Design-Forward Trailborn Jackson Hole Is Open for Mountain Adventures

Photo: Christian Harder, Courtesy of Trailborn Hotels & Resorts

Trailborn Jackson Hole, a design-forward mountain resort at the base of Snow King Mountain in downtown Jackson, Wyoming, has finally opened its doors. The reimagined property transforms the historic Snow King Resort Hotel into a modern refuge for travelers seeking adventure. Mountain Living sits down with Mike Weiss, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Trailborn Hotels & Resorts, to learn about the newly designed space.

Photo: Christian Harder, Courtesy of Trailborn Hotels & Resorts

What did “reimagining” the former Snow King Resort Hotel involve? What stayed, and what changed?

Mike Weiss (MW): When we first walked the property, we immediately saw how special the building already was. The exposed timber beams, chalet architecture, and iconic views of Snow King Mountain gave us an incredible foundation to build from. Our goal wasn’t to reinvent the property – it was to reveal its best qualities. We stripped away design elements that didn’t feel true to the setting and leaned into what made the building unique, introducing warmer materials, richer textures, thoughtful lighting and locally-inspired details that feel authentic to Jackson Hole.

At the same time, we completely reimagined how guests experience the hotel by adding new gathering spaces, a full-service spa, a game room complete with duckpin bowling and arcade games, elevated dining options and outdoor programming that reflects the way people want to travel today.

Photo: Christian Harder, Courtesy of Trailborn Hotels & Resorts

How does the design balance Western heritage with Trailborn’s contemporary aesthetic?

MW: We wanted the design to feel like it could only exist in Jackson Hole. Rather than leaning into clichés of Western design, we looked to the area’s history, ski culture, and surrounding landscape for inspiration. In collaboration with Vida Design and DYNIA Architects, we preserved the building’s original architecture and layered in reclaimed wood, native stone, and locally inspired detailing that references regional craftsmanship.

At the same time, we introduced a cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic that’s warm, inviting, and rooted in the destination. We also wanted to bring in Trailborn’s signature sense of fun and character through spaces like Old Timer and Alley Oop, creating a hotel that’s social and energetic. The result is a hotel that feels timeless and honors Jackson’s heritage while offering a fresh perspective on mountain hospitality.

Photo: Christian Harder, Courtesy of Trailborn Hotels & Resorts

What was the thinking behind bringing guests and locals together in the social spaces, and how does that show up in the layout?

MW: Our belief is that the best hotels become part of the communities they’re in. We didn’t want Trailborn Jackson Hole to feel like a place where visitors checked in and disappeared, but somewhere locals would genuinely enjoy spending time, whether that’s meeting friends for dinner at Old Timer, grabbing a coffee at Mountainside Bar & Café, or relaxing around the fire after a day outside.

That philosophy shaped the entire layout, with gathering spaces that naturally flow into one another and create opportunities for people to connect. When a hotel truly becomes a part of the local fabric, guests walk away with a much more authentic experience of the destination.

Photo: Christian Harder, Courtesy of Trailborn Hotels & Resorts

Photo: Christian Harder, Courtesy of Trailborn Hotels & Resorts

Photo: Christian Harder, Courtesy of Trailborn Hotels & Resorts

Photo: Christian Harder, Courtesy of Trailborn Hotels & Resorts

Photo: Christian Harder, Courtesy of Trailborn Hotels & Resorts