WINTER/SPRING 2014-15 Jackson Hole & the Teton Lifestyle
®
MOMENTS IN TIME
CELEBRATING JACKSON’S HERITAGE
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Words from the Publisher
Moments in Time WINTER/SPRING 2014-15 Jackson Hole & the Teton Lifestyle
®
It is truly one of the most rewarding feelings when every-
body you work with loves what they do and shares the
same goal: to provide a service and product beyond
expectations while having fun doing so. JHStyle Magazine
brings a fresh new angle to telling the Jackson and Teton
lifestyle story because of the creative and out-of-the-box
thinking by a great team of professionals.
Nearly 15 individual writers, photographers, sales pro- MOMENTS IN TIME
fessionals, and designers use their artistic skills to cap-
ture that early morning photo, find the right quote, close CELEBRATING JACKSON’S HERITAGE
a new client, and then meld JHStyle into an award-win-
ning publication. These masters-of-their-trade are led by On the Cover
our core team: Kristal Rhodes, creative director, Kristen
Pope, managing editor, Michelle McCormick, advertising Working with Desiree Bridges was
designer, and Connie Tyler and Nanci Montgomery, sales a glimpse into a unique combi-
executives. Thanks so much to each of you for being part nation of Western culture, com-
of what I love to do—telling and sharing the local story. petition, and elegance. Her confidence and
congeniality were contagious at the rodeo
“Living in every This issue of JHStyle threads a bit of the past into each and on location for the portrait shoot. I
moment, therein lies of its editorials. From celebrating Jackson’s centennial to enjoyed learning about her many respon-
exploring the roots of the local ski resorts and original sibilities as Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2014 and
the challenge.” dude ranches, our story board salutes what makes Jack- the challenges of competing for the Miss
son so special—its people. We feature Desiree Bridges, Rodeo USA title. The difficult element of
– Jeremy Aldana who keeps the Western lifestyle alive as Miss Rodeo this assignment was narrowing down the
Wyoming, and Lynsey Dyer and her inspiring new film selected images, as she looked great in so
Pretty Faces. many frames.
Enjoy many more of these Jackson personalities and our – Jonathan Selkowitz, Photographer
“moments in time” as you explore Jackson and the Teton
lifestyle—JHStyle.
–Jeff Bush
SARAH KERR
Dedicated to achieving your satisfaction.
associate broker
[email protected] | www.RealEstateJacksonHoleWY.com
Cell: 307.690.8605 | Work: 307.734.4821
Office: 307.739.1234 | Fax: 307.739.1249
RE/MAX ObsidiianRealEstate, a member of the RE/MAX Global Network | www.facebook.com/JacksonHoleRealEstate | 110 E. Broadway, PO Box 1009 | Jackson, WY 83001
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
Fine Cowboy,
Indian and National
Park Antiques
255 North Glenwood
PO Box 1006
Jackson, WY 83001
p. 307.739.1940
e. [email protected]
www.cayusewa.com
®
Explore the winter wonders of Jackson Hole, then relax, replenish Publisher
and rejuvenate in our luxuriously rustic retreat. Jeffrey C. Bush
Creative Director
The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa Kristal Rhodes
Reservations 888.739.1749 • 175 North Jackson Street, Downtown Jackson Managing Editor
Kristen Pope
Where Presidents Advertising Sales
and Cowboys Shop! Connie Tyler
Nanci Montgomery
For a better look: we shop the world Advertising Design
for fine designer leather apparel for Michelle McCormick
men and women – jackets, coats, Management Consultant
boots, outerwear, pants, vests, belts, Mark Mullins
purses, wallets, bags and accessories. Contributing Writers
Suzanne Cheavens
Boots & Buckles Christine Colbert
Kelsey Dayton
HIDE OUT LEATHERS Cindy Fusting
Morgan McGlashon
Open 7 days a week at 40 Center Street
Town Square across from the Cowboy Bar Jenn Rein
Brielle Schaeffer
307-733-2422 hideoutleathers.com
Jill Thompson
10 Dondi Tondro-Smith
Contributing Photographers
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
David Agnello
Sarah Averill
Andy Bardon
David Bowers
Jayme Chrisman
Gordon Gregory
Audrey Hall
Elizabeth Hesse
Mike Jackson
Florence McCall
Megan Peterson
Jonathan Selkowitz
Richard Sugden
Jeff Thompson
Ashley Wilkerson
J.C. Bush Creative Media, LLC
P.O. Box 1985 • Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 699-5190
email: [email protected]
jhstylemagazine.com
Copyright© No part of this publication may be
reproduced without the written consent of the pub-
lisher. Copyright© 2014-15. As a contribution to
this body of work, writing, photography and illustra-
tions will be reproduced in hard copy form as well as
posted on the worldwide web and is the full prop-
erty of the publisher. Advertiser, writers, photog-
raphers and subjects agree to indemnify and hold
publishers harmless against any expense or loss by
reason of claims arising out of publications. At the
time of press, all material was considered up-to-date.
Award-Winning Publisher
Certificates of Excellence
Western Publications Association Maggie Awards
Best Overall Visitor’s Guide
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Best Table of Contents
Printed by Publication Printers, Inc.
307.733.5599 | 80 Center St.
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Hand Made in the U.S.A. Since 1970
The Contents
16
What’s Inside
30
®
48 48 WORDS FROM THE PUBLISHER
64 40 8 Moments in Time
12 THE HISTORY OF JACKSON HOLE
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15 16 Jackson Celebrates Its Centennial
VISITOR’S GUIDEPOST
26 Pioneering Spirits
WINTER HAPPENINGS
28 Winter 2014–2015
WINTER ADVENTURES
30 Chill Seekers
INSPIRE
38 Skis, Crowns, Big Hearts
F O R T H E B E G I N N I N G C O L L E C T O R T O T H E A RT C O N N O I S S E U R est. 1963
JACKSON HOLE 130 East Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001 (307) 733.3186
SCOTTSDALE 7330 Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 945.7751
WWW.TRAILSIDEGALLERIES.COM
The Contents
86 ®
What’s 94 KATHLEEN CROWLEY
Inside
4896 46 Inspired by Design
78 CLAIR HILLMAN
48 Dancing Through Time
50SHARON KAHIN
A Family’s Western Heritage
SINGLETON & YODER
52 Friends First
MOUNTAINSTYLE LIVING
54 Ambiance and Elegance
TETON VILLAGE
66 Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
DINE IN STYLE
74 Jackson Hole Eats
86NIGHTLIFE
To Après and Beyond
HEALTHY STYLE LIVING
88 Body and Spirit
TETON VALLEY
94 Idaho’s Friendliest Valley
JHSTYLE CATALOGUE
102 Boutiques & Galleries
112MOMENTS AND MEMORIES
Florence McCall
60
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
About Us NM
NANETTE MATTEI
The Team
interior design
Kristal Rhodes CREATIVE DIRECTOR
A Colorado girl through and through, Kristal was born in Telluride, the Style in every detail
small box canyon mining town turned world class ski resort. Her keen
eye for design work led her to Tempe, Arizona, where she received a 1230 Ida Lane
degree in visual communications. Kristal founded Kristal Graphics in Fish Creek Center
2004. Her knowledge of marketing and her design aptitude has landed
her numerous clients throughout the West. She has worked as the in Wilson
creative director with J.C. Bush Media and their many publishing ven- www.nanettemattei.com
tures since 1999. [email protected]
Kristen Pope MANAGING EDITOR
Kristen is a freelance writer and editor. Her writing credits include 307.201.1466
Backpacker, Discover, International Journal of Wilderness, Mountain 15
Outlaw, Student Health 101, and more. She made her way to Jackson
after living in Alaska and California and has a background in conserva- JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
tion and environmental education. In her free time, she enjoys travel-
ing, hiking, and backpacking. KEPope.com
Connie Tyler SALES EXECUTIVE
Originally from Philadelphia, Connie made her way to the Tetons via
Kauai in 2010 to be near family in Victor, Idaho. She is an avid yogini who
teaches Hatha yoga in Driggs, Jackson, and Kauai, where she escapes
for a while each winter. When she is not teaching yoga or selling ads
for JHStyle, she rides horses and volunteers with Music on Main, Grand
Teton Music Festival, and Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association.
Nanci Montgomery SALES EXECUTIVE
A California girl at heart, Nanci landed in Teton Valley, Idaho, on a doc-
umentary film project. So captivated by the beauty and hometown
embrace, she ultimately relocated to Victor. With 15 years in film and
documentary as an artist and segment producer, she appreciates rich sto-
ries and beautiful scenic backdrops. She enjoys being out on the Snake
River, biking, or running, especially when she’s lucky enough to be graced
by the presence of local wildlife. She is just finishing her first fiction novel
this summer.
Michelle McCormick ADVERTISING DESIGN
Based in the Tetons since 1990, Michelle is a graphic designer from
Northern California who enjoys anything creative, fun, and adventur-
ous. She coalesces these elements at her design studio, Lily Pad Cre-
ative, where her client base has evolved for two decades. When she’s
not playing with pixels, Michelle can be found playing outside with her
dog Stella. LilyPadCreative.com
Writers
• S uzanne Cheavens – Suzanne’s toolbox contains two Fender guitars, a MacBook Pro, a quiver of
good pens, and notebooks full of scribbles of as-yet unrecognized brilliance.
• C hristine Colbert – Christine is a freelance writer and the editor of the Garage Grown Gear
online magazine.
• K elsey Dayton – Originally from Montana, Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from
the University of Missouri and is currently a freelance writer.
• Cindy Fusting – Cindy is momma to two mountain boys, a skier, a hack hockey player, an aspiring
triathlete, and a jane-of-all-trades.
• M organ McGlashon – Morgan is a sophomore at Middlebury College in Vermont and an avid out-
door athlete who ski races, mountaineers, rock climbs, and does anything that brings adventure.
• Jenn Rein – Jenn has been writing for local periodicals and newspapers since 2007 and has been
a member of the Teton Valley community for 10 years. JennRein.com
• Brielle Schaeffer – Brielle, an Alaska native and graduate of Washington State University’s Mur-
row School of Communications, moved to Jackson Hole to find adventures and write about
them. She is Community Affairs Director for 89.1 FM KHOL.
• Jill Thompson – Jill is a writer and marketing and public relations professional who has lived in
Jackson for two years and loves the region’s natural beauty.
