Amangani Resort

A magnificent luxury resort near Yellowstone National Park,  Amangani, is perched on the edge of East Gros Ventre Butte in Jackson Hole, a high mountain valley in northwest Wyoming. Nearly 2,135 metres (7,000 feet) above sea level, Amangani overlooks meadows and grazing land but is surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges, hence the word “hole” to describe the valley.

Directly across the valley from Amangani is Teton Pass which divides the Snake River Range from the snow-capped Tetons. The Teton Range, dominated by the 4,200-metre (13,770-foot) Grand Teton, is the youngest formation in the soaring Rocky Mountains. Amangani’s peaceful location is at the southern end of this extensive alpine valley. The town of Jackson is the southern gateway to nearby Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, less than 100 kilometres away. The snow-fed waters of the Snake River gather in the Yellowstone Plateau and wind south through Jackson Hole.

Amangani (peaceful home) is a year-round destination acting as a premier ski resort from December through March, and the ideal base for exploring the magnificent natural surroundings in the warmer months.

spring/summer

In spring and summer, mountain and valley hiking trails wind through a world dressed in wildflowers. Wildlife abounds, from black bears and grizzly bears to bison, elk, mule deer, moose, pronghorn and coyote. Wildlife safaris led by biologist guides tour the best viewing sites. More than 300 species of birds, from bald eagles and mountain bluebirds to trumpeter swans and sandhill cranes, can be found in Jackson Hole alone.

For fly fishermen, the Snake River is a haven for the local cutthroat trout, as well as rainbow, lake and brown trout. The Snake River is also a magnet for scenic and white-water rafting. Canoeing, kayaking and other water sports are popular.

Mountain biking is big sport in Grand Teton National Park and in the adjoining national forests where single track trails are rife. The Tetons have long been America’s main range for mountain climbers. Hot-air ballooning above Jackson Hole is an exhilarating start to a summer’s day. Golfers get to choose between two 18-hole championship courses. There is cowboy theatre too with a rodeo in town twice a week throughout summer.

winter/autumn

Voted as No. 1 Ski Hotel in North America by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, Amangani’s unique location offers panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks around Grand Teton National Park. The alpine Teton Village, where Amangani’s private Ski Lounge is located, is a 20-minute complimentary transfer from the resort.

Jackson Hole averages 1,016cm (400 inches) of snow a year and enjoys some of the best skiing anywhere. In winter snow piles up to four metres (10ft) in the mountains and up to 1.5m in the valleys. The entire valley turns white after mid-November and winter can stretch past early April. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort alone offers more than 1,000 hectares of skiing and snowboarding terrain, along with a vertical drop of more than 1,260m. Teton Village is an alpine community of shops, restaurants, bars and recreational activities. A scheduled, complimentary shuttle service, as well as private transfers, run between the resort and the Amangani ski lounge, 20 minutes away. Located just below Teton village’s Bridger Gondola, the lounge serves as a meeting and resting place. Ski equipment and lessons are organised at the lounge and snacks, hot beverages, books and concierge service are available.

Throughout the valley, there is ample opportunity for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing (to track winter wildlife) and even half-to-full-day dog-sledding. And few leave Jackson Hole without taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride into the National Elk Refuge. Dinner sleigh rides are a winter highlight at Amangani especially on moonlit nights. Sleighs take guests up the ridge of the butte to reveal panoramic views of the valley. Blankets are provided and dinner follows at The Granary.

Jackson Hole in autumn is just as inviting as it is in high summer. The crowds have thinned, the air is bracing and guests can marvel at the remarkable autumn foliage. In Jackson Hole, many summer activities – from wildlife safaris and hiking to mountain biking and fishing – extend well into autumn.

The call of the bull elk is heard throughout the region during the September-October mating season. Amangani arranges private trips to Jenny Lake, a favoured spot for mating elks. Hunting seasons for elk, deer and waterfowl are generally open from September until December. Though strictly regulated, black bears, mountain lions and other trophy species are also hunted.

One day at least should be kept aside for Yellowstone National Park. America’s first national park and its largest outside Alaska, Yellowstone boasts its own Grand Canyon, plentiful geysers and Yellowstone Lake, the largest mountain lake in the USA.

Travelwizard.com Guests Receive:

• • (served in restaurant or via room service)
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • (served in restaurant or via room service)
• A complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people per room
  • once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities
• Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
  • (served in restaurant or via room service)
• Early check-in/late check-out
  • subject to availability