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We all love packing a bag and heading out to a destination. Of course, we always love sandy beaches, but it's also nice to immerse ourselves in a bit of a winter wonderland as well! Jackson Hole is a destination that can be enjoyed year around, but this time of year when it comes to the snow, being able to enjoy a number of activities as well as we enjoy cuisine and the town at large.
Those who are in the region will have the ability to enjoy the elements while maintaining their skincare with the iconic brand Kiehl's. We took some time with Isabelle Carramaschi, SVP Kiehl’s to find out about the brand historically, their innovations, how they have embraced sports, and what they are doing with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. In addition, we
chatted with Andrew Way, Marketing VP of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, to find out about the area, what makes it a must-visit destination for those during this time of year as well in other seasons, and to learn more about the culinary offerings as well as upcoming events that we should know about.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Kiehl's launched in 1851 on 13th and 3rd Ave here in NY. Tell me about John Kiehl's and what the first product was that the brand released?
ISABELLE CARRAMASCHI: In the late 18th century, John Kiehl, with a keen interest in homeopathy, bought a New York apothecary's shop first opened in 1851 by Louis Brunswick, a German immigrant. Inspired by old-world apothecaries, he used the store to offer free consultations and hand-compounded custom remedies.
With his custom remedies and personalized consultations, John Kiehl developed a special community around his apothecary, where care was available to anyone who walked through the doors. These unique values helped to build Kiehl’s and remain at the heart of the brand today.
AM: It seems that the brand has always looked at the customer experience from having the concept of "Try Before You Buy" in 1922 as well as being one of the first companies in 1924 to list their ingredients on the label before the government made this a mandate. Why was the brand ahead of its time in this space?
IC: I believe the brand will remain ahead of its time in the space so long as it remains true to its values and places community first. The brand has always prioritized inclusivity and the care of others, made evident in its embracing of the LGBTQ+ community during a time when they were faced with adversity during the AIDS epidemic. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and transparency with our ingredients is based on the same principles; we care about what is inside our formulas and its impact on the world we live in. Kiehl’s will continue to put clients before sales with custom treatments and personalized consultations – we joke at L'Oréal that the Kiehl’s team would rather make a friend than a sale.
And of course, we need the business to do well to support our staff, our causes and our community; but we believe one in consequence of the other.
AM: Science seems to be core to the brand as Aaron Morse not only took over the family business, but he was known for formulating an early form of penicilin and he gave the US government a special Aloe Vera Cream that could be used on radiation burns. What are some of the things that he created that are still hero products within the assortment today?
IC: In our view, Aaron created something bigger than product! He created a testing methodology that is applicable to all our skus. Due to his education, exposure to war, and sense of adventure, Kiehl's creams were always put to the test against extreme conditions. A few products that have stood the test of time include the Lip Balm #1, Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner, Blue Astringent Lotion, Crème de Corps Body Lotion, and Ultra Facial Moisturizer (with more than one sold every minute in the U.S.!).
AM: The brand has over 100 products and artifacts that are in the permanent collection of the Division of Medicine and Science at the Smithsonian National Museum in DC. What does it mean to the brand that it has a legacy that started as an apothecary/pharmacy and continues to this day?
IC: It's a great reminder of where we came from and how much expertise this brand carries.
In the acquisition by L'Oréal, it was essential to learn and preserve the values and soul of the brand and respect more than a century of expertise. Of course, there is always excitement around new brands, but there is so much knowledge and history behind Kiehls.
AM: In 1988, the brand sponsored the Everest '88 Expedition, which was the first ascent on the east face of the mountain without supplemental oxygen! But they brought an array of Kiehl's products! What was the thinking behind sponsoring this event, and what is the connection between the beauty brand and sports?
IC: As mentioned above, through his love for adventure, Aaron Mores looked to enhance the performance of products by putting them through extreme testing; taking products to be tested and reformulated based on voyages such as The Everest ’88 Expedition has had a tremendous impact on how we formulate, test, and market our products today. We hope to bring to life this spirit of adventure through our partnership with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort while also celebrating the community and creating experiences as Aaron did with his expeditions.
AM: How did the Kiehls and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort partnership come about to be the official 2024 SPF Partner?
IC: As a brand centered around community, we love finding and partnering with communities, creators, and brands that share our beliefs. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a unique place that embodies the spirit of adventure and outdoor exploration year-round, resonating deeply with the Kiehl’s brand heritage. One of Kiehl’s main goals is to preserve the values and rich history of the brand - one being “adventure testing” to further highlight our efficacious formulas and technology.
Now that we have some backstory about the brand, hero products, and how they have continued to be involved in sports, we wanted to know more about this resort and what makes it so unique. Andrew Way, the Marketing VP of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort gives us the inside scoop.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Why is Jackson Hole, in terms of the area, a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially during the winter, as it is located in Wyoming's Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem as well as Grand Teton National Park?
ANDREW WAY: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's (JHMR) northern boundary is Grand Teton National Park and we operate on a Bridger Teton National Forest permit. The views are stunning and 97 percent of the land in the Jackson Hole area is open space and will always be protected. Getting outside and going on an adventure is right out our front door and deeply ingrained in our local culture.
AW: Jacksonhole.com has a ton of information for people planning a trip to Jackson Hole, ranging from First Timer’s Guides to booking a full family vacation. We also have a ton of great content that will help anyone plan their trip.
JHMR first opened in 1965 with Apres Vous Mountain. The Jackson Hole Aerial Tram opened in 1966, taking people to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. The Aerial Tram is an incredible experience that whisks skiers and riders 4,139 vertical feet in 10 minutes, accessing some of the best terrain and fall line skiing in North America.
