Ski Hard, Eat Waffles: The Story Behind Jackson Hole's Iconic Corbet's Cabin

The cabin would eventually see a facelift in the mid-90s after the Kemmerer family bought Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Connie Kemmerer, co-owner of JHMR, and Brooks spearheaded the renovation project. “The vision was to turn it into something like the refugees in the Swiss alps…” said Kemmerer.

The walls are adorned with mountain memorabilia, like ancient ski boots and ice skates, all of which Kemmerer and Brooks thrifted together. And while not quite a luxurious lodge, Corbet’s feels cozy.

But, why waffles?

The lore of Corbet’s Cabin and its food can be traced to a lady named Wendy Weldwood, who had a creperie at the top of the Aerial Tram in the 1970s. Eventually, the crepes gave way to another concessionnaire and a more modest operation resembling candy bars, chili, and hot dogs. Then in 2008, Brewer was given a tall task: to think up a new food to serve at Jackson Hole's Top of the World.

Brewer set up a white board in his office and ideas quickly flowed in. “We refused to do something that we were going to buy out of the box,” said Brewer. Crepes were eventually nixed because the batter was finicky up top. A speciality cookie was floated. Hot dogs were quickly left behind. “Could you imagine getting off the tram and walking into that defined smell of hot dogs wafting over the cabin at 10,000 ft?” says Brewer.

Eventually, the team landed on a thin waffle that could be made quickly. “We went from trying to make a couple hundred waffles to doing thousands of waffles, and then tens of thousands between summer and winter,” says Brewer.

In the early days of the waffles, Kemmerer told staff to be on the lookout for vintage memorabilia. One day, an employee, then another and another called to say there was a waffle find in a booth at the local antique fair.Kemmerer traded a trip to the top of the tram for a discount.

Planning Your Visit to Corbet's Cabin

If you want to make it to Top of the World, take the Tram. Non-skiers can enjoy waffles and an extensive sun deck in the summer, and advanced skiers are able to enjoy Corbet’s Cabin in the winter. Just know that the top of Rendezvous Mountain can get very windy, so be prepared for blustery conditions. As for timing your waffle trip, know that the cabin is small, so it is nearly always busy. Also, Top of The World Waffle closes at 2:30 p.m so all of the waffle supplies can be brought down on the tram — so plan your trip accordingly!

“I would have people lie, cheat, and say anything to try to get up there and get a waffle,” says Brewer. Elaborating, Brewer explained that guests have been known to throw fits when they find out that Top of the World closes early.

He once escorted a woman up to Corbet’s Cabin to get a waffle after she claimed that her grandmother had enjoyed waffles at Corbet’s as a little girl and she needed to do the same. Remember, Top of the World Waffle came to fruition in the 2008-2009 season… Brewer didn’t correct the lie.

The woman got her waffle. But, don’t be a waffle Karen, get there before the cabin closes and tip the waffle slingers.

The Future of Corbet's Cabin

As for the cabin itself? Over the years there has been chatter about Corbet’s being replaced, but the cabin’s location makes the endeavor a huge undertaking. “We’ve redesigned it two times with architects and both times it stalled out. There’s talk about enlarging it. A lot of people do not want to lose the character of Corbet’s cabin today,” says Kemmemer. “It is beloved to them like a grandparent would be. It is treasured as something that they may have known throughout their lifetime.”

So, keep enjoying your waffles and the cabin. Our interviewees favorites: the classic brown sugar butter and peanut butter bacon flavors.

Ski hard and eat waffles, friends.