Jackson Hole, " Including Death."
Written: Jun 27 '01 (Updated Jul 20 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Expert mountain, great natural setting, few crowds, other outdoor activities
Cons: Doesn't cater to families
The Bottom Line: Great atmosphere in a natural setting that has resisted the
urbanization of the ski industry.
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| timmount's Full Review: Jackson Hole |
INTRODUCTION
As you exit the Tram on the top of Rendezvouz Peak you are greeted with a six foot sign warning skiers of the risks of descending this rugged mountain, including the possibility of death (Can you be any more direct?).
Getting There
Jackson Hole is difficult to access. You can fly into
Jackson Hole directly from Denver and some of the other major airports but the flights are usually Expensive and with limited schedules. Sometimes the flights are difficult to connect with depending on where your live.
My alternative to flying directly into Jackson Hole is to fly to Salt Lake and rent a car. Some of my friends who have skied as many times at Jackson Hole have independantly arrived at the same conclusion that it is easier to fly to Salt Lake City and drive.
The reasons for going to Salt lake City
1. You don't have to wait in the airport for the connecting
flight to Jackson Hole
2.Flight to JH direct is $500 but to SLC is $200 (one of the least expensive airports in the country)
3.You will need a car when you get to Jackson Hole to go from the Village to the town of Jackson Hole.
4.The 5 hour drive may put you into Jackson Hole before the connecting flight gets you to the Jackson Hole Airport
5.No fog or snow delays, driving is more predictable than waiting for the weather to clear and then missing your connecting flight in Denver.
6. If you are caught in a blizzard going over the pass - ignore the first five points.
Ski Mountain
Most ski resorts make 40% of their profits on people who are skiing for the first or second year. Not so in Jackson Hole where only 5% of profits are made from beginners. Unfortunately this means that beginners who are pampered at Snowmass or Park City take a backseat to the die hard skiers at this extraordinary mountain. If you are coming for a spectacular view of the Tetons in winter than you will enjoy learning to ski here but otherwise you will feel
like a tit on a bull elk.
The mountain is rugged and steep with many boulders dotting the fall line. The white outs are notorious for getting skiers lost, many times not being able to see the tips of your skis as the clouds close in on the mountain.
The initial rendezvous bowl is steep and the only way down to boot. But for the advanced intermediate or expert skier this is heaven on earth with your attention focused entirely on skiing.
Leave the Bogner Coat in the closet. This mountain is populated with labels of North Face, Marmot,or Goretex hanging on the mountain parkas. A little duct tape on the gloves and ski pants with allow you to blend in with the skiers waiting to board the tram. This is a young crowd testing their skills on a steep mountain.
The ski mountain can be divided into three areas.
1. Rendezvous Peak serviced by the tram - steep with boulders to boot. Some cliffs. The famous Corbett's Couloir is accessed from the tram but is only for those with professional credentials.
2. Middle ground serviced by the new gondola - a nice transition area from the steeps of Rendezvous Peak and the blue runs of Apres Vous.
3. Aprez Vous Peak with intermediate skiing.
The Town
You will need to know the lingo to navigate around the valley. Jackson Hole describes the whole valley bounded by the Tetons on the west and the Wind river range on the east and south sides. The name of the town is "Jackson" situated in the valley of Jackson Hole.
The town is wonderfully maintained with the wooden sidewalks and central park with it's elk antler arch that were here at the turn of the century.
The stores are mostly unique to Jackson and cater to the tree hugger types that populate the valley. There is a Ralph Lauren Polo store but most of the customers are
buying gifts for family members back in Des Moines. Don't expect to see Colorado Insights or Walmart, strict zoning codes have allowed this town to maintain its rustic cowboy
ambience.
Other Activities
If you have a car try driving over Teton Pass for a day of skiing at Grand Targhee, a great mountain in its own right. The unbelievable views of Grand Teton is worth the price of a lift ticket. Targhee has great powder skiing and with few crowds. Many people come to Jackson Hole purely to snow mobile around the wonderful wilderness areas that bound the valley. A trip into Yellowstone Park is an unforgetable experience.
Restaurants
There are several great restaurants in JH including the dining room at Snake River Ranch and at the Alpenrose
but the real forte is the any unique small mom and pop restaurants that will give you a memorable experience. The Mangy Mouse is very popular for both tourists and residents
serving the unforgetable "Moose Drool" beer. We ate breakfast in the basement of Teton Village Store where a crowd of college dropouts were loading up on Carbs.
Lodging
I stayed in the Best Western in Teton Village 2 years ago. The prices were moderately high but the hotel was not on par with Best Western Standards. The rooms was large but as so happens in the ski areas the furniture and room was well worn from too many ski boot,poles, and other equipment.
Last year I stayed at the Tennis Ranch, a condominium complex. The one bedroom was very small but very well maintained in cluding a Washer/Dryer and very up to date kitchen. There was a nice view of the Tram out the balcony window. The price was $1200 for the week.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Students
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Epinions.com ID:
timmount
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Location: Columbus, Ohio
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Hard core skier, business owner in the medical field
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