GALLERY

Frontier spirit meets high life in Jackson Hole

From Stephanie Oswald
CNN Travel Now Correspondent

JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming (CNN) -- It's where the historic frontier meets the modern West, where the cowboy culture coexists with the skiing set.

That's life in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where cattle outnumber people and learning the two- step is a rite of passage.

"There's a spirit that's hard to put your finger on, because the old West was hard work. It wasn't so romantic," said Jesse O'Connor of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.

"But there was something grand which got in. It gets under your skin and changes your life here."

Skiing, dancing, dining

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Year-round, indoors and out, there's plenty to occupy folks here.

"We like the mountains and the tranquility and peace of life out here," a visitor said, extolling the "great dancing, great skiing, great restaurants" the area offers.

As the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Jackson Hole has always put an emphasis on the great outdoors.

Skiing is one of the main attractions, and the local ski slopes offer something for all skill levels.

"If you're an intermediate or beginner there's a lot of intermediate or beginner terrain, but if you're into more extreme skiing and powder skiing and challenging yourself, then Jackson Hole is the place," said Olympic gold medalist Tommy Moe, an "ambassador" for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

"I mean, it's the closest you can get to a European ski resort in North America."

Luxury resort

Among the local resorts is Amangani, which brings luxury to a new altitude. Built 7,000 feet up on a wildlife preserve, the hotel offers understated elegance starting at $625 a night. Soft colors and lighting accent the unique architecture, and every room -- even the bathroom -- boasts a stunning view.

Jackson Hole's Amangani resort offers stunning views from every room

In the Amangani dining room, Wyoming beef is a specialty, along with seafood meals like Alaskan scallops.

But while satisfying the appetite is important, the priority here is soothing the soul. And once again, the scenery is a great antidote to a busy lifestyle.

A few days in the wilderness can put life in perspective, and make mountains of stress seem a world away.

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Amanresorts - Amangani
Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Visitors' Guide
Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone National Park

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