Jackson, Wyoming!

Saddle Up Pardner because this Journey is BeeeyOoond Skiin' and Ridin'!

The Teton Mountain Range is young, compared to many mountain ranges of the World. With youth, breads physical prowess, unsteady, death defying peaks, and descents still untried. The quiet solace and cloud cover bring time for recharge. And, when the sun is shining, emerges a majestic, vibrant, luminous peak, still some parts left unrevealed to the shadows of the human eye. . .

Skiing and riding in the Teton Range can't be merely about the great gear you're pimpin nor your Super Tri-Mega/National Geographic quality photo lens. Being in the Tetons bolsters renewal, a chance to conquer or a time to discover. BUT, with so much AlrEaDy conquered and discovered, it can be a real challenge to be exotic these days. OVERWHELMING. I find the Tetons are as warming as they are daunting, and it's best to just come as you are, leaving any ego-trippin Super Cala Fragalistic impressionist tactics at home. After all, Tetons is just a French word for, well, boobs.

I always hear people complain that they think it's too hard to break into certain things, but when you're just exploring, it doesn't have to be that hard; it can be down right enjoyable. It's hard when you try to be an expert! A simple way of exploring could be to simply ask each person on your trip to contribute at least one of their personal ideas during your travels - a ski run they've never done, a Jackson Bad Boy they had hoped to meet (Good luck Ladies! , a journey to see what the Grand Teton actually looks like in real life. Whether a person sources the idea from a guide book, a local paper, or asking (coincidentally smart?) people around town, encourage sharing ideas, without judgement. It's easy to think of constraints -- so much to do or that dang bro Bra isn't going to think you are hot...hmm...wait, what? Focus on the things that fill up the happy cup, that enliven senses and soul - chances are you won't even remember the photo op of the TRAM nearly as much as you remember the experience you had in the Tram - so take photos of that, if this is what inspires.

Secondly, I encourage asking zainy questions of local people when you travel -- words or phrases you didn't understand (like, "what is the Jackson Hole Airforce" or "what is a face shot"). Just this morning, some strangers asked of me on the sidewalk, "Excuse me Miss, but what Kind of Tree is this?". I'll admit there was a split second where I had the self-conscious thought, what is it about my wardrobe, today, that suggests I might be a Lumberjack?...But, I was happy to answer the question, "Aspens! They are very cool and grow along the mountainside in bundles. You'll see them in photos everywhere around town." Indulge your curiosity and most locals will appreciate you more for seeking to learn about a place they undoubtedly love. And, when you take your happy demeanor from your travels to your daily life at home, you'll be remembering that vacation as the begining of a new, and completely overflowing happy cup. SnApS!

Ok, ok, you CAN shamelessly tout your Skiing Glory Story...NOW- you'll have earned it!

Jackson is a familiar backdrop to many Big Mountain skiing/snowboarding movies. My favorite flicks featuring Jackson, include:
-Unsensored Ski porn made by the local guys and girls next door. Poor Man's Riches made by Full Room Productions. http://www.fullroomproductions.com
-Each Fall, I love streaming the newest rev up your mojo skiing/riding flick released by Teton Gravity Research (TGR). http://www.tetongravity.com

Local Ski/Ride Instructors here are a unique, Sparta-like breed, with talk as smooth as a John Wayne one-liner. This particular instructor just finished skiing a steep ski run, in the dead of a chilly Winter night, balancing a fire blazing torch at both ends. He made the point to never forget your helmet.

Teton Pass - Backcountry

Teton Pass is one of the most populated backcountry locations. While Teton Pass can be utterly dreamy and delicious with deep powder, it can also be extremely dangerous. True low-angle slopes are sparse and terrain traps are abound on seemingly conservative exit routes. Unusual even for Jackson, most recent reports were rated High Avi Danger at All Elevations. Check yourself before you wreck yourself, or someone else.
Teton Avi Hotline is 307.733.2664.

Jackson Hole Resort

Unlike so many ski resorts, access to steep terrain doesn't "require" you to hike here. For the advanced skier/rider, you can hone your skills and condition in the steep terrain, all from a quickie chairlift. With the most vertical gain of any North American ski resort, this is the place for a cardio limit test, top-to-bottom ski/ride, uninterrupted by mid-mountain lifts -- see how far you can go without stopping for a breather!

