JHStyle Winter 2014/2015

HighStyle Profile

Friends First

Yoder and Singleton’s Business Rooted in Long-Lasting Friendship

IMAGE FLORENCE MCCALL

Jim Henson of Muppet fame may have said it best, “There is not a word yet, for old friends
who’ve just met.” David Yoder first met realtor Scott Singleton when he moved to Jackson
in 2000 and was in the market for an investment property. A business dinner quickly turned
into a three-day road trip odyssey after Yoder, a Bay Area transplant, mentioned the dearth of
local spring “mud season” activities. Singleton used his 25 years of local knowledge to extoll
the numerous activities in the area. He offered to take Yoder out to fish Green River below the
Flaming Gorge the next day, golfing the day after that.

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“The next morning, the new George H. Jones - “Splash”
friends left on their road trip and, as
with many road trips, theirs was not Kim Chavez - “Handsome Jack”

without comedy and mishap.” Find us across the street and one block
west of The Wort Hotel
The next morning, the new friends left on their road trip and, as
with many road trips, theirs was not without comedy and mis- 130 W Broadway in Jackson | 307.201.1172 | grandtetongallery.com
hap. The accommodations were sparse and in the middle of 53
nowhere. Without a soul around, they found their keys taped to
their rooms and a vending machine for breakfast. The bed and JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
breakfast where they stayed lacked a bar, restaurant, TV, or radio,
leaving the two to while away the hours on the porch, sharing
stories about their lives, hopes, and aspirations. The fishing was
great, the golf entertaining, and the friendship, forever.
It wasn’t until 2009 that they also became business partners
when Yoder joined Singleton’s flourishing real estate business.
Now Singleton/Yoder is a part of Obsidian Re/Max. Singleton
is an owner and full-time associate broker of Obsidian while
Yoder is an associate broker at the firm, splitting his time
between the real estate world and his co-ownership of the
Mangy Moose and Calico restaurants.
They both bring deep resumes to the business. Singleton is a
top-producing realtor with more than 30 years’ experience,
past president of the Teton Board of Realtors and recipient of
its “Realtor of the Year” award. He helped found Education for
Our Future and served as a board member for the Curran-Sealy
Foundation. He also spent 20 years teaching skiing at Jackson
Hole Mountain Resort, also writing for Skiing Magazine.
Yoder is a past president of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Com-
merce, and has represented Wyoming on the Board of Direc-
tors of the National Restaurant Association. Prior to moving
to Wyoming, David was president of the San Francisco War
Memorial and Performing Arts Center, vice president of the
San Francisco Film Commission, and deputy chief of protocol
to the City of San Francisco. He was also executive vice presi-
dent and C.O.O. of Redem Technologies, Inc., an international
developer and manufacturer of eco-friendly products.
While they manage multi-million dollar properties, they also
love working at lower price points and helping families buy their
first homes. “You are really helping change someone’s life,” Sin-
gleton said. Between the two of them, they’ve also sold a lot
of properties. “We’re responsive,” Yoder said. “We’re informed.
And I think more than anything, we’re client-centered.”
Because of that, almost all their clients are either referrals or
repeat customers and many of their clients have also become
their good friends. Their business was built on friendship and
sustained by friendship. It makes going to work pretty fun,
according to Singleton and Yoder. SingletonYoder.com. n

MountainStyle Living

SOPHISTICATED SPACES

Clean, Classic, Fun

Jennifer Prugh Visosky of Grace Home Design

WORDS CINDY FUSTING | IMAGES DAVID BOWERS AND DAVID AGNELLO

She claims she’s not an artist. “My mom is an artist,” said Jennifer Prugh Visosky, owner and lead
designer of Grace Home Design. The daughter of a former English teacher who often incorporated
visual arts and dance into her classroom lessons, Visosky developed an early appreciation for beauty,
be it a painting, a physical movement, or the spectacular natural landscape of her hometown, Jackson.
Visosky spent most of her youth expressing her own creativity through dance. Simultaneously, she indulged
a nascent urge to create beautiful living spaces, often rearranging her own room on a weekly basis.

“I thought I might be a professional dancer,” but a reevaluation of priorities after 9/11 found as by the graceful simplicity of Chloe and Chanel
Visosky recalled. “It took me a little while to fig- Visosky longing for the extraordinary quality of juxtaposed with ultra-modern styling, Visosky
ure out that I should be doing as a career what I life she enjoyed throughout her youth. began creating her own style interpretations
most love to do at home.” Her desire for a sense of community brought her through modern mountain interiors. She hasn’t
A decade in the fashion industry fostered back to Jackson, where she soon began translat- looked back.
Visosky’s confidence in her personal design ing her love for fashion into inspired interiors. “I’ve had a referral business from day one,”
vision. Her high energy, can-do persona served Influenced by the vibrant spontaneity of collec- Visosky said. “I just don’t do completely tradi-
her well in New York City, Dallas, and Los Angeles, tions by Dolce and Gabbana and Rochas as much tional mountain lodge design and, fortunately,

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“People who make
Jackson Hole their home,

or at least a big part
of their life, are people who

value beauty and
playfulness as crucial

factors in living
a full life.”

– Jennifer Prugh Visosky

I’ve found that more and more people are
looking to make their mountain homes more
than just a log cabin in the woods.”

“People who make Jackson Hole their home,
or at least a big part of their life, are people
who value beauty and playfulness as crucial
factors in living a full life,” Visosky continued.
“I find that my clients yearn for stylish func-
tion and a little fun.”

As a balance to the sensory overload implicit in
modern life, Visosky said, “I love being able to
give my clients a place to truly unwind, where
they can find the space and time to enjoy life.”
Visosky strips back the unessential to reveal an
artfully collated design focusing on clean lines
and luxurious textures, punctuated by a few
playful pieces to bring in levity and light.

There’s a realness to Visosky that one can
sense in the span of a five-minute chat. Sim-
ilarly, the spaces she creates immediately
invoke a resonance of humanity. Her design
aesthetic has an arc of clean modernity, but
never lacks a few elements of surprise.

She expertly uses lighting to enhance the
experience of a space, whether it’s a calm-
ing, indirect glow from an understated fixture
or a wild, conversation-starting chandelier.
Similarly, Visosky’s selection and placement
of art is nothing short of masterful. Rooms
are transformed by Visosky’s choices from
her “coveted black book” of artists, including
Hunt Slonem, Kollabs, and Mike Weber.

While Visosky may hesitate to own the
“artist” title, there’s no denying the artistry in
her designs, and her talent has not gone unno-
ticed. Visosky’s work has been featured in
design magazines and blogs for years, and this
summer she was included in Design Bureau’s
list of the “Top 100 Designers” for 2014. For a
look into some of Visosky’s ingenious interior
creations, visit GraceHomeDesign.com. n

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MountainStyle Living

Homes and Hearths
Fiery Features Create Cozy Ambiance

WORDS KRISTEN POPE | IMAGES AUDREY HALL AND DAVID BOWERS

Warm and inviting, primal and intimate, fire has a special place in many cold-climate homes.
And it creates an important dynamic within many Jackson Hole homes, especially in the winter.
A fireplace provides places for people to cozy up with a book, warm up after a day playing in
the powder, or enjoy the company of their extended family.

Being able to share the winter season with family in A firepit lies behind the home, serving as a prime
an inspired space was a key part of the design at one gathering spot. The owners wanted a gas firepit,
of Carney Logan Burke Architects’ projects, the Phil- instead of wood, since they knew it would be in
lips Ridge property. The home can sleep 18 and con- frequent use every winter. Built with the architec-
tains many fire-inspired features. “The owner is really ture of the house in mind, the firepit is centered
family oriented and embraces the outdoors in Jack- with the home as a backdrop. Using an organic,
son,” architect Andy Ankeny said. “He wanted the moss-rocked boulder aesthetic, the firepit also
house to be a centerpoint for his extended family.” provides outdoor seating.
Playful elements are another key part of the
A massive 22-foot-tall stone fireplace serves as home, including a fire pole and even secret pas-
a centerpiece for the home’s main living area. sageways. “It’s almost like a motto for the house,”
Made from one enormous stone, the fireplace Ankeny said. “The owner wanted the house to
lintel belies a cool, natural edge, with a slight have a little bit of folly and not be so serious.”
arch. The base is made from three behemoth The fire pole, located inside the home’s look-
pieces of stone, with two cornerstones and a out tower, is accessed by a secret gate. Over
middle piece that spans in between. the Christmas holiday last year, the owner’s
extended family conquered their fear of heights
The moss rock used in the fireplace was difficult to over several days, working up the courage to
source, as the owners wanted a stone seven feet slide down the pole. The home contains five
wide with moss on three sides. A Bozeman, Mon- hidden circulation points, including ladders
tana stone supplier found some stones that fit and doors, as well as a secret staircase that
the bill, and the architects and owners visited the rises from the billiards room into the closet of
stone yard several times over the course of a year, an upstairs bedroom. Additionally, a wood and
searching for the perfect piece. The enormous steel bridge connects the main lodge to the
rock they found, weighing hundreds of pounds, guest wing and lookout tower, adding an Old
had to be hoisted into place with a mechanical West lodge feel.
block and tackle. Antique, reclaimed firebrick cre-
ates the dark interior element inside the fireplace.
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

Fireplaces aren’t the only home elements that can incorporate
flames. The Shoshone residence in Wilson was a design proj-
ect for a family that loves to cook, eat, and entertain together.
They incorporated an interior pizza oven into their space.
“It became a focal point for the main living pavilion,” said
architect Eric Logan, from Carney Logan Burke Architects.
Wrapped in patinaed black steel with a shimmery quality, it
anchors the kitchen aesthetic. The oven is an Italian appliance,
with the enclosure constructed around it. There are drawers
and storage spaces below—with integrated shelving and wood
storage—to help shape the space. Not just for pizza, the family
also uses the oven for meats and vegetables as part of their
regular cooking routine.

