Jackson Hole’s Rendezvous Festival is a completely FREE three-day music festival happening March 26-28, 2020. In its tenth year running, the event continues to bring top musical acts and an array of après-ski experiences for all ages. This spring, Bob Weir and Wolf Brothers, as well as grammy-nominated The Record Company, will headline the event, ensuring a rockin’ good time all weekend long. Below, you’ll find FREESKIER’s top tips for maximizing your time in Jackson during Rendezvous Festival. Book your tickets now and check out our list of helpful hints as you get ready to boogie your heart out in the shadow of the Tetons.
Make a playlist to pump you up
With headliners Bob Weir and Wolf Brothers and The Record Company (TRC) on the bill, it’s about time you familiarized yourself with the music you’ll be hearing. You might already know Weir’s claim-to-fame—the Grateful Dead—but you gotta acquaint yourself with TRC’s debut, grammy-nominated album, “Give It Back to You,” before they perform in Jackson’s Town Square on Friday, March 28th.
Hike and ski “The Crags”
Most folks find the Headwall bootpack, hike up and ski right down. Here’s a FREESKIER tip: work a little harder and you’ll be rewarded greatly. “The Crags” are accessed via the same hike-to as the Headwall, but just a tad further out along the ridge. Take the extra 15 minutes, hike past the first drop zone and reward yourself with a longer, steeper run and, of course, plenty of fresh snow.
Stop for lunch at Teton Thai
A local favorite, Teton Thai, situated near the Ranch Lot at the base of Teton Village, offers some of the most delicious food in the village in an intimate yet laid-back setting. Take an early lunch or dinner to beat the crowds, and be sure to try the crispy duck Pad See Ew for a noodle dish that’ll send your tastebuds into another dimension.
Grab a six-pack and post up
Here’s a bit of local knowledge: Just below The Mangy Moose sits the General Store, a one stop shop for snacks, beer and booze. Grab a six-pack —and some whiskey—on Thursday afternoon before you post up at the Tram Stage for the free Deadlocks show as part of the “Music Under the Tram” series. If you’re hungry, walk right into RPK3 for a quick bite, close enough to still hear the music, and tasty enough to fill you up right.
Check the forecast and dress for the weather
The last thing you want is to be chilled to the bone while everyone else is properly layered; on the contrary, you don’t want to be stuck in your baselayers, sweatin’ up a storm, if the weather is warm. Be sure to check the Jackson Hole forecast for up-to-date temps and weather forecasts.
Treat yourself to a VIP experience
See the stage with elevated, uninhibited views, order drinks from a private bar and enjoy the solitude of an exclusive restroom—you’ll thank us later for the last one. With different levels of VIP tickets available on Friday and Saturday night, there’s bound to be a package that fits your budget.
Bring your dancing shoes
All of the concerts featured during Jackson Hole’s Rendezvous Festival are “Standing Room Only,” so get ready to boogie the night away on your feet. We prefer keeping our ski boots on—they make great dancing shoes—but, if you want to slip into something more comfortable, bring an extra pair of ‘sneaks or boots to change into before the music begins.
Enjoy a screening of Chris Benchetler’s Fire on the Mountain
Arrive early to the Rendezvous Festival Main Stage on Saturday, March 29th, for an après-ski screening of Fire on the Mountain, a short film collaboration between Chris Benchetler and Teton Gravity Research. Featuring a soundtrack of Grateful Dead music and psychedelic visuals, you don’t want to miss this creative ski film.
Carpool with your crew
First things first: If you’re driving to any of the Rendezvous Festival shows, be sure to designate a driver to safely get you to and from the concerts. If everyone in your party wants to… party, consider taking one of the affordable START Bus shuttles that drop off at the Stilson Lots and various locations within the town of Jackson.
Splurge on a ski guide
No one knows Jackson better than a local. Hire a backcountry or in-bounds guide during your stay to maximize your time out on the hill: You’ll get early-ups on the Bridger Gondola, find stashes from bell-to-bell and you’ll be treated to insider knowledge about the mountain. Make it easy on yourself and let the experts guide you to the goods.
