Dana Harris - Jackson Hole Real Estate

I love seeing this on the TV as I go to bed at night. We received almost 12" of new snow in the last 24 hours and we have a winter storm warning until later this evening. Todays storm may bring another 12" by tomorrow morning with more snow to come throughout the week. I guess Santa repelling out of the Tram was good karma and our early Christmas present is a really good one. My advice, get out there and get some fresh cowboy powder this morning. If you're sitting somewhere else reading this get up here!

December 19th was the big night at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The new tram, affectionately known as Big Red, is officially back. After almost 3 years and $31 million dollars the resort owners delivered on their promise to replace the signature tram that serviced the mountain for 40 years. In true style the tram was introduced with the classic sound track played on the old tram along with fireworks and spot lights to a crowd of over 2000 who braved the cold and the snow to witness the historic event. In a nod to the season and maybe even a symbolic gesture of gift giving, Santa Claus repelled from one of the escape hatches on the bottom of the car to the crowds below. It was truly a very amazing sight to see given that few trams are launched in North America, the last one being some 15 years ago or so I'm told. I snapped the following picture from my iPhone, not the greatest of quality given the conditions but you can see the new car approaching the very stylish tram station at the bottom of the mountain. The first public rides up to the top began on Saturday December 20th and it is now open to the public. Although I've yet to ride it up to the top do to work the many I've spoken to who have all agree it was worth the wait.

This beautiful course, first opened in 1987, is located just minutes from Jackson Hole on the Westbank off the Village Road. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is just 5 minutes North and the views of the resort and the Tetons are breathtaking. The course is always in excellent shape and has one of the best greens-keeping staff's in the valley.

The course is open for public play in the afternoon and will provide all the challenge a golfer is looking for whether you play from the tips or the front tees. As usual weekends tend to be a little busier than weekdays but tee times are easy to get if you call in advance. There is a great pro shop on-site for all your last minute needs. There are also two dining options at the Patio Grill for light fare or at the turn and the Pines Restaurant with a full menu of excellent dining choices. The restaurant is open to the public and also serves dinner, reservations are recommended.

The golf facilities include a driving range, putting green and chipping area. The on-site golf staff is available for lessons to help you dial in that swing using the latest teaching techniques. The course is semi-private and a select number of memberships are still available, contact the course for more information. The resort also features a pool and tennis center with a pro shop and instructors on-site. The tennis center is covered and heated in the winter for yer-round play.

For available tee times call (307) 733-1733

For membership information contact Kevin Getz, Membership Director at:

Tel: 800-238-2223 or 307-733-1005
Fax: 307-733-2860
Email: info@tetonpines.com
Web: www.tetonpines.com

This course is beautifully situated in the middle of the valley. The first thing you notice as you step on the course are the incredible panaramic views of the valley and mountains including the Grand Teton. The other thing that becomes obvious is the openess of the course with very few trees "in play". Don't let this fool you as hazards abound and this course has the longest yardage and toughest rating of any course in the area.

I would say this is probably the most challenging, beautiful and fun to play course all in one. 3 Creek Ranches facilities are some of the best you'll find anywhere. They've spared no expense in providing an incredible clubhouse, fitness facility and pool on top of an immaculate golf course. In addition the food and service are just what you would expect from a world-class club, exemplary. As a private club it is only open to members so you'll have to join to get access to this course (or become friends with a member!). The pace of play is relaxing and the course never feels very crowded since its limited to member play only. I especially like all of the wildlfe on site, from elk and moose to soaring eagles and other raptors overhead. In the fall its especially enjoyable to hear the elk bugling as you work your way through the course.

Besides all the great man-made facilites available to members there are some added ammenities that make this club unique. There is an onsite Nature Center that is dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of birds of prey. They have a veteran naturalist on site that conducts rewarding programs to educate members about the many beautiful and incredible aspects of the 3 Creek Ranch and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The property also boasts blue-ribbon waters that offer some of the best dry fly fishing in the area. There are a select number of memberships available to this amazing club so give them a call to discuss how you can become a part of something that is very special. There are also a number of excellent real estate properties available at the club and I would be hapy to discuss which would best fit your lifestyle. Just click on the contact link at the top of the site and let me know what you would like additional information on.

Our great local paper the News and Guide is now available on-line. The publisher will let you sign up for a trial subscription to check it out then you can sign up to pay for it if you decide you like it. It is not only an eco-friendly option but you get it as soon as its published. If you live out of town or travel for part of the year its a great way to stay informed about the community while on the go. Give it a try by following the link below. Hopefully they'll get the Daily going sometime soon as well....

http://newsandguide.pressmart.net/