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Story by Daniel CarterPhotograPhy by SCott Wolff

FRONTIER FLYERS

WYOMING’S EXPANSIVE GETAWAYFOR LUXURY LIVING

WYOMING’S EXPANSIVE GETAWAYFOR LUXURY LIVING

WYOMING’S EXPANSIVE GETAWAYFOR LUXURY LIVING

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and Jim Bridger. This territory was wild, beautiful and plentiful. The Star Valley, just southwest of Jackson, sits along the present border of western Wyoming and Idaho. It is here the spirit of those legendry frontiersmen lives on, through the hearts and ambitions of a like-minded group of modern-day pioneers. Like their counterparts from more than a century ago, they find themselves inspired by the beauty of the landscape and their quest for something new and exhilarating to recharge their lives. Instead of blazing the countryside on horseback or covered wagons, these guys have upgraded to a more contemporary steed – the backcountry aircraft. Long known throughout the aviation world as a picturesque destination for the adventure-minded or backcountry aviator, its central location serves as a great launch point for access to Yellowstone National Park, Southwestern Montana, Eastern Idaho, and the endless bush flying that ensues. Of course there are the resources of large airports in the area like Jackson Hole (KJAC), Afton (KAFO), and Driggs (KDIJ), but until lately, quaint-but-still-civilized airfields were few and far between. Recently, the Star Valley has seen a resurgence in the development of a well-maintained runway and airpark, new airstrips, and an aviation-friendly, ranch-like commune offering resident

hroughout the nineteenth century, hundreds of thousands of courageous emigrants and brave pioneers ventured out to find a new way of life in the untamed American West. These settlers took enormous risks, crossing aggressive terrain into unknown conditions, hoping to be rewarded by riches, freedom and an

independent way of life. Some found their new home in the plains of current-day Nebraska and Kansas; some went as far as the California coast; but a special mix of them put down roots in the Rocky Mountains. It may not have been the most convenient place to make a new home in those times; the inhospitable winter climate threatened their lives and their ability to establish a consistent source of revenue. Even so, these people felt compelled to create a new lifestyle that proved to be very rewarding.

Possibly one of the most distinctive places pioneered in the Rocky Mountains is near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This area of topographical importance served as the stage for many historical moments, and provided home to such fabled names as Butch Cassidy, Buffalo Bill, Calamity Jane,

T

HEADING TWO SEVEN ZERO

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pilots a whole new breed of living a ‘lifestyle with altitude.’ The Double L Ranch is a true dream of luxury and recreation. This shining gem of the Star Valley lies near aptly-named Freedom, Wyoming. The ranch is the working vision of Lance Mortensen, a successful entrepreneur, titan of multiple industries, and passionate backcountry pilot. Mortensen, a modern homesteader in his own right, found the property several years ago.

“The place struck a chord deep within me,” comments Mortensen. “I knew I had found something truly special as I began to piece together different parcels of land to create the ranch. I realized that this new property would be much more affable if it were shared with other people with similar interests.”

He says he wanted to create, “the ultimate neighborhood.” Well, that may have been the original vision, but the result is a vibrant community.

The Double L lies on almost two miles of the Salt River and is situated right up against the Caribou National Forest, a three-million-acre wilderness preserve offering what amounts to a playground of limitless possibility. The ranch has its own equestrian center and stable of horses available to residents when the mood strikes. The national forest hosts an intricate network of trails, making for a great place to explore on horseback.

The Salt River is considered one of the best trout streams in the state of Wyoming, teeming with wild and playful cutthroats. Residents at the Double L have exclusive fly-fishing access right off their doorstep, as well as a shared drift boat and private boat launch just for them.

The Salt also offers a fun and relaxing opportunity for leisure kayakers, not to mention the nearby Snake River for epic fishing and rafting, and the Palisades Reservoir for a multitude of other water sports.

Residents wanting to work on their golf game are happy to have their own private golf course at the Double L. The par-five fairway doubles as a perfectly-manicured, 2,100-foot turf landing strip (WY36). So, whether fishing, horseback riding, shooting skeet on the private range, practicing your golf swing or your soft field landings, there is no shortage of summertime activity.

ABOUT THE RANCH

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becomes a homeowner at the ranch, they are also getting an equity percentage of the club’s common land, shared amenities, and access to a staff of groundskeepers that Mortensen says, “Lets members enjoy all the perks of ranch life without any of the hassles.” Residents enjoy the use of two well-appointed guesthouses, as well as a centrally-located saloon complete with an old-style western bar, billiards, and a state-of-the-art movie theatre. The saloon serves as a gathering place for these friendly neighbors to all come together to participate in a one-of-a-kind camaraderie. Flying enthusiasts may be more familiar with this collective ideology. As general aviation—in essence—is a community of passionate and focused people who share knowledge and experience towards their common goals. Aviators love the Double L because they appreciate the sensibility and practicality of a well-organized community.

