Passing Along a Passion for Jackson Hole

We recently received a message from a long-time Jackson Hole visitor recounting how her uncle, Art Burrows--a passionate skier and tram rider for many years--instilled a passion in her for skiing here when she was a child. A frequent guest at the Hostel, Art's connection to JHMR ran deep, luring him to the Tetons many winters throughout his life. Sadly, Art passed away recently at the age of 85. Below is a short story about Art and a lesson that pursuing one's passion is a worthwhile venture in this one life we get. 

For decades, Jackson Hole has been the mecca for extraordinary people seeking extraordinary skiing and experiences, and I’m sure it will be well into the future.

My uncle, Art Burrows, began visiting Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in the 1970s. A passionate skier and traveler, he ventured to Vail, Europe, Chile, and beyond; but, his heart remained in Wyoming. For as long as I could remember, he spent his winters skiing the “Big One”. He was Dean of a college in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and decided that his winters were best spent in Jackson Hole. He changed positions so that he could teach the summer months and made plans to head west in the winter.

I first visited Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in the winter of 1988 and a few times more in the early 1990s. I fell in love. Jackson was a beacon of light for my inner adventurous spirit, and like my uncle, the mountain called to me. I first descended Rendezvous Bowl at the age of nine, and he laughed as I cried while skiing down. Despite the intimidating terrain, I found the experience to be exhilirating enough to put that run on the list for every day skiing thereafter.

Art skied out of bounds and hiked in Jackson Hole's world-famous backcountry terrain with friends for the rush of floating through fresh powder. He finally conquered Corbet’s Coulier at the age of 64 in 2002, one of his most memorable experiences at Jackson Hole. As JHMR's legend spread throughout the world and Teton Village began to grow, he stayed with his roots at The Hostel each winter. He loved the people, the cozy basement and the short walk to the Mangy Moose. One quote in an article he gave was: “the people here are just so neat”.

Unfortunately, Art passed away recently at the age of 85. Going through his belongings has been a roller coaster as most times like these are. He has six belt buckles engraved with “I Skied The Big One”, totalling over three million vertical feet.  I knew he loved it there, but seeing the mementos he has from the years gone by, I believe it was more than love.

Art made a lot of friends at the Hostel and in Jackson over the decades he was there. If you skied in Jackson in the 1980s and 90s, chances are you at least stood next to this seemingly elder ski bum on Big Red who loved to slice his skis through Jackson Hole's famous powder snow. If you knew Art or have a memory, please feel free to reach out here. As for me, I am planning my next trip back this winter. Art told me many years ago that when his time comes, he thought that his knees belonged to Jackson Hole and the Tetons.

Find your passion and let it propel you to the life you want to live. Pass it along so the next generation can experience the joy that it brings. Love to ski, ski with friends, pass along that love to your loved ones and set them on a path towards ample joy. A priceless gift. Rest in peace, Art.