Great Until Late Makes Your Holiday Shopping More Convenient

Your holiday shopping just got more convenient and more fun with Great Until Late presented by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce! After spending a busy day on the ski hill or in the office, visitors and local residents can take some time to shop, dine, and enjoy Jackson Hole in the evening! For more information, please click here.

Visit the 2015-16 Great Until Late Sponsors!

• A Touch of Class
• Accentuate
• Beaver Creek Hats & Leathers
• Business Name
• Diehl Gallery
• Eddie Bauer
• Figs Restaurant Hotel Jackson
• Full Steam Subs
• Haagen-Dazs
• Jackson Hole Hat Company
• Jackson Hole Jewelry Company
• Jackson Hole Market Place
• Jackson Mercantile
• Jackson Toy Store
• Lee's Tees
• Leslie
• Local Restaurant
• Lucky You Gifts
• Made Jackson Hole
• Made Teton Village
• Mangleson Images of Nature
• Million Dollar Cowboy Bar Gift Shop
• Moo's Gourmet Ice Cream
• Mountain Dandy
• Native
• Pinky G's Pizzeria
• Roam Mercantile & Makery
• Skinny Skis
• Snake River Brewing
• The Liquor Store
• Trio Restaurant
• Wort Hotel Silver Dollar Bar
• Wort Hotel Silver Dollar Mercantile
• Wyoming Outfitters
• Yippi I-O Candy Company

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Great Until Late presented by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce runs from December 17, 2015 through March 26, 2016! For more information, please contact Director of Visitor Services Rick Howe, IOM, at rick@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.201.2301.

Visitor Services Department Marks Successful Season

Excellent customer service is consistently ranked as one of the factors that make visitors return to a destination and the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is proud to have a professional Visitor Services Department that serves an integral role in fulfilling the organization's mission. Tourism is the primary economic driver in Teton County and Visitor Services Agents help to ensure that travelers have information about and access to lodging, dining, activities, and more.

The Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center saw more than 140,000 visitors in June, July, and August. The Chamber Administrative Offices off Town Square offered extended hours and worked with more than 25,000 people during the same period. Agents also worked with visitors on the phone and via email.

The Chamber took the opportunity to celebrate a successful summer season with a pizza party at Pinky G's at the end of September (pictured).

Rick Howe, IOM, Director of Visitor Services commented, "The Chamber wanted to take the opportunity to recognize our exceptional seasonal staff and full-time team members who assisted thousands of visitors over the summer season."

For more information about Visitor Services and the integral role it plays in the local economy, please contact Rick Howe, IOM, Director of Visitor Services, rick@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.201.2294.

Green Drinks JH at the People's Market

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support Green Drinks JH, which will be held on Wednesday, September 2 from 4:00-7:00pm at the People’s Market.  The networking event will feature free beer!

About the Jackson Hole People's Market: The People's Market exists to build community through food, art, music, and family. Known as "a farmers market with a happy hour," the People's Market is held every Wednesday in the summer from 4:00-7:00pm. For more information, please visit jhpeoplesmarket.org.

About Green Drinks JH: The informal networking events allow members of the business community to connect and discuss projects and ideas related to sustainable business practices. For more information, please contact Casey Stout, IOM, Executive Assistant, casey@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.201.2303.

Chamber Welcomes New Directors

Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce members have new representation on the board of directors. The Chamber is the voice for business in Jackson Hole and new board members represent the opportunity to gain fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by members.

The community is invited to welcome the following individuals (pictured left to right).

• Cory Carlson, Director of Sales and Marketing for Four Seasons Resort: Cory has served on the Chamber’s DMO steering committee.
• Alex Lemieux, Director of Marketing and Sales for Painted Buffalo Inn: Alex has served with the Howdy Pardners Ambassador Club and is a frequent volunteer.
• Ned Wonson, Sr. Digital Marketing Manager for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: Ned recently completed Leadership Jackson Hole.
• Derek Beardsley, Director of Sales and Marketing for Snake River Brewery: Derek has served on the Chamber’s Events Committee and is a frequent volunteer.
• Karen Connelly, Director of Marketing & Community Relations for St John's Medical Center: Karen has served as an ex officio on the Chamber’s board and is a director level staff member of the community's largest year round employer.
• John Frechette, Owner of Made and Mountain Dandy: John has served on the Chamber’s Visitor Services & Retail Committee and owns and operates two retail stores in Gaslight Alley

President/CEO Jeff Golightly commented, “Diverse representation is vital for building a strong and resilient organization that can fulfill the Chamber’s mission of strengthening the economic climate of Teton County.”

