Hotel Terra Jackson Hole
Like many other ski destinations, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has lots of activities that appeal to summer and winter visitors. Teton Village offers ski-in, ski-out venues for food, lodging and entertainment, and the hiking and biking culture is perfect for summer. But a press trip in September proved that the shoulder season provides adventure for groups and makes a memorable destination for executive retreats.
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the only airport in the country located entirely within a national park—Grand Teton National Park—and it’s one of few that require passengers to board and exit outside via ramp, with 360-degree views of the Teton Mountains. Despite its petite size, the lodge-themed airport, complete with fireplaces and overstuffed leather chairs, offers direct flights to 12 major U.S. cities.
At the base of the mountains, Teton Village, a dining and lodging hub, offers everything from five-star hotels to hostels and inns—and many options in between. The press trip was hosted by Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa and Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, sister properties owned and managed by Noble House.
While similar in their cozy decor, Teton Mountain Lodge, with spacious guest room options, appeals more to families and larger groups. The 145-room lodge offers 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and the No. 1 restaurant in Teton Village, according to TripAdvisor: Spur Restaurant & Bar. Executive chef Kevin Humphries has been voted Best Chef in Jackson for eight consecutive years in a local poll by Planet Jackson Hole, a media company.
The 135-room, LEED Silver certified Hotel Terra has a more modern, boutique concept. A 2,885-square-foot ballroom and two meeting rooms (644 sq. ft. and 300 sq. ft.) are connected by a foyer and pre-event space. Piste Mountain Bistro, accessible only by Bridger Gondola or a steep hike, sits at the top of Rendezvous Peak, offering spectacular views and event space for 144 people. An aerial tram also takes groups 4,139 feet up the mountain in 12 minutes.
One of the greatest advantages to visiting Jackson Hole in the shoulder season is the wildlife. Our group took a safari tour with Wild Things of Wyoming where we saw mule deer, bald eagles, bison, elk and more while touring Grand Teton National Park. We then hopped aboard a Barker Ewing raft tour down Snake River, where we got an even closer look at the wildlife.
