My ski buddy Victoria and I had lengthy dreamed of a winter retreat in Jackson Gap—days spent exploring the rugged grandeur of the Tetons and nights sipping cocktails in a comfy boutique mountain lodge. When the enduring Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa was reimagined and reopened, we knew it was the right place to expertise the magic of Wyoming in winter—a basecamp for all our adventures.
A Heat Wyoming Welcome
Upon moving into the Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, we had been instantly enveloped within the excellent concord of mountain attraction and refined class. The design by Rowland+Broughton seamlessly weaves collectively the heat of wealthy timber beams, the grounding presence of pure stone, and the softness of inviting textures, crafting an environment that feels each intimate and complex. The scent of contemporary pine lingered within the air, whereas the mushy flicker of the two-sided fire bathed the lounge in a heat glow—making it an irresistible spot to unwind. Each element, from handcrafted furnishings and curated art work reflecting Wyoming’s rugged magnificence to the quirky rusty parrot perched above the grand staircase, spoke of a spot the place custom meets trendy consolation.
Wildlife, Western Put on + Cowboy Spirits
On our first day, we had been desirous to discover the wild magnificence past the lodge’s doorways. Earlier than the solar had absolutely risen, we set off on a drive via Grand Teton Nationwide Park, guided by the professional recommendation of Rusty Parrot worker (and passionate orienteer) Diego. The crisp morning air was thick with anticipation as we noticed a herd of elk transferring via the frost-covered valley, intently noticed by a lone coyote. Huge-horned sheep perched on the slopes spilled out onto the highway, momentarily blocking our manner. And the sight of two moose dusted in snow, their breath rising like smoke as they chomped on their sage breakfasts, was a scene straight from a nature documentary.
Again on the Rusty Parrot Lodge, we had been prepared for a correct mountain breakfast, and Wild Sage delivered. Over plates of “The All the things” breakfast and a cinnamon roll for the desk, we refueled whereas swapping tales about our daybreak drive with fellow vacationers. With heat Snake River Roasting Co. espresso in hand, we got down to discover Jackson’s vibrant buying scene.
At Womenfolk, a treasure trove of classic Western finds, I scored a basic Ralph Lauren cardigan with fringe detailing I’m nonetheless swooning over. At Beaver Creek Hats & Leather-based, we had been fitted for bespoke hats—important apparel for an genuine Jackson expertise. A cease at Gold Mountain Gallery, the place David Yarrow’s work was on show, completely captured the area’s wild spirit.
After posing for a couple of footage beneath the antler arches within the heart of city, we stepped into the Million Greenback Cowboy Bar, the place saddles double as barstools and the neon glow casts a golden hue over the leather-based cubicles and energetic crowd. With a regionally brewed beer in hand, we tipped our hats and toasted to an ideal first day.
Steep Days + Hearth Nights
The next morning, we grabbed a superbly crafted latte from Persephone earlier than heading on a 40-minute drive to Jackson Gap Mountain Resort. Taking the well-known Huge Crimson tram as much as 10,450 toes to a top-of-the-world waffle breakfast at Corbet’s Cabin warranted the acquisition of a memento t-shirt.
After the adrenaline rush of snowboarding Jackson Gap’s steep terrain all day, we slid into the Mangy Moose Restaurant & Saloon for a well-earned après. The ambiance at The Mangy Moose was as energetic because the spicy margaritas had been robust! Stay music, contemporary snow falling and the temporary look of a mom and child moose wandering out from the woods made it additional particular.
Dinner at Corsa, nestled on the base of the ski resort in Caldera Home, was the right capstone to our day. We sat underneath the orange glow of the bar, watching the cooks at work and having fun with shrimp toast, arancini and a bottle of Barolo that warmed us from the within out.
Once we returned to the Rusty Parrot Lodge, we poured ourselves some cider (accessible all day within the library) and sank into the outside sizzling tub to soak our drained legs. On a snowy evening, with the outside firepit ablaze, it feels just like the mountains are actually wrapped round you. Jackson Gap delivered an unforgettable mixture of journey, Western hospitality and wild magnificence. And the Rusty Parrot Lodge? It was the right residence base for all of it.
