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Fall/Winter Press Kit (2008-2009)
Category:
Media/Press Releases
For Release: September 1, 2008
Media Contacts: Chuck Coon, (307) 777-2831, chuck.coon@visitwyo.gov
Lori Hogan (307) 777-2889, lori.hogan@visitwyo.gov
Click here to download a PDF version of the press kit.
Press Kit Images are available to accompany these story ideas. Additional image formats and Beta SP and Mini DV video footage available upon request.
TramEndous
The new aerial tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort makes it debut December 20, 2008 with modern, sleek cabins and a visually inspiring base terminal where the old clock tower used to stand. The new tram promises to be faster, more efficient and tougher than its predecessor and twice the size, carrying 100 passengers. Fans from all over the world have been watching the tramformation take place as they gear up for an epic season.
Decommissioned in 2005, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort started a new journey to keep the symbolic tram alive. The unprecedented opening day will take on a life of its own with live music, fireworks, personal stories and of course, first tram. This tradition has been held by many over the years with the excitement building from the first snowfall of the season.
Jackson Hole combines incredible terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, amazing on-mountain dining including the new $10 million Bridger Restaurant complex at the Gondola Summit and a full service resort at the base. Upgraded lifts ensure quick mountain access to the 2500 acres and the 4,139 vertical continues to test every visitor that takes on the challenge. 307-733-2292, www.jacksonhole.com
FAVORITE FALL HIKES
Fall can be fleeting in the American Rockies but when it cools the day and colors the leaves there is little that compares to filling your lungs with the fresh air of a Wyoming short hike in autumn. For those who seek simple trails not far from a parking area here are a couple of paths to fall glory:
Lake Marie Falls, Snowy Range Mountains –west of Laramie in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Elevation is just over 10,000 feet and the quarter-mile hike is easy. Take Wyoming Highway 130 from Laramie. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway is well-maintained and not difficult to navigate. Trailhead is situated across the road from the Lake Marie parking area. The trail follows the outlet of Lake Marie as it tumbles and pools along its streambed. This short loop trail includes granite rock steps and a bridge over the outlet. Season traditionally runs through October. More information about the forest’s recreational pursuits can be gleaned by going to: www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr
Intermittent Spring, Star Valley – five miles east of Afton. The largest of only three such springs in the world. Sometimes referred to as “Periodic Springs,” the water slows to a trickle and returns to full fall at regular 15-minute intervals through the fall season. Fluctuations are caused be a siphon effect in the canyon. Good hiking shoes are recommended. The 20-minute hike is relatively easy up a well-maintained, aptly-named, Swift Creek Trail. www.starvalleywy.com
Favorite Fall Hikes
WYOMING YURTS AND SPURTS
A well developed yurt-to-yurt winter camping system near Evanston extends over a wide swath of trails that are, for the most part, designed to be traveled in non-motorized fashion by skinny ski or snowshoe. Five comfortable units comprise the system that covers pristine landscapes along the southwestern Wyoming and Utah border – 90 minutes from the airport in Salt Lake City. Overnight charges range from $30 during the week to $60 weekends. The Evanston Parks & Recreation Dept. handles the system. More information and reservations available at: www.evanstonoutdoors.com/yurt or by calling: 307.789.1770. For additional information contact Joe Wright: 307.789.7588.
Yurt to Yurt
Dog sledding has been gaining in popularity for quite some time in Wyoming especially when the glide comes to a halt at Granite Hot Springs about a half-hour’s drive south of Jackson Hole. When you are about to start the trek your dogs will be yipping and yapping constantly and then abruptly there is silence once they are given the go command. Along the beautiful ride the only sounds, other than one-word orders from the driver/guide, are the sled runners sliding along snowpack – or if you’re fortunate fresh powder. For a complete check of the hot springs action in Wyoming spend a little time reading Dina Mishev’s story here: Snowy Soaking
Chariot Racing keeps the cowboy spirit alive during the long Wyoming winter and you can find the most action at the relatively new track outside of Afton on several snowy weekends. The sport was born out of necessity in this area along the Wyoming/Idaho border. People had to get outside and make their own fun instead of reading and filling the wood stove all winter. Ranchers first used sled-like devices and horse teams pulled them against competitors down main road straight-aways. Nowadays there are wheeled chariots (think Ben Hur) and very fast horses. The quarter-mile heats go quickly and it is the perfect Saturday for families. You can get a schedule by contacting the Star Valley Chamber of Commerce, toll-free: 800.426.8833. There are also annual chariot race events in Jackson Hole, Saratoga and Torrington.
