Jackson Hole

Deviating from the annual trip to the snow-filled canyons of the Wasatch Front in Utah, the NCMC visited Wyoming for a week of skiing in February. Staying in Jackson, they skied at legendary and uncrowded Grand Targhee on the western side of the Tetons on their first day, and then skied several days at slightly daunting Jackson Hole with its steep trails and 4,100-foot vertical. They also spent a day cross-country skiing in Grand Teton National Park. They received generous guiding from Grace Hartman, sister of Jimmy Chin and colleague of Jan. Grace lives in a yurt with her family and also hosted them for dinner one night. She took them all around Jackson Hole one day and also brought them to the national park. The weather was great, with a couple of snowy days interspersed with blindingly bright sunny days. Lots of goggle and sunglass wearing by all. They hung out in Jackson when they were not skiing, and recommend The Lodge at Jackson Hole for anyone planning to visit. Skinny Skis is also a great shop (with tons of Patagonia clothing) with expert advice on all things nordic. And don’t forget to have your picture taken under a large antler arch in the town square. Jan, Jack and Tom made the trip, and were able to park for free at Jackson Hole resort because of car-pooling in their rented Subaru Outback. The Outback did a good job of taking them over the Teton Pass from Jackson to Alta, WY, where Targhee sits. This trip, by the way, gets one briefly into Idaho. You can find pictures and video from the trip here.