Interested in maximum vertical with minimum
approach? Try Teton Pass. Teton Pass is a popular backcountry
skiing destination outside of Jackson
Hole Wyoming and Teton Valley Idaho. You can easily access this area
by driving west on hwy 22 from Jackson Hole or west on hwy 33 from
Victor Idaho. Teton Pass divides the Snake River range that lies to
the south from the Teton Mountain range in the north. A short ski from
the summit parking lot can reveals endless untapped powder stashes
offering acres of snow covered open bowls and glades,
The mountains to the south of Teton Pass are not super steep but they often offer
up the sweetest dry powder you can imagine. Since the parking lot lies at
an elevation of 8,400 feet, the short ski along the scenic crest ridge accessing
the powder laden bowls to the south of Teton Pass are perfect for the beginning
backcountry skier providing they are accompanied by more experienced skier.
Ski Lake provides an easy destination that provides low-angled slopes for
beginners to learn telemark turns. This south side is home to many exciting
runs that terminate at Old Pass Road near Wilson WY an easy place to hitch
a ride back up the pass parking lot. More advanced skiers may opt for the
open bowls of Mail Cabin Creek, these runs terminate at The Coal Creek parking
lot on the west side of the Teton Pass. This area however is quite popular
so if you want first tracks get there early and if solitude skiing is a
priority choose another spot.
The north side of Teton Pass is dominated
by legendary 10,086 foot Mount Glory, which provides a
southeast-facing bowl. This is a good first ski adventure
in the Tetons for the intermediate to advanced skier or
snowboarder. You must boot pack or skin your way up Mt.
Glory, it¡s a short but strenuous hike which is usually marked by steps which have been dug into the snow by previous hikers and it¡s your best bet for getting a panoramic view of the entire Teton Pass area in order to scope out other areas to ski. The ski down, depending on which route you choose will provide runs you will never forget. The round trip should take you anywhere from two to three hours. The walk back to your vehicle will be a short 1/8 mile hike back to the parking lot. Two more large bowls lie to the north of Glory Bowl, Little Tuckerman¡s
Ravine and further to the north is Unskiabowl. Many opt
to ski down the west side of the mountain, which provides
many great open and treed runs that end up at The Coal
Creek parking lot. Coal Creek parking lot is another easy
place to hitch a ride to the top of the pass.
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Teton Pass is avalanche terrain and requires avalanche knowledge and equipment
to insure safety. It is advisable to dig a snow pit to analyze the snowpack.
Snow Slides can occur up in the bowls at any time so be extra cautious by
avoiding cornices which form on the tops of the ridges and by looking for
fractures in the snow which are telltales of an unstable snowpack. Many
mountaineering services in the Teton Valley/Jackson Hole region offer avalanche
courses throughout the winter. Mountaineering shops in the area also sell
avalanche safety gear. It is also recommended that you not ski alone remember
that there is no Ski Patrol in the backcountry. If a problem occurs during
your trip your partner can go for help if the need arises. Bring a pack
for your water, extra layers, and a pack shovel, and wear a transceiver
so your partner can locate your body in and avalanche.
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