Oh Jackson Hole – you have my ♥!

Nick and I have just returned from the most amazing ski trip to Jackson Hole in Wyoming.  A decision that I didn’t make lightly, but with my sister Cath encouraging us to go and happy to look after Poppy and James, plus with the help of Nick’s family, I knew they were in good hands.  For my peace of mind, I even completed a comprehensive spreadsheet depicting school pick-ups, drop-offs and weekend rostering!

The proverbial ‘umbilical cord’ was stretched on departure but after immersing ourselves in the cocoon of our United Airlines Flight 99 across the Pacific, where we watched oodles of movies, slept and ate, I felt more relaxed.  We transferred in Los Angeles to finally arrive at our destination and to the most stylish airport I have ever seen … and to a contrasting, snowy landscape.  A landscape so gobsmackingly beautiful … and it was just Nick and I, together for 12 days of snowy bliss!

The Mountain

Nick and I both love the snow and have skied/snowboarded in many beautiful locations around the world, but Jackson Hole sung a little song to me.  Nick visited two years ago to stay with his old school friend – Pat, and has been talking about returning ever since.  Pat lives in the Gold Coast but returns to Jackson Hole each year with his family.  It was wonderful to stay with them in their apartment and also to meet their local friends that they have made over the past 15 years.

Jackson Hole is nestled in the mighty Teton Range – an impressive mountain range rising directly from the valley floor.  With our lift tickets in hand – tickets that enable access to over 2500 acres of in-bound terrain, with a vertical drop of 1261 metres and an uphill capacity of moving 17,833 skiers per hour, this mountain means business.  We had 133 named runs to explore and explore we did – for 9 ‘blue-bird’ days straight!

Each day we fell into a beautiful rhythm of getting up early, eating a hearty breakfast and catching the 8:20 am Blue START bus from town.   Lining up for the 9:00 o’clock ‘Gondy‘ (Gondola) our early morning groomers were the best runs of the days and we churned them out on the Teton, Apres Vous, Casper, Thunder and Sublette Chairlifts, feeling exhausted by lunch.  We were definitely ready for that burger and fries from the Handle Bar, washed down nicely with the local brew – Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR’s).

In the afternoon we would venture back out again until the lifts closed around 3:30 pm.  Our Apres Ski drinks would take us back to the Handle Bar or the local fave, The Mangy Moose.  Back on the bus and reminiscing about the day, we would often see a real Moose on the side of the road.  Oh Jackson Hole!

The Town

I love mountain towns and have spent much of my youth working at local hills in Canada including Grouse Mountain and Ben Lomond in Tasmania.  I have loved holidaying to Whistler Blackcomb, Red Mountain and Powder King in Canada and closer to home to Thredbo, Mt. Hotham, Mt. Buller and New Zealand in recent years.

Jackson Hole – a true mountain town, was no exception.  I fell in love with it as soon as we arrived.  A town where outdoorsy types rub shoulders with cowboys and their Dodge Ram ‘Heavy Duty’ rigs loaded with several snow mobiles are parked outside Outdoor/Mountaineering shops.  We experienced Cowboy Bars, a game of ice hockey, we watched the Super Bowl final with new friends and saw an ice skating rink in the local square, adorned with stag horns.

The Food

All I can say is that I was glad I was snowboarding for 4-5 hours each day as we definitely hit the mountain fare in style.  Burritos, Burgers, Chicken Wings, Fries, Pretzels, Elk & Red Bean Chili, French Onion Soups, Waffles, Cookies and Beers.  I’m definitely looking forward to being back home to those summer salads and my Pilates and yoga classes.

Home Sweet Home

Returning home after many, many hours of flying, was bittersweet.  Seeing Poppy and James launch into our arms made me realise just how much I missed them, but also how important it is to follow your dreams and pave the way for them!  I can’t wait to take them to Jackson Hole, for a family holiday in the snow.  Xx