• D ondi Tondro-Smith – Dondi enjoys covering stories that empower women and families alike. A
yoga instructor and massage therapist, she also co-authored the book Wild4Nature 3D-Yellow-
stone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Photographers
• S arah Averill – Sarah is a wedding and portrait photographer who is excited to work in this
beautiful place full of friendly faces.
• A ndy Bardon – While recent assignments have taken Andy from the slopes of Mt. Everest to
the clear blue waters of Tahiti, he still feels there’s no place like the Tetons and Jackson Hole.
AndyBardon.com
• D avid Bowers – A 25-year Jackson Hole resident, David combines his skills as a photog-
rapher, mountain guide, and ski patroler in order to maintain an active outdoor lifestyle.
DavidBowersPhotography.com
• Florence McCall - Flo is the proud owner of Florence McCall Photography which creates and
delivers beautifully crafted fine art portraits. FloMcCall.com
• M egan Peterson – A chronic adventure-seeker who can often be found hiking with her two
dogs, climbing a mountain, or waking up early for a Teton sunrise, Megan is most likely to be
photographing all of the above. MeganPetersonPhotography.com
• Jonathan Selkowitz – Now a resident of Teton Valley, Idaho, and a Jackson resident since 1998,
Jonathan makes photos galore and enjoys all sorts of skiing and mountain biking close to home.
SelkoPhoto.com
The History of Jackson Hole
IMAGES COLLECTION OF THE JACKSON HOLE
HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM
100JACITKSSCOENNCTEENLENBRIAALTES
Years of History in the Hole
Jackson Hole is named after Davey Jackson,
one of the area’s early mountain men. His fur
trading business partner, William Sublette,
named the area after him since it was one of his
favorite places to trap beaver. Sublette dubbed
it “Jackson’s Hole” and the name stuck. “Hole”
was a term used in those days to represent a
valley surrounded by high mountains.
However, long before mountain men wandered through the valley,
Native Americans—including Shoshoni, Crow, Blackfoot, and Ban-
nock people—spent a great amount of time in the area, leaving
numerous artifacts that local archaeologists are still uncovering.
The first European to set foot in the valley was John Colter
from the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He had branched off
from the expedition in order to do some scouting for fur
trapping sites. He first looked down into Jackson Hole some-
time during the winter of 1807–1808.
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
“According to local lore,
the town of Jackson was
incorporated in 1914 as a way
to keep the proceeds of an
illegal saloon in town.”
Just a few years later, a massive landslide
dammed the Gros Ventre River in 1925, after the
side of Sheep Mountain (a.k.a. “Sleeping Indian”)
gave way. Two years later, the natural dam burst
and destroyed the town of Kelly, killing six.
However, Jackson was spared from the floodwa-
ters. A few years later, Jackson residents sought
to create a public gathering place and the Town
Square was established in 1931, officially called
“George Washington Memorial Park.” The first
elk antler arch was constructed there by the
Jackson Hole Rotarians in 1953, with three
other arches built during the following decade.
He did not settle in the valley, though. The first According to local lore, the town of Jackson was The year 1956 brought the first Jackson Hole
homesteaders came to the valley in 1884 when incorporated in 1914 as a way to keep the pro- Shootout (a historical reenactment held each
John Holland, John Carnes, and Carnes’s wife, ceeds of an illegal saloon in town, rather than summer on the Town Square) and, several years
Millie Sorelle, settled there. Most early home- sending the money to officials in Kemmerer, the later, the Jackson Hole Fine Arts Guild hosted a
steaders were single men, but after a few years, Lincoln County seat (Jackson was originally part series of concerts which would later become the
families from Utah settled in the area that is now of Lincoln County). Periodically, the county fined Grand Teton Music Festival. The population grew
called Mormon Row. the saloon $300–400 and the residents of Jackson steadily, reaching 2,688 in 1970, topping 4,500
In 1888, the population of Jackson Hole was only wanted to incorporate as a town in order to col- in 1980, and soaring to 8,647 in 2000. The most
23. Cattle ranching soon became popular in the lect a $1,200 liquor license fee from the owner. recent census, in 2010, tallied 9,577 residents.
area and more permanent residents came in the In order to incorporate, they needed 150 res- In 2014, Jackson celebrated its 100th anniversary
1890s. By 1900 or so, residents began planning idents. After tallying up the local people and in style. In June, the town hosted a community
for the future and developed streets and a few drawing their proposed town boundaries to picnic at Miller Park with free food for 1,800 peo-
public buildings. include outliers, they came up with only 149 ple, live music, and family fun.
Women were an integral part of this new wave residents—one less than they needed. However, Then, in late August, Lynyrd Skynyrd headlined
of public planning. Wyoming allowed remarkable one local woman was pregnant and she quickly the free, all-ages finale of the Jackson Hole Live
freedom for women of the era, letting women named her yet-to-be-born child, allowing them concert series. Organizers kept the name of the
vote as early as 1869, when the Territorial Leg- to add the baby to the list for a total of 150. act under wraps until just a few weeks prior to
islature gave women full voting rights. Wyoming Residents voted 48–21 to incorporate and soon col- the show in order to keep the concert more of a
became a state 21 years later in 1890. By 1920— lected the $1,200 fee from the saloon owner. Jack- local event and to manage crowd size.
the year women in all of the U.S. gained the right son’s first mayor was Harry Wagner and the first September 21 was the town’s official birthday
to vote—Jackson elected the first all-female council included J.R. Jones, J.C. Simpson, C.J. Wort, and celebrations filled the weekend, including
town council, a first in the U.S. and H.W. Deloney. Teton County was created in 1921. the Centennial Gala, a quilting demonstration at
the Elk Refuge’s Miller House, a “Barn Bash” at
the Mosely/Hardeman Barn, and a celebration
with Governor Matt Mead at the Town Square,
followed by a time capsule presentation and seal-
ing by the Masonic Lodge. n
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
The History of Jackson Hole
WORDS KELSEY DAYTON
IMAGES COLLECTION OF THE JACKSON HOLE
HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM
RANCGEHNIENRAGTIOFNAS OMF ILIES
CALL VALLEY HOME
Dude Ranchers Bring Visitors for Over 100 Years
Long before tourists crowded the Town
Square and booked rooms at luxury
hotels with mountain views, dude
ranchers drew visitors to Jackson Hole.
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
“It’s just good ol’ dude ranching,
but with good food.”
–Kelly Stirn, co-owner of R Lazy S Ranch
It began near the start of the 20th century, gifted 300 “10-year” belt buckles and 100 “20-
according to Harold Turner, co-owner of Triangle year” buckles, according to co-owner Kelly Stirn.
X, one of Jackson’s oldest dude ranches. About 75 percent of their guests each summer
But before Turner’s grandfather started the ranch in are returning visitors.
1926—in what is now Grand Teton National Park— Four generations of the Stirn family have run
there were a handful of other ranches, including JY, the ranch, which started as a homestead in the
White Grass, and Bar B C, according to Turner. early 1900s. First owned by Owen Wister, it
While hunters did come through Jackson before, changed hands and eventually landed in Stirn’s
as part of other trips, the opening of the dude family. Stirn, who lived in Cleveland, Ohio at the
ranches was the first time visitors really came time, attended Teton Valley Ranch Camp in the
and stayed just to see Jackson, spending a month 1960s. When his parents came to pick him up
at a time because the journey was so long. from camp, they stayed at the R Lazy S and fell
in love with it.
“Dude ranching is what opened up Jackson Hole,” Stirn’s grandfather bought the Aspen M Ranch to
Turner said. “The ranches brought people from protect the land, and when the R Lazy S’s lease in
all over the country, primarily the East Coast. It Grand Teton National Park ended, they moved the
was the first tourist industry Jackson really had.” operation there. Stirn is the third generation to own
Dude ranching was also the first major industry the ranch. His sons, also involved, are the fourth.
in Jackson other than agriculture. And it was the People keep coming back because little has
visitors’ reports about the amazing views they changed. “It’s just good ol’ dude ranching, but
saw in Jackson that brought in more people and with good food,” Stirn said.
also garnered support for protecting the land- The three original dude ranches are gone. The
scape. “I credit dude ranchers with being the Triangle X is now the only dude ranch in Grand
founding fathers of Grand Teton National Park,” Teton National Park.
Turner said.
It was in 1926 that John S. Turner and his son, But some things haven’t changed. Guests return
John C. Turner, came from Utah and purchased each summer—some for more than 50 years.
two homesteads. The buildings still stand and are “It’s a way of life for them,” Turner said. “It’s
in use today at the ranch. The Turners, like other the location. It’s these kids that were brought
ranchers of their time, never planned to make their up here and they want their kids to experience
operation a dude ranch, but found they needed to the same things.”
supplement their income and could capitalize on Five generations of Turners have worked at the
the great views and recreation opportunities. And, Triangle X. Some go off to become lawyers or real
once people came, they kept coming back. estate brokers. Some return to work full-time at
At the R Lazy S Ranch, returning guests are given the ranch. The newest Turner, a baby born a few
belt buckles when they hit milestones. They’ve months ago, hasn’t worked on the ranch—yet. n
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
The History of Jackson Hole
IMAGES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
PROTECTED PLACES
Jackson Hole’s Conservation History
BYellowstone National Park
efore Yellowstone became the world’s first national park, it was home to native people for over
11,000 years. The region provided crucial hunting grounds for those who lived in the area and
traveled through.
The first Europeans to set foot in Yellowstone that included scientists as well as artist Thomas Montana by rail (after the rail line was built in
included John Colter, who came to the park Moran and photographer William H. Jackson. 1902) and then transfer to a stagecoach for the
around 200 years ago. When early explorers vis- Impressed by what the group found, President rest of their journey.
ited the park and recounted what they saw to Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation in 1872 that The first automobile, a Model T, drove through
people back East, they were met with disbelief created the world’s first national park. However, the park in 1915. Two years later, over 5,000
and skepticism, as many couldn’t believe their not many people were able to make the journey cars visited Yellowstone during the summer
fantastical tales of spewing geysers and boiling to Yellowstone in those days. Access was difficult months. However, the journey always had its
mud. In 1871, an official government expedi- and visitors would typically arrive in Gardiner, dangers. The active geology of Yellowstone
tion set out to explore the area, with a group
20
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
“Looking around the valley, it’s easy to see why
people have worked long and hard to protect the natural
treasures of Jackson Hole. Forward-thinking
conservationists used the area as a living laboratory of sorts,
creating the world’s first national park and even developing
a refuge for some of our most majestic ungulates.”
came to life in 1959, when a massive earthquake took far longer to create. A 1929 act of Congress
killed 28 and triggered never-before-recorded protected the original park, which encompassed
geyser activity. just the Teton Range and six glacial lakes.
