It’s just around the corner. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s opening Day is November 29th. Been contemplating a Jackson Hole ski vacation? Snow is starting to pile up, backcountry skiers are finding fresh tracks on Teton Pass in the midst of a white forecast and holiday preparations are in full swing. If you have been considering a Jackson Hole ski vacation, the holiday season is the perfect time to visit and there are great vacation packages and lodging deals to take advantage of now.
The venerable town hill, Snow King, is slated to open on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th for all those forgoing football for some post meal exercise and our westerly Teton neighbor, Grand Targhee Resort, will open–fingers crossed for a fresh bounty awaiting powder seekers–on November 22nd.
A Jackson Hole Traveler vacation planning tip: check the Teton Pass and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Web cams for live feeds of current conditions and weather as your travel dates approach. Preparing a game plan for your ski destinations (whether bound for Snow King, Grand Targhee, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the backcountry or a combination of all) will help you select accommodations that maximize your time on the slopes and seeing sights. The December season offers a great chance to experience the Holiday festivities in Jackson Hole, sample the legendary “Cowboy Powder” followed by a hot tub soak and make it back in time to warm up by the fire with family and some holiday cheer.
Hot Air Ballooning in Jackson Hole is one of the best ways to gain a perspective of the amazing topography the area offers. Your hot air balloon silently glides over the tree tops and climbs upwards of four thousand feet (10,000+ in elevation) admiring the Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and in the far distance, the Yellowstone Plateau.
Not only are the views of the landscape a humbling reflection of the beauty of this region, but you might be lucky enough to see Moose and Elk on the valley floor and Bald Eagles soaring in the morning thermals, all from the peaceful speed of flight in the hot air balloon. The Gondola (basket) is a perfect stable platform for shooting photos.
The Wyoming Balloon company offers sunrise flights during the summer and fall season by FAA certified pilots. Launching in the private open space near Teton Village and soaring for approximately an hour. Learn more about Hot Air Ballooning in Jackson Hole on their Web site.
Indoor rock climbing in Jackson Hole at the Enclosure climbing gym provides an excellent activity for a rainy day or if you or your kids need to burn off some extra energy while in Jackson. Located just south of town,the Enclosure is bursting with 12,000 square feet of climbing wall and over 200 climbing routes, which are always changing.
If it is your first time rock climbing, the staff at the Enclosure will help you with your gear rentals and becoming belay certified. A day rate at the Enclosure is sixteen dollars for adults, eleven for children and if you do not have your own gear, a rental package (shoes, harness &chalkbag) runs eight dollars. Before you toss your loved one up on the rope you must become belay certified to learn the techniques of rock climbing. Any staff member can certify you and it only takes about ten minutes.
Feeling like a kid on a jungle gym, I quickly picked an easy route denoted by a rating system ranging from 5.6-5.8 as beginners and going up to expert routes rated as 5.11-5.15. An easier route has more large holds and is a less technical climb. Each rock climbing route is marked by the same color tape all the way up to the top and the goal is to stay with your color and not use a hold from another route. When climbing if you do get tired you can relax back on your rope and wait for you arms to stop shaking before you begin again. If you are an advanced climber the Enclosure does offer many routes that are lead climbing.
If heights are not your thing, give bouldering a shot. Bouldering is unropped rock climbing which is done at lower heights with heavy pads underneath. Enclosure has 3,500 square foot bouldering area with many different routes. The rating system with bouldering is different with beginners climbing V0-V2 and advancing as the rating numbers increase. Once you fall on to the big cushy mat, you will become more confident as the day continues. Kids love this area due to their fearless nature and agile build; they often end up racing up the rock wall all day long.
If the weather is not cooperating with your plans or you want to try a fun sport, head over to Enclosure. Even though your arms will be burning after, your kids will be glowing and it will be a great addition to your vacation stories.
National Museum of Wildlife Art, considered to be the the world’s preeminent institute for wildlife art, is located on a Butte just 2.5 miles north of the town square in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. With over 76,000 visitors every year, the museum is a must see for any visitor to Jackson Hole.
The museum is situated on a dramatic cliff overlooking the 25,000 acre National Elk Refuge, affording views of the very wildlife it features in its collections. The 51,000 square-foot building houses 4 exhibition galleries, an interactive gallery for children, a conference room, two full-sized classrooms, a 200-seat auditorium, the Rising Sage Café, Members’ Lounge, Library & Archives, and administrative space.
National Museum of Wildlife Art strives to enrich and inspire public appreciation of fine art and humanity’s relationship with nature by focusing its exhibitions and programs on wildlife. The National Museum of Wildlife Art welcomes visitors daily year round. Learn more on their Web site.