For more information about the volunteer board of directors, please visit www.jacksonholechamber.com/initiatives/volunteer. 

For more information about the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, please contact President/CEO Jeff Golightly, 307.733.3316 or jeff@jacksonholechamber.com.

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Chair

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors features a an elected Executive Committee. Each member progresses through the leadership, moving from Treasurer, Vice-Chair, and Chair-Elect before serving the role of Chair. 

Juile Faupel will serve as Chair for 2015-16. Enticed by career and lifestyle opportunities, Julie and her husband relocated to Jackson from a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. Julie has a business degree from Michigan State University and, prior to transitioning into real estate sales; Julie was the Chief Operating Officer for Wyoming’s exclusive Christie’s brokerage. Julie’s background includes 12 years in management and consulting for luxury hotels and small businesses. Julie is a member of the Christie’s International Real Estate Marketing Board as well as the Thursday Women’s Roundtable.

Businesses Invited to Participate in Destination Tradeshows

The Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Joint Powers Board (4JH) has provided monies to support acquiring booth space at several key Tradeshows along with the support of Sales Missions to domestic and international markets.

The Chamber will attend each show and mission to represent our destination at large. We are currently seeking applications for businesses to accompany the Chamber as Destination Representatives at these events. Would you like to attend? Download the handout with more information and the application. Click here.

Visit www.jacksonholechamber.com for more information and contact me today at 307.201.2306 or kent@jacksonholechamber.com.

Business Focus

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome 123 new members! Learn more about the Chamber and other new and updated businesses and organizations in the Jackson Hole News&Guide special section: http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/special/business_focus/.

Brand USA MegaFAM a Success

Submitted by Rachel Smith, Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Destination Sales Coordinator

On May 16-18, the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce welcomed a group of 15 Travel Agents from the United Kingdom as part of a MegaFAM through Brand USA. 

As the UK’s premier destination marketing organization for the United States,  Brand USA delivers “programs and platforms that increase awareness and enhance the image of the United States among worldwide travelers in order to influence intent to travel to the United States.” Learn more at http://www.thebrandusa.com/About-Brand-USA. 

Through an incentive campaign based on their sales, about 100 travel agents were chosen to participate in seven different tours across the US. At the end of the trips the groups rendezvoused in Philadelphia where they put on a show-and-tell event to share first-hand accounts about their itineraries and the unique experiences available in Jackson Hole and across the US. 

While in Jackson, the agents experienced Elk Fest, Mountain Man Rendezvous, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, a scenic float with Mad River Boat Trips, a ride on the Jenny Lake Shuttle and hike to Hidden Falls, a wildlife tour with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, and an Historical Walking Tour. The group stayed at Spring Creek Ranch, and enjoyed meals at the Granary, the Rising Sage Café, Snake River Brewing, Café Genevieve, and e.Leaven Food Company.

Several Chamber partners were invited to join the group for dinner and a mini trade show at the Granary and Snake River Brewing.  Representatives from Mad River Boat Trips, Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, the Hampton Inn, Rusty Parrot, Four Seasons Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Lodging, Spring Creek Ranch, Hotel Terra, and Teton Mountain Lodge were able to attend.

Clara Browning, of The Travel Club, said upon her return to the UK, “I’ve just put three fabulous itineraries together for our new Journey Range and am now working with our HO and product team to get them turned into a reality!  All of it is based on what we did and the extra recommendations I picked up along the way from talking to people.”

Sincere thanks go out to all our partners who participated in this FAM.  This event was supported by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, with assistance from the Lodging Tax.  If you are interested in being involved in future FAM tours, please contact Rachel Smith, Destination Sales Coordinator, sales@jacksonholechamber.com.

 

Cheers to Snake River Brewing Company!

Snake River Brewing Company  served as center stage for Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack as he announced plans for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America Program. The Jackson Hole brewery will receive one of the REAP grants, $13,000 will go toward solar panels which are expected to save the business $2,000 per year.