By the 1970s, conservationists were working to Soon, financier and philanthropist John D. fences. Unrestrained hunting negatively impacted
save the ecological treasures within the park, Rockefeller, Jr. began purchasing nearby land the elk population and, during harsh winters,
holding the 1972 First World Conference on for possible inclusion in a protected area. How- thousands of elk starved.
National Parks in Yellowstone, in honor of the ever, locals resented “Eastern monied interests” During the winter of 1889-1890, over 20,000 elk
park’s 100th anniversary. In 1976, Yellowstone being involved in the future of their Western perished from a herd of 50,000. By 1909, there
was deemed a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and, lands. In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt were fewer than 10,000 remaining. Jackson’s res-
in 1978, it was declared a World Heritage Site. created Jackson Hole National Monument with idents were concerned that the elk herd would
However, just 10 years later, the park was threat- federal land and property donated by Rockefel- not survive, so they decided to take action, col-
ened by a massive fire. The fires of 1988 began in ler (though Rockefeller’s land wasn’t officially lecting $600 (the equivalent of $15,000 today) to
June of that year, burning 1.4 million acres before turned over until 1949). purchase hay to feed them. The following year,
October snows extinguished the blazes, despite the state paid Stephen Leek $5,000 to feed the
the efforts of over 25,000 firefighters and the Local sentiments changed after World War II, elk on his land south of town. In 1911, the U.S.
$120 million spent. when residents realized that tourism could sig- Congress authorized $20,000 for feeding the elk
Today, visitation continues to increase, with nificantly boost their local economy. On Septem- and investigating the situation.
3.2 million visitors in the first nine months of ber 14, 1950, President Harry S. Truman signed a In 1912, Congress established a winter elk
2014 alone. As visitation increases, managers bill merging the original 1929 park and the 1943 reserve in the valley, which was officially named
continue to seek the best policies to balance the monument (including Rockefeller’s land) into the the National Elk Refuge in 1940. n
needs of people, wildlife, and the treasures of 310,000-acre Grand Teton National Park, creating
Yellowstone. its present day boundaries.
Grand Teton National Park National Elk Refuge
While it took only two years to create Yellow- After settlers established ranches in the valley in
stone National Park, Grand Teton National Park the late 1800s, elk were forced to compete with
cattle for their native forage and their normal
movement patterns were restricted by ranchers’
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
The History of Jackson Hole
IMAGES JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT
A TETON TRADITION
History of Skiing at
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jumping through flaming rings on
skis was an early valley tradition,
as brothers Sam, Ed, and Joe Hicks
(dubbed the “Hoback Boys”) frequently
liked to entertain themselves and others
with their “ski circuses.” However, other
valley skiers preferred to push the skiing
envelope in ways that didn’t involve
fire. In 1935, Paul Petzoldt, Curly
Petzoldt, and Fred Brown made the
first known ski descent of Rendezvous
Peak, which would later become part
of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
The word was out that Jackson had world-class The following year, McCollister and Barry Corbet
skiing and, in 1936, U.S. Olympic ski team mem- skied Rendezvous Peak. When they were near the
ber Betty Woolsey came to the area to train. peak, Corbet looked at the now-famous couloir
After World War II, skiing became very popular, that bears his name, mentioning that someone
in part due to the work of the 10th Mountain would one day ski that route. A year or two later,
Division. Local ski aficionados formed the Jack- Corbet was one of the first to ski it, though ski
son Hole Winter Sports Association in 1945. patroller Lonnie Ball made the first known descent
Seven years later, a man named Paul McCollister of Corbet’s Couloir.
fell in love with skiing in California. In 1956, McCo- Land at the bottom of Rendezvous Mountain was
llister retired from his radio advertising career at selling for a mere $1,355 per acre, so McCollister
the age of 42 and spent time skiing in Europe and started snapping up land in 1961. The following
attending the Winter Olympics in Italy. When he year, he hired ski area expert Willy Schaeffler to
returned to the U.S., he bought a cattle ranch in examine avalanche hazards on the mountain, and
Jackson Hole and moved to the valley. explore the viability of building a ski area there.
In 1959, McCollister, who was president of the Jack- After getting the green light from from Schaef-
son Hole Ski Club, became chairman of the Jackson fler’s study, McCollister formed the Jackson Hole
Hole Corporation, which was a local group investi- Ski Corporation in 1963, with partners Alex Mor-
gating the possibility of building another ski resort ley and Gordon Graham. After a few years, Paul
in the area. Areas considered included Cache Creek bought out his partners, operating the resort for
and Grand Teton National Park’s Static Peak. over three decades.
22
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
Construction on Jackson Hole Mountain 2,700 vertical feet in less than eight minutes. Science
Resort began in the spring of 1964, including Beginner and intermediate skiers also found of Snow
construction on the original Aerial Tram. In a quick way to access mellow terrain with the
1965, Apres Vous Mountain opened to the installation of the Teewinot high-speed quad Pioneering
public and the following year the Aerial Tram chairlift in 1997. Avalanche Research
opened, taking 52 people to the summit of Backcountry skiers no longer had to dodge ski in Jackson Hole
Rendezvous Mountain in under 11 minutes. patrol and duck under ropes to access their
Seeking out stellar expertise, McCollister favorite backcountry powder stashes as of the When Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
hired Pepi Stiegler, 1964 Olympic slalom gold winter of 1999-2000, when the backcountry was first developed, it was unique
medal winner, to serve as the resort’s first gate system began, allowing people to legally among North American ski resorts,
ski school director. Soon, JHMR became a head out-of-bounds. Over 200 additional having over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. The
prime racing destination, with the first down- acres of expert terrain became available in climatic differences throughout the bands of
hill race hosted in 1968, followed by the first 2004, when an area known as the “Crags” was elevation presented challenges to operators
National Powder 8 Championships in 1970. opened to the public. looking to reduce avalanche hazards.
A new era began in 1992, when McCollister sold After decades of use, it was time for a big- In the early 1960s, top avalanche experts,
Jackson Hole Ski Corporation to the Kemmer- ger, faster Aerial Tram. In 2006, the tram including Walt Hines (from Mt. Baker,
ers, a family with 100 years of Wyoming roots. was closed for replacement. After two Washington), Dick Stillman (from Berthoud
John Resor was named president of the corpo- years of construction and a $32 million Pass, Colorado) and Ed LaChapelle (from
ration, until he resigned in 1995, and current investment, the new Aerial Tram opened in Alta Avalanche Study Center) were hired
president Jerry Blann took over the position. 2008, bringing 100 passengers 4,139 verti- to develop an avalanche mitigation plan for
During the winter of 1997-1998, the Bridger cal feet up the mountain in only nine min- the proposed resort.
Gondola opened, carrying passengers up utes—the longest continual vertical rise of
any U.S. lift. n The earliest avalanche hazard mitigation
efforts involved mounted artillery, with
“Corbet looked at the now-famous couloir two guns positioned on the mountain and
that bears his name, mentioning that someone two on the valley floor. A few years later,
electricity and phone lines were utilized to
would one day ski that route.” install weather instruments that would pro-
vide real-time data to analysts on the valley
floor. From 1965-1975, a team of experts,
including Juris Krisjansons, Gary Poulson,
Rod Newcomb, and John Simms, along with
other ski patrollers, worked to pioneer ava-
lanche control efforts at the mountain. Their
work became the industry standard.
John Simms developed the first prototypes of
lightweight, collapsible avalanche probe poles
and shovels that are now used throughout the
world. Simms started Snow Research Associ-
ates, which is now Life-Link International.
The daily backcountry avalanche forecasts
issued by the Bridger-Teton National For-
est began in the mid-1970s, with data from
weather instruments and snow studies and
analysis provided by Gary Poulson. By the
mid-1980s, these efforts expanded and Jim
Kanzler led the avalanche control program. By
the 1990s, forecasts appeared online and ava-
lanche rescue dogs were incorporated into the
program. From 2000-2006, grant funds from
the Recreational Trails Program worked to
expand the avalanche forecast and education
efforts, including providing more information
on areas frequented by snowmobilers. n
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
The History of Jackson Hole
IMAGES COLLECTION OF
THE JACKSON HOLE HISTORICAL
SOCIETY AND MUSEUM AND
MIKE JACKSON
SNOW76KYIENARGS OSFKIING
Town Hill Celebrates Past,
Looks Toward Future
Over 100 years ago, valley residents used their skis primarily for
transportation. However, Snow King was one of the first areas that
locals used for recreational skiing. Conveniently located right on
the edge of town—and partially cleared by an 1879 forest fire—skiers were
taking advantage of the “Town Hill” by the 1920s, hiking up and skiing down.
In 1926, resident Mike O’Neil even constructed a ski jump on the mountain.
The Civilian Conservation Corps built an Winter Sports Association, which raised
equestrian and hiker trail in 1936, which $40,000 to install the mountain’s first chair-
became the first sanctioned ski run for lift in 1946-1947. Over 8,500 riders used
Snow King. The following year, Fred Brown the lift, which rose 1,400 vertical feet, the
formed the Jackson Hole Ski Association following season. It was upgraded to a dou-
to promote skiing and host a variety of ble chair lift in 1959.
events, including “ski circuses” where peo- Snow King’s ski school helped generations
ple would perform in costumes and cow- of skiers hone their mountain skills, begin-
boy clothing. Brown also became president ning in the 1940s. Famed skier Bill Briggs
of the new Jackson Hole Ski Club, which
developed a racing program and other
activities, including ski jumping and down-
hill competitions.
Neil Rafferty, known as the “Father of Snow
King,” built a cable tow on the mountain in
1939. Powered by a Ford tractor, the lift
brought skiers up the hill in eight minutes.
This quick route to the top helped bring races
to the mountain, and the first annual Tri-State
Meet was held in 1940. Soon, two more rope
tows were added, and slopeside lights helped
keep the resort open into the evening hours.
Rafferty would spend the next 35 years
developing and running the ski area. In
1946, he worked to form the Jackson Hole
24
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
“Neil Rafferty, Integrity. Service. Expertise.
known as the ‘Father of
Snow King,’ built a cable 270 W. Pearl Ave. Suite 101 | 307.734.9949 | 307.690.3209 | thenevillegroup.com
tow on the mountain in 25
1939. Powered by a JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
Ford tractor, the lift
brought skiers up the hill
in eight minutes.”
launched his Great American Ski School
in 1967. Additional services, including ski
patrol, were also required on the grow-
ing hill. The Jackson Hole Chapter of the
National Ski Patrol was established in 1941.
