Trip Report: Skiing Jackson Peak

May 1st, 2016

By Stio

FRIDAY, 4:30 PM

ROAD’S OPEN, LET’S GO:

All winter Jackson Peak (Elev. 10,741), just east of town, is difficult to access due to winter road closures. The conditions add miles of distance and vertical elevation to the journey, making day trips nearly impossible.

Each spring, as snow melts in the valley, the road re-opens. Backcountry travelers excitedly await the day when they can reach the peak after only a few hours of skinning. Their ascent is rewarded with access to coveted north-facing, snow-packed, steep couloirs. Unlike the more demanding spring adventures in Grand Teton National Park you can roll out of bed at 6:30 a.m. and be back at the car by noon.

The People:

Brendan Levine, Senior Graphic Designer, Stio

Emily Hoffer, Guidance Counselor, Teton Co. Schools

Tristan Greszko, Photographer, Athlete

Danny Holland, Producer, Stio

Mitzpah, Trusty Yellow Lab

SUNDAY MAY 1ST, 6:40 AM

We hit Pearl Street Bagels to fuel up with coffee and breakfast. Mizpah rides shotgun as we drive 10 miles of windy dirt roads to the trailhead.

“One way to get the most of life is to look upon it as an Adventure.”

- WILLIAM FEATHER

7:30 AM

Tristan and Mizpah lead the 1.4 mile approach to the Goodwin Lake trailhead where we begin skinning.

8:30 am

1.5 miles of skinning on the road leads to a maze of thick forest. After steadily climbing the east ridge, we rise above treeline with a view of the towering Tetons at our backs.

9:00 AM

Brendan and Emily bootpack up the ridge.

10:30 am

With crystal clear views of Sleeping Indian an unknown skier drops into one of the steep couloirs.

11:12 am

Tristin and I dropped into a steep couloir while Emily, Brendan and Mizpah opted west to a more dog friendly slope. It had been a month since the lifts stop spinning and the resort closed, yet soft, steep runs could still be found and I had the last little taste of winter.