Let me share with you my enthusiasm for this special place called Jackson Hole!!

My name is Ilene. My family enjoyed part-time residency in this Wyoming valley from 1971-2007. We had a very cool condo in Teton Village, near the Jackson Hole Ski Resort (called the "Big One"). I have spent time there, both in summer and winter, for the past 37 years. I have skied the steepest slopes and snowboarded the bunny hills. In 1985, I survived intact a drop into Corbet's Couloir (craziness...more on that later). I have both jumped and flipped overboard into Snake River whitewater. I have eaten at the open-fire cowboy buffet with smoke-filled eyes. I have witnessed the shoot-out. I have ridden among the elk herd. I have closely encountered several moose. I realize that jackalopes are not real. I have hiked and photographed landscapes. I have snowshoed to Taggart Lake and snowmobiled to both the Granite Hot Springs (relaxing) and to Old Faithful in Yellowstone (quite a workout). You get the idea. So, I figure that I know a thing or two about this valley and its magnificent mountains (or who to ask anyway!). Since I have something to say about many aspects of Jackson Hole, why not share my experiences and my take on everything (I can think of) about my favorite place in the world!

Jackson Hole is the name given to this valley in western Wyoming. “Hole” was a term used by fur trappers (back when the west really was wild) for a valley surrounded by mountains. A trapper named Davey Jackson is thought to have given his name to this particular valley. The town of Jackson is in this valley (just Jackson please, no Hole). Other towns are Wilson, Moose, Teton Village, Kelly, Moran Junction and Hoback Junction. North of the valley is the high Yellowstone Plateau. East is the Gros Ventre (pronounced "grow-vont," French for “big belly”) Range. Some of the early fur trappers were French and by getting there early they got to name things. The prominent feature, looking towards the Gros Ventre, is the Sleeping Indian (actually Sheep Mountain), which looks like a really "big chief" couch potato with a fat belly and a feathered headdress. And then, there is the western view…big collective sigh…the Teton (French for “breast”) Range. These are the big celebrity mountains; the peaks that people associate with the area. The French trappers were likely lonesome for some female companionship and were thus inspired to choose the Teton name that has become so famous.

Today, JH has a wonderful dichotomy as the untamed west meets a very luxurious lifestyle. You can get "lost" hiking in the canyons of Grand Teton National Park or skiing the hidden glades of Rendezvous Mountain...OR you can just have some serious spa time. How about both in the same day? I will do my best to gather good information about summer and winter activities, accommodations, travel, nightlife, and even living there! Please come back often to see what's new and to see why you might fall in love with Jackson Hole too!

Satellite Image Courtesy Google Earth

P.S. All photographs are mine unless stated otherwise. © I.N. Photography. All rights reserved.

Jackson Hole Summer Activities - Outdoor Playground Suggestions for how to have fun in Jackson Hole summer. An incredible variety of activities are listed and described.

Magical Jackson Hole Winter: A Snowy Wonderland Yes! Jackson Hole winter activities include world-class skiing challenges but so much, much more!

Jackson Hole Skiing is Big and Untamed But Also a Great Place to Learn! You've heard of Jackson Hole skiing being for experts, but what you may not know is it also offers acres of terrain for the intermediate and the beginner. This is how skiing is supposed to be.

Jackson Hole Lodging for Every Budget Jackson Hole Lodging comes in many forms. You can stay somewhere and pretend you're royalty or go for stark simplicity. It all depends on your budget and your taste!

Jackson Hole Transportation - Getting There and Getting Around Jackson Hole transportation information provided, including driving tips from Denver, Colorado, who flies there, who rents cars and where to take the bus.

Jackson Hole Wildlife is Wonderfully Diverse and Visible Jackson Hole wildlife includes large and small animals. If you go, this site suggests where to see what animals and also shares some experiences.