HOME

165 N. CeNter St. | jaCkSoN hole, wy 83001
800.733.1038

[email protected]
www. SCaNdiadowNjh.Com

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MountainStyle Living

Interior designer Nanette Mattei believes that one “We use fireplaces ance between the sleeping area and the fireplace
of the biggest challenges she faces when designing 10–12 months out of the year. sitting room,” Mattei said. “My clients wanted
a furniture layout in Jackson is how her clients can the ease of turning on a gas fireplace to sit and
enjoy both the outside views and the inside inti- A lit fire is one of the most enjoy their favorite pastime of reading. The new
welcoming elements ceiling draws your eyes toward the grand windows
of a home.” that look out to expansive valley views.” One slab
of natural marble is used on the fireplace, which
– Interior designer Nanette Mattei echoes the clean lines of the ceiling.
With the fireplace now serving as the centerpiece
macy of a fire. “We use fireplaces 10–12 months of the suite, Mattei’s interior decorating goal was
out of the year,” she said. “A lit fire is one of the then to enhance the couple’s request for natural
most welcoming elements of a home.” furniture elements and warm tones. She ripped out
the wall-to-wall carpet and added hardwood floors
When Mattei was recently hired to renovate a full with a deep, rich brown finish. Next, Mattei painted
master bedroom suite for Spring Creek home- walls with a similar earth tone and added hand-em-
owners, she set out to create a tranquil bedroom broidered fabric for the window treatments.
that blended modern conveniences and included “My clients and I love to support local craftsmen
multi-textured textiles, custom furniture, and and had custom dressers and a console designed
architectural elements that updated the space. and built,” she explained. The finishing touches on
the space included blending classic tufted reading
Mattei’s first objective was to create a new, sloped chairs with contemporary silk carpets. “We had a
plank ceiling with LED lighting and a custom-lit great time designing this room,” Mattei said. “Now,
ledge. She worked with architect Bob Gordon on when my clients arrive in the valley, they can easily
the project. “This update created a sense of bal- pick up on the life they cherish in Jackson.” n

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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

OPP ORT U N I T Y

— IS KNOCKING —

Are you ready to offer your home for sale? Now is the perfect time to list with
TCCG Real Estate. With a portfolio of well-qualified buyers, and over 30
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MountainStyle Living

Historic Homesteads

Buildings Tell Story of the Valley
in a Different Way

WORDS BRIELLE SCHAEFFER | IMAGES MEGAN PETERSON Lamb House and Barn:
AND COLLECTION OF THE JACKSON HOLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM
Like the town, the Lamb family is celebrating a
While Jackson is celebrating its 100th birthday, centennial this year. The Lambs have been in the
several homes in the valley are as old as—or valley for 100 years. Their house and barn in East
older than—the town itself. The Miller, Van Vleck, Jackson are still used to this day.
and Lamb houses tell the story of the area in a different George Lamb, originally from Michigan, home-
way—one of horse thieves, a revolutionary town council, steaded on the Snake River near what is now
and the homesteading life. called Astoria. Lamb delivered mail by dog sled
and did carpentry on ranches to maintain the
homestead, according to Tracy Lamb.

Miller Ranch: During his time there, Miller made a number of George met and married Helen Halbrook and
improvements to the cabin. then settled in at the homestead before he
The Miller Ranch, a mile down the Elk Refuge He didn’t start building the two-story home joined the military during World War I and tem-
Road, is now owned and maintained by the currently on the site until until 1895, two years porarily relocated his wife to Michigan. They
National Elk Refuge. The home is preserved as after he married his Midwestern girlfriend, Grace returned to the homestead after the war ended,
a window to the past and a place for visitors to Green. The Miller house, completed in 1897, is but after Helen became pregnant with their sec-
connect with history by looking at old pictures, known as Jackson’s first “trophy home” because ond child, she put her foot down and demanded
exploring old-time artifacts, and reading the the other homesteads at the time were only they move into town. The family bought the
story of its namesakes, Robert and Grace Miller. two rooms—not multiple stories. The home also property in 1923.
Robert Miller, who was one of the valley’s first became the center of social and civic activity.
permanent residents, chose a homestead site In 1914, Robert Miller started the town’s first bank, “The lot included an old, rundown barn with a sick
near a spring. The cabin on the property was Jackson State Bank, and they sold their home to the cow and a chicken coop but no home,” according
thought to have been built by well-known out- federal government for the creation of the National to Connie Lamb Taylor’s history of the house.
law Teton Jackson, who allegedly abandoned the Elk Refuge. In 1920, Grace was elected mayor of
structure when he was put in the hoosegow for Jackson’s landmark all-female town government, George built a two-room house on what is now
horse thieving. known as the “petticoat rulers.” Jean Street for his family. At that time, it was the
The Wisconsin-born Miller arrived in Jackson Thousands of people now visit the site during edge of town. As their family grew, the home
Hole in 1885 to claim land under the Home- the summer, when the home is open to the pub- expanded to include two stories, a garage, and
stead Act of 1865, which enabled people to lic, May through September. “There’s an interest a front porch. “History is important,” Tracy Lamb
obtain land for a small fee and the promise to from people to connect with history,” National said. “It tells us where we came from. It tells us
stay for at least five years and improve it. Mill- Elk Refuge spokesperson Lori Iverson said. “I more about our ancestors and how they lived.”
er’s commandeered shack—which was lawfully think it’s fun for people to think about how
his after he legally filed for it—was nicknamed things have changed.” “They returned to the
“the outlaw place” by locals, a remnant from homestead after the
the time when Teton Jackson was living there. war ended, but after Helen
became pregnant with their
second child, she put her foot
down and demanded they

move into town.”

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“Outlaw Teton Jackson Stone Works
allegedly abandoned the structure of Jackson Hole
when he was put in the hoosegow for Doing it right the first time

horse thieving.”

Van Vleck House: GRANITE | MARBLE | ENGINEERED STONE | TILE

The Van Vleck House, one of the genuine historic structures Fabrication Facility in Jackson
near Jackson’s Town Square, is now the popular brunch spot Showroom at Fish Creek Center in Wilson
and “home-cooking” restaurant Café Genevieve. Named after
Genevieve Van Vleck, who was also one of the “petticoat rul- By appointment: 307.734.8744
ers,” this cabin is on the National Register of Historic Places. www.StoneworksofJacksonHole.com
Started in 1910 by Roy Van Vleck and his brother Frank, who
had arrived in town four years earlier, the structure was origi- 61
nally built as a mercantile with an apartment in the back. The
house was the first in town to have a private water well. JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
“In 1911, after the cabin was complete, Roy planted the willow
trees along Broadway as a gift for Genevieve Lawton of Michi-
gan,” according to the café’s website. The trees must have been
enough because the two got married and ran the mercantile,
while Genevieve was also involved in community governance. n

MountainStyle Living

New Hotel Jackson
Opens Its Doors

Homesteaders Created Old Hotel Jackson In 1900

WORDS CHRISTINE COLBERT | IMAGES DAVID BOWERS AND COURTESY OF HOTEL JACKSON

Jim Darwiche, owner Hotel Jackson

True to the homesteading spirit of that era, the and his family settled on naming it Hotel Jackson
Andersons decided to meet popular demand, and before learning about the history behind the orig-
converted their home into the Hotel Jackson in inal. They quickly discovered that the new hotel
1900. Little more than a boarding house, they later would be serendipitously close to where the old
rolled the building into town on logs after purchas- one stood. “Fate has a hand in almost everything
ing two lots on the corner of Cache and Deloney. we do,” Darwiche said.

When they moved Once placed on its new site, the Andersons added The hotel is scheduled to open this winter. The
to Jackson Hole onto the hotel and gave it a fresh look by lining three-story building will offer 58 rooms and six
in 1895, John the two-story building in brick, fired by a local suites, a restaurant/bar area, and a library. With
and Mary Anderson built foundry. Throughout the decades that followed, warm, earthy wood and leather features through-
themselves a two-bedroom the hotel changed hands, as it continued to board out the interior, Darwiche wanted a building that
house at the “Y,” where travelers from Moran, the Gros Ventre, and else- “says Jackson Hole in every shape and form.”
Albertsons now sits today. where beyond. The hotel is LEED certified, and designed to
In those days, hotels were Sometime after 1931, the hotel began to deterio- exceed that certification, according to Darwiche.
hard to come by, and weary rate. Little is known of exactly when, but after the It will use 25 percent of the energy a similar-
travelers often knocked brick facade failed to hold up against the brutal Wyo- ly-sized building would consume, and will feature
on the Andersons’ door to ming weather, the Hotel Jackson was torn down. in-room recycling and nature-inspired decor.
request lodging, thanks to
its convenient location. This winter, the town of Jackson will see a resur- After living in Jackson for 37 years, Darwiche
rection of the hotel—though in a somewhat differ- sought to create a hotel that offered a luxury
62 ent style than the original. When John and Mary experience, but still exuded a “down to earth”
Anderson first hoisted their house up and over to feel. Incorporating the unique history of the orig-
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15 the square, the town had just been created. The inal Hotel Jackson was another priority, as he
new Hotel Jackson will be a short distance from expressed a desire for the building to educate vis-
the former hotel’s location, occupying the area on itors on the rich history of the town.
Glenwood upon which the Woods Hotel once sat. “The hotel is a balance of having people expe-
Jim Darwiche, the hotel’s owner, intends for the rience nature and the West,” Darwiche said.
new property to offer four star lodging located in Though a far cry from the early days of Jackson,
the heart of town. Designed to be a place where the Hotel Jackson continues the entrepreneurial
“nature, your soul, and luxury meet,” Darwiche vivacity that helped originally found the town. n

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Doors open on Glenwood directly across from Trio Restaurant

MountainStyle Living

The Finest
Touches

Clear Creek Group Caters to Visitors

WORDS KELSEY DAYTON
IMAGES COURTESY CLEAR CREEK GROUP AND

GORDON GREGORY

“It’s a level of service not being provided anywhere else in Jackson.
What that does is allow us to cultivate relationships and, when we help our guests have a

great time in Jackson, they want to come back.”

– Morgan Bruemmer

Visitors who rent a vacation villa through
The Clear Creek Group are met at their
temporary home by a staff member.
There are fresh baked cookies from a local
chef waiting inside, along with gifts picked
specifically for the children based on their ages
and interests. Dinner reservations and tours are
already booked. It is the ultimate melding of the
comforts of home with the luxury of vacation.

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“It’s a level of service not being provided anywhere else in
Jackson,” said Morgan Bruemmer, one of the founding part-
ners of Clear Creek Group. “What that does is allow us to cul-
tivate relationships and, when we help our guests have a great
time in Jackson, they want to come back.”
Bruemmer, along with Phil and Betsy Stevenson, started the
company in 2005, when there were no high-end villa rental
companies in the area. Teton County was one of the wealthi-
est counties in the country, but unlike places like the Hamptons,
Nantucket, or Martha’s Vineyard, there weren’t luxury vacation
villas for rent. The Stevensons had commercial real estate expe-
rience and hospitality backgrounds and Bruemmer came from a
wholesale wine and high-end hotel and hospitality background.
They knew that together they could offer people something
special and unique in Jackson. The three formed The Clear Creek
Group as a high-end, full-service real estate company with the
goal of eventually specializing in vacation rentals. “The Clear
Creek Group created the high-end villa rental market in Jack-
son,” Bruemmer said.
The company’s caretaking services took off first and home-
owners grew to trust the agency, but many hadn’t considered
renting their home when it was vacant. When the recession hit
in 2008, the rental side of Clear Creek began to grow. By then,
many homeowners knew and trusted the agency enough to
allow them to rent out their homes. More people were also
looking at staying in the United States for vacations and there
was greater interest in renting rather than buying at the time.
Homes that Clear Creek manages range from 1,000-square-
foot cabins to 16,000-square-foot estates. The criteria is that
the home must be distinctive. It must also offer amenities that
range from sharp knives in the kitchen to the latest technology
in the living room and throughout the rest of the home. Clear
Creek also adds touches like high-end toiletries and luxury
sheets and towels. They offer a full concierge service, which
gives visitors all the comforts of staying in an upscale hotel but
with the freedom and space of renting a home. That level of
service also eases the homeowners’ minds when they entrust
their vacation properties to the company.
“Approximately 40 percent of our rental revenue is generated
from repeat rental guests,” Bruemmer said. “We are trusted
because of the way we operate.”
Many Clear Creek customers return to rent again. Some even
decide to buy a home in town, and for that the company’s real
estate team can assist. They forge true connections to the com-
munity. And that, for Clear Creek, is a true symbol of success. n

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Teton Village

WORDS KRISTEN POPE
IMAGES JONATHAN SELKOWITZ

“Getting it right for your customers is
helping them have a ski experience of a lifetime.

