Getting your player ready...
How much snow is enough snow? In Jackson Hole, where ski areas get 550 inches per season, even this early around 130 inches has already landed on the mountain – ten more inches over the past three days, and more snow likely all the way through Christmas Eve.
“People here are already skiing out-of-bounds,” says Carol Linton with Linton-Bingle Associate Brokers, exclusive agents for Christie’s International in Jackson, who came west to ski 30 years ago and never left. Over that span she’s skied all of Colorado, plus Tahoe, Vermont and the Alps – but never saw anything like what she has out the back door in Jackson, including plenty of through-the-gate access to the backcountry. “You can always find powder that hasn’t been tracked.” You’ll find it rare to hit a lift line you can’t blow right through; or a restaurant you’re not going to like, from Wild West landmarks to haute cuisine places. “It’s an amazing restaurant scene; I hardly cook anymore,” Linton quips. The caliber has to be good – Jackson in summer is now ‘Davos West,’ luring famous economists and finance ministers who flock to the Federal Reserve Bank’s Economic Symposium, with the Grand Tetons as a backdrop. Linton, meanwhile, is set to show you properties that could have you relocating your own family’s Christmas summit here. Those include homes and sites in downtown Jackson, a short walk from Snake River Grill and Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Older homes headed for eventual scrape run $600,000 and up – way below prices in Aspen – with some neighborhoods offering fishing access, others a view of the Tetons. All are close to downtown’s own ski mountain, Snow King – so accessible Linton and others with downtown offices ski it for lunch. As you head north out of town you’ll see why Jackson early-on restricted custom development to keep properties in scale with their lots and views. “That’s what gets people,” Linton says. “More than 98 percent of Teton County is federal land or conservancy; what you see now is probably what we’re always going to have.” She’ll show you home/condo possibilities behind the gates of storied resorts like 3 Creek Ranch (golf and fly fishing), Shooting Star at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (rated by Forbes as number-1 ski mountain in the nation for 2015); zen-like Amangani Resort; Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club, and Snake River Sporting Club – showing golf/river views at lower prices from $800,000 for a ¾-acre site. All areas get Wyoming’s incredibly favorable tax structure – pretty much a haven, Linton notes. What you don’t have is much time to explore. “Our market turned in 2012,” Linton says. “If you see something you like, you shouldn’t think about it for long.” She advises a quick reconnoiter via Jackson’s top-rated airport, 15 minutes from skiing and from downtown. “Walk the square and meet the friendly people, and I’ll take you for a tour.” She’s on the web at LintonBingle.com. WHERE: Linton-Bingle Associate Brokers, Christie’s International agents in Jackson Hole, resort properties in a top-rated ski resort town, short lift lines, choice dining; resort homes & sites, also homes & sites walking distance to dining. 80 W. Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001 PRICE: From $600,000s to $20 million
