TORONTO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opens its first mountain resort today at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, just in time to take advantage of this season's record-setting, early snowfall and the best powder conditions in nearly a decade. Surrounded by unspoiled wilderness, the 124-room retreat, which includes 17 private residences and 40 Residence Club units, benefits from a prime, slope-side location, close to Teton and Yellowstone National Parks -- perfect for exploring the great outdoors.

"This is an exciting new venture for Four Seasons," said Wolf Hengst, president, worldwide hotel operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "We welcome the opportunity to provide our brand of warm and friendly service in a mountain setting for the first time, creating a new luxury experience for everyone, from family groups and sports enthusiasts to corporate travelers and meeting participants."

Sloped gently into the mountainside, the Resort looks out at the Sleeping Indian and Rendezvous Mountains, the Snake River basin and the wildflower meadows of the valley. Each of the 106 guest rooms and 18 suites leads out to a private balcony or terrace, while the lodge-style interiors are invitingly cozy, with fireplaces, leather headboards and Native American rugs. Touches of the American West can also be found in the Resort's three restaurants, both in decor and cuisine.

At the foot of the longest continuous vertical of any ski area in the U.S., Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole offers ski-in/ski-out access to lifts and an aerial tram. The Resort's Ski Concierge – the first of its kind in the area – will arrange lift tickets, lessons, rentals and special services, including in-room boot fittings. In the warmer months, guests can consult the Base Camp Concierge for help with planning and preparing outdoor adventures that range from hiking to fly fishing.

The Resort offers a full-service spa, complete with Tranquility Lounge, fully heated outdoor pool and whirlpools, and a fitness centre. Supervised activities are available for children aged six months to 17 years. The property's function and banquet space totals 743 square metres (8,000 square feet); features include fireplaces and an outdoor terrace opening onto a function lawn.

To experience all that Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole has to offer, the Resort is offering a complimentary fifth night, when booking a four-night stay. This special opening package is valid from January 4, 2004 through April 4, 2004.

With a history spanning four decades and a portfolio that extends worldwide, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is the world's leading operator of luxury hotels, currently managing 60 properties in 28 countries. Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay opened November 24th. The company continues to grow, with more than 20 projects under construction or development in choice locations around the world. In the first half of 2004, the company will open new properties in Costa Rica, Budapest, Provence, Whistler, B.C. and Hampshire, England. Four Seasons has claimed first position on many prestigious lists. Recent honours include being named to Fortune magazine's list of 100 Best Companies to Work For (for the sixth consecutive year); and garnering more Mobil Five-Star Awards than any other hotel company. Information on the company and its 42 years of achievement in the hospitality industry can be accessed through the Four Seasons Web site at www.fourseasons.com.