High fives are common.”

– Scott Smith

HAPPY FEET
Local Boot Fitters Keep Clients
Primed to Perform
Cruising down the groomers, skiing the bumps, and
punching through the pow is a lot more fun when
your ski boots feel good. Anyone who has borrowed
boots knows that when they don’t fit just right, your feet
can be a cramping, aching mess by the end of the day.
Thankfully, the valley is home to a number of professionals
who can fine-tune any ski boot to improve comfort and
performance. Meet a few of our local boot fitters.

“One time at a show, a girl came out of nowhere
and said ‘you changed my life—I can ski now’.”

– Matt Sheets

Ski Boots Through The Ages

The Evolution Of Skiing and Ski Boots

Archaeologists Skiing for sport Alpine
in northern began in Norway skiing
Russia have and other became an 1955
found fragments 1760s parts of Europe Olympic
20,000 B.C. of objects that as people 1924 sport. Metal boot buckles were first
resembled skis The Norwegian embraced introduced, marketed as a solution
According to Roland Huntford, and dated back Army began holding downhill Alpine The first 1936 to the time-consuming and finger-
author of Two Planks and a to 6,000 B.C. ski competitions, skiing for winter numbing process of lacing over 90
Passion: A Dramatic History practicing skills such as recreation. Olympics hook-and-eyelet pairs on a typical
of Skiing, the first evidence of maneuvering around were held in set of boots. Inventor Hans Martin
trees, racing on the 1880s Chamonix, sold his idea to the Henke company,
6,000 B.C.skiing was from cave drawings flats, and shooting while France. which released the Speedfit boot in
over 22,000 years old when skiing. The first national 1955. However, the new boot was
early humans strapped planks race was held a century not popular, as many enjoyed the
to their feet in winter as a later, in the 1860s. adjustability of laces.
66 mode of survival.

JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

Scott Smith

Pepi Stiegler Sports

Seventeen years ago, Scott Smith was spending his summers working as a fly-fishing guide, look-
ing for a winter job to round out the year. “A ski shop just made sense,” he explained. He soon
began working at Pepi Stiegler Sports as a boot fitter. “I instantly saw a craft that is essential for a
great ski experience.” He stuck with both his passions, still spending his winters boot fitting and
summers as a fly-fishing guide.
Personal experience helped him to be empathetic and listen to the intricacies of what clients and
their feet were telling him. “I have tough feet to fit myself and I learned some valuable lessons
through the process of getting my own boots right,” he said. He works to paint a vivid picture of
how each person skis and what they need. “Once they trust you, you can work on getting it right
quickly and getting them back out on the slopes,” he said.
With such a challenging mountain, he finds that boot fitting is an important art. “The moun-
tain here is brutal and that alone taught me so much about a real boot fit.” His clients
are grateful for the personalized
attention. “Getting it right for your
customers is helping them have a
ski experience of a lifetime,” he said.
“High fives are common.”

Matt Sheets
Teton Village Sports

Matt Sheets is a 28-year veteran of the ski business. He attended Colorado Mountain College and
first began working in a ski shop in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 1986, moving to Jackson in 1990
where he worked at Hoback Sports. He spent time building skis for the Evolution Ski Company in
Salt Lake City and teaching boot fitting at Colorado Mountain College, as well as owning Ski Kare.
But before long, the Tetons lured him back. He and his wife, Ticia, moved back to Jackson in 1998,
where Sheets began working at Wildernest. After 12 years, he began working for Teton Village Sports.
His season typically begins in October, when the first snows start flying and people want to be ready
for the season. A typical season is characterized by a rush that begins with the snows and continues
through the holidays, followed by a lull at the end of February. One year near Christmas, he made
11 pairs of insoles in a day, working until 1 a.m., after getting everything he needed from the clients
and asking them to come back in the morning to pick up their fitted boots.
The rewards make up for the long hours. “One time at a show, a girl came out of nowhere and said
‘you changed my life—I can ski now.’ After we fixed her boots, she was balanced. The best part is
helping people become better skiers.”

Racers began to adopt 1960s Lange utilized 1969 Customized 1972 Boots had Modern
an improved design for metal buckles foam evolved to
buckle boots. However, The first plastic boot was that enabled Daleboot and Brixia liners were Roland rise halfway Boots have rigid
the boots were still made developed, providing more the plastic introduced boots introduced. Collombin to the knee. soles that attach to
of leather and the metal durability and warmth than boots to work with a flexible was the first skis via a spring-
buckles created painful leather boots that could well. external tongue 1970s athlete to use 1980s loaded binding at the
stress points where they soak through, leading to and open-throat a Henke Strato toe and heel. They
attached and quickly wore frostbite. Skiers enjoyed 1965 design, along with three-piece use the Mondopoint
through the leather. the stiffness and control of a rigid metal shell. ski boot in sizing system,
plastic, however, the laces the Sapporo based on metric
Early 1960s that Bob Lange used in his Olympics. measurements.
early prototypes were very
difficult to close. 67

JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

Teton Village

Pat Sullivan
Jackson Hole Sports

Pat Sullivan is new to the valley, but an old pro in the world of boot fitting. A Certified Pedorthist
with the American Board of Orthotics and Prosthetics, he joined the Jackson Hole Sports team in
2013. He began his boot fitting career in 2002 at Mount Bachelor in Oregon. “I developed a fasci-
nation with the foot,” Sullivan said. “It’s such a dynamic and complex part of the body.”
He began his own professional ski boot fitting business in 2005 near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He also
worked in medical orthotics and prosthetics for five years, working with up to 20 patients a day,
including people with partial feet as well as diabetics with special needs.
In 2002 he began teaching boot fitting seminars for Masterfit, which he still does several times a
year throughout the country. He also makes orthotics for a variety of needs, including summer
sports such as running and cycling.
Sullivan stays on top of his field and is excited about the newest developments in his craft. “Boot
fitting is evolving,” he said. “The type and caliber of skier we have here in Jackson is very serious,
very hard core. I’m always searching for the newest edge in boot fitting.”

“The type and caliber of skier we have here
in Jackson is very serious, very hard core. I’m always

searching for the newest edge in boot fitting.”

– Pat Sullivan

Ryan “Bootsie” Huggins

Pepi Stiegler Sports

Ryan “Bootsie” Huggins entered the ski industry right out of high school, working in a small shop
in his hometown of Salt Lake City. He worked in Snowbird, then in Sun Valley before he made his
way to Jackson, working at Pepi Stiegler Sports, where he is now in his fifth year.
“I just like living here and the lifestyle,” he said. “It’s where I want to live. I love the clean air and
it’s not too crowded for the most part. Jackson is the best mountain in North America. I’m just
thrilled that this is my home.”
Huggins emphasizes the necessity of getting the right fit. “Everyone has issues with ski boots at
some point in their lifetime,” he said. “If your feet hurt, you’re not having a good time skiing. I
feel it’s my job to get people out there skiing and enjoying it and the way to do that is to have
comfortable, warm ski boots.”
Simplicity is key to his boot fitting style. “A lot of people think boot fitting is witchcraft or voodoo or
this crazy thing that will take forever to do, but it’s actually quite simple,” he said. “It’s getting the right
shell fit and doing things correctly. It’s pretty simple and a lot of people come to me because I simplify
it, I don’t over think it, it’s just what we need to do. You just have to listen to your boot fitter.” n

“If your feet hurt, you’re not having
a good time skiing.”

– Ryan “Bootsie” Huggins

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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

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Teton Village

Teaching
the Turns

Maguire Leads
JHMR’s Ski School

WORDS KELSEY DAYTON
IMAGES JONATHAN SELKOWITZ

Many ski instructors
have a resume dotted
with odd jobs, career
changes, and wandering career
paths. Not Brian Maguire, who
has served as Mountain Sports
School Director at Jackson Hole
Mountain Resort since 1998.

Maguire’s first job was as an instructor at Can-
nonsburg Mountain in his home state of Mich-
igan during his high school years. Cannonsburg
is the same mountain where he learned to ski at
three years old, riding the back of his mother’s
skis down the 300 vertical feet of the hill under
the lights at night.
At the end of his Michigan teaching career, he
traveled out west with co-workers for his first
taste of powder and the skiing in Colorado,
Utah, and Jackson Hole. “It was straight up to
the top of the Tram,” he said. “And at the end of
the day it finally began to come together.”
Maguire would go on to teach skiing in Vail, Col-
orado, Australia, and the French Alps. He nat-
urally wanted to teach people things he loved,
like skiing. The job didn’t get old. He didn’t burn
out. The few other jobs he took were always ski
resort-related.
He spent 17 Jackson summers working at
Mt. Buller in Australia, skiing over 200 days
per year. He met his Australian wife Elizabeth
there in 1981. The couple have now been mar-
ried for 30 years and have three children—Ali,
24, Jack, 22, and Marlowe, 20. They traveled as
a family between hemispheres until one day,
when Maguire was working as head of Vail/
Beaver Creek’s ski program in Colorado, he
70
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

Heritage runs deep...

“The basic
movements in skiing
haven’t changed, but the

equipment has
allowed for a lot more
instant gratification.”

– Brian Maguire

received a call from Jackson Hole Mountain GREAT BRANDS.
Resort offering him a job. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE.
Jackson offered a true high alpine envi-
ronment that can’t be found in Colorado www.jdhcoutfitters.com
or California. “It’s about as close as you
can get to Europe in the States,” he said. 50 E. Broadway | Jackson, Wyoming | 307.733.3270
He took the offer and the family moved to Jackson’s premier outdoor retailer on the Town Square
Jackson full-time.
Since he started working in Jackson, the pro- 71
gram has grown to 520 instructors, about
eight times more than he had his first year. JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
There is now a backcountry guide program,
daycare, and adaptive skiing. “We’re the
hosts, the maître d’s of the resort, basically,”
he said. “We sell everything that’s not a lift
ticket. We sell the experiences.”
The sport has morphed through the years.
Maguire has seen the rise of snowboard-
ing and the switch from telemark skiing to
randonnee. The basic act of teaching some-
one to ski has also changed since Maguire
started as a teenager. “The basic movement
in skiing hasn’t changed, but the equipment
has allowed for a lot more instant gratifica-
tion,” he said.
On the old equipment, parallel turns weren’t
attempted until after multiple lessons. Now
a beginner learns it by the end of the first
day. “It’s shortened the fun curve,” Maguire
said. “You can start having fun on skis much
sooner than you used to.”
What hasn’t changed is Maguire’s love of
skiing. On his days off he might hunt, fish,
or ride motorcycles. He also might go ski-
ing. He spent two weeks last summer in
Australia getting in turns long before winter
arrived in Jackson. Even when he’s working,
Maguire makes sure to get in a few laps. “I
like to make sure our early Trams to the top
are working well,” he laughed. n

Teton Village

IMAGES COURTESY OF
JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Mountain Highs
at Teton Village
From Skiing to Spa Time, There’s Something For Everyone

Head out to Teton Village for a day of world-class skiing at
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, ranked the #1 ski resort in North
America in 2013.

