Best Video Recording Spots in Jackson Hole Winter
Jackson Hole in winter feels like a cinematic dream. Everything is covered in a thick layer of snow, and the whole place seems to slow down under the weight of it. The air is crisp, the lighting is soft, and every direction you look offers a backdrop that could double as a movie still. Whether you're planning a short outdoor commercial, scenic brand visuals, or anything in between, the natural beauty out here works in your favor.
Filming in Jackson Hole isn't just about snowy peaks. It's about how winter shapes the entire visual tone of a shot. From wildlife making tracks across frozen plains to historic wooden buildings tucked under layers of white, the variety is endless. Whether you’re working with a full crew or scouting solo, having a trusted list of filming spots can keep the process smoother and more productive.
Rendezvous Mountain
If you want to start at the top, Rendezvous Mountain is the place to go. This well-known peak, part of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, delivers sweeping views that stretch over snowy forests, jagged ridgelines, and distant valleys. It’s one of those spots where even simple wide-angle shots look like they belong in a national campaign.
Access is surprisingly easy via the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram. Getting to the summit is part of the experience, and it can also provide compelling visuals for B-roll. From the tram windows to unloading gear against a high-altitude backdrop, even the route up offers usable footage.
Here are a few tips to make the most of your time on Rendezvous:
1. A polarizing filter helps take the edge off glare on sunny days.
2. Cold zaps battery life fast, so bring extras and keep them warm.
3. Scout sun angles if you’re going for sunrise shots.
4. Expect wind, use wind protection on mics or bring backups.
5. Snow reflects tons of light, so wear sunglasses and don’t forget sunscreen.
Shooting here gives you those grand, open scenes with a real sense of elevation and freedom. The mountaintop's quiet adds a layer of atmosphere that can change the entire tone of your story.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park in winter is full of beauty that doesn't beg for attention but sneaks up on you. The park’s frozen lakes, snowy valleys, and tall pine woods offer rich visual variety. It’s huge and well spread out, giving you freedom to set up without feeling cramped.
Early mornings can deliver soft, pale light and long shadows for a calm effect. Later in the day, golden tones highlight the mountains and make wildlife pop against the snow. Either way, this type of lighting adds natural polish to your footage.
Local wildlife sticks around even when the temps drop. You’ll likely come across bison, moose, or the occasional bald eagle. Use long lenses to film animals in a way that keeps them undisturbed but still present in the shot.
Keep these ideas in mind while working in the park:
1. Some park roads close in the winter; check ahead of time.
2. Snow-ready cars are a must, especially near trailheads.
3. Keep microfiber cloths handy to clean off lens fog and snow.
Everything here feels classic. A snowy tree on an icy plain or steam rising from a half-frozen creek can carry a whole mood. When the weather cooperates, it’s one of the most versatile places to film in Jackson Hole.
Jackson Town Square
Winter turns Jackson Town Square into a postcard. It’s loaded with charm, elk antler arches wrapped in lights, snow-covered street corners, and historic buildings dressed up for the holidays. For productions looking to mix outdoor beauty with a small-town vibe, this spot is gold.
Late afternoon tends to be the sweet spot. The last bit of daylight and the beginning of holiday lighting overlap, creating a cozy, glowing balance. It’s a great time to get walk-and-talks, slow pans of the square, or quick lifestyle pickup shots.
Color balance can get tricky because of mixed lighting, but here’s how to keep things smooth:
1. Manual white balance helps avoid strange color shifts.
2. Bring portable LEDs to gently fill shadows on faces.
3. Plan your angles to minimize color spill from store lighting.
4. Try twilight for soft, even tones in both background and subject.
Jackson Town Square is great for brand shoots, tourism pieces, and local storytelling. The mix of people walking by, snowflakes falling, and warm window lights makes it feel very human and relatable on screen.
National Elk Refuge
Just outside Jackson, the National Elk Refuge switches up the pace. This wide open space has hundreds, sometimes thousands, of elk spread across snowy flats. It's peaceful, with just enough movement to make a static shot feel alive. The scale alone is impressive and can add quiet drama to longer edits or intro scenes.
Sunrise and late afternoon are best here for two reasons. First, the low sun adds depth and texture. Second, the herds are more active and easier to spot during these times. Frosty breaths and moving shapes on a white landscape turn into strong visuals.
When filming here, give the animals space. It protects them and improves your results. Staying still, using long lenses, and avoiding direct movement make your presence blend into the environment.
A few things to bring:
1. Tripods with snow feet or sleds help with uneven surfaces.
2. Extra layers and hand warmers make long outdoor walks bearable.
3. ND filters help cut glare across those wide reflective fields.
4. Be weather aware. Fast-moving squalls can sneak up quickly.
This location isn’t about fast action or complex setups. It’s about patient observation. For projects focusing on outdoor life, nature, or quiet seasonal change, this place adds emotional depth.
Winter Scenes That Tell a Story
Each location brings a strong personality to a winter shoot. Rendezvous Mountain feels bold and open with its dramatic altitude. Grand Teton National Park slows things down and offers peaceful beauty again and again. Jackson Town Square brings warmth into the snow-covered mix, while the National Elk Refuge gives you space and movement that feels untamed.
Shooting in Jackson Hole is always about being ready. The weather might switch from soft snow to clear blue sky in an hour. A trail might be open one day and buried the next. But when it all lines up, light, timing, and location, the footage sticks.
This part of Wyoming doesn’t just deliver on mountain views. It offers space for stories to unfold naturally. Whether you’re filming people, animals, or pure scenery, the right location adds everything your shot is missing. Keeping a crew familiar with the area helps you focus on creativity instead of logistics.
Winter makes Jackson Hole shine in a way that feels unique to this season. Crisp colors, natural contrast, and honest stillness; these details bring meaning to every frame. With the right gear, a plan, and a local production team in your corner, capturing that feeling becomes a lot more possible.
Bring your vision to life with our expertise. As an outdoor video production company in Jackson Hole, Après Visuals knows how to capture the quiet magic and bold energy of this winter landscape. Whether you're after sweeping shots or intimate moments, we're here to help you create something unforgettable.