Today we went for something different. Backcountry skiing in the quiet and extraordinary beauty of Teton Nationsl Park, although in reality only 15 minutes down the road, felt worlds away from the crowds on the mountain and the hustle and bustle of the town of Jackson.
We met Ben Gilmore of Exum Mountain Guides at 8:00 and geared up. Although he spent his childhood on the coast of Maine learning to climb in Acadia National Park and later working as a climbing guide in North Conway, NH, the allure of the big mountains of the west proved irresistible. He worked in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest before landing in Jackson in 2004.
After a refresher on the use of our avalanche beacons, we began skinning up the 3500' climb to our destination. Hard work climbing at altitude with packs and all our ski gear! We were all new to AT skiing, but it quickly became obvious why the sport places such a premium on light weight gear.
Beautiful climb with a few stops through forest accompanied by only the sounds of the wind, my own breathing, and the occasional call of the ravens. We popped out of the trees in open sections that afforded beautiful views of the valley below. Easy going and affable, Ben pointed out the far mountains and had ready answers to our questions.
The whole trip up and down was an amazing experience and has inspired me to do more of this kind of skiing. Of course, it will require a different mind set toward risk as well additional knowledge, planning, and gear, but all worthwhile. Must be why so many of my friends who are backcountry skiers spend so few days on lift served mountains.
Heading to bed happy and exhausted to the sound of the wind howling as the next system moves into the area.
More tomorrow.
Cheers!
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