After the fantastic day in the Red Creek area the snow started falling again. After mulling our choices and perusing maps we elected to tour up Wolf Creek.
The terrain there is steep and we didn't see too many skiable lines except this one broad drainage. Sadly after around 500' of climbing we found the valley completely choked with old avalanche debris.
Rick makes it look good. It wasn't. Six inches of light fluff over an uneven, but supportable base. OK but not exactly thrilling.
Next day we rested and recovered at the Astoria Hot Springs. So nice.
With reports of up to 20" of new snow in the Jackson Hole area we drove up there to tour. Super cold with temps subzero. Steam rising from the Snake River on our drive.
Twas a glorious morning in Teton National Park.
25 Short (a small peak 25' short of 10,000') was our objective. It's relatively close to the trailhead, holds lots of different runs and likely had a skin track.
Rick skins in near the bottom.
We got too wedded to an online "track" and found ourselves breaking trail in rather deep snow while the actual skin track was up and over a ridge. Alas we joined it near the top.
Clouds rolled in mid morning as we reached the top, but the views were still astounding. With a steady wind we had to throw on all our clothes to stay comfortable.
First run fun. Even though there was up to 20" of new snow we still felt the crust beneath on the steeper pitches up high. Once the slope angle eased though it was all float.
Rick heads up for another.
Me on the second run. Lots of folks, lots of tracks, but still lots of great turns.
I managed to develop some funky blisters on 25 Short. I wasn't sure I could manage another full day, so I went solo while Rick and another buddy, Brad went back to TNP. I took a short drive south from the cabin and skied up towards Prater Mountain in the Salt River Range.
Blisters hurt a bit at the beginning and then the pain vanished. I was stoked to find a good skin track put in by two previous skiers and acres of open, moderate powder fields.
After a bit I realized a summit visit was within my grasp. Total elation at the top! Star Valley below.
Nothing short of amazing skiing all the way down.
Last day of the trip we headed up towards Ferry Peak. Brad and Rick head up the approach drainage. We booted up to the ridge on the right and continued along the ridge. Ferry Peak up left.
Rick got this photo of me near the top of the boot pack.
The view back down our ascent gully and the Snake River Valley below. Star Valley right.
I wasn't feeling up for the summit bid, so I kicked back on the ridge and watched the boys climb to the top.
Avalanche hazard was significant here with recent wind loading and a rapid rise in temps, so we elected to ski this ridge down into the Cottonwood Creek drainage. Brad enjoys the powder.
Below we had to navigate a short section of steep, complex terrain to reach the upper section of Cottonwood Creek, but it was a relatively easy cruise out after that.
Pretty cool day despite a bit of stress here and there. Sure is an amazing zone.
Big thanks to Rick & his family for providing the cabin and companionship. Fantastic trip!
1 comment:
. . . But do they have any snow? ( Looks amazing ! )
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