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.
The Jackson Hole Winter Carnival kicks off for the annual celebration of winter and everything great that comes with this magical and fun time in Jackson Hole. The carnival runs from January 29th till February 1st with different daily events planned to keep you celebrating and enjoying the chilly weather. The carnival begins at the National Museum of Wildlife Art with a popular event called the QuickDraw. Local artists gather, and in a short period of time they paint a wonderful masterpiece that you can enjoy from start to finish. If the need for adventure is calling your name, join the Steep and Deep Ski Camp at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort where you can learn some valuable skills from top instructors to keep you rolling down the mountain with grace and style.
On January 30th, the first stage of the International Pedigree Dog Sled race starts at the Town Square and is a spring to Snow King — with international musher’s racing eventually all the way to Park City, Utah over a few days in a fun and competitive race. While you are watching the race start, you can grab some great eats at the pig roast at the Town Square and stop at many vendors lined up. After all the mushers arrive at Snow King Resort, the real festivities begin with a torchlight parade of local skiers parading down the mountain in smooth coordinated turns. Following soon after is a wonderful display of fireworks to celebrate both the start of the race and winter! The winter carnival continues with many more events and activities. When booking your skiing vacation, keep in mind the annual Jackson Hole Winter Carnival for a winter celebration you will remember.
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race slid its way through Jackson, WY to kick off the yearly race showcasing the talent and determination of both the mushers and the hardworking dogs. On January 30th, the Jackson Hole town square was transformed from a normal winter town to the start line of the largest sled dog race in the lower fourty-eight states with mushers from all around the world.
Course Map
The race itself operates similar to the Tour-de-France and is broken into several legs with nightly parties in each town along the way.
The first leg of the race starts in Lander and ends 76 miles later in Irish Canyon, outside of Pinedale. The race continues along passing through 11 cities in Wyoming and ends on February 7th in Park City, Utah.
The race was started in 1996 by Frank Teasley and has continued for fourteen years due to the massive success and following of the race. If you missed it this year, don’t worry it will be back again next winter in Jackson Hole and if you are up for the challenge, start training now and sign up soon! Follow the teams, view results, browse more photos, and plan to catch the race action in person.
If you are vacationing in Jackson Hole for the holidays, a great event to attend is Leslie Bricusse’s version of Scrooge! the musical at the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts. Performed by the local Off Square Theater Company, the classic Christmas story comes to live with cheery songs, stage effects, and beautifully detailed costumes.
As you enter the theater, the set soon transforms you into 19th century England where you soon learn the town runs around a bitter old man named Ebenezer Scrooge played perfectly by local actor Terry Schwab. As the story continues along, you meet all the familiar faces such as the Cratchit family, the spirits of Christmases, and the favorite Tiny Tim. The story never ends without old Scrooge kicking that “Bah, humbug” attitude and making a wonderful transformation into the Christmas spirit. The cast and crew make the musical truly magical for your family with their talent in both acting and singing.
Scrooge! is playing in Jackson from December 11-21st at 8pm with matinees on Saturday (2pm) and Sunday (3pm). You can buy tickets at the Center for the Arts, which is located two blocks south of Town Square. Tickets cost thirty dollars for adults and twenty dollars for children and seniors. Contact the box office directly at 733.4900 or purchase online at www.offsquare.org.