Purchase an all-day lift ticket and hit the slopes JHAvalanche.org for an avalanche hazard forecast Shopping options aboundat Teton Village, from
from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beginners will enjoy mellow prepared by the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center. women’s Rodeo Boutique to men’s shop Wool &
turns (and “pizza” and “french fries”) off the Whiskey. Pick up your skiing or snowboarding essen-
Teewinot lift. Intermediates will enjoy dabbling Rock Springs Backcountry Yurt is available by tials at Jackson Hole Sports, Teton Village Sports, or
with runs off the Casper Lift, which is mid-mountain reservation for groups looking for an overnight Pepi’s. A wide array of other stores keep shoppers
(there are a variety of ways to access it). Experts backcountry skiing experience. Up to eight peo- entertained and suitcases bulging with souvenirs.
can head straight up the Tram and descend 4,139 Mountain dining options also abound, from slope-
feet into their own alpine playground. “Ambassador Tours, side snacks at Casper Restaurant (ski-in only) to
held on weekdays, help lift-accessed lunch and dinner at the Couloir at the
The resort offers a 1,500-foot long racecourse people become acquainted top of the Bridger Gondola. Take the Tram all the
off the Apres Vous Lift (for course schedule, call way to the top of the mountain to enjoy a waffle
307.739.2630), as well as freeriding, two terrain with the mountain.” and hot chocolate at Corbet’s Cabin. Of course,
parks, four Burton Stash Parks, and a half-pipe. there are numerous options at the base as well. See
ple can stay in the yurt. Fees vary but can include the nightlife section for a list of après ski favorites. n
Mountain Sports School offers a wide variety a yurtmeister who cooks dinner, porters to carry
of group and private lessons for all ages. Ambas- gear, and an optional lunch. Call 307.739.2779
sador Tours, held on weekdays, help people for more information.
become acquainted with the mountain. The
schedule varies, but this year’s tours include Kids activities and lessons are also available,
basic introductory, naturalist-guided, snow- including daycare (for kids six months to three
board-centric, female-focused, and “Still on the years old) and kids ski lessons (from preschool
Hill” tours for mature skiers. to ninth grade). Kids Night Out also entertains
kids ages 4-14 on certain evenings, with activities
Call 307.733.2292 or go to JacksonHole.com for including sledding, indoor games, and movies.
more information about all resort offerings. Reservations are required—call 1.800.450.0477
for more information.
Experienced skiers who wish to head out into the
backcountry can also find a backcountry ski guide After a day on the slopes, relax at one of Teton Vil-
at the Mountain Sports School. Participants have lage’s spas. Hotel Terra’s Chill Spa features steam
to be expert skiers. Children 10 and up are allowed showers, an outdoor rooftop hot tub, organic
to accompany an adult, provided they have ade- products, and body treatments. Four Seasons’
quate skills. Beacon Basin, at the base of Rendez- Spa has 16 treatment rooms, as well as tranquility
vous Bowl, has pre-buried beacons, so people lounges and a salon. Teton Mountain Lodge boasts
can practice beacon techniques in a controlled three-story Solitude Spa, with 12,000 square feet
environment. Be sure to have the right safety of delights, including a 24-person roof-top hot tub.
gear, expert knowledge, and be aware of the dan-
gers involved in backcountry recreation. Go to
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

Dine In Style

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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

A Delectable Heritage

Fabled Blue Lion Dishes Up Delicacies in Historical Home

WORDS JENN REIN | IMAGES DAVID BOWERS AND ASHLEY WILKERSON

Just a few blocks from Town Square, a structure sits on an
aging foundation, bearing witness to an American West
that continues to change. For The Blue Lion Restaurant, it
has been a journey of almost 70 years—just how close to 70
is debatable.

The building’s use as a home ended in 1974, when they are staying for the long term or just passing
it became a restaurant called The Tourist Trap through. He offers a 20 percent discount to “early
before Karen Scott purchased it and created The bird” diners, those sitting down for a meal before
Blue Lion in 1976. Two years later, Ned Brown 6 p.m. He also praises his loyal staff, many of whom
bought the business, acquiring its name and full have worked at the restaurant for over a decade.
French menu. He kept the name and, in the begin- One of The Blue Lion’s countless diners was a cer-
ning, he did keep many of the French dishes. How- tain gentleman that claimed to have been born in
ever, the menu has evolved over the years and no the home. Sitting down for a meal in 2012, Brown
longer features the original French items. found himself riveted by the stranger’s story. This
In The Blue Lion’s kitchen, customers will find the man from Logan, Utah also took issue with a cer-
key—chef Tim Libassi has been running the galley tain part of the building. “It was the plaque out-
for 25 years. And this kitchen is like a true galley. side,” Brown chuckled. The Teton County Historic
Designed for home cooking, Brown explained, Preservation Board declares on this plaque that the
“We can’t have more than two people on the line building has stood for more than 50 years, which is
at a time.” accurate. It also declares that the home was built in
Brown himself highly recommends the macadamia 1948. The man from Logan said he came into this
nut halibut, pan roasted and served over a man- world within the walls of The Blue Lion in 1942. This
go-lime beurre blanc—certainly a nod to French story may call into question the accuracy of local
culinary technique. Other menu highlights include historians, but it adds a certain something to the
roast rack of lamb and grilled elk tenderloin. character of The Blue Lion. Here, the history of Jack-
son Hole plays out one meal at a time. n

Cobbling together space in order to seat more “This classic Jackson
diners has fed the restaurateur within Ned Brown. establishment is the oldest
In order to accommodate business growth, the owner-operated restaurant
original structure has undergone three additions.
To date, this classic Jackson establishment is the in town.”
oldest owner-operated restaurant in town.
“There are some great old establishments around
here,” he said. “But they’ve changed hands.”
Looking around at his dining room, he nods with
a smile. Of living and working in Jackson Hole, he
is most fond of his freedom as a restaurant owner.

Brown is self-taught, first acquiring his skills while
he studied business in college. After years of
working in restaurants while attending school, he
spent some time living in Vail, Colorado, working
at an Italian restaurant. “That was where I made
my decision that it was the career I wanted to
pursue,” Brown explained.

The ebb and flow of outsiders arriving to savor
Jackson Hole provides the bread and butter of The
Blue Lion’s success. But Brown is quick to point out
that the residents keep this town going, whether

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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

Dine In Style

Jackson Hole’s Best Dining

Alpenrose Alpenhof Bar & Bistro The Blue Lion

Fine Dining at the Alpenrose melds time- Relaxed dining at the Alpenhof Bistro, micro The Blue Lion, located in a historic home
honored Swiss cuisine with tantalizing brews, wine specials, tasty appetizers, friendly downtown, has been a local’s favorite since
contemporary flourishes and an impeccable Bistro style and a local’s favorite. Jackson’s only 1978. Award-winning menu includes the
selection of fine wines, German beers and cheese or chocolate Fondues, Schnitzels and rack of lamb, jet fresh fish, game, Wyoming
comfortable fireside dining. Located at the Strudels. Après ski after your last run down natural beef, pasta, poultry, vegan and gluten
base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort next to Rendezvous Mountain. A roaring fire and the free entrees, and nightly specials. Enjoy our
the base of the Tram. friendliest crowd in Teton Village is après ski homemade desserts. Live acoustic guitar
Bistro style. music and outdoor dining. Reservations
307.733.3242 | 3255 E. Village Dr. recommended. 20% off—dine between 5:30-6
alpenhoflodge.com 307.733.3242 | 3255 E. Village Dr. and mention JHStyle Magazine.
alpenhoflodge.com
307.733.3912 | 160 N. Millward St.
bluelionrestaurant.com

The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant Calico Cutty’s Bar & Grill

A Jackson favorite, The Bunnery offers delicious Established in 1966, the Calico Bar and Pizza and cheesesteaks are the signature items
breakfast and lunch selections and an evening Restaurant is one of the most popular dinner and true “Philadelphia” quality. Sit back with
menu during the summer. Our menu entries choices in Jackson Hole. Calico offers the right friends and family watching your favorite
offer the perfect remedy for any craving, combination of exceptional food, competent, sports and imbibe in the full bar stocked with
complemented by a list of coffees and espresso, friendly service and a large selection of wines local beers, wine and cocktails. Happy hour is
wines and craft beers, house cocktails and at great price points. Very family friendly with Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. Call for
Jackson’s freshest-squeezed juices. The bakery $3.50 kids menu. Dining Room, Full Service Bar fast takeout orders.
counter offers delectable signature indulgences and Summer Deck with one acre of lawn.
and our trademarked O.S.M. products to go. 307.201.1079 | 1140 W. Hwy 22
307.733.2460 | 2650 Moose Wilson Rd. cuttysgrill.com
307.733.5474 | 130 North Cache calicorestaurant.com
bunnery.com

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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

KICK BACK WITH
FAMILY AND FRIENDS

AT CUTTY’S

ENJOY GREAT FOOD FEATURING OUR
AUTHENTIC PHILLY CHEESESTEAKS,
PIZZA, BURGERS, LOCAL AND DRAFT BEER,

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Dine In Style

Old-World Tradition
in Jackson

Persephone Bakery Celebrates Second Year

WORDS DONDI TONDRO-SMITH | IMAGES DAVID BOWERS

Coffee stirred with an antique silver spoon somehow
tastes better. Staring out of Persephone Bakery’s
windows as the parade of passersby and the activity
of Broadway Street is dusted by the first white flakes of winter,
one is lulled by the heat of piping ovens and the hum of
simultaneous conversations. Someone types a note and posts
it on a wall of messages created from an old typewriter. The
sound of keys hitting ribbon brings a touch of old-world to an
otherwise cosmopolitan scene. The aromas are warm, worldly,
and perfectly sweet—and so is the morning glory muffin.

