Jackson Hole, Wyoming
January 30 - February 6, 2010
Jackson Hole
once again was living up to its reputation as one the best annual snow fall locations in Rocky Mountains.
We had fresh snow almost every morning and a couple days we had about a foot of fresh powder waiting for
us. The official mountain report was 38 inches of new snow for the week. The mix of falling snow and
sunshine each day made for some interesting skiing. For the skiers, this trip was truly a skier’s paradise.
Those in our group learning or re-learning to ski or snowboard, they were having the best time of their
life. Several took advantage of the ski school specials and had a great experience. Even the corduroy is
soft and powdery. And the rest of the skiers were trying to remember a better time skiing than they were
having here. For the non-skiers and those who took a day or two off, they also found Jackson Hole to be a
winter wonderland. Between the cross country skiing, sleigh rides through the elk reserve, snowmobile rides
out to the Granite Hot Springs, and wandering through the shops, art galleries, and museums in the town of
Jackson, everyone was having a great time. And let’s not forget the dining experience at the top of the
tram in Corbit’s Cabin where they will serve you anything you like as long as it is waffles. Definitely
a treat and worth the ride up to the top of the mountain.
Our group of 33 was a very diverse group from all parts of eastern USA. In addition to the
local members, we had folks join us from Orlando, Lakeland and Palm Coast FL, Boston, Buffalo,
St. Louis and Vermont. However, from the start almost all of us had one thing in common: flight
problems. Enduring overcrowded airports and rescheduled flights, mechanical delays, cancelled
flights, even flights aborting on final approach into Jackson, some of us were delayed almost 48
hours. But by Sunday night everyone was safe and sound in Jackson Hole. Our welcome reception was
delayed one day but everyone was soon in great spirits with drinks at Nick Wilson’s Cowboy Cafe.
The local resort reps gave us the tips of all the group specials available to us. Afterward everyone
enjoyed a great dinner at the Mangy Moose, the local ski village hot-spot with very eclectic decor.
One Monday night, everyone rode the bus to town for another group dinner at the Silver Dollar Bar
and Grill in the historic Wort Hotel. By then, our travel issues were history and everyone was talking
about the great snow conditions we were having and how to make the most of the week. Our group’s final
gathering at the Alpenhof Bistro on Friday came to soon. But everyone enjoyed a couple rounds of drinks
and talked about how this trip will be one well remembered.
So what did we do between Monday and Friday? Besides skiing, sight seeing, shopping, dining and
drinking, the big question each day was did you see any wildlife. And by mid-week the answer was yes.
Wild moose were spotted under one of the base lifts. Coyotes and bald eagles were seen outside of town.
There were plenty of elk and buffalo around the reserve. And one of our own proved to be very popular
in his moose attire.
|
Space Coast Ski Club
