Surrounded by seven national forests, Jackson Hole is a meeting destination like no other. A 48-mile-long valley in the westernmost part of the state, Jackson Hole is a perfect escape for attendees to relax, recharge and get creative. But just because Jackson Hole feels secluded doesn't mean it is; Jackson Hole event venues are in demand.
The Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the largest and busiest commercial airport in the state; it is served by American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Skywest Airlines and United Airlines seasonally, providing flights to Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Jackson Hole's many picturesque hotels and resorts make for perfect convention and meeting sites. With over 30,000 square feet of conference space, Snow King Resort is one of the largest facilities in the area. Snow King's facilities range from large (the 6,552-square-foot Grand Teton room) to small and intimate (the 280-square-foot Summit boardroom). Its entire Pavilion Conference Center can accommodate 2,100 guests. In addition to flexible spaces, Snow King also offers unparalleled service and amenities, including audio-visual equipment and catering. Snow King Resort has plenty of activities for spouse events or post-meeting team building, including 300 acres of ice skating and skiing in the winter and hiking trails and horseback riding in the summer.
Recently completed in 2009, Whetstone at the Hatchet Resort is another great option for smaller meetings. The resort can host up to 40 attendees. Its state-of-the-art conference center boasts audio-visual equipment, conference calling and more. The Hatchet Resort also specializes in outward bound-type team programs, including rafting, nature walks and horseback riding, and caters to its business guests with extras such as complimentary airport transportation.
Planners would be amiss not to take advantage of the spectacular team building opportunities Jackson Hole affords. Meeting guests will never forget a thrilling trip on a whitewater raft down the Snake River. Companies such as Barker-Ewing Whitewater offer more relaxing scenic boat trips as well. In the winter, groups of 20 or more people can make reservations for one-hour sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge to catch a glimpse of the largest herd of elk in the country. Overlooking the refuge, the National Museum of Wildlife Art showcases over 5,000 works of art that explore wildlife, nature and more. The museum has several locations ranging from 300 square feet to 4,900 square feet for private events.
After a day of adventure, groups can enjoy the finding eateries of Jackson Hole. Serving “mountainous-Tuscan” fare such as elk meatloaf with balsamic glaze, buffalo burgers and grilled Snake River salmon, the Cadillac Grille has a large dining room available for 90 guests as well as a covered patio space. For a truly unique dining experience, check out Bar T 5, which will transport guests from Jackson Hole to Cache Creek Canyon via horse-drawn wagon. Here, guests fill up on baked beans, roast beef and corn on the cob followed by a night of musical entertainment.
