Wyoming

Big-mountain skiing legend, wildlife haven, and all-round outdoor type: let us introduce you to the special character of North West Wyoming.

Named after a local trapper in the 1800s, but nestled in mountains titled earlier by French fur traders, the town of Jackson stays true to its mixed roots even today: worldly in many ways, but a down-to-earth Wyoming resident at heart.

Fly in during winter with skiing on your mind. Big mountains don’t come much bigger than the Grand Teton range. Corbet’s Couloir dare the fearless to descend; one of the steepest and fastest runs in the U.S. The powder’s pretty much perfect on slopes from December to March, with 11 inches of snow considered an average overnight fall. Après-ski activities still hold on to a hint of American West, even in the swankiest Jackson saloons.

Wildlife has celebrity status in this part of the world, so don’t be shocked when you spot the elk antlers around town. The National Elk Refuge is right next door and no magnificent beasts made unwilling donations. Train your eyes to the skies for a glimpse of bald eagles. Go ground-level gazing for bear and bison. Sail Snake River in summer and see what comes along. Or stay dry, be cultured, and browse O’Keefe and Warhol at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

Snow lines might head up the mountain in spring, but Jackson never slows down. Just swap chalet-chic resort hotels for dude ranches. Hike or amble in the Tetons. Bliss out in local spas and star gaze in hot tubs. Ride 4,139 vertical feet above it all and swoon at the view from the Aerial Tram.

Jackson comes with heritage aplenty, but steers clear of testing pioneer spirits at the table. Mountainside restaurants and cute valley cafés count as rugged. Picnics come packed with gourmet precision and local beer is from a craft brewery, served on tap.