It is fair to say that we are biased when it comes to Aspen Snowmass. We recognize that, but it’s at our core to love and embody this town and community. With that said, we’re also firm believers in getting out of town; it allows us all to take a deep breath and it often puts things into perspective, it helps bring a certain appreciation to all that we have in this valley. When we typically leave we make sure to go places that are in stark contrast to Aspen Snowmass, we go to different cities and beaches. This time around though, I decided to meet some close friends and my sister, Caroline, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
If you have never been, I urge you to visit. While it’s often compared to Aspen Snowmass, it is wildly different. The open plains contrast with the rigged Tetons to create dramatic landscapes and constantly changing weather patterns. There is ruggedness and wild west energy to the climate and to the people. It has been molded over the years to maintain the rawness and there is a true sense of authenticity that people wear on their sleeves (and on the back of their trucks).
Things I Loved:
- Casper Bowl
- Sublette and Thunder chairlifts
- Jackson Hole Air Force “Silent. Swift. Deep.”
- Persephone Bakery
- King Sushi
- Silver Dollar Saloon
- Cowboy Bar
- Mangy Moose
- Switch fleece hats
- Moose Hockey
Things I Questioned:
- 20-minute drive to the mountain
- Chaos at the base of the resort/tram
- Restaurant prices comparable to Aspen
- Subpar nightlife
- They think they are better skiers than they actually are
- Locals and tourists don’t integrate
Takeaway – Jackson Hole is a badass cowboy town that has a world-class ski mountain. If it snows a lot and all you want to do is ski, there is nowhere else in North America quite like it. But it does not provide the same amount of diversity that Aspen does in terms of daytime and nighttime experiences i.e. music, nightlife, dining, art, and cultural experiences. It’s the perfect place to ski hard and throw back a banquet.
