Portrait of a City - Jackson Hole

Jackson, Wyoming | USA

Portrait of a City - Jackson Hole

The “Wild West” it is called. Its a place full of ski bums, ranches, cowboys, and mountains as big as the eye can see. And the epicenter of all of this is Jackson, Wyoming. But as you will see in the story, Jackson is much more than a ski town. It is a place steeped in tradition and embracement of the natural world. This town embodies a different way of life, a way of life we that we could all learn from.

Driving into the Jackson region you instantly see the tremendous mountains that follow you all the way till you reach the Teton Mountains. Where then they spear out into a gorgeous display of jagged peaks. The tree dotted mountains show off the many ranches that have been there for generations. While many people may think that Jackson is just a ski town. After exploring Jackson you start to see that it is so much more. With their embracing of the Wild West, local food offerings, and their vibrant culture, you instantly see that it is much more than just a ski town.

A stary night at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole

Layers of mountains lay in the late afternoon haze

A view of the grand Teton Mountains with animals grazing in the snow

As the flames warm your skiweary hands you look up onto the iconic ski mountain as the sun starts to set for the day. That is the scene you are seeing at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole. As the doors open into the lobby you instantly get placed into the cabin of your dreams. With antlers and a big fire place staring right at you. You instantly feel at home. Their rooms are extremely spacious and give you gorgeous views of the mountain and stars as you drift off to sleep in your luxurious bed. Their hot tub grotto invites you to lay back and relax and take in the scenic beauty around you. This hotel truly gives you an authentic luxury experience of Jackson Hole, that you can’t find anywhere else.

The morning lines on a snowy day in Jackson

Looking into the food of Jackson, they have a wide range of dishes that both reflect the local region and from around the world. A quick twenty minute drive from the town of Jackson is the Four Seasons which has a number of exceptional restaurants, such as the Westbank Grill which is a more fine dining establishment that still keeps it casual. Their Idaho Trout with butter sauce really set them apart from the crowd. Right below the Westbank Grill is the Handle bar which is a super classic ski bar and restaurant that serves you amazing food while your in your ski clothes. Their truffle tator tots and their fun vibe keep ther skiers coming back.

A Skier gliding on the fresh fallen snow

The end of day light illuminating the trees as the skier sprays up powder into the air

The sweet smell of fresh baked pastries come from the kitchen of Persephone, the pastries they make fresh every morning. Whether a tourist or a local you are drawn into this cute French inspired cafe. Their friendly staff and decadent coffee makes it a must when in the town of Jackson. With their prime location just outside the city square, giving them an exceptional spot for the locals and lucky tourists that know, but to others it will remain a hidden secret.

Walking into Pendleton, you can see the history buried in these walls that has been building up for the past 40 years. If you happen to walk into this store you can still meet the original owner who established this store, as the first private distributor of Pendleton. While there you can see their wide range of authentic blankets and also see their store exclusive blankets that draw inspiration from the wild west of Wyoming such as a wolf, moose, bear, and bison to name a few. This store truly symbolizes the true spirit of the American Frontier.

Skiing down the mountain in blizzard like conditions

With over 4,000 feet vertical of skiing terrain, Jackson Hole does not have a shortage of skiing. Backed up to the Teton national park, it truly is some rugged terrain. From their multiple lodges and over 10 chair lifts there is something for everyone. For the more experienced skiers you can go up to Corbett’s cabin which is famous for their waffles and then from their head down the iconic Corbett’s Couloir, a double black that is extremely demanding. For more casual skiers you can stay up in the middle of the mountain where there is an influx of fun yet challenging blue runs. When looking for a quick snack you can look no further than the Off-Piste Market at the Rendezvous Lodge, which has beer, wines, and artisan cheeses. If you are looking for a guide on the mountain you can find a local Jackson ski instructor who embodies that skier lifestyle, they will show you regardless of your skill how to make the most of this mighty mountain. This mountain is a challenging mountain that experienced and beginner skiers alike will love. But it is definitely a mountain that rewards the adventurous.

Portrait of a City - Jackson Hole