Guest Post by: R. Pines
In the summer of 2020 it was difficult to plan a trip due to COVID19. We decided not to send any of our children to camp, but instead to vacation as a family and to take a grandchild along with us as well. To make this multi-generational trip successful, we knew we would need someplace displaying unusual and gorgeous nature. We were not disappointed. There are many ways to visit the region, but we decided to stay in one location and travel every day to our chosen destination for the day. Naturally, there were pros and cons. There are no direct flights in the summer, so getting there took most of the day; but arriving in the airport which is in the middle of Grand Teton National Park and its snow-capped mountains made the travel worth it. It was so breathtaking that we didn’t want to leave the airport, which also boasted an arch made of elk antlers. A similar one is displayed in the town square. Quite amazing! When we visited Wyoming in August, the weather was spectacular; it averaged 75-80 degrees F. It was dry with little or no humidity. It cooled down at night, enough that we needed a jacket. The one drawback of staying in Jackson Hole is that prices for everything from lodging to attractions are considerably higher than most other vacation destinations
Jackson Hole region is in a valley between the Grand Tetons. The Grand Tetons are spectacular mountains with jagged tops that are very recognizable. The town of Jackson is minutes away from Grand Teton National Park and the airport is actually in the park. The altitude in Jackson is over 6000 feet above sea level. You are surrounded by magnificent mountains in every direction. We were concerned about Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS which are symptoms that result from ascending in altitude too quickly. Typically, these symptoms occur above 8,000 feet, however, if you’re coming from sea level it is possible to have some symptoms of AMS at lower altitudes. While Jackson sits at 6,237 feet, some of the places you may be visiting on your trip to Jackson are even higher, Yellowstone is over 8,000 feet in certain parts. The Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: 10,450 feet. We took this into consideration and stayed local for the first 2 days so that our bodies got used to the altitude, and avoided headaches, dizziness or shortness of breath. People with high blood pressure or pregnant women should be especially careful. If you’re struggling with the thin air, opt to add a little garlic to your meal. This life-giving flavor not only tastes yummy, but it also promotes blood flow. As a result, those red blood cells can reach your body faster, enabling you to get much needed oxygen. Thankfully, AMS didn’t affect anybody this time, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Jackson is a town in the Jackson Hole Valley. It is famous for its skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer months. Most summer activities are nature related, but are amazing and fun. Some of the most common ones are; horseback riding, water rafting, fishing, biking or ATVing and endless hiking trails. Most of these activities can be done in and out of the 2 national parks. There are many places to book and rent equipment but they are often fully booked and should always be planned in advance.
There is no regular weekday minyan in Jackson. During the summer months the Chabad shluchim, the Mendlesohns host many visitors for the Shabbos meals. They offer a Kosher co-op, that is best if you preorder. They were extremely warm and helpful.
There were 3 local mountains that had lift access in the summer.
https://www.jacksonhole.com/first-timers-guide.html
Snow king mountain, has great views of the town of Jackson and beyond.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, (Tram was closed due to COVID-19) but their Bridger Gondola went to the top and was free from 5-8pm on most days.
Grand Targhee Resort was a 1 hr drive, but such spectacular views that we all agreed it was worth the trip.
Posted: January 11, 2021
Information, prices and hours posted here are current as of the posted or updated date. It is advisable to call ahead or check online to confirm hours and prices.



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