Jackson Hole Celebrates 50 Years

For the past five decades Rendevous Mountain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has been the symbol for the wild west feeling of this extraordinary resort with its 4,000 foot fall line of continuous skiing.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the resort launched a new book and video series featuring the rich tradition that has made Jackson Hole one of the nation’s most successful mountain resorts. 

Winter heroes continue to come here to test themselves and meet the challenge of runs like S and S, where skiers plummet 20 feet before hitting the shoot, or to take on the out-of-bounds bowls in the backcountry. Framed by jagged limestone cliffs, these runs are among the most wild and untamed in North America.

In a prime location between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Jackson Hole gets a lot of snow every winter – averaging 459 inches annually. It’s a winter resort whose reputation for steep and deep precedes it, and a ski area specifically designed with vertical thrills in mind.

Born to be wild? Then this your place! From time to time you can even spot the original wildlife – elk, mule deer, and bear – from the chair lifts.

More than 1,200 acres of ski-able terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is dedicated to beginners and intermediate skiers who are keen to cruise on the long groomers. Advanced and experts find plenty of powder and pitches at the resort with another 1,250 acres of opportunity to challenge their skills and catch some serious air. Few dare the most infamous and dangerous run, the jaw-dropping plunge off Corbet’s Couloir.

The double-reverse tram is a thrill ride, too, running a length of 12,463 feet with a steep vertical rise of 4,000 feet. Because the cabin capacity accommodates 100 riders plus the operator, it can carry 650 riders per hour at a speed of 1970 feet per minute.

Feel free to bring your own equipment but the resort provides six rental locations that can outfit anyone with skis and boards selected to match conditions and the terrain you’ll encounter in Jackson Hole. The weather here can vary greatly and change rapidly. It’s cold in the winter but with very little humidity, so frosty temperatures aren’t too unpleasant.

There are plenty of lodging options all over Jackson Hole. The town of Jackson is 12 miles from the slopes with lots of dining, shopping, and hotel choices. The resort is located in an area called Teton Village, and home to some excellent ski-in/ski-out accommodations and plenty of entertainment venues for apres ski.

You can find economy rooms, or go for the luxury of the glamorous Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole – designed to make guests feel as if they’re enjoying a personal ski cabin with rooms equipped with a fireplace, private balcony and marble bathroom. The decor here is dark wood and brown leather upholstered pieces, artwork reflecting the great outdoors, a mini fridge, mini bar, a workspace, and free in-room wifi for up to two devices in guestrooms and 5 in the suites. This high-end opulence comes at a cost, with rates for double occupancy averaging $729 per night.

Lacking the publicity of other North American ski resort towns like Aspen and Tahoe, Jackson Hole has thrived and managed to catch the attention of celebs who are serious about winter snow adventures, including former Vice-President Dick Cheney and actor Harrison Ford. Legions of hard-core skiers come regularly for the unique vertical thrills. Once you’ve experienced Jackson Hole, chances are good you’ll want to return again and again to this place of wild beauty in the heart of mountain country.

Photo credit: Four Seasons Jackson Hole