As it turns out, the tram isn't the only thing new at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort this season. Lookers will be able to enjoy four new webcams, positioned at various points from Teton Village up to the summit. The new cameras offer a crisp, clear view of what's going on. If you'd like a sneak peak, check out Gondola Camera #2. It offers up an inviting picture on this Friday, one week before Opening Day: a snowy foreground in front of Couloir Restaurant with tram cables climbing to the top of the mountain in the background! Check it out and enjoy the view.

I'm heading over The Pass on Friday night to be ready and waiting when Grand Targhee opens its doors for the 08/09 season on Saturday. I checked their website this morning and it looks like all is A GO for Saturday's scheduled opening. The first turns of the season are always at treat, regardless of conditions, although I'm sure Targhee's famous good snow will make for a great first day.

In preparation, Targhee is throwing a party at The Spud drive-in theater on Friday night. If you're thinking of hitting up Idaho's favorite mountain, they will be opening Shoshone Lift and tickets will run $35 for a full-day. In addition, Grand Targhee will be opening its Nordic track on Saturday as well. Just for kicks, I checked the forecast for Driggs and snow is predicted for both Friday night and Saturday morning. Regardless of snowfall, it should be a great day! That first day on the sticks always is.

"The Ghee" is getting ready to open its doors to skiers and snowboarders on Saturday, November 22nd. Nestled just outside of Driggs, Idaho, Grand Targhee is getting more and more press for its deep powder and variety of terrain. Get the winter party started off right with a trip to Idaho to partake in the Targhee experience. If you really want to make a weekend of it, head over on Friday night to catch Teton Gravity Research's Victor, Idaho premier of this year's film, Under the Influence. This experience is sure to be unique in the world of ski movie premiers. Why? It's taking place at The Spud Drive-in theater (231 S. Highway 33). Doors open at 6:00 p.m., the show will start at 7:30. Tickets are $10 at the door (please carpool). Food and beer will be available from the Knotty Pine, the Spud Grill, Wildlife Brewery, Widmer Brothers Brewing Co., and barbeque from Big Hole BBQ.

This event is locally supported by Alternative Building Solutions LLC, Twenty Two Designs, and Peaked Sports. Other event sponsors include: The North Face, Rossignol, Dynastar Lange, Powder Magazine, and Burton. For more information, contact Dave Hudasko at 307-353-2300. To learn more about Grand Targhee's Opening Day, visit www.GrandTarghee.com.

Grand Targhee's Opening Day will be followed one week later by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort kicking off the ski season on November 29th. Stay tuned for more information, snow conditions and special announcements.

The phones have been ringing off the hook this week and for good reason. Earlier this week, American Airlines announced sale prices on direct flights from Chicago and Dallas into Jackson. It's allowed us to put together one of our best deals of the season!

Winter Ski and Air Package from $599*:
-Roundtrip airfare from Chicago or Dallas (inquire about your city)
-4 nights lodging in the Town of Jackson
-3 days skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
-Continental breakfast
-Ski shuttle
-Taxes and fees

And if you need more pursuading, it's been snowing all week and the new tram cars are strung and ready to go. So, if you're a lover of all things Jackson Hole, here are a few important dates to remember:
NOVEMBER 26TH: Book-by date for the great air-inclusive special
NOVEMBER 29TH: Opening Day for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
DECEMBER 20TH: The new tram's launch date

If you haven't started the planning yet, now is the perfect time to book your winter getaway. Give our local travel experts a call today. 888-838-6606.

*Price is starting at, per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and restrictions apply. Additional baggage charge may apply from airline. Must be booked by November 26, 2008. Valid dates of travel: December 18, 2008 - February 28, 2009. New reservations only.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! With the white stuff piling up, it's time to start the snow reports.

Jackson Hole Montain Resort:
Last 24 Hours: 2"
Last 72 Hours: 25"
Snow Depth: 20"
Total Season Snowfall: 52"

Grand Targhee Resort:
Last 24 Hours: 2"
Last 48 Hours: 6"
Base: 21"

If you're looking for great deals, including air-inclusive ski and lodging packages, make sure visit us!

