There are many ways to aprés in Jackson Hole, but we’re pretty sure a charcuterie spread and hot chocolate bar in a cozy Wilson igloo tops them all.
Edge Wyld, which offers elevated picnics and dining experiences in Jackson Hole, hosts winter igloo-based picnics, in two bubble domes hidden in aspen and willow trees on the Snake River Ranch.
Julie Kendell started Edge Wyld in 2020 in partnership with Rob Caesar at Great Western Expeditions. She crafts high end summer picnics in the Tetons, setting up impressive trailside and waterfront spreads to accompany some of the Caesar’s wildlife safaris and tours.
“The idea was to bring people together in nature, in a safe and intimate way,” she says. “Especially during that time, which was really hard for everyone.” After a few seasons, Kendell knew she wanted to bring the same unique experience to guests in the winter. She created a cozy way for folks to enjoy the outdoors in when temps can make it challenging to spend long periods of time outside.
This year Edge Wyld launched elevated picnic experiences in cozy winter igloos, as well as winter dining experiences at Teton Cabins in Moran.
For the igloo experience, guests access their picnic via a quarter-mile, guided snowshoe tour, accompanied by a local wildlife guide. In five-meter domes, Kendell sets up a festive spread, ranging from brunch and a hot cocoa and coffee bar, to aprés charcuterie to hearty lunches and dinners.
Where possible, she incorporates local vendors, like drinks from Amrita Beverages, knives from New West Knifeworks, Housecall Hydration and beef from Snake River Farms. “Usually if you go out hiking in the winter, you expect to have sandwiches,” she says. “You don’t expect to have a hot bowl of delicious short rib chili with Snake River Farms beef. Everything tastes better in nature, especially when you’re not expecting it.”
One of Kendell’s favorite treats to serve is a self-serve fancy s’mores bar, where guests can heat their s’mores on the central fireplace and top their treats with pretzels, bananas, chocolate, and Himalayan sea salt.
There is a smaller igloo, which is a cozy spot to curl up in one of the big butterfly chairs. Both igloos are heated, and with additional snow piling up outside the domes, Kendall says it gets pretty toasty.
“An ‘Aprés Gloo’ is my favorite,” she says. “We set up a traditional charcuterie board and beverages from local vendors, and the colors out there in the late afternoon are just dreamy.”
Every experience is private, with transportation to and from the ranch and a guide and snowshoe rentals included. Groups range from a minimum of five guests, up to 16. “A lot of people tell me it’s the most memorable part of their vacation, which really means a lot,” she adds.
Edge Wyld also partners with Teton Cabins at Diamond Cross Ranch to host elevated picnics in a striking and remote setting in Moran. You can also add on a dining experience, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner, to any guided trip with Great Western Expeditions.
To set up a winter picnic experience, email Julie at julie@edgewyld or call 307-690-1703 to reserve.