Created by Ali and Kevin Cohane, Persephone ents for a welcoming décor and menu. They lived in
Bakery’s pleasing aesthetic merges with a con- Paris and took inspiration from the boulangerie—
temporary café feel, where handmade artisanal the Parisian bread bakeries. Consequently, Perse-
breads rise to the epitome of delicate crumb and phone is a little bit French, a little bit urban America.
fine structure. Since its inception in the spring of A long-term goal of the Cohanes’ is to return
2013, this decadent stopover—where Jacksonites to the city they fell in love with and the bakery
hold court with friends and visiting family—has expertise they discovered there. Kevin and Ali got
become an optimal lingering ground. Formerly married the same year they opened the bakery
the site of JH Roasters (which has moved to a dif- and weren’t able to take a proper honeymoon.
ferent Broadway location), the bakery offers an “I’m still holding out for another extended trip to
evolving menu of internationally-inspired dishes. Paris,” Ali said. Maybe for their 10-year anniver-
The owners also contribute to the community sary the couple will get their dream honeymoon—
with food donations to many area nonprofits. returning to where their inspiration began.
Ali’s background in the design world facilitates a From the inspired Kouign-Amann pastry, to the
blend of old and new interior, thoughtfully selected dark, caramelized crust of a broken baguette
down to the last detail. The couple spent a lot of shared with friends, carefully crafted pastries and
time doing reconnaissance on the optimal ingredi-

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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

“We have people visiting from all Breakfast • Lunch • Apres Ski • Dinner • Live Music
over. Persephone is a place that
makes people feel comfortable and A Jackson Hole landmark since 1967.
connected to where they come from.” Located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

– Ali Cohane 307.733.4913 www.mangymoose.com

breads are the result of serious hard work. A Parisian-trained 79
pastry chef, Kevin merges the creative with the classical. To
make the perfect handmade laminated croissants, with lay- JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
ers of French butter, is an art unto itself. Ali comments on the
attention to detail, the care, training, and skill it takes to do
what her husband does, “You make one small mistake, where
you put the water in at the wrong temperature and the entire
structure of the bread is compromised.”

Baking is physical and Kevin rises early, spending 12-hour days
literally running on his feet. His workout is going to work and
he doesn’t sleep much. His 4 a.m. starts, in addition to helping
Ali with orders, have made power naps essential. Working hard
now with the promise of downtime in the future, Ali hopes
that Persephone “will always be theirs to share.” She said, “No
resting on our laurels. We’re trying to do something different
and contemporary. We have to keep changing, to leave the soul
of the place intact, but also be open to Persephone’s growth.”

The style of the café is intentional and caters to locals and
international visitors accustomed to more European aesthet-
ics. The western motif showcases Wyoming roots, but accord-
ing to Ali, “We have people visiting from all over. Persephone is
a place that makes people feel comfortable and connected to
where they come from.” After all, food is more than how your
taste buds react. Food is a complete sensory experience—and
Jackson’s senses have never been happier. n

Dine In Style

Jackson Hole’s Best Dining

Mangy Moose Persephone Bakery Snake River Grill

The original, world famous Mangy Moose Steps away from Town Square, Persephone Celebrating over 20 years on the Town Square,
Restaurant and Saloon showcases the best Bakery specializes in artisanal bread and rustic the SRG offers the finest of mountain dining in
of Jackson Hole with great food, reasonable French pastry as well as an all-day breakfast a rustic-elegant setting. Our modern-American
prices, friendly service and a family friendly and lunch menu. Our fare spans savory and menu features organic produce, jet-fresh
environment. Since 1967, the Mangy Moose sweet from ciabatta and croissants to summer seafood, prime steaks and game chops. Our
continues to be a must stop on any to visit in salads and baguette sandwiches. With our chef has been nominated by the James Beard
Jackson Hole. chic ambiance and sunny deck, Persephone Foundation for “Best Chef Northwest” the past
personifies Jackson’s joie de vivre. three years. Over 300 wines, as well as a full
Breakfast - Lunch - Apres Ski - Dinner cocktail and beer list at our intimate bar. Bar
Live Music on Stage - Gifts - Groceries 307.200.6708 | 145 E. Broadway opens at 5:30pm, Restaurant at 6:00pm nightly.
persephonebakery.com
3295 Village Dr., Teton Village 307.733.0557 | 84 E. Broadway
307.733.4913 | mangymoose.com snakerivergrill.com

Sweetwater Restaurant Three Peaks Dinner Table Warbirds Café

Serving gourmet Cowboy comfort food to locals Offering unique destination dining in the heart Enjoy delicious food seasoned with spectacular
and visitors for 38 years. Creations include crispy of Teton Valley, Driggs. For those that desire views of the Tetons. A full bar and thoughtful
fried Louisiana catfish, buffalo T-Bones, spinach western game meats, cowboy cut steaks, Idaho wine list complement our contemporary
and feta soufflé, elk ossobucco, Utah rack of rainbow trout, an expansive wine and beer list menu, which is enhanced by daily specials
lamb and smoked baby back ribs as well as the and gluten free alternatives; look no further. and occasional live music. Our outdoor patio
cabin’s favorite soup—Louisiana sausage and Taste and see the difference Idaho makes. and window-banked dining room parallel the
okra. Proud designee of Historical Significance Great local entertainment. taxiway, where an impressive array of private
for the Coe Cabin as presented by The Teton planes arrive and depart throughout the day.
County Historical Trust and Preservation. 208.354.9463 Located at the Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport.
15 N. Main St. | Driggs, Idaho
307.733.3553 | 85 South King Street threepeaksdinnertable.com 208.354.2550
sweetwaterjackson.com 253 Warbird Lane | Driggs, Idaho

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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

Wild Sage

Located within The Rusty Parrot Lodge, a restaurant with a heart of bread
the intimate 32-seat dining room, with its
rugged river rock fireplace, has a full view of www.persephonebakery.com
our exhibition-style kitchen. The Wild Sage
offers a memorable dining experience with a Regional Italian
creative menu incorporating organically grown cuisine at its best!
produce, local game and meats, sustainable
fish and seafood, freshly prepared desserts –Handmade Pasta–
and an extensive wine list, carefully chosen to –Italian Breads–
complement dinner menu selections.
–Imported Cured Meats & Cheeses–
888.739.1749 | 175 N. Jackson St. –Wyoming Beef–
rustyparrot.com
–Sustainable Seafood–
White Buffalo Club – Wine & Cocktail Bar–

The White Buffalo Club offers a relaxed supper Happy Hour 5–6 p.m.
club vibe where guests relish our contemporary
riff on the classic American steakhouse menu. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free
Featuring USDA Prime Certified steaks, locally & Kids Menu Available
sourced and inspired entrees, and the most
extensive wine list you’ll find in Wyoming. Open Nightly
Choose from seasonal selections including 242 N. Glenwood • 307.733.3888
market fresh seafood, creative salads, side
dishes built to share and delectable raw bar www.nanis.com
choices. Event spaces available.
81
888.256.8182 | 160 West Grill
whitebuffaloclub.com JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

Dine In Style

Classic and
Comforting Eats

Bunnery Features Time-Honored Recipes

WORDS KELSEY DAYTON | IMAGES DAVID BOWERS AND COURTESY OF THE BUNNERY

In the 12 years Tony Labbe
has managed the Bunnery,
few things have changed.
“We keep it simple and
delicious,” he said. “It’s just
everyday comfort food, but we
use quality ingredients. That’s
what makes it comfort food.”

For years, the Bunnery has found the sweet spot
in drawing Jackson’s tourists while also acquiring
a legion of local followers who keep the restau-
rant open in the off-season, and who also brave
the Town Square crowds in the summer. “We
rely on the local business, but also on the locals
recommending us to whoever they might come
across,” he said.

When Labbe took over managing the restaurant,
owned by his father and mother-in-law, Gerard
and Dominique Yvernault, he changed little. The
coffee cake is still on the menu, popular with
eggs or by itself, and of course the restaurant still
offers its OSM bread for sandwiches and toast.
The bread gets its name from the oats, sunflower
seeds, and millet baked into the bread that is
sweetened with honey. It’s the same recipe
that was used when the Yvernaults bought the
restaurant in November 1990. “That’s our unique
bread,” Labbe said. “We don’t do too much other
fancy baking, but what we do, we do well.”

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“It’s a family restaurant.
It’s a casual breakfast bakery.”

– Tony Labbe

Labbe, who was born in Guatemala and moved to the San Casual Italian Fare
Francisco area when he was six years old, studied hospitality A local tradition since 1966
and hotel management at the University of Denver. There, On the Village Road
in an introduction to tourism class, he met his future wife, (307) 733-2460 • calicorestaurant.com
Caroline Yvernault Labbe. After college he worked at the Four
Seasons in New York, Maui, and San Francisco, as well as the 83
Hard Rock Cafe in Maui.
About 12 years ago, the previous Bunnery manager was ready JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
to resign. Labbe spoke Spanish, had management experience,
and wanted to be in a smaller community. His wife had run the
restaurant before she met him. She wanted to be back in Jack-
son, too, so the family made the move. Caroline Labbe now
works locally as a Vituoso travel advisor.
Labbe has always worked on the “room side” of the hospitality
industry, not on the food side. “I’ve never cooked a day in the
Bunnery since I’ve been here,” he said. “The cooks rock it.”
Like the menu, there have been few staff changes through
the years. Some of the cooks have been at the restaurant
longer than Labbe, along with long-term wait staff. Multiple
generations of families even work in the restaurant. The cur-
rent bakers are brothers and one waitress’s son also waited
tables at one time. “Those stories go through and through
the restaurant,” Labbe said.
That’s what makes the restaurant special. It’s not just owned
by the Yvernault and Labbe families, but the staff is a family.
That carries over into the service. “It’s a casual breakfast
bakery,” he said. “It’s a family place.” n

Dine In Style

Room for Everyone
at the Table

Three Peaks Welcomes Diners

WORDS JENN REIN | IMAGES JONATHAN SELKOWITZ

Steve and Kalee Murphy have a lot on their plates. As owners of Three Peaks Dining
Table in Driggs, the husband-and-wife team have run the establishment since its grand
opening in April 2014. The eatery serves as way to continue Steve’s established catering
service, while also providing a host of things for customers to learn and do within its walls.

Restauranteur and chef Steve, a graduate of the “Three Peaks strives to reflect have enlisted the help of her mother Lauren,
Culinary Institute of America, honed his skills at familiar flavors with a cuisine father Ronald, sister Leah, brother Jake, and
Snake River Lodge and as a private chef in Jack- brother-in-law Chris Kilsby—even the younger
son prior to landing in Teton Valley. Murphy’s Steve calls ‘contemporary siblings come out to help when school’s not in ses-
local work at what he calls “rent-a-chef” has Western’ and is sourced from sion. Their contributions are noteworthy. While
provided an education on how to feed those that Leah offers attentive front-of-the-house service,
want a taste of the West. “I love gamey meats,” local ranches.” Jake’s artistry graces the walls of Three Peaks in
he said, and the proof is all over the seasonal the form of large format black-and-white photos.
menu at Three Peaks. Elk sliders keep company Colder weather also brings options in the form These images pay homage to the valley that has
with a bison burger on the menu, and another of evening cooking classes to the space, and the become home to this close-knit group.
choice, the buffalo Bolognese, demonstrates an inception of Wine Enthusiasts of the Tetons—or The space itself is beautifully enhanced by
innovative take on an Italian classic. WET—an endeavor that will provide deep dis- exposed brick walls, roughly hewn floorboards
While Steve runs the kitchen, Kalee manages the counts on the retail wine stock that Three Peaks and an overall pleasant, simplified, rustic feel.
front of the house, doing everything from updating carries. With the help of Teton Valley’s only wine Situated in a long-ago retail storefront, its current
the wine list to serving tables if waitstaff calls out. distributor, POW!—Purveyors of Wine—Murphy use as a fully realized commercial kitchen that
Three Peaks strives to reflect familiar flavors with hopes to attract a following by offering monthly cranks out breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven
a cuisine Steve calls “contemporary Western” and special events. days-a-week brings a new history. “There is more
is sourced from local ranches. As the days become to offer here than people realize,” Murphy said
shorter and another long and deep Teton Valley Many restaurants are a family affair, and Three of the surrounding dining landscape. He speaks
winter sets in, Murphy will offer more braised Peaks is no exception. Steve and his wife Kalee appreciatively of both his competitors and the
fare, stews, and lamb dishes, in keeping with the locals that make up the valley’s customer base.
tastes that have defined a region. At this Driggs restaurant, there is plenty of room
for everyone at the table. n

