Lodging Review: The Hostel, Teton Village, WY

The Hostel in Jackson Hole is truly an exceptional establishment when it comes to North American, especially lower 48, ski lodging.  Offering year round accommodations for travelers on a budget, it fills a niche in the otherwise exorbitantly priced Teton Village and has done so since the 1950's.  The Hostel is not, however, owned or affiliated with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and sits on private property. This offers guests and the staff the chance to have a bit more freedom from the resorts' regulations, although open containers are allowed on resort property.  I spent a summer season, from about March 25 to September 15 working and living at the Hostel, and it was one of the most unique experiences of my life.  These are my thoughts on the Hostel based on my experiences.

The Entrance to The Hostel and Front Yard

The Building: The Hostel is an old wooden building and has a smell that mountain people will find inviting and perhaps even intoxicating.  It is cozy and has a great mountain feel, but I would take care lighting a match anywhere near it.  The lobby is set up with comfortable chairs where you might catch the employees lounging while they harass the manager.  Below the lobby is the basement which has multiple couches, chairs, televisions, board games, bathrooms, a ping pong table, and retro ski posters.  This summer they also installed several large metal-framed gear drying shelves for the coming Winter season.  They also have converted a back room to be gear lockers that can be rented by anyone, guest or not, for the Winter season.

The building has 50 rooms spread over four floors.  All of the rooms have a bathroom with a shower and either one king bed or four bunk style beds.  Both rooms with king beds and "quad" beds cots $99 per night. Several of the rooms are true Hostel bunk rooms where travelers can pay for just their bunk and share the rooms with strangers for about $30 a night.  There is an all male bunk, an all female, and a co-ed bunk room.  If you have never stayed in a Hostel bunk room, or if you are on a strict budget, the bunk rooms could be a valuable experience.  There are discounts for long term stays (for all rooms) with some people living in rooms or even just a bunk for months at a time.  You can call the Hostel to get a quote on these rates.

Looking up at Rendezvous Mountain and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort from the front yard

The Exterior: The Hostel grounds are some of its biggest attributes, especially during the Summer.  The front yard of the Hostel is nicely shaded, with a mowed lawn, a grill for you to use, horseshoes, and several sets of lawn chairs and tables.  There is also a bike rack right next to the parking lot.  Both the staff and guests spend a lot of time mingling on the lawn on Summer days and you will find people to usually be quite approachable.  The front yard of the Hostel is one of the best places in the Valley in my opinion, it truly is a blessing from God that no one has paved over that sacred place.

The staff mingles with tourists at the top of the Tram.

The experience:  Although I was not in Jackson for the Winter season I have stayed in many foreign hostels and I will say that The Hostel in Jackson certainly stands out from the rest.  The smell of the mountains pours out of the Hostel, and if that is something that interests you then you will have an exceptional stay at the Hostel. If that is not the case for you, then you should go stay at the Hostel in order to push yourself out of your comfort zone.  The staff are quite friendly, approachable, and eager to help.  However, questions of the sort that you could just as quickly find the answer yourself, and complaints about things which they have no control over, will get you nowhere with them.  Bring your own shampoo because all they will provide you with is towels and soap.  If you need more than that feel free to walk over to the Mangy Moose and buy them or stay somewhere else.  However, there is no where else in Jackson and perhaps the entire Rocky Mountains that will provide you with the same experience as The Hostel.  Ultimately the Hostel is great for everyone with the right attitude whether they be families on a budget, bums looking for a place to stay for a length of time (and go skiing), or true nomads.

-Colin Griffith

The Hostel Website: http://www.thehostel.us/