Exploring Jackson Hole

After sending many families to Jackson Hole over the years, I jumped at the chance to visit the Wyoming ski resort with some friends, this past winter. I’m so glad I experienced the destination firsthand, not only because it’s breathtaking but also because it’s different from most of the centralized mountain towns I’ve visited in the past.

Where to Stay

The primary difference between Jackson Hole and some of the other ski resorts I’ve been to is that visitors can choose to stay in Jackson, a town a bit outside of Jackson Hole, or in Teton Village, the ski village at the base of the mountain.

Our cohort chose to stay close to the charming town of Jackson, which is home to many great shops, bars and restaurants, including Local and Trio. While there aren’t many hotels in town, I did come across the fresh, stylish and perfectly located Hotel Jackson.

While staying in Jackson offers close proximity to the airport and several delicious dining options, the main drawback to staying there is that it’s about a 30-minute drive to the Teton Mountains, so getting to the slopes is more of a process. If you’re considering a trip to Jackson Hole, I recommend staying in Teton Village, so you can easily hop on and off the slopes. In addition to the handful of bars and restaurants in the village — such as the Mangy Moose and Teton Thai — there are some beautiful hotels in the area, from the Four Seasons to the more affordable Teton Mountain Lodge and Hotel Terra.

Notably, the delightful surprise of the trip for me was Caldera House. This small property has eight huge, stunning suites. High ceilings, fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living areas and several bedrooms mean larger groups of friends and/or families can comfortably share the space.

I, of course, also wanted to see the renowned — and exclusive — Amangani, which lives up to its reputation. It is sleek and sexy and boasts gorgeous views of the valley below. The hotel sits up on Spring Creek Ranch, so it’s remote and quiet; nonetheless, it is still just a short drive to both Jackson and Teton Village.

Speaking of, Spring Creek Ranch (SCR) is another place visitors can stay. Because the neighborhood is comprised of individually owned homes, each property offers unique décor. However, unless having access to the amenities of a home, with views of the valley, is important to you, it would be more convenient (and fun!) to stay near Jackson or Teton Village instead of staying in SCR.

What to Do You’ll find endless ways to stay entertained and active in the Jackson Hole area. Certainly, Jackson Hole is one of the best skiing and snowboarding mountains in the world. However, if you would like a break from downhill winter sports, you can snowshoe, cross-country ski, make snow angels or enjoy après ski by the fire.

In the summer months, visitors can enjoy a plethora of other activities, such as hiking the Tetons, exploring Yellowstone, catching a rodeo, going on a wildlife safari, rafting amidst white waters and bicycling through the picturesque region.

Something for Everyone With easy and often direct flights, Jackson Hole is a perfect option for a family getaway, for either a long weekend or a week’s stay. There are accommodations to suite a range of preferences, plenty of activities to fill your days and great meals that everyone will enjoy. We look forward to crafting the perfect experience for you!