Wow Jackson Hole
Rosa Northstar biking the Friends of Pathway in Jackson, WY
If you are one of the folks who take sustainability seriously, then go to Jackson Hole! This beautiful town was featured in NASA’s space program when they sent a photo by Ansel Adams into space. If aliens were aware of our planet, Jackson Hole would be the epitome of Earth.
As we landed in Jackson Hole Airport, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for the culture of sustainability and safety that enveloped its nature. The airport, with its impressive mass timber structure designed by Gensler, served as a testament to the commitment of its inhabitants to preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding Grand Teton National Park, it is also the only airport that is built inside a national park. The preponderance of private planes over commercial ones in this stunning nature left me in awe, indicating its undeniable affluence.
Rosa and Momo Northstar at Jackson Hole Airport, Grand Teton National Park
The people of Wyoming here were warm and welcoming. Our first encounter was with a Wyoming officer, who extended his hand in kindness and offered to treat our companion Momo to a delicacy. In that moment, it felt as though the very essence of this place was embodied in his gracious gesture, a reflection of the deep connection between the people and the land they call home. For Momo, it was a love affair that would only deepen as we ventured further into the heart of Jackson Hole.
Once we left the airport to highway 191, the grandeur of Jackson Hole’s natural landscape revealed itself to us. To the east, a vast expanse of land stretched out for acres, reserved solely for the preservation of wild elk. To the west, the awe-inspiring Grand Teton mountains loomed in the distance, their jagged peaks piercing the sky with a singular majesty that set them apart from all other mountains.
Marc Northstar atop Snow King Mountain in Jackson, WY
In less than forty minutes, we arrived at the Snow King Mountain Resort in Jackson and were warmly greeted. In San Francisco we are grown accustomed to living near sea level. However, during our stay at the resort, we were suddenly thrust into an entirely different altitude — a staggering 6200 ft above sea level. Our heartbeats could be felt as our bodies adjusted to this new environment. But what captivated us more was the community’s deep reverence for wood culture, as well as their penchant for daily hikes. The resort we stayed at was a prime example of this — it was constructed entirely from mass timber, and many other buildings in the area followed suit. Such a vibrant culture has made Jackson a favored destination for architects who wish to explore timber as a primary building material.
During my tour of the town, I came across numerous contemporary residences adorned with a minimalist aesthetic and supported by timber columns that caught my eye. However, what truly stood out to me was not a particular edifice, but rather the cycling culture that was seamlessly woven into the urban fabric, facilitated by the Friends of Pathway initiative.
Minimalist architecture home in Jackson, WY
Our eagerness to immerse ourselves in the cycling culture led us on a journey from our resort to Wilson, totaling 20 miles, followed by another 30-mile trip to Teton Village, culminating in a remarkable 50-mile odyssey over two days. The pathway that we traversed boasts a unique system that seamlessly integrates with the natural environment and is not merely an addendum to the street network. It was a delightful experience to explore the Snake River bridge and the paved pathways that meandered through picturesque farms, winding rivers, and charming neighborhoods. These pathways were not just for leisurely rides but an integral part of daily life, connecting people to their work, school, and home. Biking was never a dominant feature of my life, but Jackson Hole became a turning point that drew me to embrace the cycling culture. Eschewing a car-centric lifestyle, we, as a family, are transitioning to a pedestrian-centric way of life in our downtown San Francisco. Yet, in Jackson Hole, cycling and walking are the norm, offering us a newfound sense of convenience and companionship.
Refreshing break with Rosa and Momo Northstar at Friends of Pathways in Jackson Hole
Jackson’s recycling system is a testament to its commitment to sustainability. The waste disposal area is thoughtfully divided into seven designations, including newspaper, magazine, landfill, all color glass, aluminum cans, plastic bottles without caps, and pouring station. Moreover, the community members have developed an eco-conscious attitude and take responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of their town. They make a conscious effort to pick up any litter they may come across and dispose of it in the appropriate designated bins, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment
I was struck by the strong safety culture in Jackson, which immediately made me feel at home. When we rented bikes, I asked the store manager for lockers, but he couldn’t find any. When I expressed my concern, he reassured me that there was no need to worry — nobody would touch our bikes unless they were intoxicated. I soon realized that this was true: we saw children and adults leaving their bikes unattended while they went to school, hiked, or shopped. Even at the hotel, I was able to run errands without a cashier present; the staff simply trusted guests to pay what they owed. This culture of trust and safety is truly remarkable.
No image or review can do justice to the beauty and serenity of Jackson Hole. It’s an experience that can only be felt by being there. The harmonious coexistence of nature, animals, and humans is simply captivating. One of my fondest memories was taking an early morning stroll with my family to Persephone Bakery, where we enjoyed the perfect cappuccino and breakfast by the warmth of the fire pit in the yard. It was a simple gesture, but it added to the magic of our stay in this charming town of Jackson!