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Calling All Adventure Junkies for the Season’s Most Thrilling Attraction

Wyoming’s newest outdoor adventure brings wartime methods to mountain climbing

Marie Salcido

For those with thrill-seeking on their agenda this summer, one of our top destination picks is Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Perhaps best known for its world-class ski runs and record-setting snowfall, the mountain town’s off-season is equally filled with adventure. Just an hour’s drive from Yellowstone, the adrenaline enclave offers its own spread of activities, including a new attraction that puts you high above it all, a la World War I soldiers.

Last weekend, Teton Village’s welcomed Via Ferrata, assisted climbing high above the valley across a network of suspended bridges and granite walls. Named after the protected climbing system that soldiers used during WWI to safely traverse the Alps, the high-alpine adventure uses a similar system of secure cables, plus seasoned guides, to make the attraction’s six routes more feasible for climbers of every level, whether a first-timer or rock-wall aficionado.

Mountain vistas and glimpses of the nearby Grand Teton National Park await those bold enough to brave new heights. If you’re looking for less adrenaline closer to earth, the nearby Grand Adventure Park also has its own ropes course, rock-climbing wall, and aerial tram, with equally-breathtaking views of the valley, minus the insecure footing.

Options for the Via Ferrata range from a couple hours to a full day. Post-exploring, catch a free summer concert on the Teton Village Commons; dig into celebratory bites at the on-mountain Deck @ Piste al fresco patio; or toast to a day’s physical feats at The Handle Bar, the Four Seasons’ hip beer hall serving International brews elevated pub fare.