Winter Wonderland at Wyoming’s Caldera House
Adventure outside and luxury inside, with experiences tailored to each guest
For many adults living in a big city, snow becomes less of an enjoyable treat and more of a situation to navigate. During a recent visit to Jackson Hole‘s Caldera House, one of the newest luxury lodges there, we were reminded of why we should try to embrace the playful joy that a winter wonderland can offer.
Walking into Caldera House, located in the snowy enclave of Teton Village, is like entering a real-life snow globe. As the snow gently falls outside and guests unload their ski gear, a crackling fire roars away, melting any snow that may have made it past the doorway. Caldera House (the brainchild of Wesley Edens, Michael Novogratz, David Barry and Randal Nardone) was created to be a full-service snow oasis built in the spirit of the American West.
Boasting four 5,000-square-foot four-bedroom suites and four 1,500-square-foot two-bedroom suites, there’s a cozy and home-like feel—and yet it’s decidedly luxurious. The rustic suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with slope-side views of the mountain, a mudroom, private outdoor balconies and an outdoor hot tub. The lodge itself includes a restaurant and cafe, private bar, lounge, locker room, gym, ski valet and ski shop. Guests have little need to leave the resort, but, of course, there are countless reasons to get outside.
While Grand Teton Mountain is not for beginners, Jackson Hole boasts plenty of adventures for those who dare to go exploring. Caldera House’s dedicated concierge will help guests plan their visit prior to arrival, so that upon check in the itinerary has already been created and the necessary confirmations have been sent.
One of the most exciting activities in the area is the elk sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming. The hotel will arrange the transport to the refuge where you will embark on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the refuge. During the 45-minute safari-like tour, you’ll be exposed to some of the country’s most magnificent creatures, while learning about the local ecosystem and culture. From wild elk to bald eagles and even wolves, the sights here are unique to this part of America.
Should guests want to pick up the pace, there’s world-class skiing and snowboarding right within the village—plus overnight backcountry tours, heli-skiing, fat-biking, cross-country skiing, snow-trekking and more.
Another exciting option is the snowmobile tour through Yellowstone National Park. Led by an experienced guide, the Yellowstone trip is roughly six hours and guests will find themselves snowmobiling through the woods, along rivers, up mountains—all the while being exposed to stunning wildlife. There may be families of badgers napping as they drift gently down the river on a block of ice, or you might see two male elks play-fighting to get the attention of a potential mate. No two tours are the same, of course.
Back at Caldera House, guests can warm up with a drink by the fire, take a dip in the heated outdoor infinity plunge pool or rest up in the cedar dry sauna. (The pool, sauna and fitness studio are all accessible 24 hours a day.) There are plenty of spa services also—many of which can be offered in guest rooms.
Jackson Hole is an extraordinary place, which is why Caldera House fits in here. The lodge offers a unique, tailored vacation for everybody. There’s an unprecedented level of attention to detail given to each guest’s trip. Whether guests are visiting to ski, snowboard, snowmobile or relax, there’s no doubt that they will leave having experienced a winter wonderland.