Over the years, new lifts were added and
summer activities, including scenic chairlift
rides and the alpine slide, began in 1961.
Since 1975, Snow King has ended its win-
ter season when the World Championship
Snowmobile Hill Club comes to town, and
racers head straight up the Exhibition Run
on their machines. The tradition celebrates
its 40th anniversary this March.
In 1976, Western Standard Corporation
acquired the ski area and developed Snow
King Lodge (originally called Ramada Snow
King Inn). In 1979, these facilities were con-
solidated under Snow King Resort, run by
Manuel Lopez.
Last winter was the 75th anniversary of
Snow King, and celebrations included a
free ski day and party, as well as a special,
enhanced torchlight parade with skiers
holding torches in a “75” formation. Snake
River Brewery created Snow King Pale Ale
to celebrate the 75th anniversary and it was
so popular that a second batch of the beer
is planned for this winter.
In 2014, the owners reinvested over $4 mil-
lion into the mountain, mainly to enhance
snow-making efforts. Improvements included
two new snow-making pump houses to bring
water to the top of the mountain and tripling
snow gun inventory, with the help of the Jack-
son Hole Ski and Snowboard Club. “Basically,
we’re doubling the water capacity,” Snow King
general manager Ryan Stanley said. “We also
have a water chiller which can make snow in
slightly warmer temperatures.” They are also
upgrading lifts and J.P. Martin, a well-known
terrain park designer, will be developing a
park that includes large jumps.
Next winter, Snow King plans to open early
to ski teams, allowing racers from the Rocky
Mountain region to train during the month
of November. This year, skiing on the moun-
tain begins on December 6. n
Visitor’s Guidepost Jackson Hole Facts & Statistics
WORDS KRISTEN POPE • Time zone:……..……..……..MST UTC-7 (Summer MDT UTC-6)
IMAGE COLLECTION OF THE JACKSON HOLE • Teton County seat: ……..……..……..……..……..……..…… Jackson
• L argest town in Teton County: ……..……..……..……..… Jackson
PioneeringHISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM • Jackson’s 2010 year-round population: ……..……..…….9,577
Spirits • Teton County’s 2010 year-round population: ……..…… 21,294
• Winter population increase: ……..……..……..……..……. +5,000
Jackson Tested the Mettle of • Summer population increase: ……..……..……..……..… +52,000
Early Settlers • Zip codes: ……..……..……..…….. 83001, 83002, 83014, 83025
• Elevation in town of Jackson: ……..……..……..……..……. 6,237’
When the first settlers came to the Jackson Hole • Elevation in Jackson Hole Valley: ……..……..…… 6,069-6,779’
valley, they were seeking adventure and a new • Grand Teton’s height: ……..……..……..……..……..……. 13,775’
place to call home. Life wasn’t easy in the valley • Length of Jackson Hole Valley: ……..……..……..……..… 48 miles
100 years ago. With a short growing season and frigid • Width of Jackson Hole Valley: ……..……..……..…….8-15 miles
temperatures, there were many times settlers had to use • Y ear Snow King Ski Area, Wyoming’s
their ingenuity to survive and get through the harsh winters.
first ski area, opened: ……..……..……..……..……..……..……1939
It took a lot of determination to make a home in a land where the temperature • Year Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opened: ……..……..1966
plunged to –66 Fahrenheit in the era before electric heating, power lines, and emer- • Jackson Hole Mountain Resort vertical drop: ……..…… 4,139’
gency services. Using their inventiveness, combined with the helping hands of neigh- • Year Yellowstone National Park established: ……..……..1872
bors, our forefathers worked together to persevere and establish the town of Jackson. • Year Grand Teton National Park established: ……..……..1929
Equality was a keystone of the Equality State even before it became a state. Wyoming • Annual visitation in Grand Teton: ……..……..……. 3-4 million
women were granted voting rights in 1869, over 20 years before the territory was • Most valuable industry: ……..……..……..……..……..…… Tourism
granted statehood. By the time 1920 came around and women across the nation • Percentage of Teton County publicly owned: ……..……..…97%
were granted the right to vote, Jackson women were leading the first all-female town • Area of Bridger-Teton National Forest: ……..…….3.4mil acres
council in the United States. • Number of feature films shot in Jackson Hole: ……..……. 15+
From homesteading, to creating ski areas, to finding ways to protect our cherished • Mammal species in Jackson Hole/Yellowstone: ……..…… 60+
lands, early residents went above and beyond to establish this town and help lay the • Bird species in Jackson Hole/Yellowstone: ……..……..…100+
foundation for modern day residents and visitors. • Active thermal features in Yellowstone: ……..……..…… 10,000
As we celebrate Jackson’s centennial, we also look forward to face the challenges of • Climate: ……..……..……. humid continental (almost subarctic)
tomorrow. From finding ways to balance wildlife and human needs, to enjoying and pro-
tecting our natural resources, to keeping the valley’s ranching heritage alive, to addressing Weather
growth and housing challenges, we look forward to a new era in Jackson’s history.
This issue of JHStyle explores our pioneering history, celebrates the 100th anniversary Summer (July/Aug) Average High: 78 / Average Low: 40
of the town of Jackson, and looks forward to the next 100 years. Read about the past Spring/Fall: Average High: 68 / Average Low: 30
in these pages and be inspired to help guide and develop the future. n Winter: Average 0-30
26 Record high: 97
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15 Record low: -46
Useful Phone Numbers
Area code (307)
Emergency ……..……..……..……..……..……..……..……..……..…… 911
Road Conditions ……..……..……..……..……..…… 1.888.WYO.ROAD
Central Reservations ……..……..……..……..……..……888.733.1093
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ……..……..……..……..… 733.2292
START Bus ……..……..……..……..……..……..……..……..…… 733.4521
Hospital ……..……..……..……..……..……..……..……..…….. 733.3636
Airport ……..……..……..……..……..……..……..……..……..… 733.7682
Jackson Police ……..……..……..……..……..……..……..…… 733.1430
Teton County Sheriff ……..……..……..……..……..……..… 733.4052
Grand Targhee ……..……..……..……..……..……..……..…… 353.2300
Snow King ……..……..……..……..……..……..……..……..…… 733.5200
Grand Teton National Park ……..……..……..……..…….. 739.3300
Yellowstone National Park ……..……..……..……..……..… 344.7381
Bridger-Teton National Forest ……..……..……..……..… 739.5500
Jackson Chamber of Commerce ……..……..……..…….. 733.3316
Grand Teton Association ……..……..……..……..……..…… 739.3606
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Three convenient locations treating everything from
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Clinic at Teton Village (open during ski season)
Cody House, Teton Village, WY 307 739 7346
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1415 S. Highway 89, Jackson, WY 307 739 8999
The St. John’s brand
The brand includes our icon and major and Use this guide when planning any type
subtext treatments, a custom color palette, of visual communication. In addition
St. John’s Emergency Departmentrequiredtypography,anddirectionasto to outlining use of the logo, the guide
how to use the logo in layout and design.includes technical details needed by
All visual communications must maintain graphic designers in creating materials
a consistent representation of the brand f or the medical center. Any material
whether created internally of by outside created by outside agencies must be
approved before publication or final use.
Please call the Public Communications
office, 307 733 3636, if there is any doubt
about identity usage.
625 E. Broadway, Jackson, WY 307 733contractors. EverytimetheSt.John’s 3636
logo appears, it must be integrated with
all the other visual communications of St.
John’s brand whether used for St. John’s
Medical center or its divisions, partners or
associates.
St John’s Medical Center
Dial 911 in case of emergency tetonhospital.org/urgent
27
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
Calendar of Events
IMAGES TETON VALLEY FOUNDATION
Winter Happenings
In Jackson, Teton Village, Alta, and Teton Valley, Idaho
12.06 12.06 12.31 12.31
TARGHEE TUNE UP HOLIDAY FESTIVAL AND NEW YEAR’S EVE TORCHLIGHT PARADES
NORDIC RACE LIGHT PARADE FAMILY SKATE AND FIREWORKS
Events held at Grand
Skate or classic ski the 5K Since 2003, people flock Celebrate the last day of
and 10K races at Rick’s to Victor, Idaho each December by skating with Targhee, Snow King, and
Basin at Grand Targhee. Jackson Hole Mountain
December for this event the family at Kotler Ice
that features a live nativity Arena in Teton Valley. Resort.
scene, eats, a holiday
performance,
fireworks, and family fun.
01.10 01.23–02.01 01.30–02.08 02.13–22
TETON RIDGE CLASSIC TETON VALLEY GREAT INTERNATIONAL JACKSON HOLE
This is the 12th year of this SNOW FEST PEDIGREE STAGE STOP WINTERFEST
classic Nordic race hosted The fifth annual
This Teton Valley event has SLED DOG RACE WinterFest features
by Teton Valley Trails & expanded to fill two Opening ceremonies two weeks of festivities,
Pathways. weekends this year. herald the start of this including ice skating on the
race, which kicks off on Town Square, cutter races,
Activities include snow January 30 in Jackson. Jackson Ice Fest at the
sculptures, Nordic races, Catch stage two on Exum Ice Park, Pica’s
January 31 in Alpine, Margarita Cup at Snow
skijoring, parties, Wyoming, and then stage King and skijoring events
snowcross, film festivals, three heads through presented by the Jackson
Hole Shriners Club.
and more. Driggs, Idaho on
February 1. 04.04
02.14 03.14–15 03.26-29 03.28 03.28 MARY’S NIPPLE
CHALLENGE AT GRAND
MOOSE CHASE NORDIC MINI HAHNENKAMM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POLE, PEDAL, PADDLE WYDAHO FAT BIKE
MARATHON TOWN DOWNHILL RACE SNOWMOBILE HILL This four-event spring CHAMPIONSHIP TARGHEE
CLIMB Each year, skiers and
The Jackson Hole Ski and This favorite annual The Jackson Hole Snow ritual is completed Bikers on fat tires show snowboarders hike up
Snowboard Club features happening at Snow King Devils host the 40th individually or in teams. their skills at this Grand a run at Grand Targhee
this race at the Trail Creek and ride down, striving to
Nordic Center. It features draws over 200 annual hill climb this year. The legs of the race Targhee event. complete as many laps as
a variety of race options competitors in a variety Over 10,000 fans and 300 include Alpine skiing, possible within a three-
for skate and classic skiers, of categories (including racers from the U.S. and cross country skiing, hour window. Participants
including a 30K (that skis pro, recreation, telemark, Canada compete, racing bicycling, and boating. find sponsors, who either
like a 50K), 15K, 5K, 3K, junior, fat ski, baggy, and their machines straight up This event is a fundraiser make a flat contribution
snowboard). Over 500 Snow King’s steepest run for the Jackson Hole Ski or donate per vertical foot
and a free 1K. spectators come to watch and Snowboard Club, completed by the racer.
and revel in the party for charity. which provides affordable Proceeds support local
breast cancer patients.
atmosphere. ski programs for
local youth.
