Multi-Tool
I feel naked without this one in my pocket.  From cutting out the chunk of ski base I’ve just damaged on a rock to making binding adjustments mid-run, the mutlti-tool is invaluable.  For skiing, I like Leatherman’s Skeletool.  It’s lightweight enough, yet packed with all the features you need on the hill.

Face Mask
I have a thin face mask at all times in my pocket.  Weather pending, it’s on my head, fitting nicely under my helmet and jacket collars.  I use Outdoor Research’s Lumen Balaclava.

Whistle
Jackson Hole is known for its off-piste skiing, which takes you into areas that are not as heavily-skied as you seek fresh powder.  Should you become immobilized and lack cell service, a whistle is key to call for help.  (Word of advice: Put the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol number into your smartphone — (307) 739-2650.  Whether you need help or you’re calling the line for others, don’t ski without it!)

Bandana
Today we only wear non-cotton clothing while out carving the slopes, and when it comes to absorbing moisture, you’ll wish you had one.  I use mine to clean out my goggles after tumbling in the snow or to wipe moisture from my face to prevent frostbite. A bandana can even come in handy for worse case scenarios like creating a sling for a shoulder or helping staunch bleeding.

Lip & Face Balm
Our dry climate and cold temperatures will have you constantly digging around for something to apply to your lips and face. I find balm not only useful for adding moisture, but also for preventing wind burn and sun damage. Should you find yourself stuck on a chairlift for an extended period of time, it’s a lifesaver–apply to exposed skin to prevent frostbite.

Hydration
I am always amazed at how many of my friends ski without any form of hydration.  I never ski without my Camelbak. Specifically, I use a model that is designed to be worn beneath your jacket, the Bootlegger.  This is important to prevent the water from freezing and snagging on a tree branch as you slash through the trees.  Should you be hiking up the headwall and need to shed a layer or two, you can use yours as a sling for your extra layers as well.

Hand Warmers
I hand these out like candy to visiting friends, as I’ve found that circulation is different for all of us. Over the years, I’ve noticed that new skiers to the area tend to really grip their poles and put a lot of toe pressure in their boots due to the intimidating nature of the mountain’s terrain at first pass. My advice? Just relax and let the circulation return; in many cases those hands and toes will be much warmer.  Another piece of advice: Wear thin socks. Your boots have all the insulation you need, and thick socks actually increase discomfort in your boots while simultaneously decreasing circulation to your toes.

Ski Strap
This is a must-have for sure. Ski straps provide a great way to bundle your skis for transport, getting on the tram or dealing with the mountain of kids’ extra gear you get to carry.  I have used one to hold my ski boot together when the upper buckle broke…and many other applications to be determined.

Trail Map
Locals might laugh to see me pull out a trail map after 20+ years of skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort,  but when it comes to specifically locating yourself so the ski patrol or friends can find you, this simple piece of paper proves invaluable.

Snacks
You’ll need some pick-me-ups while making turns.  This is very much a personal preference in this case, but I keep mine in my inner pockets so they are warm and don’t break my teeth trying to eat them in sub-zero temperatures. Of course, I carry a little extra because once you pull out your Tram bar on the lift, others will appreciate you sharing your goods.

Sunglass Cloth
It’s inevitable you’ll need to clean your goggles or sunglasses during the day. Sunglass cloths are also helpful for cleaning the lenses on your camera or smartphone.

General Tips

• I always ski with goggles over sunglasses for additional eye protection.
• Keep your smartphone warm by storing it in your inner pocket, close to your body.
• As noted above, thin socks are warmer than thick socks, as your boots have plenty of insulation. If you need more warmth, invest in boot heaters.

The post What’s in your Ski Jacket? appeared first on Locale | Jackson Hole Real Estate.

