Jackson Hole was the next stop on our trek north towards Whitefish, Montana. Jackson Hole seemed like a great place to spend the holidays, so we were really looking forward to spending Christmas there. We had plans to ski and see the town and both of those things were great. The new friends we met and family that was there really provided the icing on our Christmas cake though.
Jackson Hole Ski Resort is known for its steep skiing terrain and large vertical drop (4,139 feet). I had been there last year for a boy’s skiing trip, so I was able to confirm that reputation for Jamie and the kids. Jamie was really worried about it after her experience at Snowbird, but I knew she was up for it. Jamie eventually decided that it was her favorite ski resort yet after a couple days of skiing there. I happen to agree.
Archer’s knee was still hurting when we arrived in Jackson, so Jamie offered to chill out with the kids our first day in Jackson Hole while I went skiing. One of my cousin Mandy’s friends, Kelley, lives in Jackson Hole and she got me in touch with him when we got there. He offered to show me the mountain on my “free ski” day. I jumped at the chance and ended up with a great tour guide. It is still early in the season, so there were plenty of sections of shallow snow to keep us paying attention. We skied all over the mountain and had a great time. We skied into one of the experts bowls to find bald spots and exposed rocks. Not the best for something as steep as a Jackson Hole black diamond. We made it and, as for the bottom of our skis… Ain’t nothing a little p-tex and wax can’t fix. As a friend texted me, “Wrinkles only go where the smiles have been.”
The next two days we were in Jackson Hole were Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We decided not to ski those days. The Prices met back up with us in Jackson the evening before, so we had plans to hang out with them those days. It is great being out out west so far from home but still getting to spend Christmas with family.
On Christmas Eve, we had reserved a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the National Elk Refuge right outside of town. Bob and Tank, two large horses, pulled us in a sleigh through the snow-covered field in the refuge. Thousands of elk call the National Elk Refuge home in the winter. I don’t know exactly how many elk we saw on our sleigh ride, but it was a lot. We first saw a large group of bulls hanging in the field together, apparently all worn out after the rut season. We then saw a much larger group of cows hanging out on the other end of the field, apparently happy to keep their distance. It was an incredible experience riding in the sleigh next to the elk, especially since it was snowing during our ride. There is nothing like a white Christmas.
On Christmas Day, we went with the Prices over to their friends’ house for Christmas dinner. They had become close over the last year as their daughters were both battling cancer. Thankfully, she seemed to be doing great. They had a beautiful mountain home overlooking the ski resort and the Teton Range. I stood in their large living room window staring at the Grand Teton for what was probably an uncomfortable amount of time. They had an incredible spread of delicious food for Christmas Dinner. They had some other friends from town over and we all had a great time celebrating Christmas together.
Jamie, the kids, and I spent the next two days skiing at Jackson Hole. It was fun to be back skiing with the whole family and watching how they continue to improve. The skiing was great because the mountain had received about a foot of snow the previous two days. Jamie was able to ski several of the blue runs and the kids skied several double blues. I am pretty convinced that Jackson Hole created the double blue (i.e. slightly easier black) so that they did not have an absurd percentage of expert terrain on their trail map and advertisements. You have got to love marketing. Either way, it was enough for us to work up a thirst for an apres ski beer at the Mangy Moose.
On our last day, we all rode the tram to the top of the mountain together. The tram at Jackson Hole only serves expert level terrain. From the top, you can ski down over 4,000 vertical feet to the base of the mountain. I was hoping to convince the kids to bring their skis up and ski down with me, but they decided to just ride for the view. I know they can do it, but I am trying not to push too hard. Next time! The view from the top of the tram is worth the ride up. The atmosphere of the tram is also worth the ride with great music normally blaring and a lot of psyched skiers. At the top of the tram ride, the operator gives a speech about safety and departing the resort into the backcountry that ends in, “If you don’t know…” Then, the 100 souls packed on the tram helps by replying, “Don’t go!”
Jamie and the kids unloaded the tram and stayed at the waffle hut at the top while I skied down and got a couple more runs in. They may have gotten the better part of that deal because they got to ride back down the tram with the avalanche dogs. The avalanche dogs are labs and they apparently love Archer as much as she loves them.
On our last day in Jackson Hole, we kicked the day off right with a big breakfast at Nora’s Fish Creek Inn with the Prices. The Prices headed back south to pick up their trailer and continue on their travels after breakfast. We decided to go for a hike in Grand Teton National Park. We hiked several miles out to a frozen lake. The trails were packed with snow and we saw several cross-country skiers and snowshoers on the trail. Most of the snowshoers we saw were carrying their snowshoes, so I think that means the trail was well packed. Hiking among the snow-covered pines with the Teton Range towering overhead was almost magical. I am now a huge fan of winter hiking.
We had to wait until the last day to see it, but I am happy to say we saw some moose. I have been to Jackson three times before and have always seen moose. Thanks for keeping the streak alive, Jackson Hole.
We loved our time in Jackson Hole. Jackson Hole has great skiing, a great town, and great national parks. We had a great time there it was made even better by the people we hung out with. Jackson Hole is a place that I would love to live in. Unfortunately, a lot of other people feel that way as well, so real estate has gotten a bit wacky. So, it’s likely not going to happen. We will definitely be back to visit again though.
Love this post! The pictures, the beauty and my Jamison family. Beautiful part of the country. And a White Christmas spent with new friends and family, the Prices. What a journey! What a story! And great times and memories for Archer and Smith. I’m so proud of all of you! And I ❤️ You all to pieces! Journey on! Gaga
OH! HAPPY 🎉 NEW YEAR!
So jelly! This looks like the trip of a lifetime! I so would like to go there soon. Only skied east coast and Alaska terrain. I love the views and would stare all day at them as well. Happy New Year and thanks for sharing your memories with us!
This is absolutely beautiful. What a dream to spend the holidays in such a beautiful place. Happy New Year and Happy Trails!
so clever.. starting with “a stream come true”!!.. looks like you’re livin the life..happy new year..your mom and dad are the B E S T!!!