When the Hollywood A-List want to escape Tinseltown and give the paparazzi a wide berth, Wyoming’s Jackson Hole is a popular choice. Sandra Bullock and Harrison Ford are local homeowners, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel married here in 2012 and in January this year, Cameron Diaz and Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden chose it as their honeymoon destination. Even British golden girl, Pippa Middleton, was spotted getting to know the locals at a hoedown dance back in 2014.
Now, as Jackson Hole Mountain Resort gears up to mark an important milestone – 50 years of operations – ski-loving British travellers are encouraged to head for Wyoming to join in the celebrations and live like an A-lister.
To celebrate its anniversary, the resort has a range of new facilities ready to open. These include the new Teton Lift, a detachable high-speed quad which will transport up to 2,000 intermediate and advanced skiers each hour up to 200 acres of new ski terrain, half of which could previously only be reached by hiking. In addition, three new groomed runs are opening and a second new lift, The Doppelmayr, has recently been installed.
GREAT VALUE SKI OFFERS: This ski season, two special ticket offers are launching in honour of the half-centenary anniversary. All skiers and snowboarders with a valid 2015-16 winter resort season pass for ANY ski resort in the world can ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and receive 50 per cent off the current price of lift tickets from 11-31 January 2016. To qualify for the Golden Ticket offer, skiers must present their valid season pass at the ticket office. It will then be valid for unlimited use during the promotional period. In addition, a special 10-day 50th anniversary pass is being introduced for $799 this season. It will bring pass holders great skiing and riding benefits and can be purchased at www.jacksonhole.com throughout the winter period.
KEY EVENTS: To mark 50 years in business, the resort is kick-starting the celebrations with the release of its ‘Born to Be Wild’ biopic on 24 September in downtown Jackson. It will highlight the history of Jackson Hole, its people, culture, epic ski terrain and a half-century of wild times in the Tetons. For those unable to attend the premiere, a five-part webisode series by the same name has also been produced. The final two webisodes will be available from 13 October and 10 November respectively. To watch the webisodes, visit www.jacksonhole.com/50. Other key events during the season include:
27 November 2015 – Flashback Friday: For one day only, ticket prices will be just $6, the same as in 1965 when the resort opened.
19 December 2015 – The Grand Opening: The Teton Lift and Pîste Restaurant launches will be marked with a full day of celebrations and a Gala.
5-7 February 2016 – 50th Retro Reunion and Throwback Weekend: The legendary Powder 8’s Contest will return with parties throughout the weekend.
17-20 March 2016 – 3rd Annual Rendezvous Spring Festival: Nationally touring acts will perform free live concerts at the resort and in downtown Jackson.
TRAVEL TO JACKSON HOLE: Ski Safari has seven nights in Jackson Hole available from £1,145 per person, including United Airlines flights from London Heathrow to Jackson, Wyoming via Chicago, B&B accommodation at the three-star Parkway Inn and shared transfers. Price is per person based on two adults travelling, sharing accommodation, including all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. The price is based on a departure on 9 January 2016.
Alternatively, for an A-List style getaway, opt for luxury at the Hotel Jackson. Departing on 16 December 2015, a seven-night trip costs from £1,975 per person, including United Airlines flights from London Heathrow to Jackson, Wyoming via Chicago, room only accommodation in a superior king room and shared transfers. Price is per person based on two adults travelling. To book either package, visit www.skisafari.com or call 01273 224060.
For more information on Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s 50th anniversary, visit www.jacksonhole.com/50th-anniversary.html
For more information on The Real America and each participating state, visit www.realamerica.co.uk