Brew Master Chris Erickson ad Secretary Vilsack toured the property located just a few blocks from Town Square.


Learn more via the Jackson Hole News&Guide (click here) and via Wyoming Public Media (click here).

This isn't the first time Snake River Brewing Company has been recognized for their sustainable businesses practices! SRB is a recipient of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Green-to-Green Award. Learn more at www.snakeriverbrewing.com.


Thanks to Snake River Brewery Marketing and Events Gal Krissy Zinski Albert for supplying the photos!

Valerie Peterson Awarded Golden Spur

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Valerie Peterson, Jackson Hole Lodge Assistant General Manager, was awarded the Golden Spur at Business Over Breakfast on Thursday, June 4.

Frank Lane, Jackson Hole Lodge General Manager, nominated Valerie for the Golden Spur after she showed authentic western hospitality by helping a guest who had been in the hospital.

The resident of neighboring Alpine, Wyoming was released from the hospital and Valerie went above and beyond by personally transporting the guest from the hospital to the lodge. After helping the guest get settled, Valerie went shopping for food and medical supplies. Frank said, “I believe this to be outstanding service and a true testament to the authentic western hospitality that Jackson and the Jackson Hole Lodge are famous for.”

Valerie has a reputation for providing outstanding customer service and the difficult night was emblematic of her daily efforts. Frank continued, “This is not the first time that Valerie has gone above and beyond to make one of our guests feel safe, welcome and comfortable.”

For more information about Jackson Hole Lodge, please visit http://www.jacksonholelodge.com/. 

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee is pleased to recognize exceptional Jackson Hole area employees and to increase awareness of the importance of great customer service. The official sponsors of the Golden Spur are Jackson Bootlegger, Judge Roy Bean's Old Time Photos, Silver Dollar Bar & Grill, Lexington Jackson Hole, Homewood Suites by Hilton.

Do you know someone who should be recognized for outstanding customer service? Click here to access the easy online form! For more information please contact Andy Heffron, Membership Manager, andy@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.201.2301.

Pictured: Chamber President/CEO Jeff Golightly with Valerie and Frank

Visitor Services Team Certified as Destination Marketing Specialists by WOT

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Visitor Services Agents Kathy Erickson, Jill Hiatt, and Justin Walters have been certified through the Wyoming Office of Tourism Destination Marketing Specialist Program.

Rick Howe, IOM, Director of Visitor Services, commented, "Our amazing Visitor Services team gained expertise and increased their capabilities to assist visitors with their travel planning in Jackson Hole and throughout the state of Wyoming."

The Wyoming Office of Tourism offers the Destination Marketing Specialist Program for individuals and businesses who work with the traveling public. The purpose of the program is to acknowledge front line personnel as certified travel professionals, develop a trained and knowledgeable workforce for the travel and tourism industry, and create a more visitor friendly Wyoming. For information about the program, please visit http://www.wyomingofficeoftourism.gov/programs/strategic-partnerships/visitor-engagement/.

The mission of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is to champion the interests of local businesses, enhance their prosperity, and strengthen the economic climate of Teton County.

For more information, please contact Rick Howe, IOM, Director of Visitor Services,  307.201.2294 or rick@jacksonholechamber.com.

Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Members

 The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce was pleased to welcome the following new members in May 2015.

• 21st Century Heroes: http://jacksonholechamber.chambermaster.com/list/member/21st-century-heroes-8798
• Booking.com: http://www.booking.com
• Catalyst Solutions: http://www.catalyst22.com
• Dr. RV, LLC: http://jacksonholechamber.chambermaster.com/list/member/dr-rv-llc-8808
• Jackson Hole Food Tours: http://www.jhfoodtours.com
• Log Cabin Motel: http://www.thelogcabinmotel.com
• Willow Creek Horseback Rides: http://www.fishjacksonwyo.com

The mission of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is to champion the interests of local businesses, enhance their prosperity, and strengthen the economic climate of Teton County. Would you like to join the Chamber? Are you a member who has questions about benefits? Contact Andy Heffron, Membership Manager, andy@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.201.2301. Visit www.jacksonholechamber.com.

Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Summer Interns

May 27, 2015 - The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce has been pleased to welcome summer interns, Samantha Emmert and JJ Gill.

Samantha Emmert began working with the Chamber this week. Hailing from Logan, Utah, Samantha will graduate from Utah State University with a degree in Public Relations in the fall. She loves spending time outdoors and her favorite activities include skiing, paddle boarding, and scenic and wildlife photography. She has worked in Jackson the past four summers and wanted to intern at the Chamber this summer to better understand local businesses, gain experience, and to also build connections with the people of Jackson in hopes of moving here after graduation.

JJ Gill concluded his work with the Chamber in May after completing his senior project for the Jackson Community School, which focused on the protection and necessity of local business in a small community. He used his internship to gain perspective by getting an inside look at how the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce supports local business. JJ was raised in Jackson, Wyoming as a fifth generation member of a cattle ranching family. This fall, he plans to attend the University of Kentucky to study business finance.

The Chamber is pleased to provide unparalleled opportunities for high school and college students looking to immerse themselves in the business world. Internships are geared to the intern’s skills and interests. The Chamber works to make internships more valuable for the student by working with member organizations that can offer a complementary program of work.

For more information, please visit http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/initiatives/internships.php or contact Casey Stout, IOM, Executive Assistant, casey@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.201.2303.

High Altitude Performance Training

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce invites members to start the summer season with success! High Altitude Performance Training, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce IOM certified program, will be held in four sessions to accommodate scheduling and to focus content. Sessions will be held on Wednesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 17 at the Ranch Inn Conference Room, 45 E Pearl Avenue. Registration is $20 for Chamber members or $30 for future members.

How Important is Customer Service?

Did you know that 57% of customers would pay more for a product or service if they were only guaranteed better customer service? Did you also know that excellent customer service has been defined as every transaction being just one step above mediocre? Sounds pretty simple, right?  

As an employer, do you place customer service as an accountability to every position’s job description? If not, then how does your staff know that you expect it? Very few businesses have a customer service department. Each and every individual in your organization is, in reality, his or her own customer service department.

Front desk clerks, night auditors, retail sales clerks, janitors, river guides, tour guides, restaurant workers, managers, supervisors, and office staff are involved in customer service. If the position doesn’t directly serve the customer, it serves one that is. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, in your organization affects customer service.

Customer Satisfaction is Aiming too Low

There is a big difference between a satisfied customer and a loyal customer. Satisfaction is a rating; loyalty is an emotion. Tools from these IOM Certified Staff & Manager Performance Training Sessions will help you create loyal customers.

Program Details

In order to accommodate different shift structures, there will be two opportunities for managers and two opportunities for employees to take advantage of High Altitude Performance Training.

·       Wednesday, June 10 from 9:00-11:30am: Management Performance Training (Click here.)

·       Wednesday, June 10 from 1:00-3:30pm: Employee Performance Training (Click here.)

·       Wednesday, June 17 from 9:00-11:30am: Employee Performance Training (Click here.)

·       Wednesday, June 17 from 1:00-3:30pm: Management Performance Training (Click here.)

Invest in your people and the returns will have you taking full accountability of your customers’ experiences. 

About IOM

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities. These performance training sessions will be conducted by Rick Howe, an IOM graduate and a member of the Board of Regents.

For more information, please contact Rick Howe, IOM, Director of Visitor Services, rick@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.201.2294.

34th Annual Old West Days

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is proud to host the 34th Annual Old West Days Celebration, May 22-25, 2015. Jackson Hole has long been referred to as "The Last of the Old West" and, with the area's rich history, it's no wonder Old West Days is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. For more photos, please visit Pinterest! Visitors from all over the country come to delight in the live music, theatrical entertainment, arts and crafts, delicious food, rodeo events, and much more.  If you would like more information, please visit http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/old_west_days/ or contact the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, info@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316.

Calling Volunteers! There are a variety of opportunities to get involved all weekend! Volunteering is a great way to join the fun while supporting a community event. Would you like to answer questions at the information booth, sell mugs at the Old West Brew Fest, or work behind the scenes to set up Town Square? Please contact Renee Leone, Events Coordinator, events@jacksonholechamber.com or call the Chamber at 307.733.3316.