As if there is not enough to the Double L experience on the ground, the real splendor starts when the landing gear breaks free of the ground. While visiting the area earlier this summer, I was lucky enough to get a taste of the outrageously-fun flying that these folks get to do on any ol’ day of the week. I hopped into a resident’s Aviat Husky, which when not flying, lives inside a farming shed with the tractor and other ranch implements, near the golf course. For larger aircraft, the Double L also owns a 12,000 square-foot hangar at the Afton airport. Once we taxied down the gravel road a short distance we easily took off

In the colder part of the year, recreationists find themselves immersed in an awesome winter wonderland. With the nearby ski resorts of Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee, along with the backcountry access and cross-country skiing trails throughout the property, it’s not difficult to find fresh tracks. Snowmobiles are a fun way to survey the countryside and satisfy your adrenaline craving. With world-class opportunities for upland birds and big game species, some sportsmen will hang up their fly-rods for their shotgun or hunting rifle.

If peaceful relaxation is more up your alley, then the tranquil winter landscape sets the perfect circumstance for enjoying a good book and warm fire amongst a placid mountain backdrop. Looking up from the pages of your book, don’t be surprised to see one of the resident moose, deer, or bald eagles dropping in to peer quizzically through the glass to say hello.

This ideal sporting community lies on more than four hundred acres and is adorned with twenty-three unique home sites. Buyers have the choice of building their own home on a vacant lot, or purchasing one of the existing artisan homes. Developer Mortensen is one of the most well-known custom turn-key home builders in the country, and his experience and prowess shines through in the six unique homesteads he has erected at the Double L. Each house has its own personality and flare, yet all of them fit seamlessly together with their detailed styling and western attitude.

Homes vary from lavish five-bedroom compounds to the smaller three-bedroom houses called “Hideouts”. Each of these homes uses premium building materials including reclaimed wood and natural stone, accentuating the high quality and personable theme that the Double L exudes. Once indoors, the interior design is impeccable and decoration is tasteful. Houses are thoughtfully-furnished down to the last fork in the drawer and dish in the cabinet, making for an effortless transition for the buyer. Larger houses sit on handsomely landscaped five or seven-acre parcels, while the “Hideouts” sit on charming one-acre lots near the creek. The Double L neighborhood identifies with early pioneers who came before it, recycling their mentality of strength in community and cooperation. When someone

GOING WHEELS UP

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mighty Teton Mountains. It wasn’t long before we had a posse assembled. PilotMag Managing Editor Scott Wolff and I strapped into the Cessna 182 we flew up from our Denver headquarters. Me in the left and Wolff shooting his camera out the right, we joined up with Mortensen and fellow Husky Brigade pilot Reade Genzlinger over the Palisades Reservoir and began our flight towards the 13,000-plus foot peaks, the sun nearing its golden hour.

This may be one of most visually-appealing landscapes to fly in, and I’ll go as far to say that it feels

other-worldly. Sharing airspace with the peaks of the Teton Mountain Range is an experience that is both epic in its grandeur and humbling in its expanse. With the unbridled, forbidding terrain below and two glimmering airplanes following close behind, I gained an epiphany on what makes this place so special. Its something intangible that one can’t quite put his finger on – but it creates an uplifting attitude, and a feeling that you’re truly alive and living the way you’re meant to.

I think at the core, that is what brings these modern-day frontiersmen together. It’s the knowing that every day spent amongst magnificent places in Western Wyoming is a day lived to the fullest. Whether flying up high amongst the Teton peaks, low in the Snake River Canyon, or soaking up the luxury at the Double L Ranch it is the richness of life that makes this place home.

from the Double L turf in near-perfect conditions, as the sun was getting low in the sky.

Once skyward we headed just a few minutes north to the Alpine Airpark (46U). Alpine is a sweet little airport with a perfectly-smooth 5,850-foot asphalt runway, self-serve fuel, and several hangar-homes that look more like they belong at a mountain resort than beside a runway. Alpine Airpark is a special piece of real estate on its own, and some jet-setters call this place their second home or hub for all things adventure.

After we touch down and park the airplane I am welcomed by special group of gentlemen, affectionately known in conjunction as “The Husky Brigade.” Casually chatting inside a large open hangar, I learned that each member of the group has their own story, coming from differing backgrounds and walks of life. These guys get together to fly whenever possible. Sometimes it’s just a few of them getting dinner at the Warbirds Café at Driggs; other times there are upwards of fifteen pilots and their matching Huskies going on a multiple-day outing to various destinations throughout the backcountry. No matter what the flight consists of, safety and organization is always paramount. I saw this first hand as the group of twelve or so gradually ended their side conversations and came together in a standing circle to plan and thoroughly brief the upcoming flight. On this night, we had eight airplanes headed out for an evening pleasure cruise through the canyon on the South Fork of the Snake River. Flying formation in two groups of four, we carefully dropped into the beginning of the canyon, settling at an altitude below the highest treetops. We cranked and banked over the water, winding our way through the turns and ravines of the river. Looking below, boaters and anglers sat at their overnight camps, looking up at the bellies of our airplanes buzzing overhead. This flight took a little over an hour before we were back on the ground at Alpine, where grins were ear to ear as pilots and passengers stepped out of their airplanes. Debriefing the flight with a cold beer in hand, everyone shared his perspective of this simple-but-spectacular flight.

The next day, after much activity at the Double L, we decided we probably needed another flying fix. Calling on our new friends in the Husky Brigade we inquired about who might want to join us in getting aloft amongst the

See additional Frontier Flyers photos and video at www.pilotmag.com.

Also be sure to check out these resources to learn more about these one of a kind properties: www.TheDoubleLRanch.comwww.AlpineAirpark.com