While the traditional season for off-roading is still several months away, Jeep® brand enthusiasts can have lots of fun getting out and enjoying the winter season. While some of the more technical off-roading might not be on your agenda for now, just knowing your Jeep vehicle can have you in the backcountry, seeking out those hidden ski and snowboarding locations makes the wait all that much easier.
 
In December 2010, Jeep President and CEO, Mike Manley invited members of the automotive media to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to test drive the all-new Jeep 2011 product line. The Jackson Hole area is a premier winter recreation destination and this made a perfect venue to showcase Jeep vehicles. What better way to show off the new Jeep products than by driving some of the most challenging winter conditions found anywhere? The Jeep brand commitment to the improvement of the 2011 line was evident. Especially exciting was the certification of the all-new 2011 Jeep Compass as Trail Rated®. With an inch more ground clearance plus improvements to the suspension and power train, the new and improved Jeep Compass amply demonstrated why it would be a great vehicle to get to those hidden back country destinations. The new Trail Rating® doesn’t mean you have to give up any amenities. A new interior plus a new steering wheel which features radio and phone controls beautifully blends functionality, ergonomics and 30 new safety features including electronic stability control, roll mitigation, hill start assist, and side curtain airbags among others.
 
During the test drives, the all-new 2011 Jeep Wrangler also demonstrated why there is not a more capable off-road vehicle. Features such as a one-touch electronic front sway bar disconnect and an electronic differential lock makes transitioning to off-highway conditions a snap. This is especially appealing when you are getting deep into snow, ice, and slush.
 
There are few places which embody the Jeep® lifestyle like Jackson, Wyoming. Surrounded by the spectacular Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, Jackson has some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the country. There are also miles of trails to explore via snowshoe or cross-country skis. While at Jackson Hole with your 2011 Jeep vehicle, a great adventure is a backcountry snowshoe or cross-country ski. The Cache Creek Canyon is an excellent ski touring or snowshoeing destination. You’ll need your Jeep vehicle to get to the trailhead which is located about two miles east of the town of Jackson. The cross-country trail is machine groomed all winter and is an outstanding example of Nordic ski touring in the Jackson Hole area. Other great winter adventure destinations can be found at the Spring Creek Nordic Center located on Spring Gulch Road northwest of Jackson. West of Jackson, Teton Village hosts some of the best alpine, cross-country, or snowshoeing destinations in the Rockies. Check out http://www.alljacksonhole.com for more great winter adventures and destinations.