28
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
Winter Adventures
A FIRST SKI DESCENT TRACKS • Grand Teton, 1971
by Bill Briggs, Director of Snow King Ski School, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Photography by Virginia Huidekoper
GRAND ADVENTURE
Climbing and Skiing the Grand Teton
WORDS MORGAN MCGLASHON | IMAGES JONATHAN SELKOWITZ
One starry June evening in 1971, the powder-seeking legend Bill
Briggs strolled into the bar and told his friends he’d just skied
the Grand Teton. Not surprisingly, no one believed him. No one
had ever skied the Grand Teton.
30
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
“I could make out the lights from BODY SAGE SPA
town and smiled—waking up at At the Rusty Parrot Lodge
10,000 feet on the side of a mountain
tends to have that effect on me.”
The next day, he recruited Virginia Huidekoper from the local news-
paper. She hopped in a small plane to fly over the Grand Teton and
take an iconic photo of his ski tracks, headed straight off the sum-
mit and into Ford Couloir. The next night, when he returned to the
bar, Briggs had proof of his accomplishment and made history in the
world of ski mountaineering.
Since then, Garnet Canyon has seen not only the heavy traffic of eager
climbers seeking the summit in the later summer months, but an influx
of skiers in late spring following in Briggs’ footsteps. This past spring,
my friend Sawyer Thomas, with his father Charlie Thomas, friend H.J.,
and myself set out to summit and then ski the Grand Teton. However,
we made sure to have a camera on hand so no one at the Stagecoach
on disco night questioned our weekend excursion.
At 1 a.m., the duck ringtone on my phone started quacking, and I
could hear Charlie outside moving around. Sawyer hit snooze and
tried to go back to sleep while I struggled to open my eyes. It was
hard to leave the warmth of my sleeping bag, thinking about the
3,000 vertical-feet yet to climb. The first couple hours of climbing
would be in the dark. I knew we were on a time crunch if we were
going to make the summit before it got too warm, so I gave Sawyer
a nice shove and crawled out of my bag.
Rain clouds from a few hours before had vanished and it turned out
to be a cool, crisp May night. The stars were crystal clear from our
perch at the bottom of Teepee Glacier. I could make out the lights
from town and smiled—waking up at 10,000 feet on the side of a
mountain tends to have that effect on me.
I forced my feet into frozen ski boots, stuffed a few layers into my
pack, and sat down on a rock while I tried to swallow a few bites of
oatmeal, while waiting on Sawyer to make his way out of the tent
to do the same. After securing our camp and filling water, we put on
our crampons and began to ascend the glacier.
You overdo.
We undo.
307.733.4455
rustyparrot.com/spa
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
Winter Adventures
The day before we had hiked from the Lupine “My enthusiasm was By the time we made our way out of the Chevy
Meadows Trailhead until we hit snow and were ignited again, this time by the Couloir and into the Lower Ford Couloir, my
able to put on our skis and start heading up the sunrise. This lasted until we spirits had deteriorated again and I was work-
mountain using “skins” on our skis to ascend. ing really hard to keep my feet moving. Sawyer
We didn’t see anyone until we rounded the cor- hit the melting ice...” seemed to be a mile ahead, so I put my head
ner into Garnet Canyon and ran into a party of down and started counting backwards in Span-
five. I remember thinking, “I wonder what they couch. Beginning to doubt myself, I could feel ish—a trick I use to kill time in my mental space
are doing up here? Maybe they just went up to my throat swelling, my face getting hot, and I while climbing—and pushed on to the summit.
the Meadows? Did they summit? Who was the thought I might cry. Before I knew it, we were laughing and taking
90 pound kid on twin tips?” As we got closer, I photos on top of the 13,775-foot Grand Teton. I
recognized the Johnstone family. Suddenly, through the haze of my self-doubt, I smiled to myself, and tried not to be too enthusi-
Charlie and his friend H.J. were a little ways realized we had made it to the top of the Teepee astic for Charlie, who had likely been to the sum-
behind us and they stopped and talked to Hans Glacier. I couldn’t believe it. Conquering the first mit hundreds of times.
and Nancy Johnstone about the conditions closer major landmark gave me the energy I needed to Clouds rolled in around us, so we quickly scram-
to the summit. When we took a break to eat some keep moving. We ate an Cliff bar and headed to bled off the summit and began to make our way
cookies, Charlie told us the Johnstones had just the bottom of the Stettner Couloir. back down. I watched Sawyer click into his skis
come down from the summit with their 15-year- and begin making turns on the ridge, headed
old son, Sasha. It wasn’t until we returned to Until that moment, I had never used an ice axe for back towards the Ford Couloir. At that moment,
town the next day that I read the newspaper and more than just a backup to control a fall on mod- the roller coaster of mental and physical strength
learned that Sasha was the youngest person to erately steep snow fields. Working our way up the it took to get to the top was all worth it because
climb and ski from the summit of the Grand. icy, rock-walled couloir, I used every ounce of my this is where I wanted to be.
My thoughts returned to the mountain as the physical strength to grip and swing my ice tools, I am not much of a climber, and certainly not
route grew steeper. We each pulled out our second reaching the depths of my mental strength to trust an ice climber, but I am a skier. This was what
ice tool as we continued up the glacier. Knowing I they would hold me. About halfway up, the sun I was looking forward to the entire way up. I
was the slowest in the group, I tried to position began to creep above the horizon and around the stood there for a moment to take it all in and
myself in the middle so as not to fall behind. Con- edges of the couloir. My enthusiasm was ignited swallow the butterflies. My vision of skiing the
sequently, as soon as I let Sawyer go ahead of me, again, this time by the magnificent Teton sunrise. Grand Teton was nothing like I’d imagined. It’s
the gap between us grew quickly. I was in the back, slow and calculated, a few turns at a time, a
it was dark, and I was getting more and more ner- This lasted until we hit the melting ice. The tem- lot of rappelling—not quite like arcing powder
vous, moving slower with every step. perature had not dropped low enough that night turns off Cody Peak. The snow was rock solid,
Negative thoughts began to consume my mind as for everything to completely re-freeze. As we steep, and hardly what I would call good skiing,
I wondered if I was really cut out for this expedi- reached the steepest section of the Stettner, I but nonetheless, a huge grin spread across my
tion. Charlie and Sawyer were training for their shoved my ice tools into the running water, faced face and I could feel myself glowing as I took my
upcoming trip to Alaska. I had decided to do this the fact I was going to be drenched, and began to first turns down the side of the mountain, the
on a whim, my first weekend home from my work my way up the icefall. whole way thinking to myself, “This is just how
first semester at college—basically right off the Bill Briggs did it.” n
32
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
Winter Adventures
Nordic
Paradise
Sehnerts Lead Turpin
Meadow Ranch
WORDS KRISTEN POPE
IMAGES JONATHAN SELKOWITZ
Ten years ago, Ali and Sam
Sehnert were dreaming
of ways they could make
the best life for themselves in
the valley. With strong skiing
backgrounds, the couple thought
running a destination cross-
country ski resort would be a
dream come true. Now, they
manage the Turpin Meadow
Ranch near Moran—exactly
the type of situation they had
visualized. “That was pie-in-the-
sky 10 years ago,” Sam said. “It’s
just amazing to see we had the
opportunity to live that out.”
The Sehnerts have known each other since they
were nine years old, growing up in Fairbanks,
Alaska. They reconnected 13 years ago and
their paths crossed over and over throughout
the years, with both studying kinesiology at
the University of Colorado, Boulder. The couple
later married. “Our paths merged and haven’t
deviated again,” Sam said.
Early in 2014, Ali and Sam were brought on
as ranch managers at the facility, which is a
cross-country ski center in the winter and a
dude ranch come summertime.
Ali has a strong background in cross-country ski-
ing—she grew up cross-country skiing in Alaska,
earned a ski scholarship to University of Colo-
rado, Boulder, and was part of two NCAA cham-
pionship teams. After college, she took a break
34
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
“The feeling out here, BRED TO
at the end of the road and secluded,
LOVE
is pretty magical.”
TRAINED TO
– Sam Sehnert
PROTECT
from competitive skiing and started coaching. “It brought out
a whole other love of the entire sport for me,” Ali said. “I abso- FORMERLY SNAKE RIVER K9
lutely fell in love with the idea of turning kids on to cross-country
skiing and taking kids without a lot of confidence in themselves In Norse mythology, Svalinn is the
and their abilities and teaching them that, with hard work and name of a legendary shield given
dedication, they are able to accomplish a lot of different things.” by the gods. Today, it defines the
qualities of our highly trained dogs.
After spending four years as assistant program director for Sun
Valley’s program, she received an offer to direct the Jackson Find out more at our new site
Hole Ski Club’s Nordic program, and she moved to Jackson 10
years ago. SVALINN.COM / PRIVATECLIENT
Sam started cross-country ski-
ing as a kid in Fairbanks, but
quickly fell in love with down-
hill skiing. He moved to Jackson
in 2000 to ski and figure out
graduate school. He worked as
a backcountry ski guide, as well
as lead guide and manager for
Alaska Rendezvous Heli-Skiing.
During the summers, he built
custom homes.
Now, he focuses on the build-
ing and maintenance side of
the ranch, keeping building
projects in motion and making
sure everything is working as
the facilities manager, while
Ali serves as general manager.
Ranch owners Hans and Nancy Johnstone are both former Nor-
dic Olympians. “They have a deep-rooted love for the sport and
it’s a pretty cool opportunity for the ranch to be a cross-country
ski center,” Ali said. The ranch features 15 kilometers of groomed
skate and classic ski trails, with access for fat bikes. They also
offer guided snowmobile tours on the Continental Divide Trail.