AM: How much snow does Jackson Hole get?
AW: The combination of snow and terrain make Jackson Hole one of the top destinations for skiers and riders. We average 458 inches of snowfall each season, and it’s usually light, powder snow.
AM: The partnership between JHMR and Kiehl's seems like a natural fit! For guests that are coming to the resort, how will they be able to engage with this collab?
AW: We are excited to offer sampling of Khiel’s products to guests throughout the season at the base of our lifts. Kiehl’s will also be hosting an activation in March, when guests will be able to check skin health, sample products, enjoy some NYC-inspired treats, and receive complimentary ski/board waxes.
Kiehl’s products are available for sale in key JHMR stores, including Jackson Hole Sports, Teton Village Sports, and Rodeo.
AM: Tell us about Kings and Queens.
AW: Kings & Queens is one of the top freeride events available to elite skiers and snowboarders, held at the world-famous Corbet’s Couloir. Athletes have pushed the limits of what’s possible in blending freeride in steep, big-mountain terrain. It also has an important history of equality, with equal prize money for women and men and the athletes themselves judging the competition and determining the winners. We can’t wait to see what goes down this year, with one of the best lineups of athletes we’ve ever had.
AM: Tell us about the lodging options that are available for those that want to spend time on the mountain as well as to have a luxury experience when they are off of it.
AW: From luxury stays at the Four Seasons to staying at the historic Hostel in Teton Village, there are lodging options available for everyone. My personal favorite is the Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, which blends luxury with authentic mountain living. I also recommend Jackson Hole Resort Lodging, which offers vacation rentals at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort that are perfect for a family looking for more space.
AM: We always enjoy having a great meal, especially when we're doing a lot of activities. Can you tell us about restaurants that are on property that we should have on our list?
AW: Piste Mountain Bistro offers a wonderful dining experience at the top of the Bridger Gondola. The menu is as spectacular as the views, which overlook the Jackson Hole valley.
AM: Can you tell us about Corbet's Cabin and their Top of the World Waffles? What are 3 of your favorites?
AW: Corbet’s Cabin serves world-famous waffles from the top of Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450’. Earlier this year USA Today named Corbet’s Cabin number two on its list of the 10 Best Ski Restaurants in North America survey. My favorites are the Gateway (with peanut butter and bacon), Trad (with brown sugar butter), and Italian, which features Nutella.
AM: Outside of activities on the mountain, what are other activities that are in the area that we should have in mind this winter?
AW: Skiing is my favorite activity in the winter, but there’s lots more to do in Jackson Hole. Check out the Town Square with shopping, sleigh rides on the National Elk Refuge, cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Grand Teton National Park, photos at the elk antler arches, and enjoy a buffalo burger with a pint of the brand new Jackson Hole Lager.
AM: As we head into the Spring, the Rendezvous Music Festival will be on April 5th and 6th. What can you tell us about this?
AW: Rendezvous Music Festival is a free, two-day music festival that features incredible music acts set against the most iconic backdrops in Jackson Hole: Historic downtown Jackson Town Square and the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This year’s lineup features platinum-selling indie rock heroes The Head and The Heart headlining with Jamestown Revival on April 5 in Town Square, and Mt. Joy headlining alongside Luke Grimes and Niko Moon on April 6 in Teton Village. Rendezvous Music Festival is an amazing weekend to experience all that Jackson Hole has to offer in the spring.
Rendezvous also gives guests the ultimate Jackson Hole experience. Aside from the concerts, festival goers are encouraged to enjoy the amazing skiing and riding, dining, nightlife, wildlife viewing, shopping, and other activities.
AM: What does Jackson Hole and JHMR offer in the summer and the fall months for those that are thinking ahead to booking at these times of the year?
AW: Jackson Hole is home to some of the country’s most inspiring natural beauty, including Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), which borders JHMR. With abundant wildlife, crystal clear lakes, and high alpine terrain, GTNP offers amazing hiking, climbing, paddle boarding, and wildlife viewing. Jackson Hole is also a convenient homebase for access to Yellowstone National Park’s southern entrance, providing a plethora of lodging, dining, nightlife, and activity options that are unavailable in the park.
In the summer and early fall, JHMR offers a range of activities for the Jackson Hole traveler. The Aerial Tram and Bridger Gondola run for sightseeing, offering stunning views of the Jackson Hole valley as well as the Teton, Gros Ventre, and Snake River mountain ranges. The Jackson Hole Bike Park offers world-class downhill mountain bike trails for everyone from the novice to the highly technical and advanced rider. JHMR offers downhill bike rentals, private mountain bike guides, youth bike clinics, and adaptive mountain biking lessons for those looking to expand their skills. JHMR’s Via Ferrata, one of very few in the country, provides guests the opportunity to experience guided, safe high-alpine climbing along iron rungs, cable traverses, and suspended bridges, with no climbing experience necessary. Summer activities at JHMR also include world-class lift-to-lift hiking, disc golf, paragliding, the aerial ropes course, yoga, outdoor dining, and more.
AM: Are there additional events coming up that we should keep an eye out for?
AW: March at JHMR is full of action! The Jackson Hole Downhill and Dick’s Ditch Banked Slalom offer opportunities for all skiers and riders to find their need for speed, and spectators will also have the chance to watch skilled racers in the US Ski & Showboard U18 Alpine Nationals and Wyoming High School Championships.
Summer will also offer a full events calendar, including bike and running races, the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Fest, Bikes & Brews, and the world premiere of the latest film from Teton Gravity Research.
IG @kiehls
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 132 - 137 + 141 Jackson Hole Mountain Resort | PG 138 Kiehls
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