In addition to regular stories on all things that make the Southwest shine, each month The Best of the Southwest takes readers on a weekend getaway, sharing the ultimate itinerary for a destination either a quick drive or short flight away, in a column we call Field Trip Friday.
Today’s field trip: Jackson Hole.
Jackson Hole musts:
- Stay at Amangani for a one-of-a-kind rustic and healing experience
- Perfect skiing and snowboarding at the region’s world-class ski school
- Visit the National Elk Refuge, home to upwards of 7,500 majestic elk
Destination: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
A true wonder of the American West, Jackson Hole is an awe-inspiring, 42-mile Valley complete with one of the top ski resorts in North America, Snake River and the National Elk Refuge. It’s also nestled just a stone’s throw from Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. There is magic in every direction, be it the towering mountain ranges, valley floor, bubbling waterways, roaming wildlife or buzzy nightlife. While majestic in the summer months, the region comes alive during the winter and early spring, averaging 458 inches of snow each year and an additional 210 acres of snowmaking coverage. (For reference, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is open annually from late November to mid-April, weather permitting.)
The area gets its name from a famed 1800s beaver trapper David Edward “Davy” Jackson, and there is no actual “hole” in the area. Back then, the term “hole” was simply used to describe a high mountain valley. Today, this hotspot for adventure buffs, culinary connoisseurs and nature lovers alike has evolved from sleepy mountain town into a laid back-yet-chic refuge beloved by the likes of Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Harrison Ford, Uma Thurman and RuPaul.
Getting there: Daily flights into Jackson Hole Airport
Jackson Hole Airport is only about 30 minutes from all the main action. The airport offers daily flights on Alaska, American, Delta and United Airlines. There are many nonstop options, including flights from Dallas, Los Angeles and Denver, and other cities may easily access the airport with just one stop. Once on the ground, there are the usual car rental, taxi, and ridesharing options as well as a seasonal airport shuttle program.
Stay: Many award-winning accommodations from which to choose
Given it’s a bucket list destination, the area has no shortage of award-winning destination resorts. Of note, especially if seeking to make the stay extra special, are the first-of-its-kind Amangani and Five Diamond AAA Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole.
Amangani is unlike most anything else in the U.S., let alone the area. Perched on the crest of East Gros Ventre Butte with breathtaking views of the Grand Tetons and Snake River Valley, the property is limited to just 40 suites, each with its own fireplace, outdoor space and panoramic mountain views. Amangani is special in that it’s just one of five total hotels across the Americas and Caribbean by ultra-premium luxury hotelier Aman, known for its distinctive properties across Asia, Europe and North Africa.
Both rugged and refined, Amangani is quiet excellence on a whole new level. It boasts a private ski lounge in the heart of Teton Village just steps from the popular Bridger Gondola (more on that later). And of course, there is a heated outdoor pool and a world-class eatery with organic, sustainably sourced fare that rivals the finest dishes across New York, Los Angeles or even Las Vegas. But beyond all of this, Amangani is a retreat for those who want to run wild in Wyoming and those seeking respite and once-in-a-life wellness journeys.
If seeking adventure, the dedicated concierge team can help guests dream up an itinerary for the ages. Think heli-skiing tours, dogsledding, fat tire biking, snowshoeing and sleigh rides for groups as small as one guest to several dozen guests for a family reunion or wedding.
If looking for a healing retreat, Amangani offers a combination of ancient and modern techniques and pathways that provide a customized and integrated holistic experience. Healing therapies include ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, grounding and purifying rituals, and red-light therapy, in addition to more standard massages, facials and bodywork — not to mention private yoga and pilates.
Another stunning resort option is Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole. Before even getting into its amenities and accommodations, this property has perhaps the biggest flex: Location. Location. Location.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is smack dab in the center of Jackson Hole’s biggest and best attractions, literally steps from some of the best ski runs in the world, not to mention just a mile from Grand Teton National Park, among the top mountaineering, hiking, backcountry and fishing locales in the U.S. and home to moose, bald eagles, elk, deer, bears and bison.
With around 100 rooms, 18 suites and 34 residences, the property has two- to five-bedroom residences offering the ultimate in mountainside luxury. There is a heated outdoor pool, multiple hot spring-style jetted tubs, a small-bite mixology bar, access to a nearby ropes course and hiking trails, and a dedicated team of on-site naturalists that lead adventures ranging from wildlife safaris and fly fishing to stargazing. There are also three award-winning eateries and the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Spa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences. The pre-treatment experiences are plentiful here, including steam room, sauna, whirlpool and cold plunge (if you dare!). But the actual treatments themselves will make guests melt, especially the menu of après ski massages and rituals, romantic couples’ experiences, and full menu of vitamin therapy, including IV drips, booster shots and oxygen therapy.
Beyond all of this, the resort offers guests both a ski concierge as well as slope-side access to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The team at the Four Seasons can also customize itineraries, offering dog sledding and even chef’s pairing dinners.
Play: Snow enthusiasts’ dreamscape (and escape!)
Speaking of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, let’s talk about winter snow play!
By the numbers, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers:
- 2,500 acres of in-bounds terrain on two mountains, Après Vous and Rendezvous
- 4,139 feet of vertical drop
- 10,450-foot summit elevation
- 131 named trails, with half expert level and the others a mix for beginners and intermediate riders
- Two terrain parks
- One 100-passenger Aerial Tram, two eight-passenger gondolas, five high-speed quad chairs, four fixed-grip quad chairlifts, one double chairlift, two covered-surface carpet lifts and one handle tow machine
There is a world-class ski school directly on the mountain for kids and newbies to learn or get better at both skiing and snowboarding, as well as access to snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, wildlife encounters, and a sneaky fabulous culinary scene both on the mountain and across its grand Teton Village. Named as one of America’s Five New Foodie Cities by Wine Enthusiast in recent years, on the mountain enjoy upscale Trapper’s Restaurant & Bar, elevated ski comfort food icon Casper Restaurant, gourmet waffle purveyor Corbet’s Cabin, and the ever-changing Piste Mountain Bistro.
Piste is a true mountain experience, conveniently located at the top of the Bridger Gondola. The only thing better than the menu is the view thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows offering unparalleled views of Jackson Hole available nowhere else. Off-mountain, do not miss Tram Dock, which is accessible through one of the original tram cars and boasts one of the best après ski scenes in town, or Il Villagio Osteria, an award-winning Italian eatery with everything from lamb croquettes and mussels in white wine to pappardelle alla Bolognese and Tuscan Skuna Bay salmon.
Finally, no visit to Jackson Hole is complete without a visit to the National Elk Refuge, which offers sleigh rides daily during high season and a slew of activities when the snow melts as well. The 24,000-acre Refuge was first created in 1912 and is home to more than 7,500 elk, on average, each winter.
For more information, visit jacksonhole.com.