Jackson, Wyoming has been named the 2015 eCity of Wyoming by Google. The eCity Award recognizes the strongest online business community in each state — the digital capitals of America. Jackson joins the ranks of America’s leading cities in the digital economy.  They have this to say about us, “Jackson is home to some of the most picturesque and exciting outdoor activities in the country due to its proximity to Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, the National Elk Refuge, and numerous ski resorts. Visitors are able to plan their vacation to experience all that Jackson has to offer by turning to the strong web presence of local businesses and tourism companies.”

The post Google Ranks Jackson the 2015 eCity of Wyoming appeared first on Locale | Jackson Hole Real Estate.

“The Teton Lift is Jackson Hole’s most significant development since the December 2008 unveiling of Big Red, the $28 million, shiny box-on-a-cable that can move 600 people up to the 10,450-foot Rendezvous Mountain summit in an hour. Three years in the making, Teton Lift—at four skiers per hanging bench—will move 2,000 people an hour to new routes like Crags, Kemmerer Run, and Wide Open. These 200 acres of new terrain, some of them groomed, are more forgiving than the other bowls and chutes that require the highly technical skiing for which Jackson Hole has become known.”  Read the Article.

The post Ralph Lauren Magazine: Wild at Heart appeared first on Locale | Jackson Hole Real Estate.

The Wall Street Journal gives us a nice nod to our new Teton Lift.  I would say from first hand experience it does open a lot of terrain that previously required hiking up the headwall and past Casper Bowl to access.

“Some of the world’s top winter resorts—from Vail to St. Moritz—are pulling out the stops to lure demanding schussers to their slopes

TEMPERATURES HAVE dropped, flakes are flying and slopes are primed at ski resorts from Vail to Val D’Isère. While last winter was stingy with snow in many regions, this year’s early accumulations and weather forecasts suggest that things are looking up for going downhill. To stand out from the crowd this season, some of the world’s most upscale resorts have announced a flurry of new offers for skiers of every skill level. So, if it takes more than just a fresh sprinkle of snow to get you out into the cold, consider the opportunities, from the classic to the exotic, available at these hills.”  Read the full article.

iPhone photo: Latham Jenkins

The post WSJ: New, Peak Experiences at Upscale Ski Resorts appeared first on Locale | Jackson Hole Real Estate.

Gavin Fine – Jackson Hole Restaurateur

I have always experienced Jackson Hole to be a land of opportunity. People show up from afar and meet with other like minded entrepreneur’s and if the two of them can create value working together they give it a go.

Condé Nast Traveler recognized these three great companies born from Jackson Hole and being recognized nationally for their offerings.  Read the Article.

[We did an earlier story on Gavin Fine which tells more in-depth about love of living in Jackson Hole, his business pursuits and personal life. Read the Article.]

The post Condé Nast: Where to Eat, Shop, and Stay in Jackson Hole, WY appeared first on Locale | Jackson Hole Real Estate.

The Wall Street Journal’s WSJ Magazine gives Jackson Hole’s Four Season’s Resort a favorable accolade of being one of the 3 Iconic Rocky Mountain Resorts. Of course I am biased as Jackson Hole has the best ski culture, snow quality and non-skiing alternative activities and amenities that Sun Valley & Aspen cannot match. Read the article.

Photo ©  John C. Russell / Four Seasons

The post WSJ. Magazine – 3 Iconic Rocky Mountain Resorts appeared first on Locale | Jackson Hole Real Estate.

Country Living ranked Jackson Hole as #4 on their list for Christmas.

“No town lights up for the holidays quite like Jackson Hole. The town at the base of the Tetons has a spectacular town square any time of the year, with monumental arches of elk antlers at the four corners. But around the holidays, the arches are wrapped in strings of lights to illuminate the nights with a festive glow. Stick around until New Year’s Eve if you want to see the torch parade of ski instructors snaking down the mountain at the town’s two ski resorts.” Read the article.

The post America’s 20 Best Small Towns for Christmas appeared first on Locale | Jackson Hole Real Estate.

The article reads, “As always, the arbiter of the rankings is an algorithm that measures the one thing that matters most: awesomeness.”  They ranked Jackson Hole – PAF: 99, which is reflects that experience you will find at our great resort!

