The Other World that is Jackson Hole. Local Rob DesLauriers skies ‘Twice is Nice’ in the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort side country. Photo: Jimmy Chin

Jackson Hole, tucked away in the burly corner of the the Rocky Mountain West, on the outskirts of the extraordinary Yellowstone ecosystem and grounded in spectacular Grand Teton National Park, is as magical and otherworldly of a spot as they come. December days are short and dark, containing a secret formula for the good life known by few. With less than 10,000 local residents on the official books, Jackson Hole’s population is small and the segment that goes skiing every day is even smaller. The steepest of slopes making up iconic Jackson Hole Mountain Resort hold a ghost-like tale of soulful ski days during the infant opening weeks. There is less of a rush of coveted cold smoke, rather the bowls, chutes and groomers are swirling with a frigid hiss of  contradictory filled-in hard pack that is both smooth and satisfying. Skiing at the end of the day is largely a singular experience, whether it’s the peace of watching fellow skiers silhouette  cruising from the top of the world that is Rendezvous Bowl or of the solidarity of skiing with a pack of JHMR’s dedicated version of ‘Decemberists,’ the experience is all-at-once pure and a perfect preseason for the annual  emerging sense of the skier self.

Today, The New York Times shares a little bit of that secret with ’36 Hours in Jackson Hole, Wyo.’ but like the title suggests, hours spent only taps the surface of the peace and possibility of this mountain town.

And while you’re at it, may want to check out New York Times Travel annual Gear Round-Up “From Head to Toe and Below.”

Speaking of head to toe and below…check how the locals do it.

Jake Kilgrow pops off at the end of a December Day. Photo: Chris Figenshau via Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.