Future plans include snowmobile-accessed backcountry skiing
off of Togwotee Pass.
Since the Johnstones took over two years ago, the property
has seen extensive renovations, with the original 1932 cabins
undergoing a major overhaul. They also incorporated a variety
of sustainable features, including energy-efficient, on-demand
hot water systems, solar panels, and propane heat.
The amenities and beautiful location in the Buffalo Valley are
only part of the appeal. “There is an immediate sense of com-
munity and family at the ranch,” Sam said. With a capacity of
28 guests, there is room for plenty of one-on-one interaction.
“They get to talk to the chef every night about what they’re
eating. In wintertime, it’s even more intimate. The feeling out
here, at the end of the road and secluded, is pretty magical.” n
35
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
SK914_2845_JH_Style_Ad_3.75x9.875_Winter-MECH.indd 1 9/22/14 1:57 PM
Winter Adventures
IMAGES TETON VALLEY FOUNDATION
“Elk refuge sleigh rides
are a favorite way to witness thousands of
elk coming together.”
Winter Wonderland
Savor Winter in the Tetons
Winter is prime time in Head over Teton Pass and up to Alta, Wyoming’s include Bradley and Taggart Lakes, as well as head- BACKGROUND PHOTO - SHUTTERSTOCK.COM-JAY PETERSEN©
Jackson Hole. Whether Grand Targhee Resort. Located on the western side ing up the park road (which is closed to vehicles) via
you love to ski, of the Tetons, Targhee receives similar amounts human power towards Jenny Lake.
snowboard, snowshoe, or cozy up of snowfall as Jackson, with mellower slopes and OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN
inside, there is truly something fewer crowds. Targhee also offers SnowCat skiing. Nordic skiing is a popular way to get outside.
for everyone in this picture-perfect High Mountain Heli-Skiing offers helicopter-as- Shooting Star Nordic Track and Teton Pines Cross
mountain town. sisted skiing and snowboarding in mountains Country Ski Center both offer groomed trails and
near Jackson. Several local guiding companies, plenty of options. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
BIG MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES including Exum and Jackson Hole Mountain also offers tours, lessons, and rentals. Call JHMR
There are countless options for a visitor seeking to Guides, offer winter mountaineering trips. at 307.739.2629 for more information. Grand
head into the mountains come wintertime. Head NATURE LOVER’S PARADISE Targhee also offers a groomed track, as does Trail
to Teton Village and enjoy Jackson Hole Mountain National parks are open 365 days a year though Creek Nordic Center at the base of Teton Pass.
Resort, North America’s #1 ski resort, as ranked by many access roads close in the winter. The best way Head to Snow King’s King Tubes or Grand Targhee
SKI Magazine in 2013. See the Teton Village sec- to get into the heart of Yellowstone National Park in for a day of snow tubing. Ice skating is available at
tion for more information about offerings there. the winter is to go on a snowcoach tour. Numerous Snow King as well as at the Town Square (availability
operators bring visitors to Old Faithful and beyond. varies). Exum Ice Park is located at the base of Snow
In the town of Jackson, head to the “Town Hill,” Additionally, some roads on the northern side of King and offers lessons and climbing opportunities.
Snow King Resort, which is a local’s and racer’s favor- the park are open year-round, weather depen- See ExumGuides.com for more information.
ite. Enjoy the steepest average slope of any ski hill dent. Grand Teton National Park offers numerous Hot springs are a great, relaxing way to stay warm.
in North America. Don’t worry—there are plenty of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backcoun- Locals like to head up to Granite Hot Springs or Kelly
green and blue runs on the lower mountain. try skiing opportunities for the adventurous. Pop- Warm Springs. Dog sledding tours are available, as
ular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails
36
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
500% MORE
SNOW
100% P U R E
KING
well as winter fat-tire biking. Teton Mountain SKI • HIKE • BIKE • PADDLE • FISH • SNOWBOARD • CAMP • BACKPACK • SKI NO MATTER WHAT BIKE • PADDLE • FISH • SNOWBOARD • CAMP • BACKPACK • SKI • HIKE • BIKE
Bikes offers tours and rentals. Snowmobile THE WEATHER BRINGS ,
tours and rentals are available at various out- THE KING HAS IT COVERED.
fitters around town. Paragliding is available at
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and snow kite 21 NEW SNOWGUNS,
boarding is an option up near Togwotee Pass. COLDER WATER, TWICE THE
Elk refuge sleigh rides are a favorite way to WATER C APACITY, ALL THE WAY
witness thousands of elk coming together at TO THE SUMMIT.
the feedgrounds of the National Elk Refuge. • HIKE • BIKE • PADDLE • FISH • SNOWBOARD • CAMP • BACKPACK • SKI • HIKE •
Wildlife safaris are available from a number
of local outfits. New andforcoanlsl iygonumrenatdgveenatrures
Moose hockey games are a local’s favorite,
as the hometown Moose challenge rival Headwall Recycle Sports
teams at Snow King’s Ice Rink. 520 South Highway 89 • K-mart Plaza • Jackson, WY 83001 • 307-734-8022
WARM AND COZY
Winter recreation doesn’t always mean ven- www.Headwallsports.com
turing into the negative double-digit tem- 37
peratures. There are plenty of ways to enjoy
all that Jackson has to offer while staying JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
snug and indoors. View the world-class art-
work at the National Museum of Wildlife Art
or delve into the area’s history at Jackson
Hole Historical Society and Museum. Bring
the kids to Jackson Hole Children’s Museum
for interactive exhibits and fun. The Center
for the Arts offers a wide variety of shows
and Teton Raptor Center offers tours and
opportunities to meet the resident raptors.
Plenty of art galleries, boutiques, and spas
keep visitors warm and enriched. Award-win-
ning breweries, including Melvin/Thai Me Up,
Snake River, and the Roadhouse offer oppor-
tunities to cozy up with a pint while Jackson
offers dozens of high-quality fine-dining and
casual restaurants.
For more information on things to do:
JacksonHole.com/things-to-do.html or
JacksonHoleWY.com/things-to-do. n
Inspire
“We need to take a little emphasis
off the body form and what it looks like,
and put it onto what the body can do.”
– Lynsey Dyer
38
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
Ski Like “I’m in a unique at the top of a mountain—it’s essential. And the
a Girl position, after this many payoff from strength, whether in independent
filmmaking, backflips, or having the legs to keep
Lynsey Dyer’s years of skiing. up with the boys, is worth the work.
Film Pretty Faces I feel it’s my responsibility With vision and hard work also comes sacrifice.
Celebrates Female to give back to the sport Dyer admits she’s tired, at times unkempt, and she’s
Athletes lost boyfriends and friends over her dedication to
what it’s given to me.” this project. Most entrepreneurs, she recalls, have
WORDS DONDI TONDRO-SMITH told her the same thing she’s come to know: If any-
IMAGES JONATHAN SELKOWITZ AND LYNSEY DYER – Lynsey Dyer one knew how difficult a project would be before
they started, they’d never begin. Once you’re star-
The motto “Ski like a girl” has toe, hitting the cliffs, doing the tricks. We want to ing down a death-defying peak, or an insurmount-
become much more than a show girls there’s room for them.” able list of dream scenes for a film shot around the
kitschy bumper sticker—now In 2006, Dyer’s co-founded SheJumps, a non- world, “success becomes the only option.”
it’s more like an anthem and an ode profit that aims to provide girls with resources Pretty Faces is a project that took two years to cre-
to girl power. The ski industry born and programs to help facilitate experiences with ate. Dyer produced and directed the film, using her
in the small mountain towns of the the outdoors through adventure, education, and degree in graphic design from Montana State Uni-
Rockies has evolved tremendously community-building initiatives. versity. She also recruited some of the top names in
over the past 100 years—and one A.J. Cargill, Lynsey’s cousin and a pioneer female female skiing to contribute their powder prowess.
woman is making sure of that. big mountain skier, was her skiing mentor early In order to make a ski film about women, she
on and showed her that big air was possible. “She created her own production company Unicorn
Lynsey Dyer’s new film, Pretty Faces, was inspired used to literally kidnap me out of ski racing trips Picnic Productions. She raised funding through
by her desire to create female role models for to Jackson, and make me go jump off the cliffs,” the most successful action sports film campaign
young women. “I wanted to showcase what Dyer remembered. in Kickstarter history.
girls are capable of so that the next generation After 10 years as a professional skier—including One of her goals in directing the first all-female
of young women know they have a place in the plenty of time in ski films—Dyer has learned a ski movie is to share with others the ethereal and
mountains,” Dyer said. thing or two about the perseverance and tenacity playful qualities of her experiences on the slopes.
required to embark on an undertaking as massive She wants to highlight women who aren’t neces-
The ski industry has long used women to model as creating a successful film—not to mention the sarily sponsored by major brands but have some-
and sell products with their bodies, a trend that funding required. thing to contribute, women who capture the
Dyer hopes to offset with visual depictions of In the end, Dyer’s goal in producing the film is to essence and spirit of skiing. “I’m in a unique posi-
women shredding and displaying all facets of encourage girls’ willingness to be awkward or tion, after this many years of skiing,” she said. “I
who they are. “All of us females are trying to be imperfect and not give up. She believes that what feel it’s my responsibility to give back to the sport
everything,” she said. “We want to do it all. We allows girls to attain their ultimate success in skiing, what it’s given to me.”
want to be artists and mothers and also, toe-for- or anything they choose to do, is their strength. The strength to tackle mountains has become a
“We need to take a little emphasis off the body reflection of Dyer’s willingness to jump off the
form and what it looks like, and put it onto what other cliffs of life. For Dyer professionally, the
the body can do,” she said. Dyer adds that, as film’s uncharted territory has become another
athletes, women embody confidence through set of challenges for her to meet with the willing-
physical prowess. Strength is more than just sexy ness to fall, dust the snow off, and fly again. As if
to remind herself, Dyer says an endeavor doesn’t
have to be perfect to be accomplished. What we
can learn from the next generation of women is
that sometimes the best time to fly is now. n
39
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
Inspire
Cowgirl
Crowns
Miss Rodeo Wyoming
Sets Her Sights on
National Title
WORDS BRIELLE SCHAEFFER
IMAGES JONATHAN SELKOWITZ
Miss Rodeo Wyoming
2014, Desiree Bridges,
has already received
lots of job offers this year. But
she’s eager for a different
outcome from her reign. “My
plan is to win Miss Rodeo
America, so hopefully those jobs
can wait another year,” she said.