 

This weekend marked the first official Teton Pass turn session with snow accumulating over the course of the last couple of weeks and eager skiers heading up for some early season skiing. This recent webcam shot shows the snow continuing to fall and an as-of-yet empty parking lot, although I'm guessing cars will be filling the lot soon as people continue to enjoy the first stable snow of the season.

The backcountry skiing that Teton Pass offers is a favorite among those who like to pair their turns with some uphill hiking and/or skinning and although the traffic tapers off once the area resorts open their doors, the bootpack to the top of Glory Peak above Teton Pass remains relatively busy throughout the season. If you do decide to head up to the hills, make sure to check with the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center for the most current snow and safety conditions.

Wyoming AAA has announced the hotels andrestaurants in the Jackson area that have achieved Four or Five Diamond status in the region. Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa and The Wort Hotel were named this year as new recipients of four diamond awards, while the Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, Jenny Lake Lodge, Snake River Lodge and Spa, The Wild Sage Restaurant, and the Westbank Grill were named as repeat recipients of the award. AAA’s Diamond Rating System is the only ratings system that covers all of North America and one of only two that conduct physical, on-site evaluations.

For more information on special travel packages and deals, call our local travel experts today at 888-838-6606. Currently, Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is offering 4th night free and Snake River Lodge & Spa is offering a buy 3 get 1 free for all December arrivals.

Although much of the talk around the office this morning is about Mayor and Town Council and the Electoral College, there's also a bit of non-election chat taking place, mainly because the rain we've been enjoying for the past few days has officially turned to snow. When I walked into the grocery store before work this morning, the snow line appeared to be about 300 yards above the valley floor on the hillside. When I came out, it was dumping in the parking lot.

The web cams tell the story with gray skies, white hills and some snow-covered antler arches on Town Square. And as we get ready to watch the results of the political race, there is one thing that will definitely remain the same this Election Day: the first week of November always brings with it the first big snow. So head to the polls, make sure to vote and know that there's one governing body you'll always be able to count on--the renowned slopes and cowboy powder of the greater Jackson area.

Since the tail end of last winter, we've watched anxiously as the tram took form. First the towers went up and then the cables were strung. After that, crews began working on the new and improved upper and lower tram docks. But yesterday might have been the most exciting day yet as crews hoisted the two new, faster, larger tram cars onto the cables completing the process.

Draped in red covers until the official unveiling party on December 19th, the new cars will be tested in the months to come, carrying loads of water barrels up and down the mountain to ensure that, when the time comes, they're ready for the 100 passengers who will pile in to get to the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in just nine minutes.

Don't miss the tram launch on December 19th. Join all those who have been waiting patiently for the past two years to celebrate Big Red. The party will take place in Teton Village and will feature the unveiling of the new cars as the covers are pulled and the new tram meets the world for the first time.

It's time for trick-or-treat and Halloween in Jackson never disappoints. Start the festivities off with a trip to catch The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which will be showing at the Teton Country Fair Building on Thursday and Friday, October 30th and 31st. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30. Admission is $12.00 or $10.00 if you're in costume; tickets will be available at the door. Dress up and bring your props to watch this Halloween cult classic.

On Friday night, take your trick-or-treaters down to Town Square, where they can cruise local businesses for candy. Don't miss the costume contest at 4:00 p.m.!

And for all of the big kids out there, Halloween tradition abounds in town and at The Q Roadhouse in Wilson. The 30th Annual KMTN 96.9 and Children's Learning Center's Halloween Bash and Fundraiser will take place at Snow King. Check out the crazy crowd and some of the best costumes around. For tickets, call Snow King at 733-5200 or KMTN at 733-4500. If you're looking to kick it on the Westbank, The Q on Village Road is hosting another epic holiday party. Call 739-0700 for tickets.

With plenty to talk about this winter, from the new tram to free plane tickets to great deals and affordable travel packages, Jackson Hole can't seem to stay out of Travel News. Check out this recent blog post on Budget Travel, which discusses the TramFormation: Jackson's biggest and boldest story in years--our new tram.