28th Annual Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet at ElkFest

Elk! Hunting! Raffles! Good food and good times with like-minded friends, all for a GREAT cause! The Jackson Hole chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation invites you to their 28th annual banquet on Saturday, May 16 at 5:00pm at the Bar J Chuckwagon. 

Now entering RMEF’s fourth decade of conserving some of North America’s finest and most crucial landscapes, this banquet is our chapter’s primary mode to raise the funds needed to ensure the future of elk, elk country and our hunting tradition. Tickets are limited. 

The 28th Annual Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet is a featured event of ElkFest in Jackson Hole.

About ElkFest, May 16-17, 2015:
ElkFest, a weekend of activities built around the 48th annual world famous Jackson Hole Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction, is an exciting time for celebrating nature, outdoor skills, hunting and ecological education and awareness.  Every spring, thousands of elk wintering on the National Elk Refuge lose their antlers before they migrate to their summer range. The Boy Scouts assist the Refuge with harvesting the shed antlers and auction them to bidders from around the world who make furniture, wall decorations, jewelry and food products from them. This annual event, which includes the High Noon Chili Cook-Off and the Mountain Man Rendezvous kick-off, supports the National Elk Refuge with a large portion of auction proceeds going back to habitat enhancement projects on the Refuge. Learn more at http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/events/elkfest.php.

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Featured Artwork Revealed

13 Minutes to Eternity (left) will be the featured artwork for this year’s Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, painted by artist Billy Schenck (right), who returns as the festival’s featured artist after 30 years.

Jackson Hole, Wyo. – April 13, 2015 – A classic cowboy on horseback against the jagged Tetons is the subject of "13 Minutes to Eternity," the painting by artist Bill Schenck selected by the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival as its featured artwork for this year’s event, Sept. 9 – 20, 2015. The iconic 50-by-50-inch oil on canvas image, presented in Schenck’s trademark style that incorporates photo-realism and pop art techniques, will be on display throughout the festival and auctioned on Sept. 19, as well as appearing on the official 2015 Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival poster. The festival is no stranger to Schenck, whose painting "Waco" was selected as the featured artwork for the very first Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival in 1985.

“We’re so excited to have Billy Schenck as our featured artist for 2015,” says Maureen Murphy, director of special events for the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the festival. “Billy has only continued to grow in popularity and critical respect since we tapped him 30 years ago, even as the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival has grown in size and scope. Having his artwork representing the festival this year should create a formidable pairing – and I expect poster sales to be through the roof!”

“It’s like getting reinvited to be the host of the Oscars after a 30-year hiatus,” said Schenck of his return to the featured slot at the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival in a recent article in the Jackson Hole News & Guide.

Schenck’s work has long been nationally admired.  Early in his career, he became known for presenting Western cinematic imagery with a distinctive reductivist approach that uses color side by side in a flat style without blending. The artist, who works out of Santa Fe, grew up in Arizona and Wyoming before joining the New York art scene in the early ‘70s, where he was part of the original New York school of photo realism, with his first New York gallery show selling out when he was just 24. His work can be found in numerous major collections throughout the world, including the Smithsonian Institution, Denver Art Museum and The Autry Museum of Western Heritage, and has been the subject of seven museum retrospectives and two books.

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival posters featuring the Schenck painting will be available for sale throughout the event, and festivalgoers will have an opportunity to meet the artist on Sept. 16 for a poster signing at Altamira Fine Art.  The original oil painting for the 2015 poster image will be up for auction on Sept. 19 as part of the 20th annual QuickDraw Art Sale and Auction in Jackson Town Square.  Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the original "13 Minutes to Eternity" will be on display in the lobby of The Wort Hotel in Jackson for all to see up until the Quick Draw event.

The 2015 Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival includes a varied combination of visual, contemporary, culinary, Western, landscape, wildlife and Native American arts on display in venues from galleries and the museum to the Jackson Town Square. The 31st annual festival will offer visitors more than 50 family-friendly events, many of them free, surrounded by the Teton Mountain Range in its autumn colors – with the opportunity to purchase original artworks from cowboy to cutting-edge contemporary. The dates for the Fall Arts Festival have recently changed to include opening a day earlier than originally scheduled with the "Western Visons: Wild. Wearable. Art." luncheon, show and sale organized by the National Museum of Wildlife Art on Sept. 9.

Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyo., is served by major airlines including Delta, United, American and SkyWest.  Reservation information for Jackson’s numerous hotels, as well as a complete schedule of Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival events may be found at www.jacksonholechamber.com.  For additional information, contact Maureen Murphy at Jackson Hole Chamber, 307.733.3316.

Media Contact: Amy Stark, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, amy@wordenpr.com, 307.734.5335

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World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb Canceled

A joint decision has been reached by the Jackson Hole Snow Devils, U.S. Forest Service, Town of Jackson, Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, and Snow King Mountain to cancel the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb due to unseasonably warm weather and poor conditions on the hill.

For complete information, please visit www.snowdevils.org or email the Jackson Hole Snow Devils at at mail@snowdevils.org.

Chamber President/CEO Jeff Golightly commented, “This is a disappointment for our businesses, nonprofit organizations, and thousands of visitors who hoped to spend the weekend enjoying a unique Jackson Hole experience.”

While considering the cancellation, the Jackson Hole Snow Devils were focused on the safety of racers, safety of the spectators, the protection of Snow King Mountain, and the preservation of the exceptional reputation of the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb. 

Jeff concluded, "The Jackson Hole Snow Devils made this incredibly difficult decision for all of the right reasons." The Jackson Hole Snow Devils were honored at the Chamber’s 2009 Annual Awards Celebration for their considerable service efforts. The group’s work provides an important economic boost for the community and raises money for charitable organizations, educational scholarships, and educational courses concerning winter activities (specifically avalanche training).

March is one of the most popular months to visit Jackson Hole. Spring features Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Rendezvous Fest, Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club’s Pole Pedal Paddle Race, and plenty of sunshine. 

Activity Suggestions for Spring in Jackson Hole

Snowmobile Adventures: Snowmobile enthusiasts should consider getting out and riding! Contact your favorite guide service to inquire about destinations and packages. The world-famous Togwotee Trail is where many of the local Hill Climb competitors cut their teeth and enjoy recreating with their families. SnowWest Magazine named the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail (CDST) “Best of All Time” since it has been ranked No. 1 four times, in the top ten all but one year, and in the top 15 every year since SnoWest Magazine started. Guided tours and rentals are available from local providers. Visit County10.com for more information.

Live Music: Jackson Hole venues are celebrating springtime with a huge variety of live music opportunities. March RADness includes Music Under the Tram presented by Bud Light. Visit www.jacksonhole.com/march-radness. Venues in town include the Silver Dollar Bar at the Wort Hotel and the Pink Garter Theater.  

Going Out: Restaurants and bars in Jackson Hole have been preparing for a busy March and are planning to offer great specials and entertainment. Visitors will enjoy more availability and access to some of the best dining and drinks in the U.S. From farm-fresh local beef to ocean fresh sushi flown in daily and from locally-brewed beer to carefully crafted cocktails, Jackson Hole has something new and delicious to offer to every palate.  

Skiing: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is still open for the season, until April 5, and enjoying some of the best snow in the nation. Visit www.jacksonhole.com

More Outdoor Activities: March is the perfect month for enjoying huge variety of outdoor recreation opportunities fro Nordic skiing to road biking and from snowmobiling to fat biking. Contact your favorite purveyor of fun for their activity and rental suggestions.  

National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides: The National Elk Refuge will continue to host excursions using wagons until the beginning of April. Only in Jackson Hole can visitors experience the home of the largest elk herd in the world. Visit www.fws.gov

Cultural Activities:: Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum and the National Museum of Wildlife Art provide perspective on the history and culture of Jackson Hole.  

Get More Ideas: For more information about events and activities, please contact the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Visitor Services Department to work with an experienced agent, info@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316.

Chamber Seeking Entries for the High Noon Chili Cook-Off

Calling all chili fans! The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and Howdy Pardner Ambassador Club are excited to present the 2015 High Noon Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, May 17 from 12:00-3:00pm. Local chili aficionados are invited to show off their skill and enter the contest. There are categories for individuals and for businesses.