40
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
“I’m passionate about rodeo and It wouldn’t be the
I’m passionate about having others wild west if it wasn’t lled
understand rodeo.” with adventure.
– Desiree Bridges We have a lot to celebrate in this beautiful valley.
With amazing landscapes and wildlife,
Bridges, a Jackson resident, went to Las Vegas in November for the
seven-day Miss Rodeo America pageant. The event coincided with a colorful western legacy, art and culinary, and an
the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. unmatched playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
“There were a lot of good girls this year,” she said. “It was exciting Join us for one of these many Jackson Hole celebrations.
to see it all play out.”
She considers her time spent as royalty as an “unpaid internship” Adventure is just a road trip away.
and preparation for the grueling pageant. “I’ve been going to
rodeos and seeing how it all works,” Bridges said. INTERNATIONAL PEDIGREE® STAGE STOP
This year was a busy one for Bridges, who traveled around the
country to everything from the National Western Stock Show in SLED DOG RACE IPSSSDR
Denver, to events in Florida and Texas, as well as different in-state January 30 – February 8, 2015
rodeos where she promoted the “Western way of life.” “I’ve trav-
eled 15,000 miles in my pick-up,” she said. WINTERFEST
Bridges, former Miss Teton County Fair and Rodeo, was in the Miss February 13 - 22, 2015
Rodeo Wyoming pageant three times before she won the crown in WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HILL CLIMB
August 2013 at the five-day Miss Rodeo Wyoming pageant at the March 26 29, 2015
Wyoming State Fair in Douglas. She outshone her peers in person-
ality, speech, sales achievement, and horsemanship competitions ELKFEST
to win the title. May 16 - 17, 2015
As Miss Rodeo Wyoming, she sees her job as being a liaison OLD WEST DAYS
between the public and the rodeo lifestyle. “I’m passionate about May 22 - 25, 2015
rodeo and I’m passionate about having others understand rodeo,” JACKSON HOLE MARATHON
she said. “It’s so much fun and I love what I’m doing.” September 5th, 2015
One of the most rewarding parts of being queen has been work- FALL ARTS FESTIVAL
ing with Children’s Western Wish Foundation. The Cheyenne-based September 10 - 20, 2015
organization is similar to Make-A-Wish in that it centers on granting
wishes to children and young adults who face adversity. Bridges 112 Center Street • PO Box 550 • Jackson, WY 83001
helped grant five wishes this year, giving kids cowboy hats, piggin’ (307) 733-3316 • jacksonholechamber.com
strings, and a rodeo experience. “It’s a great thing for me to do,”
she said. 41
To prepare for the November pageant, she concentrated on study-
ing up on the equine industry, on which she was tested at the JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
event, riding horses, as well as beefing up her wardrobe. “There’s a
lot of clothes I had to have,” she said. Bridges needed four different
gowns for the pageant as well as different outfits for every day. “It
was a lot of planning and making sure I’ve got everything together,”
she said. “That’s a fun part.”
Bridges, a California native, didn’t start riding horses until she was
nine years old and moved to Wyoming to help on her stepfather’s
Thermopolis ranch. She is a 2009 high school alpine skiing state
champion and graduated from the University of Wyoming in May
2013 with a bachelors degree in agricultural business manage-
ment. Post pageant, Bridges plans to go to law school to study
water rights. n
Inspire
Big Hearts, Great Floors
Carpet Cowboys Help Neighbors in Need
WORDS BRIELLE SCHAEFFER | IMAGE DAVID BOWERS find the best flooring for their needs—for kitchen floor
dancing and handshake deals, to napping dogs, and
Chris and Josh Thulin know exactly what sort of multi- basketball games.
purpose flooring they need to keep their house clean with They stay up-to-date in the ever-evolving flooring
their menagerie of adopted pets. industry so they can inform their clients to make the
The owners of Carpet Cowboys have tile, Josh donates eggs from his fowl and organic best choices. Their showroom allows customers to
wood, and carpet for their three cats— vegetables from his extensive garden to browse a wide selection of samples like bamboo,
Hobbs, Calvin, and Mischief—and two Lab- families in need. Chris also volunteers with advanced carpet fibers, and even rubber-and-plank
mixes—Lightning and Abra. They adopted Hodia, a camp for children with diabetes. flooring. They’ve worked with new homeowners, med-
all their furry friends from the Teton County Helping out the community is important for ical offices, recreation centers, and commercial busi-
Animal Shelter in Jackson and the Teton the couple and, luckily, their business enables nesses to get the right materials for their needs.
Valley Community Animal Shelter in Driggs, them to help people every day with import- “Flooring varies from other types of retail sales in that,
Idaho. They also have nine ducks, six guinea ant decisions in their homes and businesses. if you find the proper product up front, you don’t need
hens, and 12 chickens. to replace it for many years,” Chris explained. “Our
goal is to educate our clients within a short timeframe
While they obviously have a love of animals, Over the last 17 years, the Thulins have on flooring options and alternatives. We bring them up
they also enjoy giving others a hand up. helped numerous families and businesses to speed so they can make an educated decision and
enjoy their choice until the next time they have a floor-
ing need. It’s not an impulse purchase.”
Their business has been around so long they’re starting
to have recurring customers with different needs, as
their families have grown or even left their homes. “It’s
fun to reconnect and hear about changes in their lives
and how their homes and lifestyles have changed,”
Chris said. “I like the fact that each project or job is dif-
ferent and has a combination of needs to be balanced
in order to end up with flooring that has both appeal
and function for our clients.”
The valley’s lifestyle and outdoor activities are reflected
in people’s flooring choices, according to Chris. “We’ve
seen the town grow from a very interesting perspec-
tive,” she said. The Thulins started Carpet Cowboys in
1997 after they moved to the valley and saw the need
for a flooring company.
They were a young working couple and needed the sec-
ond income to help raise their two children, Jase and
Elyse—who are now 25 and 22, respectively. “I had a
strong background in retail sales and customer service
and decided there was a niche for a flooring store,” Chris
said. Josh, a developer and builder, uses his extensive
background to help clients address and overcome struc-
tural flooring challenges and select the correct covering.
Carpet Cowboys continues to be a rewarding career for
the couple. “You get to meet a wide variety of peo-
ple, which includes everyone from young people rent-
ing their first apartment to people who own second
homes,” Chris said. “Punching the numbers is not half
as much fun as working with the clients themselves.” n
42
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
Get Back toYour Active Lifestyle
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• Skilled orthopaedic specialists
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• Find out more through our education classes, offered twice a month.
Sign up online at tetonhospital.org/jointclass
625 East Broadway 307 739 7501 To view a video on the joint
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Inspire
Spotlight on Nonprofits
In each issue of JHStyle, we highlight several organizations
that work to make this community a better place.
The Nature Conservancy KHOL Yellowstone-Teton Teton Literacy Center
Clean Energy Coalition
was the first organization to secure is a local, non-commercial radio sta- (YTCEC) meets the literacy needs of adults
conservation easements in the Jack- tion that was founded in 2008 and and children in the community,
son area, as early as the 1970s. They features locally-produced music, seeks to reduce regional petroleum providing a holistic family learning
work locally using a science-based news, and information. Over 45 use, improve air quality, increase center serving children from pre-Kin-
approach and community collabo- volunteers work to keep the sta- energy security, and sustainability dergarten through high school, as
ration to maintain wildlife migration tion running, gaining an education by promoting alternative fuels and well as their families. Volunteers
corridors and winter range. in radio production along the way. vehicles, as well as integrated trans- work one-on-one with students to
They work to inform the public Programming on KHOL, 89.1 FM, portation systems. YTCEC is one of provide remedial instruction and
about the importance of northwest includes public affairs, public service 90 organizations nationwide that are skill-building.
Wyoming’s lands and waters, as well announcements, community show- part of the Department of Energy’s Teton Literacy Center focuses on
as integrate scientific planning into cases, and commercial-free music. Clean Cities Program. family engagement, with family
addressing energy development In 2013, KHOL moved into the Cen- literacy programs that focus on
threats. The Conservancy reaches ter for the Arts and recently they Regional programs include the parent education, early childhood
out to local schools around Earth installed a transmitter on Snow King Greater Yellowstone Electric Vehi- education, parent enrichment, and
Day, sharing nature-related learn- to improve their signal. They also cle Working Group that advocates “parent and child together time.”
ing with 1,800 Jackson kids in 2014. added online streaming so that lis- for electric vehicles and charging They also provide enrichment activ-
They also produced a documentary teners can tune in on computers and stations, as well as the Green Fleets ities, including interest-focused, proj-
called Out of Yellowstone to help mobile devices from anywhere in program, which focuses on coach- ect-based learning—including clubs,
people gain awareness about the the world. 891KHOL.org ing vehicle fleet managers and pro- summer and out-of-school pro-
importance of winter wildlife range. viding energy audits that can help grams, and a Practice Kindergarten.
Nature.org/Wyoming them reach environmental and TetonLiteracy.org n
financial goals. YTCEC also hosts the
44 Sustainability Series and “Idle Free” IMAGES COURTESY: KHOL,
educational programs. Additionally, YELLOWSTONE-TETON CLEAN
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15 they produce the Consumer Infor- ENERGY COALITION, TETON
mation Guide, a tool for consumers LITERACY CENTER, THE NATURE
to analyze alternative fuel vehicles CONSERVANCY, SCOTT COPELAND
in the context of mountain driving.
YTCleanEnergy.org
Photographer : Audrey Hall, David Swift
scottsdale,az jackson,wy clbarchitects.com Inspired by Place
HHeigahltShtyylSetyPlreoLfiilveing
Inspired by Design
Crowley Excels at Education, Fashion
WORDS KRISTEN POPE | IMAGE FLORENCE MCCALL
From educating students in the outdoors, to tutoring, co-founding a school, and starting
her own eco-fashion company, Kathleen Crowley is passionate about many things.
The co-founder of the Jackson Hole Community getting it established,” she said. “Other people are
School and creator of the Belle Eco clothing and more geared towards taking over from where the
accessories brand began her foray into creativity entrepreneurs leave off.” She stayed for four years,
and education early on. After college, with a job working with Hirschfield as co-founders, co-heads,
lined up working in New York City’s art appraisal and even teaching a few courses. In 2008, she left,
world, she made the tough decision to postpone after seeing the first graduating class off into the
that career plan and follow other desires. world. “I was ready for a change,” Crowley said. “I’d
been working in education since 1992.”
