*Editor’s Note: ‘Them on Us’ is a new series from Buckrail that highlights external media coverage of Jackson Hole.
JACKSON, Wyo. — This morning, the Cowboy State served as the feature subject of a series aired on ABC network’s “Good Morning America”.
The series which explores states across the U.S., shined the spotlight on Jackson Hole during its Wyoming segment.
“Wyoming is so interesting, it is the least populated state and during COVID it fared better economically than many other states in part because their tourism model last summer was ‘Wyoming is Wide Open’, and from the views we’ve seen this week, boy is it,” said Becky Worley, ABC News correspondent.
While Worley claims that Wyoming “fared better economically than many others”, statistics indicate that Wyoming’s industries were severely impacted by COVID-19.
In April, a study found that Wyoming’s economy was the 10th most hit by COVID-19. As a state whose workforce primarily relies on mineral extraction, tourism, and agriculture, Wyoming’s industries have evidently suffered more than others. In the report, Wyoming ranked 6th in states with the most highly affected industries and workforce.
And while increasing numbers of tourists visit Jackson each and every day, the state’s leading industry hasn’t fared as well in recent times. A U.S. Energy Information Industry Administration (EIA) report said the nation’s coal production in 2020 was at its lowest level since 1965, The Casper Star-Tribune reported. Wyoming produced 41% of the nation’s coal in 2020, the EIA said.
But despite the status of Wyoming’s economy, Worley highlights how the state’s natural landscape always delivers awe.
“Wyoming is the Great American West; soaring mountains, raging rivers, geological wonders. But if you want the 10,000-foot view of Wyoming, come to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR),” said Worley.
During her time at JHMR, Worley paid a visit to the Piste restaurant where Michael Britton, executive chef at JHMR, simultaneously served her a peanut butter and bacon waffle and discussed how COVID impacted the resort.
“COVID definitely took a bite out of our waffle sales. With limited capacity on all our lifts due to COVID we saw our sales probably reduce by half,” said Britton.
Mid-bite, Worley shifts into winter gear; “think [about] how this warm treat would taste in the winter, and [Jackson] is skiing heaven.”
With that, Worley shared a quick interview with Jackson’s own, Kai Jones, and even stopped to bounce on JHMR’s bungee trampoline. From the Village, the segment made its way into town, completing their Jackson coverage at landmarks such as the Cowboy Bar and The Wort Hotel.
“I think there’s something about the Western attitude that just sort of creates maybe a level playing field where everybody feels that out here they can play a little character if they want to, dress up a little bit, it doesn’t matter who you are, you’re welcome,” said Steve Plock, general manager at The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.
The segment noted the historic Wort Hotel, along with the fact they never shut down during COVID-19.
“The Wort Hotel is authentic Jackson Hole, built-in 1941 and you still feel like you’re in the west in the 1940s,” said Bill Baxter, owner of The Wort Hotel.
As the episode continued, they expanded their reporting state-wide, visiting Mountain Meadow Wool in Buffalo, Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lander and Moose Head Ranch in Moran.
To watch the full segment click here.