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A Jackson favorite serving
gourmet cowboy comfort food
in a cozy, historic downtown cabin

for nearly 40 Years.

fine dining at the alpenrose

Melding time-honored Swiss cuisine with tantalizing
contemporary flourishes and an impeccable selection of fine wines.

authentic cheese & chocolate fondue Lunch & Dinner Featuring:
Homemade Soups, Salads & Dressings
Comfortable fireside dining in winter and outdoor dining on
flower laden sunny decks in summer Fresh Louisiana Seafood & Fish
Authentic Po’ Boys
relaxed dining at the alpenhof bistro
Cowboy Rib-Eye & Baby Back Ribs
Breakfast, lunch and dinner with a friendly bistro style: Mahi Mahi & More
Tasty appetizers, weekly specials and a full bar with micro brews.
85 South King Street
www.AlpenhofLodge.com 307.733.3553

Next to the Tram Dock in Teton Village • 307.733.3242 sweetwaterjackson.com

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Nightlife

To Après
and
Beyond

Enjoy Brews and Bites
at Local Hotspots

IMAGES CHRIS HAVENER AND SARGENT SCHUTT

Tearing through the fresh TETON VALLEY, IDAHO TOWN OF JACKSON
powder can ready the taste After crushing the slopes at Grand Targhee, stop After skiing at Snow King, head right on over to
buds and leave a skier or by The Trap Bar for libations and their legendary Hayden’s Post to enjoy Western cuisine, drinks,
snowboarder clamoring for Wydaho nachos—waffle fries topped with all the and live music. Lift Restaurant is within spitting
a brew and a bite. Check out nacho fixings—accompanied by live music some distance of the slopes, offering burgers, ribs, fish
these hotspots to quench post- nights. The Royal Wolf in Driggs is another favor- entrees, and more.
ski thirst and indulge in snacks ite stop. From wings to wontons, tacos to top sir- Venture into the heart of town for drinks and
and live music, as well as loin, and a full selection of drinks, the Wolf is sure appetizers at the historical Wort Hotel’s Silver
some late-night entertainment. to satisfy any skier’s hearty appetite. The Knotty Dollar Bar, which features 2,032 uncirculated
Pine in Victor is another popular choice, spe- 1921 Morgan Silver dollars, inlayed in the bar’s
TETON VILLAGE cializing in house-smoked meats along with live surface. Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights fea-
After a day in Teton Village, check out live music many nights. Wildlife Brewing is a prime ture live music. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
music at the Mangy Moose. Famed bands from spot to indulge in pizza and brews. is another visitor favorite, featuring saddles for
Brandi Carlile to Ben Harper to Jason Aldean to WILSON seats and a cowboy flare motif, as well as live
Taj Mahal have graced the Moose’s stage over At the base of Teton Pass, stop by the Stage- entertainment.
the years. Enjoy a full menu of drinks and food. coach in Wilson to catch up with friends after a Looking for an award-winning brew? Head over
Grab brats and pretzels with your Spaten at the day playing in the backcountry powder. Sunday to Snake River Brewery or Melvin Brewing (Thai
Alpenhof, which is also a great place to sneak nights feature the world-famous Stagecoach Me Up) for a pint that medaled at the Great
a peek at classic ski films. The Village Cafe is a Band, which has played there for 44 years. American Beer Festival. South of town, The Bird
local’s favorite for a slice of pizza and a PBR and offers a free shuttle so diners can drink to their
Nick Wilson’s is a Jackson Hole Mountain Resort heart’s content while chowing down on the
employee favorite. Teton Thai is the place to sati- extensive burger menu. Eleanor’s is a favorite
ate your appetite for curries, noodles, and other spot for football and wings while The Rose’s craft
Thai dishes, along with beer, wine, and sake. The cocktail lounge boasts an array of specialty drinks
Spur, located inside Teton Mountain Lodge, offers sure to please any connoisseur.
starters such as devils-on-horseback along with a After quenching your thirst and satisfying your
full menu of mouth-watering munchies. The Han- appetite, head to the Center for the Arts to enjoy
dle Bar, located next to the Teewinot slope inside world-renowned speakers, comedy acts, dance,
the Four Seasons, offers indoor and outdoor seat- music, and other live performances. Other
ing, including spots next to fire pits and a literal options for live entertainment include Jackson
wall of flames that provides heat and ambiance. Hole Playhouse, Off Square Theatre Company,
Be careful not to burn your new ski jacket! and Riot Act. Jackson also has two movie the-
aters—Twin Cinema on Pearl and MovieWorks
on South Highway 89.

VILLAGE ROAD GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK Pink Garter Theatre hosts big-name performers
Heading back into town, stop at the Q Roadhouse Just outside the gate to Grand Teton National Park, as well as film screenings and live music. Head
Brewery or Calico Restaurant along the Village Road head into Dornan’s, a local institution. Monday downstairs after the show for a slice of pizza
for an après ski drink and meal. The Roadhouse nights are Hootenanny nights where talent from at Pinky G’s. Another late-night option is Town
brews its own award-winning beer and Calico fea- near and far hits the microphone. Head over early Square Tavern, which offers late-night entertain-
tures wood-fired pizza along with a full menu. to enjoy stunning Teton views over wine and pizza. ment, including music, dancing, and DJ nights. n

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Best Brews Rewind the clock.
Unwind in serenity.
Local Breweries Medal
at International Introducing the timeless charm of Split–C–Ranch,
Beer Competition a brand new log home and beautifully renovated

WORDS AND IMAGE JEFF THOMPSON guest house set for completion in Spring 2015.
The 10-acre horse property rests within a wildlife
Three local breweries took home
silver medals at the 2014 Great migration corridor along the Snake River.
American Beer Festival, held in Live water, horse pastures and amenities abound.
Denver in early October. Roadhouse
Brewing earned the silver for their www.SplitCRanch.com
Saison en Regalia, a Belgian-style fruit
beer. Snake River Brewing took home a S PLIT- C- R AN CH
silver of its own for the Rolling Thunder
Dortmunder (in the Dortmunder or jackson hole • wyoming
German-Style Oktoberfest category)
and Grand Teton Brewing placed Live the Wyoming way.
silver for Ale 208, which is an English-
Style Summer Ale. Ryan Block
RE/MAX Obsidian
The three-day annual event hosted a panel of 222 judges, all of 307.690.8674
them beer experts, hailing from 10 different nations, who eval- [email protected]
uated 5,507 different beers from 1,309 breweries. The event
is open to the public and this year drew 49,000 festival-goers, 87
who sampled 3,500 beers from 710 breweries.
JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
Last year, no local breweries medaled at the event, though
in 2012, Thai Me Up’s Melvin Brewery took home three
medals (two gold, one silver) and Snake River earned two
(silver and bronze). n

Healthy Style Living

Caring for the
Community

History of Health Care in Jackson

WORDS KRISTEN POPE | IMAGES COURTESY ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL

Childbirth was fraught with danger for women everywhere in the early 20th century.
However, women in Jackson Hole fared worse than many, as there was no doctor in
town to assist with difficult deliveries. “In those early days, babies were delivered at
home,” St. John’s Hospital spokeswoman Karen Connelly said.

When Nathaniel Thomas, Episcopal Bishop of Wyo- down. However, in the early 1960s, Jackson was However, the rapidly growing community
ming, came to Jackson for a visit in the early days, still lacking broader health care provisions. Rev. required more space and modernization of facil-
he became aware of startling mortality rates for Phil Zimmers, St. John’s Episcopal Church’s rector ities. In the early 2000s, St. John’s undertook a
local women and made it his mission to change this from 1962–1975, worked hard to help the facility major renovation and expansion. The project
unfortunate pattern. He was instrumental in bring- provide mental health care and counseling ser- included new patient rooms, a clinical labora-
ing Dr. Charles Huff to the valley. Dr. Huff was the vices. He also helped establish a local Alcohol- tory, ICU, emergency department, radiology,
first physician to settle in the area, arriving in 1913. ics Anonymous program and provided space for and imaging facilities. Specific Purpose Excise
addiction counseling on the St. John’s campus. Tax (SPET) revenue and community philanthropy
Dr. Huff performed surgeries wherever he could, By the mid-1970s, local leaders realized they helped pay for this important facility update.
including facilities on the campus of St. John’s Church. needed to provide more resources for the facility, By 2011, another expansion was necessary due
“It is entirely possible that Dr. Huff could have used so they worked to create a hospital district to help to the community’s continued growth. This proj-
space in the church’s Hostel building for emergency with funding. “The community was growing so ect focused on construction of a new oncology
surgeries, but we have no definite record of such,” much that the resources to fund what the hospital pavilion, surgical suites, and birth center, with
said Rev. Frank Johnson, former St. John’s Rector. “If needed were hard to come by as it got bigger,” Con- SPET funding and philanthropy key in funding this
such use of any space in the Hostel was made, it was nelly said. “The state has a hospital district option, development as well.
a very crude and emergency arrangement at best.” where counties or regions can request that they As the hospital helps usher new residents into
become a taxing governmental district.” Leaders the world and helps people stay healthy and face
It soon became clear that the growing valley worked to form what is now the Teton County Hos- various challenges throughout their lives, Con-
needed a hospital of its own. Community mem- pital District. Tax support also helps provide medical nelly emphasizes the important role health care
bers stepped up to help solve the problem and care to those who are unable to pay. facilities play in the valley. “Health care is woven
a five-room cabin was built in 1916 to serve as a The current hospital and nursing home were through the entire life cycle,” she said. “We have
hospital. This facility expanded first in 1919 and completed in 1991, located next to the original helped bring babies into the world and taken
again in 1927–1928 to meet the growing needs of hospital building on the current campus. The care of the sick and injured. The hospital plays
the local population. By 1930, it was considered a original facility became the hospital’s profes- an important role in the histories of those who
well-equipped and fully modern facility. sional office building, which houses many com- live here and the many, many people who have
munity physicians’ practices. preceded us.” n
In 1960, a new facility was established on East
Broadway and, in 1962, the old facility was torn
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Guided
by Spirit

Wilson Gift Shop
Explores Human
Consciousness

WORDS DONDI TONDRO-SMITH Photo by Flo McCall Creating, enhancing & protecting
IMAGE JAMYE CHRISMAN
the smiles of Jackson Hole
The word “spirit” can
represent many things TETON DENTAL ARTS
to many people. For
Samantha Strawbridge Eddy, General Family Dentistry
owner of the Spirit gift shop in
Wilson, the inspiration to create Catherine M. Tebay, D.D.S. (307) 734-5665
a bookstore offering tools for the
exploration of consciousness Smith’s Plaza | tetondentalarts.com
was driven by spirit itself. At the
conclusion of a silent retreat at 89
California’s Mount Madonna
Center, she happened to wander JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
into their bookstore.

