experience blends seamlessly into your stay. You don’t have to plan an all-night expedition or drive for hours. Instead, the magic is woven into your trip with ease:
- Spending the day exploring national parks or rafting the Snake River
- Come back for dinner at Haydens Post and an after-dinner drink on its expansive patio
- Step outside for a short gondola ride to the summit
- End your night under a blanket of stars before returning to your hotel guest room or condominium
It’s stargazing without the stress – perfect for couples, solo travelers, or families who want to add a little wonder to their getaway.
The Human Connection to the Stars
There’s a reason stargazing resonates so deeply with travelers. It strips away the noise of everyday life, reminding us of how small we are in the grand scheme – and how beautiful that can be. In Jackson Hole, with its dark skies, mountain air, and community-wide commitment to preservation, those moments feel especially profound.
At Snow King Resort, guests are perfectly positioned to savor it all. Whether you’re sipping wine on your balcony as the constellations appear, or bundling up for an observatory program at the summit, you’ll find yourself reconnecting to a rhythm as old as time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can you see the Milky Way in Jackson Hole?
Yes – Jackson Hole is one of the best places in Wyoming to see the Milky Way. With minimal light pollution and high elevation, the galactic core is visible during summer months.
Does Jackson Hole have an observatory and planetarium?
Yes – the Snow King Observatory and Planetarium, located at the summit of Snow King Mountain, is the newest and first of its kind atop a U.S. ski resort.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Jackson Hole?
While not common, the Northern Lights are occasionally visible in Jackson Hole during strong solar activity, especially in winter.
Are there stargazing tours near Grand Teton and Yellowstone?
Yes – several outfitters offer guided stargazing tours and sunset safaris. But Snow King guests have the advantage of their own observatory right outside their door.
What are the best times for stargazing in Jackson Hole?
Summer and fall bring excellent visibility, while winter nights offer the clearest skies. For real-time updates, use stargazing apps to check conditions each evening.
Plan Your Celestial Getaway
The next time you’re dreaming of Jackson Hole, don’t just think about wildlife safaris, fly-fishing, or skiing. Think about the stars. Think about the moment the Milky Way unfurls overhead, or when Saturn’s rings come into crisp focus through a telescope. Think about sharing those moments with loved ones, tucked into a mountain resort that makes it all effortless.
At Snow King Resort, the stars are more than decoration – they’re part of the itinerary. With the new observatory and planetarium just a gondola ride away, the world’s first dark-sky airport welcoming you on arrival, and a destination that treasures its natural darkness, Jackson Hole is truly a stargazer’s paradise.
So, pack your hiking boots, your sense of wonder, and maybe a stargazing app or two. The universe is waiting – right outside your door at Snow King Resort.