Skiing in Jackson Hole is more than a winter hobby, it’s a passion that’s tangible on and off the slopes in a valley blessed with over 450 annual inches of snow. It also doesn’t take long to learn that the locals aren’t always quick to share their secret powder stashes and favorite lines. Backcountry skiing offers a chance to escape the crowds (although even at Jackson Hole Mountain resort, an actual crowd is a scarcity) and explore some amazing scenery. Getting started, however, can be intimidating. Signing up for a day with High Mountain Heli Skiing offers the perfect mix of plentiful powder and thrilling adventure for skiers of moderate to expert abilities.
Fly Fishing on Flat Creek offers the only public spring creek fishing in the Jackson Hole valley. The Snake River fine-spotted Cutthroat Trout in this fishery have PhDs. Only those truly devoted to the art of fly fishing tend to catch fish and catching one a day is often your goal. Known to be more of a hunting and stalking fishery, when you do look up you’ll have views of the Sleeping Indian, Teton Range and the Town of Jackson.
See the video above on Howard Cole of High Country Flies and host Latham Jenkins, spending a morning out on Flat Creek in the National Elk Refuge. For additional information see High Country’s description on fly fishing on Flat Creek.
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.
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.