She marveled at the selections and how “they
met everyone just where they were,” she said.
Later in the trip, she felt like she was being
guided towards bookstores, as she met a mutual
friend among the volumes of East West Book-
shop in Mountain View, California. Being sur-
rounded by spiritual teachings and a wide range
of viewpoints became a calling, a passion, and
a mission. This is reflected in her shop, which
offers workshops and guest healers, as well as
an amazing array of unique children’s books,
including titles such as Moody Cow Meditates,
gifts, and locally-made jewelry. n

Healthy Style Living

Finding Home in the Tetons

Kittleson Embraces Teton Sports Club and Mountain Lifestyle

WORDS KRISTEN POPE | IMAGES DAVID BOWERS AND MEGAN PETERSON He moved to Jackson as the new Teton Sports Club
owner in December of 2012.
Growing up in a small During this time, he was also a member His family had traveled to Jackson when he was a child
Iowa farming town, of the Army Reserves and went on sev- and he has fond childhood memories of Yellowstone.
Andy Kittleson—now eral deployments, including Kandahar, He also climbed the Grand Teton in 2007, but that was
owner of the Teton Sports Club— Afghanistan and the Sadr City area of the extent of his Jackson knowledge. “I knew enough
wanted to see the world. He Baghdad, Iraq. He worked in the Army’s about Jackson that I knew the Tetons were pretty awe-
attended college at Azusa Pacific civil affairs department, dealing with some,” he said. “It wasn’t too big a stretch to move to
University in southern California, the local populations’ interactions with a mountain town.”
joining the Army ROTC. After the Army. Between his deployments, Since he purchased the club, he’s worked on expand-
graduation, he drove to Mount he would travel for fun. ing the facilities and offerings. Following the closure
Rainier and spent four summers After the Army, he had been living in of the local climbing gym, the club added a new boul-
as a climbing guide there, Manhattan for nine months when he dering area for climbers. They have also worked on
working as a ski instructor in saw the Teton Sports Club for sale. He expanding the Crossfit program, creating a brand new
Colorado during the winters. had planned on owning a small busi- spin room with updated bikes, focusing on summer
ness in a mountain town so he could pool activities such as swim lessons and water fit-
enjoy the mountain town lifestyle. ness classes, updating restroom and locker facilities,
He had never owned a gym before, and adding new equipment. Each season has its own
but came out, met with the previous draw, with Ski Fitness classes in the fall, snowshoe
owner, and decided to make the leap. rentals and hot tub traffic in the winter, and lots of
pool time in the summer.
“My Jackson experience is very much tied to the Sports
Club,” Kittleson said. “I really enjoy getting to know the
local community of fit, active people who like to be
outdoors and get things done.”
He truly enjoys the mountain lifestyle. “I love all of the
seasons here,” Kittleson said. “I even love fall and spring.
In spring, you can ski Glory and then go for a long bike
ride in the valley. I love the contrast that Jackson offers,
the seasons, the contrast, the outdoor activities.”
Kittleson has traveled extensively, including a trip
to Africa last year to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and
Mount Kenya—his one big trip out of the valley so
far. “This is the only place I’ve ever lived where I have
almost zero desire to leave,” Kittleson said. “I’m very
content here.” n

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It’s What’s on the
Inside That Matters

Providing adult primary care medicine

Six providers to serve you:

Dennis Butcher, MD Professional Office Building
Ellen Meyers, MD 555 East Broadway, Ste. 201
Jackson, WY
307 733 7222

Discover a fresh approach Kerry Carr, FNP-BC
to healthy movement
Mike Menolascino, MD Wilson Medical
Laura Simmons welcomes you to Wilson Wellness. 5235 HHR Road
Recover, repair and redefine healthy movement in our Wilson, WY
307 739 7696
state-of-the-art facility at the base of Teton Pass.
Christine Turner, MD Smith’s Plaza
Laura Simmons P.T. Martha Stearn, MD 1415 So Hwy 89
Jackson, WY
A caring, gentle approach to: 307 739 7434
• Physical Therapy
• Craniosacral Therapy
• Dynamic Manual Therapy
• Total Motion Release
• Wellness Programs
www.laurapt.com

Also home to Fisher Fitness
1230 N. Fall Creek Road • 307.690.5558

internal.tetonhospital.org

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Healthy Style Living

A Touch of Mountain Zen

Body Sage Spa Provides Holistic Therapies

WORDS JILL THOMPSON
IMAGES SARAH AVERILL

In 1988, Heidi Harrison quit
her corporate job in San
Francisco and booked a
one-way ticket to Bali. Over
the next 18 months, she
journeyed around Asia and
Europe, studying traditional
Thai massage, yoga, and
meditation. After returning to
the United States, she lived in
San Francisco for over a year
and traveled up and down the
West Coast to find the best place
to open a massage practice.
After months of unsuccessful
searching, she decided to visit
family in Jackson for a one-week
vacation—she hasn’t left since.
“Six weeks into my one-week
vacation, I went back for my
furniture and Jackson has been
home since then,” she said.

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“It is great to be in a place Keeping Bodies in Motion
where people really value
Teton Orthopaedics’ physicians & surgeons are Board Certified
health so much and and Fellowship trained. We have a specialist for every injury.
understand not only
how to speed up recovery of Christopher Hills, DO
their muscles, but also the
detriments of stress.” Adult Spine Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery
– Heidi Harrison Trauma & Fracture Care

Harrison’s massage practice began in a con- Andrew Bullington, MD
verted storage closet in a back corner of the
Rusty Parrot Lodge, a hotel that her parents Knee & Shoulder Surgery
had just opened. They added a window to a Sports Medicine
private garden and, for four years, she gave Trauma & Fracture Care
massages to local clients and visiting guests in
her small studio. When her business expanded, Rafael Williams, MD
she hired staff and integrated spa therapies
into her services. Shoulder Surgery
Hand & Upper Extremity
Body Sage is now tucked into its own studio Sports Injuries
behind the Rusty Parrot, facing Flat Creek—a
good place to find a bit of mountain Zen. The Heidi Jost, MD
essence of Jackson greets visitors with fresh
mountain air and a beautiful butte view. Hand & Upper Extremity
Foot & Ankle Surgery
“I was looking to make the first step towards Custom Orthotics
expanding my business and that’s when I dis-
covered spa therapies,” Harrison said. “When David Khoury, MD
I had my first spa treatment I was surprised
and delighted by the therapeutic benefits. At Knee & Shoulder Surgery
that point I decided to study spa therapies and Sports Medicine
thought that it was really something that Jack- Arthroscopy
son could benefit from because of the way it
helps with sore muscles and tired, exhausted Geoffrey Skene, DO
bodies. It was a natural fit for this town.”
Non-Surgical Spine Care
Harrison added holistic spa services all ded- Neck & Back
icated to helping the human body, including Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
bathhouse rituals, facials, and a variety of skin
treatments. These internationally-inspired ser- Joshua Beck, MD
vices use all-natural products—organic when-
ever possible—and are meant to heal the Adult & Pediatric Spine Surgery
active body. Japanese, Finnish, and Turkish ser- Joint Replacement Surgery
vices are incorporated into the repertoire. Fracture Management

“Many people in Jackson use spa therapies as (800) 659-1335
a regular part of their health maintenance pro- (307) 733-3900
gram,” Harrison said. “It is great to be in a place www.tetonortho.com
where people really value health so much and
understand not only how to speed up recovery Physician on call 24/7 with offices in Jackson, Wilson, Afton, Pinedale
of their muscles, but also the detriments of Big Piney, Lander, Riverton, Rock Springs and Green River
stress. People in this town want to do whatever
they can to maximize their health.” 93

The Body Sage spa focuses on the local, nat- JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15
ural, and therapeutic—three things that are
important to both locals and visitors in a town
like Jackson. n

Teton Valley Opening right after
Christmas in 1969,
SMFRASKILELINI-NTDOGLWY N Grand Targhee
Resort launched its debut
46 Years of Fun at Grand Targhee season with two lifts and two
lodges. Local residents had
“The friendly, banded together to form the
laid-back, small-town resort after searching for a
way to stimulate the winter
feel has survived. economy in a community
It is a friendly valley.” that relied heavily on
ranching and farming.
– Mark Hanson, ski and snowboard school
director at Grand Targhee “This resort was essentially the brainchild of local
ranchers and farmers who realized they needed a
winter economy,” said Mark Hanson, ski and snow-
board school director. “They were really happy to
see people show up. The friendly, laid-back, small-
town feel has survived. It is a friendly valley.”

Hanson has worked at Grand Targhee for half of
its 46-year history. He started as a shuttle driver
for a season then joined the ski school, where he
has worked for 22 years and is now the director.
Throughout the years, the resort has seen only a
handful of owners, including Bill Robinson, Mory
and Carol Bergmeyer, and the Gillett family.

IMAGES COURTESY
GRAND TARGHEE RESORT

Located on the western side of the Tetons, the
resort was named “Grand Targhee” as a way to
blend the grandeur of the Tetons and the rich her-
itage of the region. The name “Grand” references
the Grand Teton, while “Targhee” is named after
Chief Targhee, a native chief who worked to keep
the peace between his tribe and European settlers.
Throughout the years the resort has seen many
changes, including some stemming from a fire in
1990. The conflagration broke out on March 25 of
that year, consuming the base lodge and retail
buildings, but leaving the lodges unscathed.

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Within five days, the resort was able to re-open selkophoto.com
using temporary tent facilities where needed.
Mory Bergmeyer was the owner at the time
and, an architect by trade, he took the oppor-
tunity to redesign the base area. By Novem-
ber, the tents were gone and structures were
built—the resort was ready for the season.
While many facilities have been upgraded
throughout the years, Grand Targhee has
worked to maintain the friendly, historic feel of
the area. However, the resort is also always on
the lookout for new activities to add, including
Snowcat skiing, which was introduced in 1989.
Festivals have also taken center stage in the
summer, with the Targhee Bluegrass Festival
in its 28th year and Targhee Fest going into
its 11th year. “The festivals have a great feel,”
Hanson said. “They complement our business
very well. We invite folks into this beautiful
setting where they can do something inspira-
tional, whether it’s music or riding your bike.”
“Music has filled a niche,” Hanson continued.
“There’s a great vibe up here and the musicians
love it.” Many visitors spend festival weekends
camping at the resort and going for hikes or
mountain bike rides in between sets. The Blue-
grass Festival in particular leads to spontaneous
jam sessions as lovers of bluegrass come together
from across the country to celebrate their favorite
acts and make a little music of their own.
Future plans for the resort include developing
120 acres at the base of the mountain, utiliz-
ing a plan that was approved several years ago.
The plan calls for adding 450 lodging units and
the resort is just waiting for the right time to
begin construction. They are also investigating
the possibility of adding an additional chairlift.
No matter what physical changes occur, the
soul of Grand Targhee remains the same.
“We’re happy to see people show up and come
to our resort,” Hanson said. “It has become part
of our culture, we recognize that it’s important
for our identity. In some respects, the moun-
tain is the same—the snow still falls, we have
this welcoming place. But the vibe here is what
a lot of folks seem to remember.” n

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Teton Valley

Guiding
Gear
Choices

Pro Guide Direct
Provides Custom
Recommendations

WORDS KELSEY DAYTON
IMAGE ANDY BARDON

There is one question
clients always asked
Fletcher White when he
worked as a fly-fishing guide. It
is the question that all guides get,
no matter their sport: “What do I
need to bring?”