She spent a year in Colorado, then taught outdoor She took time off to work a variety of jobs, includ-
education on Chesapeake Bay, teaching school ing a stint at Browse and Buy and three years at
groups about wilderness, plants, and animals. After Teton Mountaineering, where she worked as an
two sessions, she fell in love with teaching, but apparel buyer, honing her fascination with cloth-
craved mountains, so she headed to Jackson to ski ing. Playing with fabrics and textures, sewing and
for a few months. As the classic Jackson story goes, experimenting with different types of styles, she
one season became a lifetime. She decided to delve into the fashion world.
combined her loves of skiing and Soon, she enrolled in the Start Up Institute, a
“I love living here. There is so much teaching, working as a ski instructor. 10-week entrepreneurial program. She focused
to offer—we’re very lucky. The access on developing her eco-fashion brand, Belle Eco—
While she enjoyed tutelage out meaning “beautiful habitat” in French—and cre-
we have to everything, including on the slopes, academic work also ating sportswear out of lightly-used fabrics and
culture, is extraordinary.” beckoned and it wasn’t long before designer leftovers. Her line will begin with accesso-
she found herself running the ski ries and expand to tops, skirts, and other styles. In
– Kathleen Crowley club’s academic program. This pro- 2013, she headed to Europe, immersing herself in
Parisian fashion, and also finding time to enjoy the
gram soon evolved into Crowley Alps and witness the Olympics in Sochi.
running a tutoring business, which then shifted Her passions are not limited to fashion design,
into running her own homeschooling program. She though. Crowley is an avid ski racer and cyclist.
taught ski racers and other kids, often teaching 4-12 Three years in a row, she won the Triple Crown,
students at a time. “I saw a need to give them an placing a combined first overall in a challenging
opportunity to improve their skills,” Crowley said. series of events, including two ski races (a 30-kilo-
meter Nordic race and the Town Downhill) and
Crowley fell so in love with education that she spring’s Pole, Pedal, Paddle solo division. In 2012,
wanted to expand her efforts and create a school. she also completed the LOTOJA bicycle race from
When she met Scott Hirschfield, they teamed up Logan, Utah to Teton Village. “It was amazing to end
on the project. Crowley earned a masters degree in Jackson,” she said. “It really feels like you’re com-
in education at Harvard University and returned to ing home when you bike into the Village, when you
Jackson to begin preparations—the Jackson Hole hit Jackson and everyone is cheering and everyone
Community School opened in 2004. The curriculum knows you. It just gives that added boost.”
focused on developing skills, including research, The races and activities are just one aspect of
writing, and public speaking. “The school focuses Jackson that she enjoys. “I love living here,” Crow-
on all the aspects of knowing material really well, ley said. “There is so much to offer—we’re very
whether it is a global issue, science, mathematics, or lucky. The access we have to everything, including
other subjects,” Crowley explained. culture, is extraordinary.” n
While she invested an enormous amount of time
and energy into getting the school up and running,
she knew she wouldn’t make a lifelong career there.
“I knew that my energy went towards starting it and
46
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
HighStyle Profile
Dancing Through Time
Clair Hillman Savors Life in the Tetons
WORDS DONDI TONDRO-SMITH | IMAGE FLORENCE MCCALL
“There aren’t many 82-year-olds who have as much fun as I do,” Clair Hillman said
as he twirled me around the Stagecoach Bar in Wilson. Dancing with Hillman is
like whirling with a legend across the dance floor of time. Hillman seems to have
generations of fans. Before the dancing began, Clair was outside and a young woman sitting
on a picnic table said to him, “We’ll see you inside,” to which he replied, “Okay, we’ll get it
going,” and laughed his hearty laugh.
Hillman remembers the days when there was a Weston. The duo was a force for entertainment and “There aren’t many
rodeo ground right behind the ‘Coach. In the early shenanigans—when the lift line got too long, Weston 82-year-olds who have as
1950s, people would sit on the hillside to watch and Hillman were known to lasso people’s skis with
the cowboys. Some of them would even ride their a rope. From 1977–1995, he worked maintenance in much fun as I do.”
horses into the bar to order drinks. the summer and the chairs in the winter. A few years
At the ‘Coach, some locals “go to church” on Sun- ago, Hillman had to give up skiing. “I can catch up to – Clair Hillman
day nights. “My kids used to call this church,” he these young ladies on the dance floor much easier
laughed. “I thought they were good kids, going to than I can on the ski hill,” he joked. 49
church on Sunday night.” Maybe that’s because he’s gained a super-man,
Born in a small house across from Driggs City Park super-hero heart. Twenty-five years ago, Hillman JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
in Teton Valley, Idaho, Hillman’s grandmother had open-heart surgery. Since then, he has had
served as midwife when his mother delivered six bypasses, three stents, knuckle replacements,
him. His mother was also born in Driggs. and diabetes. After a recent trip to Idaho Falls
In the late 1940s, he started dancing to orchestral where he had a blood clot removed, he was back
music and, after high school, he married Marga- to dancing only two weeks later. He still dances
ret Wade, a girl who also liked to dance. He and 10 to 20 dances a night, up to four nights a week.
his wife had seven children and he was present Over the years, he has worn many hats. He served
for almost all of their births, unusual for a man of on the potato advisory board in the 1980s, certi-
that era. Raising seven kids on a farm was the best fied seeds and worked for J.R. Simplot, who once
education Hillman could imagine for his family. sent him to Turkey to teach a Turkish raisin and
From an early age, all the kids had chores and fig mogul how to grow potatoes. He was a neigh-
responsibilities. The family didn’t have a lot of borhood veterinarian. He was also secretary and
money, but they made up for it in fun. He remi- sales manager for the Hereford Association and
nisced, “We’d build a sled, about three feet by five raised registered Hereford cows. Additionally, he
feet, and rope up our horse with a harness and and his wife were high school rodeo advisors.
away we’d go!” Sunday night was game night and After his wife died in 1994, Hillman received a
the kids entertained themselves with hide and call from a bull rider, who lured him onto the
seek on horseback. By the age of 10, his children rodeo circuit for six years. “I picked ‘em up when
were moving irrigation pipe and working the land. they got hurt and put ‘em in bed when they got
Hillman worked horses and milked up to 50 head drunk,” he remembered.
of cattle—with the help of his family—by hand. These days, Hillman stays closer to home.
As we’re dancing, he points over to the former owner Three of his children live locally, with the oth-
of Grand Targhee, Mory Bergmeyer, and mentions, ers not-so-far away. With 19 grandkids, seven
“I used to work for him.” As a lift operator for 17 step-grandkids, and nine (plus one on the way)
years, Hillman hung out with legends like Leon “Slim” great-grandchildren, Hillman will be dancing in
people’s hearts forever. n
HighStyle Profile
A Family’s Western Heritage
Kahin Leads History Museum
WORDS KRISTEN POPE | IMAGE FLORENCE MCCALL
Astagecoach first brought Sharon Kahin’s grandmother out to Yellowstone, eventually
bringing her daughters, Sharon’s aunt and mother. The family fell in love with the
area and Sharon soon became a third generation dudette.
Now executive director of the Jackson Hole Historical She soon took over a small museum in Dubois that,
Society and Museum, Sharon’s love of the Old West at the time, was open from May-September. She built
was inspired by her youth on her family’s Ring Lake it up over 13 years as the Wind River Historical Cen-
Ranch in the Wind River Mountains near Dubois. As ter, departing in 2004. She also started the nonprofit
a teenager, she washed dishes and waited tables, Lucius Burch Center for Western Tradition—the fund-
working her way up to be the head wrangler, leading raising branch of the museum. In that capacity, she
pack trips and tending to horses and hay. During her raised money for a series of five documentaries on
rides, she would come across cow camps and trapper the Sheep Eater Indians, all of which played on Wyo-
cabin ruins, as well as wickiups, temporary dwellings ming Public Television over a five-year period.
constructed by the Indians who were also known as In 2004, she was asked to be the first social studies
Mountain Shoshone. “I would come across those content specialist and minority education coordi-
out there wrangling and wonder what on earth they nator for the Wyoming Department of Education.
She moved to Laramie and held that position for
were,” she recounted. “It began my several years, before returning to teaching at
love with the Old West.” Utah State University. She also wrote National
Park Service Tribal Heritage Preservation Grants
“I like being able to She went on to earn her doctor- for Shoshone, Arapahoe, and Crow, continuing to
reach out and touch the past. ate in art history from Cornell and work with Utah State on recording Native Ameri-
taught at the University of Wyoming can elders for the Fife Folklore Archives.
I’m really interested in and Utah State University. One of When the executive director position became
other cultures.” her courses was called “Images of available at the Jackson Hole Historical Society
Wilderness: Man and Nature in the and Museum in fall of 2012, she decided to apply
– Sharon Kahin American Landscape.” and was selected out of a very competitive appli-
cant pool. She is enthralled with her position and
For years, she worked as an inde- love of the area. “The wealth of history in Jackson
pendent humanities scholar, obtaining grants to Hole is very exciting,” she said.
fund her research. Her Big Horn Basin public edu- Since she began her tenure at the museum, she
cation project was funded by the National Endow- has led a number of exciting new developments.
ment for the Humanities and ran for two years. Last year, the old museum on Deloney and Glen-
She compiled oral histories and historical photos wood re-opened, displaying the Slim Lawrence
of the Big Horn Basin, one of the last areas settled Archaeological Collection. And the Mercill Arche-
in Wyoming. Many of the settlers were Mormon ology Center is now open in the historical Coey
immigrants from Salt Lake City, arriving by cov- Cabin, teaching kids about archeology.
ered wagon as late as 1910. “I like being able to reach out and touch the past,”
Kahin said. “I’m really interested in other cul-
Her next project focused on Heart Mountain’s tures. I don’t have much of a desire to go to exotic
World War II Japanese internment camp, located places when there’s so much here. I’m interested
outside of Cody. She also wrote subsequent grants in the relationship previous generations had with
for the National Endowment for the Humanities their natural environment, animals, history, place
for the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes at Wind names, and ethnobotany, how people used plants.
River that focused on how the tribes dealt with I just love history.” n
the Great Depression and the boarding school
experience on the reservation. While she enjoyed
this work immensely, she decided to take a differ-
ent path. “I woke up one day and thought, what if
I don’t get the grants?” she said.
50
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
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