Weather for our last 2 days at Jackson was predicted “unsettled,” minimal new snow but some clouds and a bit of wind up top. It was still 9F when we pulled into the Ranch parking lot. We planned to meet up with Kingslug and a couple more of the Diamond Dogs, but we were delayed by a hiccup in processing Liz’ Mountain Collective for her third day, the first at half price after the 2 free days.
Kingslug and Adriane skied a couple of gondola laps and finally we joined them for 2 more on Sundance and Gros Ventre. We next hoped to take them on a Rock Springs run, but the top of Rendezvous Bowl was in the cloud. So we went to the Why Not gate below tree line. Not too far inside some locals have set up a bar. Liz and Adriane there:
I briefed Kingslug and Adriane about following established tracks and traversing far left as there are some tempting earlier lines that cliff out. Fortunately they listened to what I said more than what I actually skied. Kingslug and Adriane on an upper bowl in Why Not.
The bowl continued down to a blind rollover so I skied down to inspect. I called back up that it funneled into a narrow chute. Kingslug asked, “Can we ski that?” I replied, “I can but it’s tight.” Liz followed me, and we had to sideslip a slick crux, which was perhaps a bit easier for Liz on 166’s than me on 180’s. Looking back up at the choke point.
It was about 35 degrees, not super steep, but there was not room for us to make turns in there for 50-100 feet. I know, BobbyD would have straightlined it. Liz skiing below me:
Kingslug and Adriane saw established traverse tracks into the trees and skied the open Why Not run that had been our objective.
We all skied down lower Rock Springs, and after that adventure took the gondola up for a lunch break. By this time the clouds had vanished so we had a clear afternoon.
Leaving lunch and heading for Thunder we saw a sundog over the stunted trees near Cascade.
We took Thunder 3 times, skiing soft snow in Paintbrush variations twice. Liz in cave above lower Paintbrush.
Riding Thunder we saw tracks at the very top of Headwall, not visible at this resolution.
We skied Laramie Bowl to Sublette, then finished with North Hoback, a fitting last run for the Diamond Dogs’ week. Liz and Kingslug at top of North Hoback.
Liz’ class seemed to kick in today. She skied the smooth snow on the lower half of North Hoback nonstop.
Kingslug was having some boot pain.
He had led the way in the morning, but the Hobacks are an tough way to finish a ski day if your feet hurt.
Numerous ski areas have clothing trees but at Jackson there is a boot tree.
Liz was tempted to contribute her 2014 boots. Liz and I finished with 18,800 vertical.
We went to the Diamond Dogs finale dinner at Q Roadhouse.
Kingslug and Adriane skied a couple of gondola laps and finally we joined them for 2 more on Sundance and Gros Ventre. We next hoped to take them on a Rock Springs run, but the top of Rendezvous Bowl was in the cloud. So we went to the Why Not gate below tree line. Not too far inside some locals have set up a bar. Liz and Adriane there:
I briefed Kingslug and Adriane about following established tracks and traversing far left as there are some tempting earlier lines that cliff out. Fortunately they listened to what I said more than what I actually skied. Kingslug and Adriane on an upper bowl in Why Not.
The bowl continued down to a blind rollover so I skied down to inspect. I called back up that it funneled into a narrow chute. Kingslug asked, “Can we ski that?” I replied, “I can but it’s tight.” Liz followed me, and we had to sideslip a slick crux, which was perhaps a bit easier for Liz on 166’s than me on 180’s. Looking back up at the choke point.
It was about 35 degrees, not super steep, but there was not room for us to make turns in there for 50-100 feet. I know, BobbyD would have straightlined it. Liz skiing below me:
Kingslug and Adriane saw established traverse tracks into the trees and skied the open Why Not run that had been our objective.
We all skied down lower Rock Springs, and after that adventure took the gondola up for a lunch break. By this time the clouds had vanished so we had a clear afternoon.
Leaving lunch and heading for Thunder we saw a sundog over the stunted trees near Cascade.
We took Thunder 3 times, skiing soft snow in Paintbrush variations twice. Liz in cave above lower Paintbrush.
Riding Thunder we saw tracks at the very top of Headwall, not visible at this resolution.
We skied Laramie Bowl to Sublette, then finished with North Hoback, a fitting last run for the Diamond Dogs’ week. Liz and Kingslug at top of North Hoback.
Liz’ class seemed to kick in today. She skied the smooth snow on the lower half of North Hoback nonstop.
Kingslug was having some boot pain.
He had led the way in the morning, but the Hobacks are an tough way to finish a ski day if your feet hurt.
Numerous ski areas have clothing trees but at Jackson there is a boot tree.
Liz was tempted to contribute her 2014 boots. Liz and I finished with 18,800 vertical.
We went to the Diamond Dogs finale dinner at Q Roadhouse.
