Business titan dishes on his exclusive Jackson Hole hotel
Wes Edens, the co-founder of Fortress Investment Group and co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks NBA team, has added hotelier to his résumé with the opening of Caldera House in Jackson Hole, Wyo. The culmination of a sixyear, $100 million investment by Edens and his three, ski-obsessed friends, the eight-suite hotel and alpine members club has an unrivaled location next to Jackson’s iconic red tram. Despite its no-detail-spared luxury — rates start at $2,000 per night for a two-bedroom suite — Edens is adamant that Caldera House be part of the fabric of the community. Here, he details his vision.
Q: Why Jackson Hole for your first hotel project?
A: Jackson was the only place I considered having a hotel; it’s my favorite place in the world. Beyond the adventures to be had year-round, the town possesses a Western spirit that I am terribly fond of.
Q: How does Jackson stand out as a ski destination compared to other U.S. resorts?
A: Jackson Hole Mountain has been ranked the No. 1 ski resort in America the past handful of years, for obvious reasons. One: the mountain. It’s challenging enough to entice thrill-seekers from around the world while also still providing kinder runs for the less advanced. Two: the airport. You fly directly into Grand Teton National Park, and you’re only a 12-minute ride down a scenic road until you’re right in the middle of the town of Jackson.
Q: What’s the vibe of the ski crowd?
A: The Jackson ski crowd is a great mix of both locals and people from all over the world, with skiers of every level. There really is something for everyone here, but there is no doubt that there is a group of hard-core skiers at Jackson that is the best of any place I’ve ever skied. If you are a badass skier, Jackson is where you will feel very much at home.
Q: You’re a former ski racer and known to tackle some of Jackson’s infamous runs. Where do you head on a powder day?
A: You have to hit the Hobacks. It has to be one of the greatest powder runs in the world when it’s dumping — incredible terrain that just goes on and on and on.
Q: How does Caldera House help its guests tap into a local’s ski experience?
A: It starts with the gear. The Mudroom, our retail and ski shop, is run by local legend Gov Carrigan. He also happens to be the best ski technician in Jackson, period. Being able to go to Gov and his crew to get set up properly is a huge benefit of being at Caldera. It’s like having your own personal ski quiver in the building. The mountain is such a big place that I feel a guide is invaluable. Caldera’s expert guides make a huge difference in taking you around the mountain. They know what’s good, what to avoid and, quite simply, are great and talented people to hang out with. I’ve skied Jackson for many years and still take a guide with me every time.
Q: In addition to being an intimate hotel, Caldera House has an alpine club. What are some of the membership perks?
A: State-of-the-art lockers to store your gear, valet parking, a beautifully designed members lounge ideal for lunch or après drinks, and a slopeside valet service for unbeatable ski-in/skiout convenience are just a few of our member incentives. We wanted to remove all the logistical hassles of going skiing so that the focus can be on the sport — and I’d say we’ve absolutely succeeded.