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Trip Overview Ski in one of the Rockies' premier mountain destinations |
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An illustrated itinerary of one of our many travel adventures for gay men, lesbians, and friends. This information supplements our
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Three Alyson Adventures trips are set in the Jackson Hole, Wyoming -- two in the summer, one in the winter. If you've been here, you already understand why we return to these beautiful mountains as often as we can, whether for alpine hiking or for holiday skiing. For our Teton mountain ski week, we're based in cozy condos right at the base of Rendezvous and Apres Vous mountains, which offer the greatest continuous rise of any U.S. ski area. Two other ski areas are nearby. We'll be here for the week around Christmas, New Years, Winter Solstice, or some combination thereof, and you're welcome to celebrate the holiday as much -- or as little -- as you like. Each day, you can try out one of the three downhill ski areas, with others in our group who enjoy skiing similar terrain. Some days, you may want to sample other winter sports, or relax and enjoy Jackson's art gallerys, shops, and museums. The itinerary below represents what a typical week could be like, but you'll have lots of flexibility to tailor each day to your interests.
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1-2: Meet the Group
If you're flying into Jackson Hole, ask for a window seat. You'll enjoy dramatic views of the mountains as your plane touches down alongside the Teton range: It's easy now to see why Jackson Hole is considered a skier's paradise.
The next day, we'll probably explore home territory first, riding the Bridger Gondola to the top of Rendezvous Mountain (10,552 feet). A cold wind whips past as we step out of the cabin, but soon we're on a more sheltered slope. Better skiers will enjoy a full day skiing the black diamond trails shooting down from Rendezvous peak. Those who prefer blue trails can ski over to Apres Vous mountain, with a varied assortment of trails running through the pines.
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3-4: Dreaming of a White Solstice
Although dates vary year to year, White Solstice is usually scheduled during Christmas (or sometimes New Years) week. The trip draws both skiers who are eager to celebrate Christmas in a snowy mountain setting with a fun and friendly group as well as those who want the snow and friends, but for whom the less heard about Christmas and holidays, the better. Our pre-trip questionnaire will allow us to put you in condos with others who have a similar preference.
Dinner is in the evening so you can still ski all day. One benefit of joining a group like ours is that it's easy to find someone looking for a similar level of activity. Ready for bumps? You'll find another skier who enjoys the moguls. If you'd like an easier trail, or perhaps to take skiing or snow-boarding lessons, chances are you can find company for that, too. Or perhaps this is a time to try out other activities: a couple of hours snowshoeing, then cross-country skiing, in the fields and woods near our condos.
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5-6: Skiing and Wildlife
Our condos are in Teton Village, at the base of Jackson Hole's largest ski area. Just fifteen minutes away lies the town of Jackson and, just blocks from the town square, Snow King Resort. If you haven't made it here yet, it's time to do so.
Then, while you're in Jackson, we recommend a visit to the National Elk Refuge. Thousands of elk travel down from Yellowstone each winter to make their home here, and a sleigh ride gives us an up-close look at these stately animals. Across the street lies the National Museum of Wildlife Art, well worth an hour or two. And then, in Jackson, we know some great restaurants.
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7-8: New Peaks
On the other side of the Teton range lies Grand Targhee Ski Resort. The Grand Teton rises majestically behind you as you explore this broad and sweeping terrain. Most of the trails here are blue (intermediate). Without getting into the meteorological details, let's just note that the mountains create a situation in which Grand Targhee gets a lot of snow, averaging 43 feet a year. Other ski areas talk about their snowmaking equipment: Grand Targhee brags that "Our snow is from heaven, not hoses." This is the place to come if you want the feeling of Big Sky Country. And then -- all too soon -- the week ends. It's sad to say goodbye to new friends. But if the past is any guide, we'll see each other again on future adventures.
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