Two Tough Decembers for Jackson Hole
December 30th, 2009Posted in Skiing in the Tetons
Remember last year at this time? The Tetons were getting pounded with heavy snows and the avalanche danger was insane. There was an inbounds avalanche fatality at Jackson and another avalanche partially buried several of their ski patrol members and damaged an on-mountain restaurant. The danger was so high Jackson had to keep much of its terrain closed during the crucial holiday period, costing a lot of lost business-just what they didn’t need after spending $30M on a new tram that had just opened for riding when the storm cycle hit.
Fast forward to this holiday season and this time its lack of snow in Jackson that is hurting their business. Last night’s little gift of powder gave Targhee more than the 7″ they reported, but Jackson only reported 2″-4″ and skiers tired of poor conditions there were pretty numerous on Targhee’s powdery slopes today. I rode Targhee’s lifts today with many Jackson locals as well as visitors who had ditched Jackson for the day.
Tonight the forecast seems to favor more snow on the Jackson side of the Tetons. Unless they get a real big dump, I’d keep the rock skis on my feet over there, or drive over to Targhee.
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