The Best in Ski and Spa Jackson Hole’s Antidote to High Altitude
Above the jagged orange cliffs of the Rocky Mountains, enveloped by a sapphire sky, an adventurer’s winter paradise beckons.
The quiet town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with fewer than 10,000 residents, is sophisticated enough to draw international travelers looking for a luxury escape or great ski conditions along with nature lovers hoping to star gaze or catch a glimpse of a timid moose, bald eagle, or graceful elk.
Rustic and elegant, Jackson Hole sits high in the mountains, near Yellowstone National Park. Known for more than merely Old West charm and unspoiled wilderness, it has recently topped the lists for best ski conditions and world-class resorts.
Not only can you ski in and out of this mountain resort, but also soothe aching limbs – and rejuvenate – in luxury.
One ski resort in particular caters to our wildest fantasies for winter renewal. The 5-star Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole not only offers great skiing opportunities but also a great spa to luxuriate in après skiing.
Not only can you ski in and out of this mountain resort, but also soothe aching limbs – and rejuvenate – in luxury. The spa has 16 treatment rooms, Jacuzzi, steam room, Vichy showers, and cold plunge pool.
The spa treatments are unique. Informed by a philosophy of holistic wellness, aestheticians here offer custom treatments specifically designed to address the needs of winter-worn travelers suffering from high altitude and post-ski soreness.
Mary Leamon, a trained aesthetician with years of experience as a massage therapist and aesthetician, has worked at the Four Seasons spa since 2006. She gives great tips on the best treatments and insight into what makes this spa unique.
What kind of training do you have? How do you keep current in your field?
I’m a licensed aesthetician in both Utah and Wyoming. I studied at the Skin Science Institute of America.
I worked at a resort in Salt Lake City before joining the staff at the Four Seasons eight years ago.
I keep up with what’s current by subscribing to magazines, attending conventions, and word-of-mouth.
What inspired you to pursue this line of work?
I have a passion for helping people. The human body fascinates me. Over the years, I’ve seen how healing it can be to simply take an hour to relax and de-stress.
It’s also inspiring to educate others on good skincare and healthy habits.
Oxygen promotes natural collagen and elastin production and improves skin texture while visibly smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
What treatments are unique at the spa?
Our “peak performance” massage can address any muscle issues you might experience after a day’s adventure in Jackson Hole. This ritual incorporates active stretching and therapeutic massage with arnica oil and enzymatic preparations designed to soothe and reenergize muscle tissue. The 80-minute treatment begins with dry-brushing to cleanse the body of any toxins causing muscle aches and soreness, followed by a willow bark wrap that encourages increased flexibility and mobility.
Our “oxygen infusion facial” uses hyperbaric oxygen and a serum consisting of skin-renewing botanicals and hyaluronic acid. Using oxygen under light pressure (4 minutes) aids the delivery of these age-defying ingredients. Oxygen promotes natural collagen and elastin production and improves skin texture while visibly smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. It is our most popular treatment, also ideal before a special event, for jet lag or whenever an amazing glow is desired.
What specific treatments address the needs of travelers adjusting to high altitude?
Most of our treatments are unique to specific high altitude needs and are highly results-driven.
The high altitude in Jackson leaves the skin red and irritated, also dehydrated. Our high altitude adjuster facial contains calendula and a proprietary comfort complex, both soothing and hydrating.
Another facial treatment I designed that rejuvenates tired, travel-weary dull skin is the very popular “Rejuvenation Nuface Facial“.
What unique anti-aging skin treatments do you offer?
The “Pure Radiance Age Defying Facial“, one of my signature treatments, is very popular. This treatment uses lymphatic drainage facial massage, oxygen infusion for hydration, and red LED light to boost collagen production, followed by micro-current treatment to lift, tighten, and tone.
The Rejuvenation Nuface facial also uses micro-current technology. It also contains peptides that stimulate collagen production and create amazing, resilient results.
Some of our spa ingredients are indigenous products sourced locally. The arnica we use for massages comes from local plants.
What ingredients and products does the spa use?
Many spa products come from Australia – Jurlique, for example, with all organic ingredients. We use the product line Epicuren from Southern California in our high altitude and brightening facials.
Some of our spa ingredients are indigenous products sourced locally. The arnica we use for massages comes from local plants and our native stone massage uses stones from the Snake River.
Speaking of local attractions, once you’ve exhausted the spa menu, if you return in warm weather, the on-staff wildlife biologist leads wildlife safaris and star gazing events.
It’s a new year and new you.