Jackson Hole named best ski destination in North America

The No. 1 ski resort in North America is now in our back yard, according to the latest rankings that are published in Ski magazine each year.

“You know, when people come to Jackson, they don’t come just for the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. They come and experience the entire community,” said Jerry Blann, president of the resort.

A proud community gathered in Jackson’s town square to celebrate the resort’s accomplishment.

From amateurs, like Butch Swintek, who works at the resort making waffles for better access to the slopes, to Olympic gold medalist Tommy Moe, people have theories on why Jackson Hole came out on top.

“It’s the most extreme ski resort in North America,” Swintek said.

“I think Jackson Hole is one of the best resorts in North America because of the vertical,” Moe said.

Last season, the a record-breaking 502,000 skiers visited the resort, which was in the midst of its push to make Rendezvous Mountain more inviting to beginner and intermediate skiers.

Jackson Mayor Mark Barron offered an explanation that has nothing to do with unique terrain or fresh snow.

“Very few people get to ski 100 days a season,” Barron said. “Most of us folks are working for a living. We get out there when we can, and we tear it up like nobody’s business!”

Of the more than 20 categories readers voted on in the magazine’s survey, “character” was one of them. Jackson Hole topped that category along with several others.

This is Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s second time in the top 10 and its first time at No. 1.