Jackson Hole, Wyoming
A Thrill for the Whole Family
By Kent Jensen

Imagine this - It’s 7:30 AM on a Thursday morning, a weekday, and there are over 300 giddy diehards lined up in -21˚F air, waiting for the 9 AM iconic “red box” tram to open the upper mountain.  The first tram whisks up the mountain with a thunderous cheer from the crowd – that’s the spirit of Jackson Hole, it has its own cult following addicted to the white gold that blankets the slopes.  Jackson Hole is known for having the most continuous ‘lift-served vertical’ skiing in the U.S, over 3,000 acres of backcountry access and large sections of inbounds adrenaline pumping expert terrain.  But even if that’s not you, don’t worry, Jackson Hole has a surprisingly mild alter ego. 

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) rests beside the towering walls of the Tetons, you are within a stone’s throw of the National Elk Refuge, Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and it’s imbedded in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, arguably one of the best protected ecosystems in the world.  Few places can boast such impressive vistas and terrain.  The best part is that you don’t have to just look from behind a fence at a safe distance.  This place has been designed for you to get up close and personal with nature.

I’ve visited JHMR seeking a rush many times in years past, but this time I brought my family - my wife, two kids and a new objective.  I wanted a great family experience.  I wanted to do more than just ditch the kids with the baby sitter.  We’re opening a new chapter of family skiing.  JHMR rises to the challenge with half of the inbounds acreage at beginner and intermediate levels.  I could take a run, get my adrenaline fix, and then enjoy time alone with my wife without having to worry about the kids the whole time.  The Kids’ Ranch was fabulous.  The staff started it out right, before our kids (ages 1 and 3) could even try to develop separation anxiety they were whisked away, given drinks, snacks and were happily waving goodbye as we walked away.  Our 3-year-old loved every minute of ski school and had to be convinced to come inside for a lunch break after hours of skiing in the cold. 

We stayed in the Village Center Inn, a ski-in/ski-out condo 100 feet from the tram.  With fully equipped kitchenettes, several beds and a living room, it is surprisingly affordable. The location made it easy to stop in and take a run with the kids.  If you have a situation with a built in baby sitter or another family to take turns watching the kids, it’s even easier to stay within a budget since you can make meals and get discounts.  JHMR’s full suite of military discounts include: 50% off single day lift tickets; 10% off rentals; 20% off class lessons; and 20% off lodging.  Just make a note that if you’re traveling with a child that needs a crib, you have to reserve a crib/pack-n-play through a 3rd party service, Baby’s Away. 

Although we explored the discount side, if you’re planning a post-deployment family get away where you want to splurge and forget the world, JHMR has a full quiver of choices up to and including the Four Seasons Lodge.  It is pure decadence built on an epic mountain.  This place is more opulent than I could believe – exquisite cuisine, hot tubs modeled after Yellowstone’s natural  hot springs, poolside warmed bathrobes, slope side lounge chairs around outdoor fireplaces, mmmm.  Definitely worth the price if you want the best.  Even if you don’t spend the night, you can drop in for fine dining; the Westbank Grill had a breakfast to die for.  If you’re looking for a romantic dinner, you can’t pass up an evening Gondola ride to the highly acclaimed mountaintop Couloir Restaurant, which overlooks the entire valley and feels like it’s sitting in the midst of the stars on a clear night.  You don’t have to worry about going downtown to find places to eat, there are over 10 restaurants to choose from, covering every price bracket right in Teton Village like the Mangy Moose, voted the #1 restaurant and entertainment complex of all North American ski resorts. 

With direct flight access to seven major hubs, no rental car required, shuttle service to JHMR (5 miles away as the crow flies) and downtown, this is a winter vacation package already put together requiring little additional planning.  And if it’s too late to work JHMR this year before the snow melts, remember it is not just a Winter Wonderland.  Hotel bookings don’t really decrease during summer months because there is even more to do then – but that’s another article for another day.
Photos by Stephanie Olsen