A Jackson Hole landmark has a new identity. The property that opened in 1976 as the Ramada Snow King Inn — and operated for years as Snow King Resort — has been reborn as Trailborn Jackson Hole, the fifth location of a boutique hotel brand with outposts in Williams, Arizona and Mendocino, California. New owners Ben Weinberg and Mike Weiss acquired the property just over a year ago, taking out roughly $84 million in financing to complete the purchase — nearly double what the previous owner paid in 2019 — and followed that with a reported $25 million renovation. The hotel reopened May 14 with an updated restaurant called Old Timer, a redesigned lobby and gift shop, a refreshed pool and spa, and an arcade that now includes duckpin bowling. Rooms in the north tower are still coming online and are expected to be ready by end of June.
The renovation leaned deliberately into Jackson's character rather than importing a generic boutique aesthetic. The original 1970s architecture, stonework, and cedar detailing were preserved intentionally. Rooms feature exposed brick, quilted mountain tapestries, and indigenous beadwork, with archival sourcing done in partnership with the Jackson Hole History Museum. A full-time concierge staffs an adventure planning desk, helping guests understand and access what the valley offers. Managing director Kit Pappas described the positioning as elevated but approachable — "not stuffy or pretentious" — with a goal of feeling inclusive across the range of visitors Jackson attracts.
Summer nightly rates start above $500 mid-week and reach $700 or more on weekends, with suites going as high as $1,200. Winter rates are more accessible, beginning around $300. The owners also acquired a nearby parcel between Phil Baux Park and the Rafferty base area as part of the sale, though plans for that land have not yet been announced. For now, the focus remains on establishing Trailborn as a grounded, place-rooted option in a market that has no shortage of places to stay — but where genuine local character is harder to come by.
Source: Jackson Hole News and Guide
