10 minute read
SKIING: JACKSON HOLE
Powder time
North America is home to some of the world’s best ski fields from coast to coast and for the past few seasons, it’s been about the powder, wide runs and new lifts, alongside fantastic hospitality, particularly at three of Wayfarer’s favourite spots, Jackson Hole in Wyoming, Big Sky in Montana and Aspen Snowmass in Colorado.
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming is high on the list of destinations for skiers and boarders each season thanks to its legendary cable cars, powder filled runs, luxurious hotels and the stunning greater ecosystems of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
The magical destination Jackson Hole in Wyoming, also known for its cowboy culture, has some of the best winter and summer mountain activities in America, from legendary ski runs to epic mountain biking and once you’ve slid through powder just the once, you’ll want to be back on the hill every year.
When we say epic, we mean epic. Last season, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort recorded 595 inches of snow, making it the snowiest, deepest ever recorded and one of the highest totals for an American ski field of all time.
That meant long, powder-filled days on the mountain, followed by après at its best with drinks and stylish rooms at the luxurious ski-in, ski-out Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, as well as across Teton Village’s thriving culinary scene.
The resort famously delivers some of America’s finest powder snow with 4,139 of continuous vertical feet of legendary terrain and 2,500 acres of the best beginner, intermediate and expert terrain.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is perhaps best known for its iconic aerial tram that has been popular with expert skiers and boarders alike since the latest version debuted in 2008.
The team gives skiers and boarders the opportunity to access Rendezvous Bowl, ski or ride 4,139 vertical feet on the mountain and enjoy waffles at the award-winning Corbet’s Cabin at the top of Rendezvous Peak.
Built in 2008 and gliding skyward from the base in Teton Village to the top of Rendezvous
Mountain at 10,450 feet in just 12 minutes, the Aerial Tram provides powderhounds the chance to take in stunning views of the Tetons, Jackson Hole valley, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Located directly off the Tram, Rendezvous Bowl is the widest open slope at the resort and offers descent options via intermediate or expert terrain through the resort’s deepest snowpack.
LEARNING FROM THE BEST
With Jackson Hole known as an intermediate and advanced skiiers’ paradise, any trip here should include lessons or a guide, even for a few hours, from the brilliant Mountain Sports School team that are well-known across the world for their professionalism and hospitality.
The Mountain Sports School team of ski and snowboard coaches for a half- or full-day lessons or a multi-day camp.
“Our personalised approach will give you your best day possible on our mountain, from finding the best terrain for you given your goals and the day’s conditions to learning new skills and priority lift line access,” a spokesperson from Jackson Hole told Wayfarer.
“Everyone’s dream ski or snowboard day is different [and] let MSS help you create yours. Nothing on-mountain is off-limits.”
Alongside the one-on-one lessons, where the Mountain Sports School team truly impress is with their Kids Ranch lessons, which are well priced (from $350 per day) and fire up young skiers’ and snowboarders’ sense of adventure and accomplishment.
“Kids think they’re just skiing/riding Wookie Wiggle – one of our 35 kid-specific trails – but their Mountain Sports School coaches know they’re learning skills they will eventually use to rip moguls and bumps,” the spokesperson said.
The team also offer backcountry tours and the opportunity to go skiing with two Olympians, Tommy Moe and Resi Stiegler, who are Ski Guides and Special Ambassadors on the mountain.
SEE AND DO
When you walk around the picturesque town of Jackson, you’ll firmly know you have arrived in cowboy country –from the architecture to the shops and venues on offer.
Here you can expect to find art galleries, gift shops, cafes, bars and in the winter, a small ice rink in the town square.
It’s all about wild west fun at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where there is a bar lined with horse saddle bar seats, longhorn taxidermy and an impressive spirits collection alongside live country music almost every night of the week. Around the corner at the Snake River Roasting Company, expect a fantastic cup of coffee or tea and delightful pastries. Next door, Teton Toys has great range of things for the kids, plus plenty of Jackson merch from hoodies to local delights. At Mountain Dandy, find handmade homewares like wooden bowls, blankets, dishware, canvas and leather aprons are alongside handcurated vintage furniture cultivated from cross-country road trips, all in a collegiate and men’s club atmosphere. Across the square at the Jackson Hole Resort Store, find branded beanies, ski shirts, hats, magnets and more to remember the trip.
Alongside the epic skiing and boarding, there are several fantastic things to do in the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, including wildlife and park tours, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, flyovers and of course heliskiing. These parks are two of the most stunning in America and it’s more than worth spending a day or two exploring.
WHERE TO STAY
Over the past 21 years, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole in Wyoming has firmly been one of America’s best alpine hotels, thanks to its location in the heart of Teton Village, the ski concierge offering in the winter months, its guided tours in Grand Teton National Park throughout the summer and the luxurious attention to detail right across the property.
Each winter, when Jackson Hole is truly in its element, the property is one of America’s most in-demand resorts thanks to its phenomenal basecamp location and the ski concierge service which is exceptional.
