An idyllic Christmas in Jackson Hole

Saturday, December 22, 2007

By Ben Cannon

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-If there’s any destination people dream of being during the Christmas holidays – aside perhaps from the historic, Glüwein-scented Christmas markets of Central Europe, the birthplace of many holiday traditions – it’s in the American West, where the woodsmoke drifts among snow-covered pines and magnificent granite peaks hem the view.

Add to that setting some Christmas-y icons – lights, sleighs, Santa and perhaps a little hot cocoa or eggnog - and the allures of Jackson Hole during Christmas make for an enticing scenario.

Grand Targhee Resort’s annual torchlight parade, a Christmas Day celebration (they also do it on New Year’s Eve) more than 30 years old, is a veritable holiday institution in the area. Resort spokesperson Susie Barnett-Bushong said the event, for many, has become a tradition in its own right, with a proud handful boasting of never missing a single year.
“For some of our guests, the torchlight parade is an integral part of the holiday experience,” she said. “It’s very festive and heartwarming.”

Persons ages 12 and older must register to ski in the parade at Targhee’s ski and snowboard school at 4:45 p.m. Christmas Day to participate. Skiers will take the resort’s main high-speed quad Dreamcatcher lift to the top of 10,000-foot Fred’s Mountain before making the full descent with roadside flares in hand. Participants are asked to wear sensible clothing for the occasion, bearing in mind exposure to cold weather and open flames. Call (307) 353-2300 for more information.

The festivities kick off today at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and continue through the holidays. Champagne and s’mores will be offered at the top of Bridger Gondola Wednesday through Sunday evenings throughout the winter.

Jackson Hole Spots will host a holiday fundraiser from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, with 10 percent of sales donated to the Santa Claus Fund, a local charity that provides clothing and toys to Teton County children in need.

Teton Village will host its annual tree lighting ceremony from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday at Crystal Springs pond. Along with ice skating, cookies and hot cocoa, Santa and his team of sled dogs will be on hand to greet children and ensure a Christmas they won’t forget.
If you’re looking for evening holiday revelry at no cost, the Jackson 6 and Friends, a local ensemble, will perform a selection of holiday music at 7 p.m. at Walk Festival Hall. Admission is free and the event is sponsored in part by the Grand Teton Music Festival.

The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s upscale Couloir Restaurant at the top of Bridger Gondola will serve dinner Christmas Day beginning at 5:30 p.m. Call 733-2292 for reservations.

Snow King will mark Christmas with a holiday brunch from noon to 5 p.m. The meal includes a varied selection of appetizer, salads, entrees and desserts, from Oysters Rockefeller and gumbo to Cornish game hen, Black Angus prime rib and key lime tarts. The meal is about $40 for adults, $30 for seniors, and $20 for children 12 and under. Reservations are recommended. Call 733-5200.

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An idyllic Christmas in Jackson Hole | Planet JH News Article: General News

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