Cutter Racing
RODEO MOON
That big late October moon over Wyoming will shine on Casper for one of the last opportunities professional rodeo contestants have to win cash toward making a berth in the Top 15 of their event. Cowboys and cowgirls travel thousands of miles every year in hopes of a world champion’s buckle and the money that is possible at the national finals competition in Las Vegas come December. This year has been one of the most difficult because of high fuel prices. Wyoming’s state tourism office is completing its third year of sponsoring professional rodeo athletes who call Wyoming home and have qualified to compete at the national finals. A new addition to the list is a Wyoming-bred and raised horse that goes by the name “Wyoming’s Miss Congeniality.”
Wyoming's Miss Congeniality
The Casper competition is October 31-November 1 and it is called “A Tribute to Chris LeDoux.” LeDoux, a former world champion bareback rider, rose to become the most popular music act of rodeo fans worldwide. LeDoux and his family lived on a ranch near Kaycee, Wyoming. He died of a rare form of cancer in the spring of 2005 and is deeply missed by fans, friends, and family. The rodeo named in his honor features a western art show that will exhibit many of LeDoux’s personal works, a pro rodeo and live music concert. Tickets are available (beginning Sept. 15) at the Casper Chamber of Commerce, PH: 866.234.5311. For more information contact:atribute2ledoux@yahoo.com
NURTURE BY NATURE
Catching snowflakes with their tongues, making snow angels, zipping through the woods on snowmobiles, spotting a moose in their natural habitat -these are memories that will live long past their childhood.
A book written by Richard Louv titled, “Last Child in the Woods,” looks at childhood obesity, self esteem issues, depression and attention deficit orders that result from lack of nature and activity. The book has garnered the nation’s attention leading to initiatives that, “Leave No Child Inside.” Wyoming public lands are expanding current programs and offering newly developed campaigns designed to foster a new generation of conservationists while assisting in this national crisis.
The National Park Service’s Junior Ranger program has long been successful in engaging kids to get out and explore. BothYellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks offer the ranger-led program that result in a badge, making kids proud and perhaps a little taller.
Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites and Trailsis committed to reconnecting nature and children through their Wyoming Kids Extreme program. Included is a safety course for kids operating ATVs and snowmobiles this fall and winter. Online courses coupled with specialized instructors give kids tips on operat-ing safely in Wyoming’s rugged elements. There is also a Junior Ranger Program through the Fort Laramie National Historic Site and Guernsey State Park.
The Bureau of Land management’s program titled,“Take it Outside; Connect with Your Public Lands,” encompasses a variety of programs that support outdoor activities, exploration and learning. One of the most popular programs is Hands on the Land consisting of a network of field classrooms. The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper is a part of the network offering kids a hands-on learning approach of what it was like to be a pioneer.
While Wyoming’s public lands offer programs to get kids outdoors, communities across Wyoming hold exciting winter events that are sure to bring families together and provide lasting memories. Click here for a complete list of Wyoming winter events.
Nurture by Nature
WILD EYE
I've been taking pictures - video - of Wyoming's wild animals for more than 25 years and can honestly tell you the thrill is no less today than it was when I started. Last winter we got up pretty early and made our way north from Jackson to an area not far from Moran Junction, toward Dubois, and there within 20 feet of the roadway was a gigantic bull moose. He and his mate were searching out a little breakfast and the light was just right. I can tell you now that high-definition video of those moose will be around a long time after I'm gone. Here are a few things to keep in mind when on your Wyoming photo safari: Get out before dawn so that you are in the most wildlife-prone areas by daylight. Go out again around dusk. Respect the animals' territory. You are the visitor. This is their home. Don't get too close. Bring enough lens to keep your distance. Ask around the town. Someone will be happy to tell you where, and when, they've been seeing the animals. I want to show you the moose, and deer, and grizzlies we've spotted in recent trips. Please enjoy and I hope to see you - and your camera - around Wyoming sometime soon.
Mike McCrimmon
Video Program Manager
Wyoming Travel & Tourism
Wyoming Wildlife
Journalist Advisory – Interviews with any of the Wyoming Rodeo Team members can be arranged easily. Contact Chuck Coon at: chuck.coon@visitwyo.gov
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