“If you haven’t been here before, then you don’t know about PAF. A quick explanation: In the name of awesomeness, our algorithm assigns every ski resort a Pure Awesomeness Factor. This PAF decides what ski resorts gain entry to the hallowed Forbes Top 10 Ski Resorts. These resorts have reached for the mantle of awesomeness and found it. Recognize their feat, and bestow upon them the greatest honor you can: ski them hard.”

Forbes says, “Jackson Hole, a perennial favorite of the PAF algorithm, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year by adding a lift that will grant easier access to its top ridge on the north end of the resort—and its high backcountry gate into Granite Canyon. Some people love this, some hate it. We will see how things turn out and report back. What’s not debatable, however, is that this lift opens up more continuous vertical for skiers who might prefer to stay off of Jackson Hole’s aerial tram (also known as the best lift in skiing).

There’s no inviting way down from the top of the tram for people who prefer predictable, groomed slopes. So this new lift, which will access all kinds of terrain, including the fabled Crags as well as a blue run, named, if you can believe it, Crags, is another cog in the successful effort to expand blue terrain at Jackson. The vistas off of this lift going north toward the Tetons may be tops in all of North America.”  See the full article on Forbes and the page on the rankings published on ZRankings.

The post Forbes Ranks Jackson Hole #1 appeared first on Locale | Jackson Hole Real Estate.

ASX Landing Net
Pay homeage to the fish you catch with a net worthy of holding it. Steve Shibuya hand builds each ASX net in his shop just above the Snake River. The four laminated woods he uses are selected for strength, beauty, balance and function. The offset handle prevents needing to angle your wrist when landing a fish.The “no-snag-bag” keeps your hook out of the mesh, saving the fly that brought you luck in the first place. I always use the Snake River Sling. It holds the net on your vest and provides a quick release to deploy for landing. This helps it stay attached to you rather than floating down the river when you stop to snap a photo of your trophy. $115 | Email Steve S2@Q.com for an order

JH Hunter
This is your go-to outdoor adventure knife. It’s perfect for field dressing your elk or cutting up sausage and cheese around camp. Designer (and buddy) Corey Milligan at New West Knife Works creates a perfect blend of form and function. The handle has a large grip that feeds into a nice notch to keep your hand from sliding onto the knife blade. Each knife comes with a leather sheath. $179 | Info & Order

Double Down Jacket
You never have enough jackets! The design guru at Mountain Khakis, Ned Hutchinson, nailed it with this one. It’s a puffy with a protected waxed twill shell which Ned calls “mountain tough.” No need to carry duct tape in your pocket for repairs! The goose down fill feels great against your chest, as does the waxed shell that keeps the wind and elements out. This should be in everyone’s outerwear quiver, and whenever you wear it, you’ll look sharp. $250 | Info & Order

Maiden Custom Skis
Just like that first custom suit, you don’t know what you are missing until you try a pair of custom-made skis. Maiden Skis designs your skis to match your skiing style and body type, leading to effortless and efficient turns. Founder Kevin Wu handcrafts each ski using maple wood cores, graphite bases and custom graphics for a truly bespoke offering. He guarantees his work and can get you out slicing the slopes on your new skis in less than two weeks. $1,700 | Info & Order | View Article

Age Your Own Whiskey Barrel
Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough! It’s even better if you have made it yourself. This kit turns locally-made whiskey into bourbon as it ages for three to four months on your bar. The charred oak barrel incubates the color, flavor and depth you’d expect from your favorite drink. It’s also a great conversation piece, and a chance for bragging rights when you serve up a snifter. $149 | Info & Order

Gannett Peak Half Zip
This is a staple item for any adventure or laid back outing. I’ve worn mine while sailing in the British Virgin Islands, frolicking in the Jackson Hole backcountry or while spectating around the hockey rink. Our hometown team at Stio keeps designing great apparel, and I practically live in this every weekend. $125 | Info & Order

Great American Antler Co.
Man’s best friend is not forgotten this holiday season. I first realized the love affair between my dog and antlers when she snuck off with my best antler shed. Now I keep her busy gnawing on Anders Rae’s antler chews instead of mine. When Anders isn’t out tooting the health benefits of his chews, you’ll find him rebuilding our antler arches on the Town Square. This man knows antlers. Treat your dog right and protect your best antler sheds. Gift box $50 | Info & Order or sold through these retailers.

