Many may view Wyoming's Jackson Hole as an Old West community, but it also provides a hot spot for snowboarding.
When time comes to choose from among "best on the planet" snowboarding destinations, Wyoming's Jackson Hole starts with a disadvantage.
The name is not the most ritzy or compelling, but this only sparks even more civic pride.
A website, alljacksonhole.com, describes a unique synergy: "Jackson Hole's culture is a unique blend of its western heritage with that of a destination resort. On the board sidewalks of Jackson, cowboys with hats and spurs are often juxtaposed against snowboarders with dreadlocks and nose rings."
The local area has three main snowboarding destinations:
JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT
"Don't hit the snowboarding jumps with too much speed, or you'll miss the landings and ruin your trip," advises writer Melissa Larsen in Jackson Hole Skier magazine.
Snowboarding lessons are offered, with a youth element at Little Britches Mini Park. This provides an opportunity to practice tricks for the bigger features in the Rodeo Grounds.
For the social scene, Larsen advises visits to "the unassuming little white building right of the Tram loading dock." The Village Cafe; is on the first floor, and videos of snowboarding and other resort activities are produced on the second floor. Music hot spots are the Mangy Moose Saloon, the Wort, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, the Shady Lady and the Stagecoach.
Contact: 1-888-DEEPSNO (1-888-333-7669), www.jacksonhole.com.
SNOW KING RESORT
This in-town venue "has traditionally held the reputation of a small, friendly ski area, popular among local residents and tourists searching for a less-intimidating alternative to nearby behemoth Jackson Hole Mountain Resort," writes local freelancer Ed Bushness.
Other features include a small terrain park, the area's only snow tube park, and lighting for evening activities.
Snow King proprietors assert that because their territory faces north, snow remains dry and chalky for a longer time that at other facilities.
Contact: 1-800-522-KING (1-800-522-5464), www.snowking.com
GRAND TARGHEE RESORT
Average snowfall is reported at more than 500 inches, earning Ski magazine recognition in its "Greatest Snow on Earth" category.
Also, voters in the Family Travel Forum several years ago among "Top 10 Getaways for Tiny Travelers for 1999." The Kid's Club for up to age 5 offers activities that range from sledding and sleigh rides to scouting for animal tracks. Powder Scouts introduces snowboarding exposure for youngsters ages 6 to 14.
Cardboard snowboarding? The annual Cardboard Box Derby requires participants build vehicles using only cardboard, paper, glue, tape and string. Victory is simply making it to the bottom.
Contact: 1-800-TARGHEE (1-800-827-4433), wwwgrandtarghee.com.
OTHER SOURCES
www.jacksonholenet.com/jhskier/bd_ski_schools.htm
www.jacksonholewy.net/area_info/history_of_jackson_hole.php
