New Kid on the Blog: Meet Amy Jimmerson

Hi. I’m Amy. I’m a photographer and fishing guide hailing from the great state of Montana. My Northern Rockies roots mean a few things…I love the mountains, fly fishing, wide-open spaces, and Clamato in my beer. I have been in and out of the Jackson Hole area for a decade. I’m never able to leave for too long, always being drawn back by the incredible scenery and wonderful, adventuresome community. Join me on the Jackson Hole blog this winter as I explore some of the things that make this area great. Here are a few of my favorite things about this stunning valley:

A Night Under the Stars.

One of my favorite activities is taking photos at night, and Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park are great places to do it. There is very little light pollution in the valley, providing dark skies and killer stargazing. The Milky Way is often visible and there is no better place to watch meteor showers. If you are really lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the Northern Lights. With fewer people, cars, and noise, it is a unique and special way to experience the Tetons.

Fishing in the Fall.

As the summer comes to a close and the tourist traffic lightens, my favorite time to fish is just beginning. Cooling water temperatures make fish healthier and more active. The changing leaves are gorgeous and you can often hear and see elk bugling as they enter the rut.

The Storms.

In the summer they bring thunder, lightning, rain, and some insane skies. In the winter they bring powder days that draw rabid snow chasers from around the world. The weather changes quickly here, as many storms race into the valley from behind the Teton Range.

The Wildlife.

Bears, bison, moose, elk, deer, antelope, wolves, fox, swans, and eagles. The list goes on. Sometimes I feel like I live in a zoo, and I love it. Jackson is adjacent to Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge, making it one of the best places to see wildlife in the country.

The Sun Dogs.

On a cold, clear day in Jackson there is a good chance you will see a shining ring around the sun, with two bright spots about 22 degrees distant from the sun. These are called sun dogs, a type of ice halo that is visible when hexagonal crystals float in the air reflecting sunlight. On ice crystal-filled days you can also see other atmospheric phenomena such as light pillars and halos. These events add an other-worldly feel to our winter wonderland, and are really fun to photograph.

The Skiing.

This one is obvious, but it is one of the main reasons I live in Jackson. The powder is phenomenal. The terrain is exhilarating and seemingly endless. Of all the resorts in the country, Jackson Hole is my favorite.