Resort Living Roundup

+ Story by Michelle Kidd

So much more than a vacation home, resort living opportunities are on the rise in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Teton Valley, Idaho.

Huntsman Springs, on the outskirts of Driggs, Idaho, will expand the town and provide golf and fly-fishing fare with a twist—a 500-acre wildlife refuge.

River Rim Ranch overlooks the picturesque Teton River in Teton Valley, Idaho. Photo courtesy of River Rim Ranch.

While resorts offer a place to call home, their unique character and wide array of amenities win over seasoned luxury aficionados and cowboys alike. Following is a roundup of the major resorts existing or in-the-making on both sides of the Tetons.

Jackson Hole
The Snake River Sporting Club features all the major amenities, including a climbing wall, heli pad and golf course. But what really sets it apart is its incredible location. Located approximately 13 miles south of the town of Jackson at the head of the Snake River Canyon, the Sporting Club’s 554 acres are surrounded on three sides by national forest, by the pristine Snake River on its fourth, and boast a grand total of 90% open space.

Situated in the middle of the southern portion of Jackson Hole and providing incredible views of the valley and the Tetons to the north is 3 Creek Ranch, the only private golf and fly-fishing community in Jackson Hole. Just minutes from downtown Jackson, its 710 acres feature a clubhouse, fitness center and resident naturalist to help you experience all the area has to offer.

Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis opened in 1965 on the southern border of Grand Teton National Park as Jackson's first golf course and is consistently rated as Wyoming’s best by Golf Digest magazine. Not one to rest on its laurels, 2007 saw major renovations, including a $7.5 million clubhouse complex with indoor and outdoor dining and a heated outdoor swimming pool.

Teton Pines Resort and Country Club opened in 1987 with an incredibly convenient location six miles west of the town of Jackson and four miles south of Teton Village, home of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Amenities include an 18-hole Arnold Palmer course, fly-fishing and year-round tennis. Townhome guests and owners of The Residence Club enjoy the convenience of the bank, grocery and liquor stores, laundry service and other businesses all within walking distance.

Shooting Star is Jackson's newest resort community with completion of course and clubhouse scheduled for summer 2009. An ideal location for skiers, it is situated just one mile from Grand Teton National Park and directly next to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Outside, this resort will include lap pools, hot tubs, and a golf course that morphs into a Nordic ski course in winter months.

Teton Valley
Teton Springs, just 20 miles from Jackson Hole over Teton Pass in Teton Valley, Idaho, includes golf, tennis, a condominium hotel and a "village" with shopping, dining, spa and conference facilities. Teton Springs also fosters community goodwill with a foundation for local charities, donating more than $300,000 since 2001.

As the name implies, Saddleback Vistas, located halfway between the towns of Victor and Driggs, Idaho, is all about horses. It's a place where you can ride to the Hitchin' Post Café for a snack and stop by the Hay 'n Neigh Equestrian Feed Store on the way home. Each lot features trails connecting to 168 acres of galloping open space. For year-round comfort, the 31,250-sq.-ft. indoor arena features boarding services and a professional horse-training staff. Comforts for those with two legs will include a fitness club, indoor-outdoor pool and spa.

Overlooking the Teton River Canyon on the north end of Teton Valley, River Rim Ranch has an Old West, open space feel. The resort lists a protected stretch of river as its primary amenity but adds other creature comforts including the Overlook Lodge and the Horse Barn. Every ranch needs horses, and their barn features all the necessities: stalls, paddock, corral and common pasture. The Teton Rim Golf Club plans to open its championship course and more amenities in 2010.

While many resorts feature great courses, Teton Reserve, nestled against the foothills of the Tetons on the east side of the valley, puts particular emphasis on the game of golf. It features the nation's first and only reversible 18-hole course, bringing the resort total to four different courses. The accompanying 8.5-acre golf club is just as magnificent with a four-season recreation campus.

Huntsman Springs, located on the northwest side of the town of Driggs, features golf and fly-fishing fare with a unique twist—a 500-acre wildlife refuge. The community further encourages residents to get outside and enjoy the views with seven themed family parks, including barbeques and tennis and basketball courts.

With so many amenities at each resort on both sides of the Tetons, making a decision will not be easy. You can find more information about area resorts and developments at www.LocaleJacksonHole.com.