In the International Phonetic Alphabet, the French word, “Ouest” is written as /wεst/, which is identical to the English pronunciation of “West.”
So, why the French?
Long before French-Canadian trappers ventured into the rugged landscapes of what is now Jackson Hole, the Indigenous Peoples of this land had already named and shaped it. The towering peaks, wild rivers, and panoramic valleys were known and honored by the Eastern Shoshone, Crow, and other First Nations who lived, hunted, and traveled through for generations.
In the early 1800s, French-Canadian trappers arrived, enticed by the fur trade. As they navigated the untamed wilderness, enduring notorious Wyoming winters and windtorn summers while living on the land, once they departed, they left behind more than footprints: they contributed names that remain today. The Teton Range is said to have been inspired by the French word tétons (meaning “breasts”), an acknowledgment of the peaks’ dramatic silhouettes. But, before these French names, the Shoshone called this land home, referring to the mountains as Teewinot, meaning “many pinnacles.”
The Gros Ventre River and Range, later named by French trappers, holds an even deeper connection to the Indigenous Atsina people, known as Aaniiih or Gros Ventre. This name serves as a reminder of the collaborations, exchanges, and at times, tensions, that defined the relationship between trappers and First Nations who guided them through the land, sharing knowledge and survival skills.
Though the fur trade dwindled with changing fashion and the rise of new economies emerged, the land and its spirit holds layered histories, rich with resilience and adaptation, none of which have faded.
From any angle, in any season, the Tetons rise as a landmark of breathtaking beauty and a symbol of daring exploration, risk-taking, and the enduring call of the wild.
At Ouest House, we embrace that adventurous spirit, charting new creative territories, and shaping our Ouest into a creative house built on trust, reputation, and legends.