Guests will also find on-property demo level rentals, ticket purchasing options and exclusive retail selections that make ski-in, ski-out an absolute breeze.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is also headlined by its outdoor pools and hot tubs, the full-service Four Star Spa – the only Forbes rated spa in the state of Wyoming – alongside three dining outlets, including Wayfarer’s favourite, Westbank Grill, which offers fantastic meals with stunning mountainside views.
When we say epic, we mean epic. Last season, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort recorded 595 inches of snow, making it the snowiest, deepest ever recorded and one of the highest totals for an American ski field of all time.
The property also recently underwent a glamorous makeover. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole completed a full-scale renovation of all guest rooms, suites and public hallways in summer 2022.
The renovation included all new vanities and mirrors, furniture, artwork, beds, lighting, wall coverings, carpet and private bar.
A well-defined work area also allows guests to remain productive, with top-of-the-line new technology for communication and entertainment. The latest renovations build upon recent enhancements in Westbank Grill and Ascent Lounge within the past five years.
The resort also has a number of condominiums and vacation homes that can be booked by the night or by the season. Jackson Hole Resort Lodging offers condominiums and vacation homes at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and packages include discounted lift tickets. All properties have a kitchen, living area, access to hot tub, fireplace, woodstove, washer and dryer.
The condos are all a short drive from the base of the Village and accessed by shuttles that run frequently, plus many offer picturesque views of the mountains and surrounding plains.
In the town of Jackson, you’ll find several boutique hotels and lifestyle properties, including the fun, remodelled and stylish Mountain Modern. Here, find a former motel that’s been transformed into a boutique hotel with rooms that are headlined by larger-than-life wall coverings celebrating the backcountry, local wildlife and fly-fishing and all are complemented with “pops” of red and black buffalo plaid.
“All guest rooms were designed with function in mind and include practical features like custom gear walls serving as utilitarian decor and offering year-round storage for hiking boots, backpacks, skis and snowboards,” a spokesperson told Wayfarer.
In addition to king rooms, studios with full kitchens and king and double-queen suites, travellers can also stay in six new two-bedroom, two-story residentialstye townhomes that sleep up to eight people and come with a kitchen, living room with fireplace and a private outdoor balcony.
EAT AND DRINK
You’ll work up quite the hunger as you fly down some of the most exciting runs in America and that calls for a solid meal on the mountain. Our pick for lunch is the Piste Mountain Bistro, which offers a lively dining experience at the top of the Bridger Gondola. On the menu, expect steaks, elk fillets, salmon, trout and a chicken and crab pot pie.
In the Village head to lunch at Corsa, where you’ll find a laid-back vibe of Jackson Hole, while nodding to authentic trattorias in the Italian Alps. Pizza takes centre stage here and expect Neapolitan style pies with thin, bubble crust and fresh mozzarella.
The popular Spur Restaurant and Bar is recognised as one of the top spots in Teton Village and here, expect locally sourced ingredients to create seasonal menus of American West, European and Mexican cuisines. Top orders are the buffalo Quesabirria, Elk Jalapeño-Cheddar Smokey Brat, the Spur Game Chili and steak-cut burger.
For a rockin’ après, head to the Mangy Moose Restaurant and Saloon, which has been offering live music, drinks and food in a lively setting since 1967.
Over at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, you’ll find Champagne, cocktails and music at Ascent Lounge, which has a fantastic slope-side setting and mountain views. Next door at the Handle Bar, the resort’s American pub and beer hall, find a stylish interior and an outdoor patio seating with views up the mountain.
For a great lunch or dinner, head to Westbank Grill steakhouse for some of the best dishes in town, from roasted salmon to smoked duck, vension and an exceptional line-up of steaks, including a dry-aged cowboy ribeye, an A5 wagyu New York strip and an Australian fillet. Here, expect views of the mountain and excellent hospitality.
At the intimate and rustic Il Villaggio Osteria, find an eatery reminiscent of the comfortable, community-focused restaurants that pepper the Italian countryside. Here, there’s a salumi bar, pizza oven and cosy main dining room marry seamlessly to complement the authentic flavours of the expansive menu, while an outdoor fireplace warms during the chilly Wyoming nights. Osteria presents a menu perfect for multicourse dining, composed of house-made pastas and pizzas, seasonal salads, and imported meats and cheeses from leading Wyoming purveyors.
In the town of Jackson and steps away from the Town Square, The Bistro is the newest concept from restaurateurs Gavin Fine and Roger Freedman. Drawing on inspiration from Parisian style neighbourhood brasseries, The Bistro presents modern, comfortable European dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all inside The Cloudveil hotel. The Bistro brings seasonal, beautifully prepared and presented dishes to life with outdoor cafe seating, a stunning zinc bar, fresh oyster bar and a variety of dynamic indoor dining areas. The Bistro’s French-inspired cocktail menu showcases thoughtfully crafted libations, while the European-focused wine list highlights fantastic bottles at every price point.
GETTING THERE
Wayfarer recommends flying to Jackson Hole, Wyoming on United Airlines, which offers daily flights to the city from across America (including Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco) and around the world.
