Snow fun the name of the game in Jackson Hole
Q: I plan to take my family to Jackson Hole, Wyo., in February or March. What is considered the skiing (and other snow fun) season there? What's to do besides skiing? It will be the first time we've gone to this area of the country and I really don't know much about it.
A: You've selected a beautiful part of the country for your winter holiday. Located in the heart of Wyoming's Teton Mountains, the resort area offers just about every kind of snow fun you can imagine.
Jackson Hole's official winter season begins in mid-December and continues through early April, weather and business conditions permitting. You can start checking on snowfall prior to your visit by calling (888) 333-7766.
Of course, downhill skiing is the big thing there but other snow sports are readily available. For example, five snowmobile itineraries can take you into incredibly scenic areas while driving your own snowmobile. They vary from 30 miles to 90 miles round trip. There are also snowmobile tours, guided or unguided, going through Yellowstone or Grant Teton national parks or Togwotee Pass. Tour companies even offer a half-day special with airport drop-off available. You'll encounter lots of scenery and wildlife.
Full- and half-day dogsled tours are available and you can learn to drive your own team. Dinner sleigh rides are another popular feature. Several locations are on the agenda and no matter which one you select, the evening outing is followed by dinner.
And, of course, ready and waiting are such winter fun things as downhill skiing, the traditional cross-country skiing, heli-skiing, snowcat skiing, snowboarding, snow kite boarding and snow tubing.
Wildlife expeditions/nature tours also are available. The latter features small groups traveling in customized vehicles and hosted by professional biologists/naturalists. Rental equipment is available for anything you choose to do.
Jackson Hole has several ways to contact its central reservations: by phone, (800) 443-6931; by fax, (307) 733-1286; by e-mail, info@jhsnow.com or via its Web site, www.jhsnow.com. A brochure with pictures and descriptions of the hotels, motels and lodges is available for the asking, or accommodations can be checked out on the central reservations Web site. Additional information is available from www.jacksonhole.com, or by e-mailing info@jacksonhole.com.
Send your questions at least sixweeks prior to travel to Madelyn Merwin in care ofTravel,Daily Herald, P.O.Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006, or e-maildpmerwin@sbcglobal.net.