With the economy on everyone's minds, it's not a wonder that people are hesitant to book holiday travel this year. However, in an article published today by The New York Times, this holiday season might offer the most affordable options for holiday getaways in years. At the top of their ski vacation destinations? Jackson Hole. The article highlights Spring Creek Ranch and Spa's special offer, which totals a 30% discount off normal rates. Looking for other great deals? Check out some of these:

Snake River Lodge & Spa: Buy 3, Get 1 Night Free for ALL December arrivals
Jackson Hole Resort Lodging Premier Specials: Up to 20% Off Entire Stay
2 for 1 at Snow King Resort if Booked by November 30th
Spring Creek Ranch & Spa: Book 5 Nights, Pay for 3
4th Night Free at Teton Mountain Lodge, Hotel Terra and Inn at Jackson Hole

'Tis the season for winter specials and travel deals. And Jackson's no different. We love to offer discounts and packages that make travel to the area affordable and enjoyable once you're here. Of course, we're touting this year as our biggest in history. And we should. We've got the new tram, scheduled for its first passenger-filled trip to the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on December 20th. Jackson has recently been praised for its variety of terrain--from beginner to expert, accessible backcountry and "cowboy powder" by nearly every skiing rag in the biz, including Powder, SKI, Skiing and Outside magazines. Our lodging options range from moderate to full-service luxury resorts. We have motels, hotels, condos, and private vacation homes. In addition to skiing, Jackon offers easy access to both Grand Targhee and Yellowstone National Parks. Winter activities include snomobiling, dinner sleigh rides, snowshoeing, snow tubing, dog sledding and wildlife safaris into the national parks. Our apres scene is hard to beat whether you're at Cascade Grill House in Teton Mountain Lodge, Osteria in Hotel Terra or the famous slopeside Mangy Moose in Teton Village. Throughout the winter, live music and vivacious night life abound.

So, yeah. We consider Jackson a pretty special place and love to share everything it has to offer with those who visit. If you're looking for a good deal or vacation package, check out some of these below. Or give our local travel experts a call today, 888-838-6606. They'll help you customize the perfect Jackson Hole getaway during a season you won't want to miss.

Fly FREE to Jackson Hole: Buy three plane tickets and we'll throw in the fourth one for free.**
Kids Fly, Stay and Ski for FREE to Jackson Hole: Children under 12 years of age fly free with a fare-paying adult.
4-night, 3-day Jackson Hole Ski Package from $369
2 for 1 at Snow King Resort
4th Night Free at Teton Mountain Lodge and Hotel Terra
Air-inclusive Packages Starting from $660

**All packages are subject to availability. Restrictions and blackout dates apply. Valid dates apply. Airlines may have additional baggage charges. $369 price point based on double occupancy. Visit our website to learn more: www.JacksonHoleWY.com or call our local travel experts at 888-838-6606.

Ready to get rid of the old and pick up some new? It's time for the annual Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club's Ski Swap, which will take place Saturday, October 25th. Go through the closets and garages and bed rooms and round up all of the equipment you won't be skiing or snowboarding on this winter and take it down to Heritage Arena (in the rodeo grounds) in downtown Jackson Hole. Equipment check-in is Friday, October 24th from 12 - 7pm. There is a $1 handling fee per item with a $7 cap. Ski Club members can show up at for the Early Bird Special at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. There is a $10 admission fee ($5 for Ski Club members). The doors open to the general public at 8:15 a.m. and there is a $1 admission fee at that time (free for Ski Club members).

Ski Club membership is sold at the door. Doors close at 1:00 p.m. and you'll be able to pick up all unsold merchandise from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. After 4:00, unclaimed items are considered a donation to the Ski Club

This is a great way to support the Ski Club, pick up some new gear and get in the ski season spirit. Don't miss this year's Swap. Call 733-6433 or visit www.jhskiclub.org for more information.

Pull out the calendar and start crossing off the days. With Grand Targhee Resort, Snow King Resort and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort already starting to accumulate snow, it's time to start counting down to first chair. Of course, Opening Day isn't the only date to save. We've listed a few other important, don't-want-to-miss events below:

JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Opening Day: November 29th
Tram Celebration Party: December 19th
First Tram: December 20th

GRAND TARGHEE RESORT
Must Purchase Season Pass by November 1st
Grand Targhee-sponsored Premier of Teton Gravity Research's Film, Under the Influence at the Spud Theater in Victor: November 21st
Opening Day: November 22nd

SNOW KING RESORT
2 for 1 Lodging Special: Must be booked by November 30th
Opening Day: Snow King Resort shoots for an Opening Day on or near Thanksgiving