The post Gifts with a Sense of Place: Latham’s Jackson Hole Holiday Guide appeared first on Locale | Jackson Hole Real Estate.

It sounds like a luxury for only the truly elite, but Jackson Hole-company Maiden Skis is bringing custom skis to the masses- one client at a time.

Kevin Wu started making skis about 11 years ago, while he was living in Seattle. It started as a hobby with friends, wanting to see if they could create something as good, or better, than what they could buy in stores. The first pair Wu built was a little soft, but it skied well enough for him to try again. Wu tried again, and again, playing with different shapes and flexes. After some trial and error Wu found he could build skis he couldn’t find anywhere else, customized to exactly what he wanted.

It happened at the perfect time, during a movement where people were more interested in hand-crafted wares and also learning how to do things themselves.  To help with the hurdle of buying materials in small quantities, Wu started a website for skiers wanting to make their own equipment, where they could learn the process, and also buy individual batches of materials. He moved the business to Jackson about four years ago to be closer to a large resort and also closer to mountains where he tests his own product. Wu has so many pairs of skis now he’s lost count.

Wu grew up on the East Coast and started skiing in middle school on the small hills in Eastern New York. After college in Ohio, where he studied electric and biomedical engineering, he moved to Seattle where he learned to telemark ski.

His engineering background helped him build equipment for making the skis and helped him with problem solving.

Many custom skis shops offer personalized skis, meaning they use premade materials and adapt it to meet a client’s needs, but there is a limited number of shapes people can select from and they have only a few customization options like making the ski stiffer or softer. But everything Wu creates is custom. There is an infinite number of possibilities in the skis he could create. If someone dreams it, Wu can build it.

It starts with Wu meeting with a client and talking about what they want. Are they looking for a carving ski for groomers, a lightweight ski for the backcountry, or a fat ski for deep powder? Most of his clients are at least intermediate skiers who have skied enough to notice the difference in conditions and types of skis- and know they like the sport enough they want to invest in a pair of custom skis.  Sometimes people don’t know exactly what they want, so Wu offers demo skis he’s built that people can try. Wu also works with clients, learning about their ski style – how fast they ski and where their favorites runs are- to help them decide on a design, which he creates and tweaks with input from the client.

Early rise tips allow the ski to float through powder, without losing edge hold needed for control on harder snow. If you ski on groomers you might want more side-cut on the ski for quicker turns.

A softer ski is easier to turn, but less stable at higher speeds. If you like to go fast you might want a stiffer ski. If you spend most of your time in the backcountry you might want to use carbon fiber materials to decrease your ski’s weight.

All of the materials Wu uses are the best he can find. His skis have graphite bases, used at the World cup and Olympic level for speed and durability. He also uses maple cores instead of the foam or inexpensive woods mass producers use.

Getting the formula right for each skier is a mix of engineering and art. Every pair of the 30 to 40 skis Wu makes each year is different. Like a custom-fit boot, the ski perfectly fits the wearer.

Customers also get to help design the skis look, picking graphics, designing their own, or partnering with artists Wu works with to bring a vision to life. That way the ski not only fits you physically, but also your personality. And you never have to worry about anyone having skis that look like yours.

Skis usually take about two to three weeks for Wu to build. People wanting to actually help build their own can take one-on-one workshops where they learn the design process and finish after a few days with a pair of skis they actually build with Wu.

Custom Maiden skis are fully guaranteed. If you find the design doesn’t fit you, Wu will remake them. Skis start at $1,700.

Photography by Latham Jenkins

The post Maiden Skis custom equipment will change the way you move on the Mountain appeared first on Locale | Jackson Hole Real Estate.