Happy New Year everyone! I’m back after a lovely holiday, which included a vacation in Jackson Hole, WY with H and his family. It’s a special place to them, but I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d been to Denver for a weekend before, but otherwise never really experienced life in the West or the mountains, so I was excited – and a little nervous! – for this adventure.
What I discovered was a real-life winter wonderland. Stepping into Jackson Hole at Christmastime felt like living in a fairytale. I’m so grateful for this trip and delighted to share it with you!
Day 1
(Dec 27)
travel day
This day was just a travel day, but to help you in planning your own possible future trip, I’ll share what we did. We left Nashville around 5:30 pm and flew Delta to Salt Lake City (3h 10 min flight time), then from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole (38 min flight time). Everything was easy and (mostly) on time. We spent the flights watching movies, then arrived at the Four Seasons around 10:00 pm and went straight to bed.
Day 2
(Dec 28)
introduction to Jackson Hole & the Four Seasons
This was our first full day in Jackson Hole! We woke up at the gorgeous Four Seasons located in the Swiss-style Teton Village, and I opened the window to this view:
We stayed in a condo on the fifth floor (the lowest floor with accommodations), facing the mountain, so we could see the skiers sailing past. Directly in front of us sat the heated pool and outdoor hot tubs. I was instantly enchanted – all the snow, the skiers going up the lift and down the mountain, the steam floating off the hot tubs.
I wandered down to the lobby (the fourth floor), where they had a coffee bar set up, for a cup of tea, a blueberry scone, and a complimentary NYTimes Crossword (every morning, this became my routine). I took my breakfast back up to the room, sat by the fire, and watched the skiers.
We then drove into the town of Jackson – about 20 minutes from Teton Village – where the elk antler arches are iconic. We ate lunch with H’s family at the historic Silver Dollar Bar & Grill. We also stocked up on groceries for the condo and would end up eating most of the rest of our lunches by the comfort of the fire.
After, we headed back to the hotel where I indulged in a pedicure at the spa to relax and acclimate to the altitude (around 6,311 feet).
H and I then snagged robes and slippers from the spa locker rooms and headed outside where the hotel offers complimentary hot cocoa and s’mores starting at 3:30 pm as an après-ski treat. Although we didn’t ski, we couldn’t resist!
And – we soaked in the hot tub!
It was simply magical to sit in a hot tub, surrounded by snow!
That evening, we ate dinner in the Ascent Lounge, where music played, then went to sleep.
Day 3
(Dec 29)
exploring Teton Village
This day, I woke up feeling energized – but sadly, H was sick with a bad cold. Still, I wandered just outside the hotel to explore Teton Village. The above photo shows the area of the mountain that we could see from our room!
Never having skied before in my life, it was fun to watch everyone enjoying the sport.
I noticed the old tram sitting in the snow. Jackson Hole has a newer tram (which I rode – stay tuned for day 7!).
I continued walking through Teton Village and found a big Christmas tree and ice skating rink (where H and I would later skate).
There was also a snow playground comprised of large snow sculptures in which children (and adults!) could play.
With H sick, this was a more relaxed day. I explored Teton Village once more, later on, and otherwise enjoyed a quiet day of reading by the fire and working on a puzzle. I loved getting to laze around and not feeling pressured to do too much.
Day 4
(Dec 30)
sunshine & ice skating
H woke up feeling better, thank goodness! He wasn’t well enough to ski yet, so he came out with me to walk around Teton Village and show me around himself. I loved the exterior of this shop (above)!
We took a photo by the old tram…
…and walked up the side of the mountain as skiers and snowboarders glided past! This day was sunny and beautiful.
After our exploring, we soaked in the outdoor hot tubs again.
Then, in the late afternoon, the “Vil” was offering free ice skating, so H and I had to go!
I love ice skating. Do you?
That evening, H’s family and I all got together at The Handle Bar inside the Four Seasons for a delicious dinner. I definitely recommend eating a meal here.
Day 5
(Dec 31)
shopping in Jackson & celebrating New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve! This morning, H went snowboarding while I lounged by the fire. (Never having skied before and lacking the appropriate equipment, I decided not to ski on this trip. Next time!) When he came in, we ate lunch in the condo and then set off to shop in the town of Jackson.
We drove 20 minutes to the town and found street parking. We stepped into the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, just so I could see it.
We popped in all the best shops. I particularly loved MADE and bought a few souvenirs in the store, and I found the perfect t-shirt at Lee’s Tees to commemorate my visit.
While in town, it started snowing!
