JACKSON HOLE + GRAND TETONS

Jackson Hole falls pretty high on the list of places I simply cannot even afford to be in. However, there are ways around that thanks to cheap motels and traveling between peak seasons.

If there’s one thing I learned from this experience it’s that although I don’t know how I’m gonna do it, I need to be rich for no other reason than just to become an eccentric recluse in the Tetons. But for now, I just have to fake it.

The town of Jackson itself sits just south of Grand Teton National Park, which I admittedly didn’t spend a ton of time in though I did love what I saw during the ten minutes I spent at Jenny Lake.

Jackson itself is an absolute wonderland where you can detach yourself from reality so far you’re almost convinced maybe you do need a decked out hunting knife as a souvenir. There’s also the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar known for its signature saddle barstools. Also I would go so far as to claim that singing along to Jolene while atop a saddle while drinking a beer from a water glass is one of my favorite memories.

For people who actually ski, Jackson is a bit separated from the main ski slopes hub, Teton Village. There is where you’ll find the perfect little ski village, but for us non athletes there’s an option to get to the top of the mountain too. Though it’s one of those touristy as hell things, riding up the mountain via gondola to a 10,000+ ft. peak is kinda super cool now matter how you spin it. For reference, Teton Village is situated at just above 3,000 ft. the climb is pretty steep. As a self proclaimed nerd for shit like that, I find it fascinating.

The change in climate was pretty immediate. In the village, it was a sunny and warm 30 degrees. On the top of the mountain it was windy, felt like one degree MAYBE and had zero visibility. Absolutely no views for us that day, but fortunately there were waffles. Perhaps it was the high of being up in the clouds, but I’m fairly certain that this waffle from Top of the World waffles was truly a top tier waffle. She INVENTED waffles. And to make walking in the snow and fog even more difficult, you can get spiked coffee or hot chocolate. Incredible way to warm up, and also a good way to ensure you fall down into the snow (twice) while trying to crawl to the exact summit.

Still convinced my ultra rich alter ego lives here. Can’t ski, doesn’t care to learn, just out here for the vibes.