Chili may be hot and spicy or mild and flavorful. It could be meaty or vegetarian and green or red. But it must taste the best to win top honors. Rain or shine, Town Square is the place to be! A refreshing selection of beer and other beverages will also be available to cool tasters’ palates. For more information or to sign-up, please contact Renee Leone, Events Coordinator, renee@jacksonholechamber.com  or 307.201.2309. Registration deadline is Sunday, May 10.

2014 Winners:

Professional Category
First Place:  Nani’s
Second Place:  Turpin Meadow Ranch
People's Choice: Nani’s

Amateur Category
First Place: Wyoming Catholic College
Second Place: Vom Fass
People’s Choice: The Show Stoppers

Howdy Pardner’s Recognition
Wyoming Catholic College

The High Noon Chili Cook-Off, held the Sunday of ElkFest weekend, draws local residents and visitors into the community while celebrating the culture and heritage of Jackson Hole! ElkFest is traditionally held the third weekend in May and is followed by Old West Days. To see a complete schedule of events for both festivals, please visit www.jacksonholechamber.com/events.

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice: Vote Jackson Hole!

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The USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice contest features Jackson Hole favorites in three different categories. Place your votes and then share with your networks using #10BestChoice and @10Best. Voting ends Monday, March 30. Users can cast one vote in each category every day.

Best Wildlife Refuge features the National Elk Refuge. Vote at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-national-wildlife-refuge/  

Best National Park Lodge features Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, and Old Faithful Inn. Vote at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-national-park-lodge/.

Best National Park Hike features Cascade Canyon Trail and Upper Geyser Basin. Vote at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-national-park-hike/.

Spring Fling: Elk Fest and Old West Days

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It's still snowing in the Tetons but the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is having a spring fling! We're looking ahead to our favorite springtime events, ElkFest and Old West Days!

ElkFest 

May 16-17, 2015 • 48^th Annual

ElkFest, a weekend of activities built around the world famous Jackson Hole Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction, is an exciting time for celebrating nature, outdoor skills, hunting, and ecological education and awareness.  Every spring, thousands of elk wintering on the National Elk Refuge lose their antlers before they migrate to their summer range. The Boy Scouts assist the Refuge with harvesting the shed antlers and auction them to bidders from around the world who use the sheds to make furniture, wall decorations, and jewelry. This annual event, which includes the Howdy Pardner’s High Noon Chili Cook-Off and the kick-off of a Mountain Man Rendezvous, supports the National Elk Refuge with significant portion of auction proceeds going back to habitat enhancement projects.

Location: Town Square

http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/events/elkfest.php

High Noon Chili Cook-Off

May 17, 2015

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and the Howdy Pardner Ambassador Club presents the annual High Noon Chili Cook-Off on the Sunday of ElkFest weekend. Local chili aficionados are invited to show off their skills and enter the contest. There are categories for individuals and for businesses. Chili may be hot and spicy or mild and flavorful. It could be meaty or vegetarian and green or red. But it must taste the best to win top honors. Rain or shine, Town Square is the place to be!

Location: Town Square

http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/events/elkfest.php

Old West Days

May 22-25, 2015 • 34^th Annual

Celebrating the Heritage of the West! Jackson Hole has long been referred to as "The Last of the Old West" and with the community’s rich history it’s no wonder Old West Days is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Visitors from all over the country come to delight in the live music, theatrical entertainment, arts and crafts, delicious food, rodeo events, and much, much more.

Location: Town Square

http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/old_west_days/

Old West Brew Fest

May 23, 2015

The Old West Brew Fest is a celebration of an age-old craft. Breweries from around the mountain west region gather on the Jackson Hole Town Square to compete for the Golden Boot, a people’s choice award. Taste tickets are purchased on-site. Sample sizes vary. Old West Days entertainment begins with the traditional parade and concludes with the Town Square Shootout and Jackson Hole Rodeo.

Location: Town Square

http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/old_west_days/

Town Square Shootout

May 23-September 1, 2015 • 59^th Annual

In 1957 the first annual Shootout Gang rode into Jackson and into the history books! Clover the Killer, the hardened outlaw, was famously halted by the Cache Creek Posse. The Shootout is now a tradition that allows Jackson to live up to its claim to “the last of the Wild West.” Performances are held at 6:00pm each evening, except Sundays, during the summer. “No shootin’ on Sundays!”

Location: Town Square

http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/events/jh-shootout.php