Jackson Hole deal: Room, food, fun for two $725

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

End the work week by treating yourself to the purchase of one of the best 2009-10 winter season airfare deals out there! And, get on the phone to call your friends, because they're going to want to go with you.

The destination? Jackson Hole, Wyo., situated on the edge of the Grand Teton National Park and a short drive to Yellowstone National Park.

Jackson Hole's ski terrain is considered some of the most challenging in the country with half of the runs ranked expert, 40 percent intermediate and 10 percent for beginners.

Another top regional winter activity is snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park.

The Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole offers a two-night winter package which includes luxury accommodations and one day of guided snowmobiling with instruction, safety orientation and transportation. Also included: a hot breakfast each morning, soup and sandwiches each afternoon at 4 p.m., and warm cookies and milk each evening. A hot lunch is served at Old Faithful on the tour.

Cost for two persons is $725, (based on standard room, double occupancy), including taxes and fees. You can upgrade to a Deluxe Room with a fireplace for an additional $110 for the two nights.

Packages must be paid in full at time of reservation. A one-week advance cancellation notice is required for a full refund. Packages are not available Dec. 24-Jan. 1; Feb. 13-15 or March 27, 28.

To reserve, call the Wyoming Inn at 1-800-844-0035.

An airline deal to Jackson Hole comes from American Airlines. The round-trip rate of $208 ($250.40 with all extras) is valid on trips started on or after Dec. 17 and completed by April 5. This bargain rate is good seven days a week, based on availability. Minimum stay is any two nights.

A big bonus feature is a lack of blackout dates. The downside is that this rate does not have a ticket-by date, indicating that the rate could vanish at any time.

Don't put this one off. It quite possibly is one of the best offers of the year.