Da...TRAM is a real get your knickers off to an experienced skier/rider. Indulge in some good ole fashioned, WhOa BrA...that was some GnArrrRRR, type feelin from here. However, if you plan to ski or ride this section - this ain't no place to blindly "follow the tracks". From the Tram, skiers/riders can access the infamous Corbet's Couloir, traverse across super sketch cliff bands, or could be heading out of bounds in pursuit of potentially deadly backcountry routes, for the unassuming. Plan your route ahead of time or go with a trusted local friend...and ensure you're caught up on that health insurance. The Tram is also open to site seers - just below the docking station is a cozy, quainte snack shack where you can nestle up to the fire, sip some coffee and have the convenience of nearby restrooms, all while overlooking the scenery. Take a few face shots of other skiers blazing the pow and make it your new facebook profile pic - As iiiiF anyone will know the difference when you're back home! Live it up!

The Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa, located at the base of the Jackson Hole Ski Village, sets the standard for Jackson lodging.

Kick-off your stay with Old West decorative charm and witty banter with the Bellmen -- at least one of whom, finds hauling your bags a lighter load than his ski descent of the world famous, Grand Teton, itself! ...and this is just my walk through the lobby! Bad arse!

It's hard to resist a starlit Teton Mountain Range. Perhaps this is best viewed while soaking in the airey and spacious, Roof-top Hot Tub! Get the party started, because there is no guilt in ordering room service and a fine beverage for delivery right to your Seat at the Hot Tub!

After being outside in the snowy and dry weather, ensure time for nurishing. This spa has a superior health conscious attitude, specializing in Vegan and natural products help with systemic conditioning, not just that temporary sparkle to your trip. I recommend taking a test drive with their pedicures or perhaps a 30 minute facial peel -- why not, you're on vacation! The Spa also offers a workout area that includes weight lifting options, abundance of treadmills w/personal tvs, balls, headphones, multiple indoor hot tubs and a large, indoor swimming pool -- kiddos welcome.

Dining

Jackson is so full of danger, even my Pizza fractured.

The VC is located at the base of Jackson Hole Ski Resort, near the Tram. Members of the Jackson Hole Airforce are often spotted here. I drop in here, because I've always got an upfront seat at the bar without much wait (friendly folks), and I'm always entertained by the bartenders -- from pro mountain guides to extreme hunters on their "off" days. Akin to the philosopher and writers seeking great cafes for writing, the skier or rider chooses the "V" to vent skier/rider talk. Untap a cold Rainer beer and immerse yourself in a great ski flick likely to be playing on the mega projection screen.

For breakfast, my root tootin favorite is Bubba's! It looks like they have an eNoRmOuS and fresh salad bar as well, which I haven't yet tried. Great service, love the country tunes and the flair of the Wild West!!

After a high impact day, I also enjoyed dropping in at Teton Mountain Lodge's own, Cascade Restaraunt - ask about the popular, gourmet nachos served "in" and only during Apres. The Cascade had a calm atmosphere from which to unwind, attention to details without any of the pretension.

Scenic Spots

The area is too beautiful not to stop and smell the roses with a simple scenic drive or snowshoe tour.
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Here's where to go:
National Elk Refuge - Located in the backyard of most locals of Jackson Hole in Summer...oh wait, you're probably looking for the Official one! This is within a five minutes drive from the center of downtown Jackson. You can drive or simply park and get out and walk around -- a host of wildlife to be seen from here - rams, Elk, of course, among others.

Mormon Row- Aim for a couple hours of clear sky, preferably at early morning or sunset time - for the most opportunity to view the Bison and other big game. Additionally, the lighting might be spectacular for your photo ops. The trailhead is approx a 15 minute drive from the town of Jackson. Once you park, sport those cute new snow boots or some snow shoe rentals and take a stroll out to the charming rustic barn. Here, you can snap a beautiful photo op with the magesty of the Grand Teton overlooking. If you keep driving past Mormon Row, you'll also find a nearby quainte little cafe to grab a snack -- Bison and Osprey and all kinds of wildlife are also often viewed from this road.

Walton Farm- For only $100 MM, the Walton Family farm can be yours! Take a drive up the nearby road to greet the handsome, "Gents" (steer), roaming near the hay bails.

Now, don't forget the cowboy hat, pardner, and enjoy your visit to Jackson Hole! Yee haa!