Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

There are more than 2 million snow enthusiasts (64% alpine skiers, 22% cross country skiers, and 14% snowboarders,) throughout the United States, at different skill levels, some using shaped skis, others renting the fattest demo skis they can find and others still refusing to give up their long straight boards. Some ski with their buddies while others plan trips for the entire family.

Whatever the ability level or type of equipment they choose, one thing is certain, they all want the most from their winter experience! Jackson Hole Mountain Resort continues to provide one of the most diverse range of experiences in the least populated state in America.

JHMR is a totally unique destination. Where else can you take a sleigh ride through 10,000 wintering elk, view herds of bison and be asked to ski defensively to avoid moose on the cat-tracks? Or take in the annual Cowboy Ski Challenge where skiers are pulled over 40 mph behind horses over jumps and other obstacles then kick back and drink Moose Drool in the famous Mangy Moose apres-ski hang out. Two National Parks consider JHMR neighbors, statistics show a skier an acre (still!) on the slopes, and powder can be had in the backcountry almost the entire season. There is harmony to be found …Ski fanatics staying at the slopeside Hostel X hang with the small spa crowd and never a cross word is heard between rider and skier, but if you are looking for pure unadulturated skiiing and riding on the wildest mountain in the lower 48, Jackson Hole cannot be touched…

Devil of a Loop

Driving a loop around Devils Tower National Monument in northeast Wyoming is a truly diverse look at all  the unique qualities of the Black Hills. There is an actual hand-dug oil well near Newcastle. The century-old mercantile in Aladdin is a gem of a store (be sure to climb the stairs to the second floor for special “finds.”) And the scenery and challenge of the new golf course in Hulett rivals much better known “chasin’ whitey” locales. Devils Tower was our country’s first national monument and it’s centennial will be celebrated in 2006. Drop a little farther south, near Gillette, and take a coal mine tour in the most productive coal mining region in the U.S. For more info contact the Devils Tower National Monument office at (307) 467-5283 or on the web at: www.nps.gov/deto/home.htm.

Jackson Hole - Bring the Family & Have a Blast!

Following the spring run-off, when valley streams and rivers swell with a winter's worth of snow and herds of wildlife head to the hills to enjoy the greenery, Jackson Hole plays host to another nomadic group: the family on summer vacation.

Arriving in Jackson Hole, the question is not "what is there to do?" but "we must stay longer?" In the 2002 Family Fun Magazine Reader's Poll, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort was named TOP FAMILY RESORT in Mountain/Plains division. Neighboring Yellowstone National Park was rated the number three highest scoring attraction in America.

Teton Village, nestled against the Tetons at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort continues to be a popular destination for visiting families during the summer. Just one mile from the entrance to Grand Teton National Park families welcome the convenience of lodging, restaurants and activities as well as all the Park access. The Aerial Tram rises 4,139 above the valley offering incredible views of Jackson Hole and the Tetons. Once on top of Rendezvous Mountain, hiking is available into surrounding Bridger-Teton National Forest. Summer guides offer moderate hikes from the top, educating summer naturalists on the surrounding flora and fauna.

Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

Snowmobiling in Yellowstone has been, and continues to be, a popular favorite for many visitors. Rentals are available at Wyoming locations south and east of the park and inside the gates through the park concessionaire. There is a speed limit of 45 miles per hour in Yellowstone, lower near attractions, and all Yellowstone snowmobiling is limited to the groomed road system.

Wyoming’s 2,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails are better maintained than ever before due to an increasing number of registrations. The $15* dollar registration fee, for both residents and non-residents, is devoted wholly to trail maintenance. New maps of all trails, including portions of five national forests, are updated annually. Maps are available free-of-charge, as are current trail conditions, by contacting the Wyoming Snowmobile Trails Program at: (307) 777-6560 or on the web: http://wyotrails.state.wy.us/
*Prices are subject to change without notice.

Grand Teton National Park is directly south of Yellowstone and very little can compare to a sparkling sunrise over the Teton Mountain Range. The  adventurous can cross-country ski, snowshoe or simply gawk at the grandeur to full content of heart, body and mind. Wildlife is everywhere. Moose in the morning. Eagles along the Snake River. Mammals by the score. Experts can help you find them through a number of park-offered programs.

Old Faithful Inn Turns 100

The 100th anniversary of Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park – the most historic of all America’s national park lodges – is in 2004. Celebrations will coincide with the opening of the park for the summer season in May with further recognition during Heritage Days events later in the summer.

Architect R.C. Reamer was just 29 when asked to go to Yellowstone and design a fitting structure for lodgers in the country’s first national park. When a park visitor first arrives there is often a curiosity attached as to why the structure doesn’t face its namesake – and Yellowstone’s lead attraction – Old Faithful Geyser. “It was merely a convenient placement to have a nice view of the entire Upper Geyser Basin,” reasons Leslie Quinn, an interpretive specialist for park concessionaire, Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Or it may be that the designer wanted those guests who pulled up to the inn by stagecoach to see the famous geyser in front of them when they pulled under the porte cochere carved from the enormous sloping roof.

A crew of fewer than 50 men took the landscape from bare ground to the Inn in less than a year – working through a harsh high country winter, six to seven days a week. It would not be unexpected to have to toil in temperatures well below zero so adaptations were necessary. For example, nail iron could easily shatter upon pounding. “Many of the nails were heated in the ovens and buckets full of hot nails would be brought up to the carpenters. When they could feel the nails getting cold they would ask for a new bucket,” Quinn says.

The massive log work is a marvel to guests especially once they enter the lobby and gaze upward. “Looking at the outside of the building it really doesn’t register until you get inside and you see all that log work. People’s eyes just open up and it’s a lot like a little kid on Christmas morning,” notes Drew Williams, bellman at Old Faithful Inn.