Last fall, my father-in-law retired. He has always been an avid skier but since he now has a lot of free time, skiing is a higher priority than it has been before. Several months ago he mentioned to Lucas that he wanted to ski at Jackson Hole and I said, “I want to come!” Then my mother-in-law heard I was coming and she said she wanted to come too. Then Lucas’ brothers heard about it and said the same thing. Next thing we knew we were planning a full family trip to Wyoming (minus one person – next time hopefully Alyssa can come too)!
It was so fun to spend time with family and explore a new place. As long as you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle and appropriate snow gear to keep you warm, Jackson Hole is a great place to visit in the winter! The snow is unbelievably deep everywhere and beautifully white (not muddy brown like the snowy area I lived in during school).
National Elk Refuge
When I heard about the elk refuge, I was interested to go but I had no idea it would be so much fun and that I’d learn so much about elk and the other wildlife in the area. The snow, like everywhere else, is really deep so guides take guests out to the refuge on draft horse drawn sleighs. It felt like we were in a movie! Highly recommend taking the tour.
Top of the World Waffles & Teton Village Tram
One of the highlights of the trip (for me at least) was riding the big red tram up the mountain at Teton Village. There is a little waffle shop at the top of the mountain and an incredible view of the valley below. You have to cram in the tram with all the skiers on the way up (100 people with skis in a tiny area…) but the way down it’s empty and you can see the view from all four sides of the tram. SO fun.
Drive through Grand Teton National Park
Candids caught by Kyle.
One of these bison stopped us because he was in the middle of the road. He walked off the road and we watched him meet his friend by the river. So cool!
Downtown Jackson
A few surprising elements of Jackson Hole… Although it is a resort town, it doesn’t feel like a resort town. There are at least two art galleries on every block in the downtown area, and very few chain restaurants. Also, there are more gift-shop-type stores in 3 square blocks than there are in the entire city of Portland.
Thank you, Brook family, for an unforgettable trip!