Jackson Hole Mountain Resort - Jackson, Wyoming - Resorts Guide

Overview: Known locally as 'The Big One', Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a popular holiday destination famous for its steep terrain, deep powder and acres of backcountry that provides ideal conditions and challenges for top skiers and snowboarders from around the world. More than 1,012 hectares (2,500 acres) are spread over Après Vous and Rendezvous Mountains and claim to offer holidaymakers one of the best ski and snowboard experiences on earth, with the highest elevation on Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450ft (3,185m). Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is also the gateway to Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. Situated at the base of the mountain is the Swiss-style Teton Village, which is just 15 minutes from the town of Jackson.

Shopping: The square in Downtown Jackson is where holiday visitors should head for any kind of serious shopping atmosphere. There are no malls, but surrounding the square are a variety of shops from fine art and hat shops to a range of speciality shops. Those looking for recreational equipment and outdoor gear will be in their element among the skiing, snowboarding, climbing and hiking shops both in Jackson and Teton Village.

Restaurants: On-mountain restaurants offer breakfasts and lunches for hungry skiers and snowboarders; Casper Restaurant offers the largest variety of food and has some of the best fare on the mountain, as well as superb views over the valley. For a winter dining experience with a difference, the Solitude Cabin Dinner Sleigh Ride offers a horse-drawn sleigh ride along an alpine trail at Teton Village and a four-course meal at Solitude Cabin. The valley offers many restaurants ranging from fine dining to BBQ cookouts. The Snake River Brewing Company in Jackson Hole has an excellent and affordable menu as well as internationally acclaimed microbrews, while the Mangy Moose Restaurant provides a fun and family friendly, western experience with good food and fine wine.

Nightlife: The number one après ski establishment is the Mangy Moose Saloon in Teton Village, with live entertainment for holidaymakers to enjoy, as well as good food. Another favourite spot to kick off the evening is at the Snake River Brewing Company with excellent microbrews. There are plenty of bars, saloons and cowboy cafes in the valley to provide a place to drink, meet friends, dance or play a game of pool. The most popular late night bar is the Log Cabin Saloon and is popular with a younger crowd.

Activities: In winter Jackson Hole offers holidaymakers a range of activities to compete with the excellent skiing and snowboarding. Dog sledding, snow mobiling, sleigh rides, heli-skiing, paragliding and ballooning are all available and in summer Teton Village becomes the favourite for mountain biking and hiking. The Aerial Tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain also remains in service.

Negatives: Families are not well catered for as the skiing and snowboarding is best suited to experts and there are limited beginner and intermediate trails.