Inside the Hoback Club, a New Members Club and Hotel in Jackson Hole

In Jackson HoleOld West wonderland roots, Nat Geo-level wildlife spotting and some of the country’s most spectacular backcountry take center stage, but this rustic village is all about luxury. The surrounding Teton Mountains and easy access to nearby Yellowstone National Park make it a mecca for outdoor travelers, while the median home price of $7 million-plus shows another side of this beautiful mountain town. Given its lack of private land, due in part to wildlife protection, Jackson Hole has become one of the most exclusive and affluent towns in the West. Whether you’re a hiker looking to explore some of the country’s most untouched trails, or a seasoned skier looking to tackle the area’s famous “cow powder,” the main draw to this rugged valley is its unparalleled connection to nature. However, five-star accommodations balance entertainment and beauty, as well as innovation The Hoback Club is committed to redefining Jackson Hole hospitality with a members-only experience in the heart of Teton Village.

One of Wyoming’s most expensive properties ever built, the Hoback Club is a modern alpine condo community and private lifestyle club. It’s billed as a hyper-luxe “home away from home” for vacationers willing to shell out more than $2 million for one of its 25 accommodations, and it serves as a boutique hotel and members-only club. The concept is no doubt aimed at homeowners, but Hoback’s limited rental program allows residents to rent out their multi-bedroom units to travelers, with prices starting at around $9,000 per night. I was one of the first guests to experience this unique concept, and I must admit, I was hesitant at first.

Last year, lifestyle news was full of stories about teenagers a wave of membership club openingsfrom New York City to Telluride. At the same time, old-school organizations with strict rules are struggling to attract a new membership base, while traditional brands like Soho House are struggling to stay afloat amid growing competition. With an oversaturated market and changes in people’s priorities, it’s difficult to navigate which private clubs are best for certain types of members. Going into the trip, I wondered if the Hoback Club would be another junket for guests with a lot of time (and money) on their hands. However, after my trip, I think Hoback has the power to inspire his members in Jackson Hole.

When you spend a fortune on a monthly membership, a level of personalization is expected, and at the Hoback Club, this comes first. First, the concept of a residential club ensures closeness as it brings together a close-knit and diverse community of homeowners. There is no formal reception or lobby on site, as the team knows exactly who the visitors are before they enter the parking garage. Spacious floor plans, ranging from one to six, are decorated with custom hardware, wood and leather furnishings. While residents are free to decorate their units as they see fit, they are asked to maintain a chic, modern mountain setting.

It’s the shared resources, however, that caught my eye the most. If you’re not a lodge owner, there are two other membership options to explore: Mountain Membership, which gives you access to everything from ski-valet services to wellness and dining, and Restaurant Membership, which gives you access to the food and beverage program only. There are a limited number of slots available, and annual membership fees start at a staggering $150,000.

During the winter season, Hoback offers true ski service, with slopeside valet handling everything from gear preparation to maintenance, zero schlepping required. “We’re also happy to schedule service for repairs or touch-ups,” general manager John Newman told the Observer. “Let’s say someone hits a rock with their ski or needs a wax—they can just leave it with the valet, and we’ll service them all night and come back in the morning.” Each guest also has access to a large locker to store boots and equipment before crossing the hall to the spa area. Whether you want to swim in the indoor pool, enjoy a cool dip in the hydrotherapy circuit or book a signature massage, the underground wellness center, complete with multiple hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms, offers you world-class relaxation. Small details, like mini fridges with Fiji watersodas and juices, or snack baskets filled with an array of grab-and-go protein bars and meals, also set the tone for Hoback’s creations.

Dining in the Great Hall is another layer of the Hoback Club. The first thing I noticed when I walked into the bright, airy dining room, with its mile high ceilings and large windows, was the fact that you can watch people slide from the slope of your table. The Hoback Club is centered around the mountain, immersing guests in an environment that feels cozy yet fun. The wine list, which includes more than 500 bottles from around the world, including rare grapes, was selected by food and beverage director and maître sommelier Nelson Veiga, who began his career working for Leona Hemsley in the ’70s.

“From Bordeaux, we have the first five varietals from the left bank, as well as Petrus, Cheval Blanc and Angelus from the right bank,” he shares as he guides us through the tasting. For Burgundy, the list includes Grand Cru estates from producers such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Dujac and Maison Leroy, as well as California wines such as Harlan Estate, Colgin, Hundred Acre and Sine Qua Non. Guests and members receive club prices at a discount below regular retail markups.

Nelson’s hand-picked wine collection is accompanied by seasonally driven dishes designed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Jean-Louis Dumonet. Since I visited in mid-January, I was curious to know how the local ingredients can really be in winter.

In partnership with local farms and hydroponic growers, the Hoback Club features a varied yet approachable menu that rotates daily. Expect proteins like elk tenderloin and locally caught trout, some of which are cured in-house with breakfast bagels and lox. However, the competition that impressed me the most was the chicken schnitzel with tangy caper coleslaw. For dessert, the Hoback Club’s take on a huckleberry tart was balanced between sweet and creamy.

This level of fine dining brings a new wave of culinary delights to casual travelers who want to satisfy their champagne taste with a meal-based membership. During special events and holidays, the Grand Hall and fireside lounge will host dinners, parties and tasting events, and on weekends, expect everything from a raclette bar to après-ski sessions with live music.

Jackson Hole has no shortage of luxury resorts, but the Hoback Club adds something new to the realm of hospitality, prioritizing sophistication, personalization and exclusivity. It will attract affluent tourists looking for a home-away-from-home experience in Jackson Hole, while providing both visitors and residents with an upscale club. In addition to the fine restaurant and clubhouse, it’s the warm and personal care from the staff that reminds you what you’re really paying for here—a select community of those who enjoy this slice of the American West.