I loved shopping in Jackson. The stores were so different and distinct, being tailored to the western way of life, and Christmas lights and decorations colored the streets and shops.
By the time we got back to Teton Village, it was nearly dark. We celebrated New Year’s Eve with sparkling beverages and appetizers in the condo with all of H’s family and even watched a fireworks show – from the living room! We could see everything from the window, and with each crack-pop, the explosions illuminated the snow and mesmerized us.
H and I took an evening stroll in the quiet world, with everyone else inside, still celebrating.
I loved this scene inside the Westbank Grill, another restaurant inside the Four Seasons.
And admittedly, the clock struck midnight when we were fast asleep! We did count down with the ball dropping in New York, at least, via the news.
Day 6
(Jan 1)
sleigh ride & snoeshowing
We started New Year’s Day by going on quite an adventure – a sleigh ride with the National Elk Refuge!
While it was extremely cold and snowy, we did manage to see an elk herd! Luckily, we were quite bundled up, and they provided us with blankets to help keep us warm. I was armed with hand and foot warmers as well, and definitely recommend them for this activity!
It was an amusing time, and we all agreed we’d like to do it again – on a milder day!
That afternoon, H, his dad, and I embarked on another outing – snowshoeing in Grand Teton National Park. We took the Granite Canyon trail.
I had never snowshoed before and took to it right away. But what astounded me the most was the sheer beauty and stillness of this wintery world.
I’d never heard such quietness before, or seen such few other people.
Snowshoeing brought me a strong feeling of peace and connection with the natural world.
It started snowing on us steadily during our journey, and there couldn’t have been a dreamier sight.
We walked around 3 miles, and I was quite tired afterward – though so content. We called it an early night.
Day 7
(Jan 2)
the tram & hot tub
On our last full day in Jackson Hole, after the previous day’s escapades, I wanted to take one last big chance. Despite my fear of heights, I decided to ride the tram, or “Big Red.” The icon of Jackson Hole. In just under 10 minutes, we’d rise over 4,000 feet to the top of Rendezvous Mountain.
While most people standing in line were skiers, there were some sightseers as well. I took a deep breath and embarked! I didn’t take any photos on the way up – I was too captivated. Although I was scared, it ended up being absolutely breathtaking.
At the very top, unfortunately, there was pretty low visibility. It’s hard to tell – but you can imagine – that I was standing at 10,450 feet.
And my, was it windy! But standing at the top of that mountain, I felt proud of myself. There comes a feeling of accomplishment when doing things that we find difficult.
One of the best parts of being at the top of the mountain was Corbet’s Cabin, a small, rustic spot that offers delicious waffles.
These waffles serve as a reward after a high ride up – or fuel if you’re about to ski down the mountain! We got The “Trad” waffles, which were coated in delicious brown sugar butter.
And then – we rode back down! It was nearly empty, since most people were skiing down the mountain. It was lovely having the tram almost all to ourselves.
I couldn’t get enough of these views. This experience was, without a doubt, worth facing my fears.
And what a note on which to start the new year!
After such a feat (kidding – though it sort of was, for me!), H went snowboarding for the first part of the afternoon, and then, guess where we met? The hot tub, of course. We snagged a complimentary s’more and hot cocoa, and relaxed.
At this moment, I became aware that this was our last evening in this whimsical, storybook-like place. One of the best parts of this trip is that I had been in the present moment. I had become completely consumed by this new world, in the best possible way. I felt like a child, absorbing and treasuring each new experience.
That evening, the whole family drove to Jackson for a final dinner. We went to Glorietta, an incredibly charming Italian restaurant (with more Christmas decor! I’m telling you, it was everywhere, and I loved it). We dined on the freshest salads and pasta. As I mentioned, I’d been living in the moment for this trip, and I didn’t even think to take a photo in this place. But trust me – Go eat here if you’re ever in Jackson! It made for an excellent farewell evening.
Day 8
(Jan 3)
travel day
We had a final slow morning at the Four Seasons before departing for the (small and picturesque) airport.
We flew Delta again and were lucky to have no delays! This time, we left around 3:10 pm and flew first to Minneapolis (about 1h 45 min flight time), then to Nashville (similar flight time, just a bit less). We got in around 10:30 pm. I preferred this connection since both flights were pretty quick and easy.
And then we were home! This was such a special trip, and I couldn’t recommend visiting Jackson Hole more if you ever have the opportunity. I would particularly encourage you to stay somewhere in Teton Village, as it was the best part, to me!
Have you traveled out west?
Love, Bee
