OVERALL/INTRODUCTION

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a haven for the athlete who wants to test his chops with like-minded snow enthusiasts. With Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (the village) providing 4, 139 feet of steep, technical terrain on one side of the pass and the snow magnet Grand Targhee just over the Tetons, your inbounds appetite can easily be filled. But what makes this place truly special is the out-of-bounds options. Take the tram to the top of Rendezvous Peak in the village and ski out of the boundary gates to more than 3,000 acres of serious terrain. Drive to the top of Teton Pass and hike to the top of Glory Bowl along with the rest of the locals to have snow hit your face the whole way down. Take an entire day to explore the endless options in Grand Teton National Park. Just make sure you bring the necessary backcountry smarts.

THE MOUNTAIN:

The year-old tram squeezes in100 people and whisks them up 4,139 feet in under 11 minutes. Standing at 10, 450 feet you’ll have some decisions to make. Want to catch some air? Tick Corbett’s Couloir off the list or lap Thunder quad and take off “Nightmare” just as the chair passes over. Trying to find your private powder bowl? Earn it by hiking up the Headwall above the Gondola where you’ll be much more secluded. Want to test your skills in the backcountry? First, make sure your know your stuff at the Beacon Basin located at the base of Rendezvous Bowl where 8 hidden avvy beacons lay buried for practice. Go out the gates to check our Rock Springs or “WhyNot” for a introduction, from which you can up the ante to Cody Bowl.

APRES SCENE:

Fresh off the mountain, head directly to the Village Café, or the “VC” as the locals call it. This is where the Jackson Hole Air Force came after their days of running from patrollers to coin the game of Gelande Quaffing. These days, a PBR and a slice is more of the norm. This spot is quite small so if you can’t stand the cramped quarters head on over to the Mangy Moose, a staple that’s been known to bring in some quality music acts in the winter. On a real tight budget? Just head downstairs at the moose to the RMO to pick up a sixer and enjoy it outside in front of the tram replaying the days lines in your mind. 2 for 1 at Q Roadhouse on Village Road from 5-6 won’t break you’re wallet and will make that girl you were eyeing in line think you’re above the ski bum scene. In the town of Jackson, every night has its own opportunity to get rowdy. Tuesday night starts off with bluegrass at the Wort Hotel and has been known to flow directly to 43 North, a bar that tends to end most people’s nights. Wednesday nights brings a Wyoming favorite, whiskey Wednesdays, with two dollar whiskey drinks at Cutty’s from 10-12. You can find the true ski bums on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at the Cadillac Bar, or “Caddy”, for the 2 for 1 specials that runs from 10-12 those nights. Looking to have a quieter night at a bar? Head to the Snake River Brewery for a local flair and local beer. Or try out the true ski bum bar, the Stagecoach, in Wilson. Go on Sunday to watch local legend Bill Briggs play with his Stagecoach Band. Trying to impress that ski bunny? Koshu Wine Bar on Cache Street will make you seem like a real catch with a deep side. Riiight.

EATS:

Again, some serious decisions need to be made. Are you willing to pay a bit more for a nice ambiance and professional service? Or are you a true ski bum and just need a tallboy and a slice? Either way JH has you covered, but I’m guessing you’re more of the latter. Early mornings, visit one of D.O.G.’s two locations, get a breakfast burrito (order it meat/spicy), and head out to the mountain with fuel in the tank. Want a sit-down experience? The Virginian puts out a filling bfast, or go to Bubba’s and order a local’s special (not on the menu) for six dollars of greasy goodness. During the day at the village, head to the VC for a slice to fill the stomach after hiking to get the powder all mornings, or check out Nick Wilson’s for a  sandwich before getting back in the tram line. Come dinner time, Bubba’s has a “local special” every Wednesday night takes 20% off your tab. Billy’s (located next to Cadillac Grill) offers a big, greasy, cheap burger option.