Meet Me on the Mountain

As originally published in The Club Magazine Volume 1, Inside The World of Exclusive Resorts. Illustrations by Stephen Collins. Hero photo: Lynsey Dyer at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s high-elevation backcountry terrain.

There are places where you can ski, and then there are ski towns — those rarefied places where culture, terrain, and resort collide into something unforgettable. Jackson Hole, Whistler, and Deer Valley have each carved out unique identities in North America’s mountain mythology: Jackson for its no-fall lines and old-school grit; Whistler for its vast bowls and international scene; and Deer Valley for its polished, skier-only serenity. But to really tap the pulse of these epic ski towns, insider knowledge is key. Here, pros who have spent their lives on their home mountain share their hard-earned tips on and off the slopes.

Lynsey Dyer | Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

As a backcountry guide, advocate for wildlife corridors in the Tetons, and host of the Showing UP with Lynsey Dyer podcast, Jackson native Lynsey Dyer is as much a steward of mountain culture as she is a kick-ass skier. She volunteers with the nonprofit Coombs Outdoors to get underserved kids outside and is raising capital for a documentary about overlooked big mountain ski pioneer AJ Cargill. But on the mountain, she is focused on technique: “I already have my PhD in skiing,” she says. “Now I’m focused on precision.” Whether she’s chasing powder in the side country or sipping beers at The Bench, Dyer’s love for Jackson is as deep as its snowpack — and her knowledge of it is unmatched.

Where to Stay: Just minutes from Town Square, The Glenwood's estates are a short shuttle ride away from Jackson Hole Ski Resort's epic pistes. The modern three-story residences are serene retreats for après-ski relaxation, featuring private rooftop decks, hot tubs, and firepits.

High Altitude Hot Takes

Why Jackson Hole? Jackson is a community mountain. We are all here to share the stoke and keep the soul alive.

First time at Jackson Hole — what do we need to know? Ride the tram to the summit and take in the iconic Corbet’s Couloir. I suggest leaving the run itself to the pros though — just enjoy the views. It’s a rite of passage.

What is your favorite run for ... A bluebird day: Laramie Bowl or the Grand because the sun hits them in the right way. Fresh powder: Cowboy powder on groomed terrain. You get that soft snow over a consistent base. It’s magic for first turns. Early season: Stick to the groomers, which are reliable even when coverage is thin or icy.

Where should beginners spend their time? Sweetwater Gondola’s learning area is a great line for beginners, though it can get quite crowded.

Any secret spots? The Bench. It’s where the old-school legends still gather around 4 p.m. to share some beers at the end of the day. It feels like the real soul of Jackson.

Where is the best après? For the classic scene, head to Mangy Moose, but for a Jackson-only vibe, it’s always the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

What about local haunts? I’m partial to the restaurants in Wilson, like Pica’s Mexican Taqueria for low-key tacos.

Mike Douglas | Whistler Blackcomb

Mike Douglas hasn’t just been skiing Whistler for 37 years — he transformed the sport of skiing on its very peaks. In 1997, he led a renegade team of athletes on newfangled twintip skis to compete in the X Games for the first time ever. “We were skiing backwards, doing snowboarding-style tricks, and it blew people’s minds,” Douglas says. “We didn’t realize at the time, but we were changing the sport.” Today, Douglas is less concerned with tricks and more interested in storytelling. As founder of Switchback Entertainment, he has produced acclaimed ski films and documentaries that explore everything from climate change to deep-snow adventures. “I’m proud to still be doing what I love,” he says, “not chasing podiums, but perfect days.” That now includes hosting exclusive guided ski trips around the world with fellow legend Chris Davenport. From Japan to Chile to a soon-to-launch itinerary in Switzerland, the trips are small and largely word of mouth.

Where to Stay: Ski right out your door to access North America's largest ski resort. The four Kadenwood estates each feature four bedrooms, private hot tubs, steam rooms, spectacular mountain views, and direct access to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola connecting all 8,171 acres of Whister Blackcomb's skiable terrain.

Chairlift Chatter & Après Picks

Why Whistler? It’s Canadian, meaning, it’s more chill, more international, and less posh.

First time at Whistler — what do we need to know? Don’t trust the valley weather. Clouds there can mean bluebird conditions at the resort.

What is your favorite run for ... A bluebird day: Peak chairlift. Not only is it epic terrain; it’s a show: Locals huck off the cliffs and you can watch it from the lift line. Fresh powder: Glacier Express has tons of rocky, tree-filled terrain with hidden powder stashes. Early season: Jersey Cream normally gets pillows on the groomers.

Where should beginners spend their time? Emerald chair or Catskinner. Both are great for beginners, progressing to intermediates.

Any secret spots? Learn to ski tour. The flute zone off the Symphony chair is a short hike and avalanche-controlled for some epic runs.

Where is the best après? Dusty’s Bar and BBQ in Creekside for locals, live music, and no frills. Longhorn Saloon in the village if you want a see-and-be-seen scene.

What about local haunts? Sushi Village, which has been the soul of Whistler since the ’80s. There’s also Rockit Coffee Co. for a cool retro vibe.

Jaelin Kauf | Deer Valley Resort

Olympic silver medalist Jaelin Kauf made the move to Park City, Utah, nearly a decade ago, and today, Deer Valley is both her training ground and her escape. Raised by pro mogul skiers in Wyoming, she originally resisted following in their tracks — “I avoided moguls at all costs” — but was soon hooked by the challenge. “It’s all the best parts of skiing packed into one 30-second run,” she says. Kauf loves the convenience of Deer Valley’s terrain and taking easy groomer laps on Lady Morgan — but her focus is far from mellow: With her third Olympics on the horizon, and the long-awaited debut of dual moguls, she is in full-out mode, hoping to elevate her sport and her own performance. “It’s exciting to be part of the evolution,” she says. Whether she’s charging a comp line or cruising groomers, Kauf brings a quiet confidence to the mountain — one that comes from knowing exactly when to push and when to just enjoy the ride.

Where to Stay: Choose from the full-service three-bedroom suites at Montage Deer Valley or the four-bedroom private estates of Ironwood for ski-in/ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort's four mountains. At Montage Deer Valley, guests have access to Utah's largest spa and five restaurants, including a Veuve Clicquot yurt après lounge.

Mogul Queen’s Mountain Musts

Why Deer Valley? The sheer amount of skiing and its service focus. There’s the ski concierge, and they remember your name, and yet it’s still low-key.

First time at Deer Valley — what do we need to know? Head to the top of the mountain, where you can see Heber Valley, Big Cottonwood, and Park City. It’s epic to see all of Utah’s main ski areas from one vantage.

What is your favorite run for ... A bluebird day: Lady Morgan chair. It’s super scenic, fun terrain. Fresh powder: Head to the Empire zone, under the lift, through the trees, and out to the ridge. There are great chutes if you time it right. Early season: Hit Sterling Express off Bald Mountain for flawless groomers.

Where should beginners spend their time? Almost anywhere — Deer Valley is known for its groomers, making it a smooth place for learning.

Any secret spots? They’ve all been discovered! But the chutes off Empire still keep things spicy.

Where is the best après? I like to go to High West Saloon on Main Street at the bottom of the Town Lift for great food and even better whiskey — my favorite is Campfire.

What about local haunts? Flying Sumo for sushi on Main Street and the rooftop at Boneyard Saloon for a chill, low-key vibe.