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 comfortable boutique mountain lodge. When the enduring Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa was reimagined and reopened, we knew it was the proper 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 have been instantly enveloped within the excellent concord of mountain allure and refined magnificence. 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 hearth 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 fashionable consolation.
Wildlife, Western Put on + Cowboy Spirits
On our first day, we have been desirous to discover the wild magnificence past the lodge’s doorways. Earlier than the solar had totally risen, we set off on a drive by means of Grand Teton Nationwide Park, guided by the knowledgeable recommendation of Rusty Parrot worker (and passionate orienteer) Diego. The crisp morning air was thick with anticipation as we noticed a herd of elk shifting by means of the frost-covered valley, carefully noticed by a lone coyote. Huge-horned sheep perched on the slopes spilled out onto the highway, momentarily blocking our method. 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 have been prepared for a correct mountain breakfast, and Wild Sage delivered. Over plates of “The Every part” 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 purchasing scene.
At Womenfolk, a treasure trove of classic Western finds, I scored a traditional Ralph Lauren cardigan with fringe detailing I’m nonetheless swooning over. At Beaver Creek Hats & Leather-based, we have 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 vigorous 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 wonderfully crafted latte from Persephone earlier than heading on a 40-minute drive to Jackson Gap Mountain Resort. Taking the well-known Huge Purple 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 environment at The Mangy Moose was as vigorous because the spicy margaritas have been robust! Reside music, contemporary snow falling and the transient look of a mom and child moose wandering out from the woods made it further particular.
Dinner at Corsa, nestled on the base of the ski resort in Caldera Home, was the proper capstone to our day. We sat below 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.
After we returned to the Rusty Parrot Lodge, we poured ourselves some cider (accessible all day within the library) and sank into the out of doors scorching tub to soak our drained legs. On a snowy night time, with the out of doors firepit ablaze, it feels just like the mountains are really wrapped round you. Jackson Gap delivered an unforgettable mixture of journey, Western hospitality and wild magnificence. And the Rusty Parrot Lodge? It was the proper house base for all of it.
