TETON VILLAGE, Wyo. (May 25, 2005) - Allowing guests access to some of the best outdoor apparel and equipment on the market today, Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa will initiate for summer 2005 the Mountain Lodge Gear Closet, a program that ensures Lodge visitors always have all the requisite outdoor gear to fully enjoy an active vacation in Jackson Hole.

Created for guests who either forgot an important piece of outdoor equipment for their trip or who perhaps don’t own all of the proper gear for a mountain-country vacation, the Mountain Lodge Gear Closet is a no-cost loaner program that features top-brand waterproof breathable jackets, technical day-hiking packs, trekking poles and binoculars. If guests find they need a piece of gear for hiking or other outdoor pursuits during their stay, they can call the front desk and borrow it.

“Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa prides itself on being a base camp for outdoor adventure in Jackson Hole, and our staff knows what equipment people need to take full advantage of the outdoor recreation here in the valley. We wanted to make sure our guests – whether they forgot something or don’t own it in the first place – have access to the appropriate outdoor gear,” said Rob DesLauriers, the managing partner of Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa and also an active hiker, trail runner, skier and climber. “Whether it’s having a waterproof jacket to deal with an afternoon thunderstorm or top-quality binoculars to safely view wildlife from a distance, good outdoor equipment can make a big difference in a guest’s outdoor experience.”

By virtue of all the outdoor recreation that takes place in Jackson Hole, the valley is also a place where a lot of outdoor equipment innovation happens, evidenced by the number of outdoor product manufacturers based in the area, DesLauriers said. To create the Mountain Lodge Gear Closet, the Lodge worked with four nationally known and well respected outdoor companies that are based in Jackson or the western Wyoming region. Gear Closet offerings include:

• Cloudveil Drizzle waterproof-breathable jackets (men’s & women’s)
• Indigo Equipment Rox 18 day packs
• Life-Link Rainier anti-shock trekking poles
• Brunton Echo binoculars

“A program like this just makes sense at a place like the Lodge where you can be on a trail within minutes of leaving the front door,” DesLauriers said.

Guests who want to borrow an item from the Gear Closet can simply call the front desk to inquire about its availability and check out the item for the length of time they need. Guests will be informed about the free program through information in each room, and they also can make reservations in advance of a visit to Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa.

For more information on Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, visit www.tetonlodge.com or call (800) 631-6271.

About Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa

Completed in late 2002, Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is a full-service hotel offering luxury rooms and condominium suites – all located slopeside at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and less than a mile from Grand Teton National Park. The setting offers out-the-front-door access to the full spectrum of winter and summer outdoor activities. A blend of 79 condominium units that break into 128 hotel suites and rooms allow the Lodge to combine luxury hotel services and amenities with the convenience and flexibility of condominium accommodations. Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa has been recognized as a top ski lodge by Condé Nast Traveler, and has been featured in publications ranging from Travel + Leisure, Outside and Ski to the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.