A Quick Reset in Jackson Hole

I took a last minute trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming hoping to scan a few days of lift tickets in between checking work emails. By last minute I mean the day I booked was also my travel day. I am the planning type but this isn’t my first rodeo for ski trips so I figured it wouldn’t take me long to get everything sorted in time for my arrival. After I got through airport security I stopped at a gate-side bar to grab a pint and make a few calls. I called the hotel and asked for their recommendation of airport transportation because Google had thrown out way too many options for me to sift through. The hotel was more than accommodating - the concierge offered to arrange transport for me (this was not added to the bill, payment was separate and direct to the driving service – some hotels are able to add it to the room so be sure to check). Easy-peasy. I had already reserved my lift tickets and rentals for the two days I planned on hitting the slopes. Everything was basically done at this point so I enjoyed my beer and headed to the gate. After a few quick and painless flights, which were as socially distanced as could be expected, I landed around 8 pm and was welcomed by the driver who was sent by the hotel. A quick 15 to 20 minute skip and I was home sweet home for the next few days.

the digs

Greeted by an inviting fire outside, Hotel Terra was the warm embrace of travel I had missed all year. Restaurants were closed by 10 pm on a local order per COVID guidelines and some restaurants were operating at a 25% capacity. Getting reservations might be tricky. I jotted down a few recommendations and referenced my google maps account for places I had saved before that had caught my eye. Because I was alone I was able to get in to Snake River Grill. The food IS worth the hype. I ordered the duck and frankly I have been dreaming of it ever since. The ambiance truly was embedded in the experience – crackling fire-side seating coupled with a bourbon hot cider with dessert (which was an elegant version of a giant peanut butter cup) made me glad I had landed a seat and left me disappointed when it was over.

the trails.

Getting slope side was a breeze since Hotel Terra is ski in/ski out. A rental shop is located in the hotel but due to COVID guidelines I picked my rentals up at the rental shop located a stone’s throw away. After ten minutes (mostly due to small talk, which was welcomed) I was pointed to the gondola around the corner. The Lift Ticket office was on the way to the gondola so I just slipped in and picked up my ticket in less than one minute – there was no line. After hitting the slopes, I skied right up to the rental shop and set my skis and poles on their rack and it was simple as that!

the grub.

Hotel Terra has two areas in the hotel for dining, one is a coffee shop which I believe has breakfast choices as well as après options like pints and small bites. I didn’t go in there because I didn’t get down early enough and I took my après vibes to their Italian restaurant. I sat at the bar top, which I believe was formerly Bar Enoteca but recently rebranded as part of the restaurant. Spot-on service and flawless food and drink options made for a great night in. Ironically, I had the restaurant saved prior to my trip based on their menu so I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered it was within the hotel grounds. Mangey Moose was across the street, however due to COVID restrictions they were full on reservations so I will have to step in on my next trip.

the takeaway.

Wishing I had booked another day, my departure ended as it began, with a journey conveniently coordinated by the hotel and with the same driver arranged from my arrival. Side note - the driving service also took me to dinner at Snake River Grill and back to the hotel after dinner (since it is in Jackson, about ten minutes from base camp). We had some extra time on the way to the airport because I am a worry wart when it comes to having plenty of time to check in, so we spent a few minutes at the park at Jackson square to get a few pics of the antler arch, which is apparently the most photographed – most of what - I forget, but does it really matter?