Unlike when White moved to Jackson in 1988
to guide fly-fishing trips with Bressler Outfit-
ters, guides now have a simple way to answer.
They can send them to White’s Pro Guide Direct
website where they can find a list customized
for their specific trip, created by their actual
guide, featuring not just the generic type of
items they need—like waders—but the specific
brands and models the guide prefers. People
can either bring the list to a retailer or purchase
from it online, buying the entire list or selecting
individual items.

Guides are not the only ones to refer people to
products via the system. A variety of pros use
the site, from brand ambassadors, to shops,
to independent pros, promoting relationships
with brands and retailers. “The ultimate goal is
to elevate the professionals’ relationships with
their customer, brand, and retailer,” White said.

It’s convenient for the clients who don’t need
to take a list to various hometown outdoor
stores trying to fill it, only to find out they have
a different definition of “base layer” than their
guide envisioned. “They’re not left to search for
the right pair of leather boots for elk hunting in
Wyoming, or the right fly-rod for tarpon fishing
in the Keys,” White said.
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“There’s no way the guy
in Tennessee is

going to be able to outfit
you properly for

elk hunting in the Rockies.”

– Fletcher White

The site provides an alternative to the generic gear lists guides
provide on paper that list items like “fly-rod” or “sandals.” A
custom list provides specifics from the people that know the
sport best. “There’s no way the guy in Tennessee is going to
be able to outfit you properly for elk hunting in the Rockies,”
White said.
He started fly-fishing with his father when he was two years
old. During his first summer in Jackson, he completed guide
school and worked as a “swamper,” cooking and cleaning
at overnight camps on the South Fork of the Snake River in
Idaho. He purchased Bressler Outfitters in 2000, renamed it
World Cast Anglers, and sold it in 2007. In 1994, he earned his
captain’s license in the Florida Keys and started splitting time
between freshwater and saltwater, always giving his clients
very different and specific equipment lists for trips.
The ability for guides to create custom lists for their clients
is one of the main features of the Pro Guide Direct website
that White founded with Eric Spitzer, Steve Mitgang, and Herb
Heimerl in 2010. It features clothing and equipment endorsed
by professionals in the industry. You don’t have to be a client
headed on a guided trip to use it. Looking for a new pair of
technical pants? Check out what pros recommend on the site.
Each item on the site shows how many pros have endorsed
it, and which pros specifically. Guides earn a commission on
transactions generated by their customers, but the site can
also tie a guide to a retailer, allowing both to benefit from the
sale. The site is working to license its technology to retailer
and equipment manufacturers so they can integrate it within
their network of pros and ambassadors.
The site has recommendations from more than 1,000 profes-
sionals and White sees that number growing as it partners with
brands that ask their sponsored athletes to write lists for the
site. These lists often include the athlete’s favorite items from
the brands they represent, but also other items they use. There
aren’t lists with only one brand because no one completely out-
fits themselves with a single brand, according to White.
The site began focusing on equipment for hunting, fishing,
and hiking, but White envisions it expanding to more activi-
ties, including motor sports, team sports, and even one day
to cooking. n

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Teton Valley

Flying High in the Tetons

Sugden at the Heart of Local Aviation History

WORDS JENN REIN
IMAGE COURTESY OF RICHARD SUGDEN

Barely in kindergarten,
Richard Sugden made
his first foray into Jackson
Hole in 1947, when his father
moved his family to the area. The
elder Sugden had an interest
in hunting and fishing, but
especially in skiing. He planted
his family on a dude ranch,
running it for three years with
a partner. Called the Ramshorn
Ranch, the property is now home
to the Teton Science School.

The eruption of the Korean War ended the Sug- chances over the hill. He sold JHA and bought and more business jets there,” this full-service
dens’ time in Wyoming as the head of the house- Teton Aviation in Driggs. When asked to pinpoint fixed base operation includes hangars, mainte-
hold entered into the fray of combat in the Navy. the start of the aviation boom on the Wyoming nance, fixed and rotary wing flight training, and
They pulled up stakes and headed to California, side, the doctor laughed and said, “Right after I scenic flights.
becoming a military family. But the story doesn’t sold Jackson Hole Aviation, it really took off.” The city-owned airstrip has come a long way since
end there. it was built in the 1940s. Originally laid down as
“As he paired his vocation gravel, and then upgraded to dirt, it was eventually
Richard Sugden returned to Wyoming in 1975. with his love of flight, Sugden given an asphalt surface that was—erroneously—
Now a former Navy flight surgeon, and a doctor started to amass a collection rated for highway traffic. That all changed in 2009
who had just completed his residency, he settled when an almost $4 million Federal Aviation Admin-
his family of four into a cabin in Wilson. Sugden, of planes that would make istration grant gave this rural airport a facelift that
who had been a pilot since a young age, used any aviation geek drool.” would improve safety and allow it to grow.
his skills at the yoke to pay house calls to the Richard Sugden, now a family physician with a
patients he treated in Big Piney. As he paired his vocation with his love of flight, practice in Jackson, continues to find himself at
Sugden started to amass a collection of planes that home in the air. He even flew his 1985 Citation
Some years later, he would partner up with Paul would make any aviation geek drool. His fleet of business jet to Kenya in order to help train the
King, a physician’s assistant and Special Forces warbirds includes two Soviet MiG aircraft, a U.S. Kenya Wildlife Service pilots. “It took us three
medic in Vietnam, to start the first air ambulance Navy Fury, a biplane, and an Albatross, among oth- days to get there, but I could have done it in
service in Jackson Hole. “There was only one ers. These aircraft make up the aviation museum at two,” he said. Last year, he also flew his Citation
plane in Salt Lake City at the time that was used Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport in Driggs, a feature to Berlin for an FAA Aviation Medicine meeting.
for medical airlifts,” he explained. “If you had a that would not exist if not for his involvement. He is qualified to fly the MiGs and the Fury, and is
life-threatening injury that required medevac, part of the team that demonstrates the prowess
there wasn’t a lot of help.” His medical flight While fans of flight in Jackson started to experi- of these jets at heavily-attended airshows.
crews were made up of local nurses and EMTs. ence narrowing hangar space and further expan- To Sugden, living life as a local in this neighbor-
In the 12 years that this service operated, over sion of facilities to accommodate commercial hood is important. “There is a lot involved in
1,000 flights were logged. flights, Driggs-Reed Memorial still existed as the growing up here and living here—and not just
“go to” place for glider enthusiasts. And although existing.” Seeing life in the Tetons through an
The air ambulance service and Sugden’s medical Dr. Sugden points out that, “we are seeing more aerial perspective certainly can’t hurt. n
practice complemented his role as owner and
operator of Jackson Hole Aviation. As the new
millennium approached, he decided to take his
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JHStyleMagazine.com | Winter/Spring 2014-15

A Lifetime MOUNTAIN MODERN
in the Air

94-year-old Stearns
Recounts WWII and
Peacetime Flying

WORDS JENN REIN
IMAGE COURTESY ELIZABETH HESSE

BStearnie with Jim Jackson, first Canadian flight. RUSTIC • MOUNTAIN MODERN • WESTERN • TRADITIONAL • COMMERCIAL
y the age of 30, when 13 South Main Street • Victor, Idaho
Clarence “Stearnie”
Stearns settled in Wilson, 208.787.FEST (3378) • www.festive-living.com
he had already served in Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
World War II as a pilot of the
B-17 Flying Fortress. He had  
also been a prisoner of war,
held for a year in Germany. Properties that are a World Apart...
...Service that is World Class
But in 1950, when the Driggs airfield was as
he describes, “Nothing but gliders and spray Serving Buyers and Sellers in 
planes,” the war was behind him. He refers
to the CallAir A-5 aircraft that was being SerIDviAnHgOBuanyedrsWaYnOdMSIeNllGers
built in Afton at the time—what civilians in IDAHTwOoalnocdaWtioYnOs!M ING
refer to as crop dusters.
Main GTawteo—loTcEaTtOioN nSsP!RINGS
Stearns channeled his passion for flight into
building an amphibian Bushcaddy R-80, M4a0 iEnASGTaLtIeTT–LTEeAtVo nE...SDpRrIiGnGgSs
which he flew on Kevlar floats in the summer 40 East Little Ave. – Driggs
and wheels in the winter. He built this plane
with the help of an experimental builder, Jim   866-445-3328
Jackson, at the hangar in Driggs. This was
after he retired from Hungry Jack’s General www.asrrealty.com
Store in Wilson, which he started in 1954. His
daughter, Jana Stearns now owns the store.

At his current age of 94, he says his sight
doesn’t allow for much flying. But he has been
known to navigate as a guest in the cockpit
simply by the feel of the sun on his face. n

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Teton Valley

When Life
Gives You Potatoes,
Make Vodka

Grand Teton Distillery Creates
Winning Spirits

WORDS SUZANNE CHEAVENS
IMAGES COURTESY GRAND
TETON DISTILLERY

Grand Teton Distillery, located in Idaho’s Teton Valley on
Highway 33, is a family affair. Lea Beckett and her sons,
John Boczar and James Morrison, started production
in 2012 on the site of what Lea and her husband, Bill Beckett,
originally thought might be a good location for a hotel.

Lea moved to the Teton Valley in 2006 intending it The following year, production began with John
to be her second home but, before long, the area serving as the fledgling company’s head dis-
became her primary home. She purchased the tiller. He quickly set to work, availing himself of
site on Highway 33, originally envisioning a hotel. the plentiful spuds for which Idaho is famous—
But, as James explained, the economy faltered. the results have been gratifying.
“We decided that it wasn’t a good idea. So the “We knew our vodka was pretty good, but we
land remained dormant for a few more years.” had no idea how good compared to others,”
A few years later, Lea and Bill hatched another James said. “So we started entering our vodka
idea. The family moved forward with her new into the top competitions. We have scored
vision and Grand Teton Distillery became real- Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spir-
ity, with Lea serving as CEO and the company’s its Competition, which many consider the top
primary investor. event in the world for scoring spirits.”

“In 2011 she had the idea of building a craft dis- James, who handles the sales and distribution
tillery and using local potatoes to distill vodka,” aspects of the distillery, is proud of the lofty heights
James explained. “Most vodka is made from Teton Vodka has reached in just a few years.
corn or wheat. However, some of the best vod- “Our ranking on Proof66.com is currently No. 2
kas from Poland are made from potatoes, so it in the world for quality, out of 700 tracked vod-
only made sense to use local Idaho potatoes as kas,” he said. “That is based on our numerous
our primary ingredient.”

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