This was the first tour I did when arriving in Jackson for “spring break”. I was feeling like exploring a new area, and getting away from the “crowded” Teton back country. Sometimes the back country skiers in the Tetons are crammed into a few canyons, and can feel a little crowded. Unlike the high sierra back country, which is a total ghost town. On the other hand, as I write this from the California I can’t wait to get back to the Tetons, they have a powerful draw on me.
A moon lit crossing of Jackson Lake
The day started early with a long drive to Colter Bay, a 3 mile crossing of Jackson Lake, then a 4000 ft climb up the east face of 10,333 to think about. The crossing of the lake was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. It was dark, but a giant full moon guided us across the lake with light fog and haziness near the lake surface that was visually wild. I wish I could have captured it on camera, but the air around us was filled with ice particulates that distorted the pictures.
Moon rise over 10,686
We cruised across the lake in hour and half or so and were greeted to a great sunrise over the fog on Jackson Lake.
Sunrise from the west side of Jackson Lake
Peak 10,333 looked real interesting with a varied east face similar to the Wimpys Albright area, but without the crowds. Not many people ski out here. We started the 4000 ft climb up the east face in the sunshine with great views of the north side of Mt Moran.
North side of Moran
Phil and I skinning up 10,333
As we got higher the views really opened up, with great views of the Waterfalls canyon to the south, and the upper bowls of the Ranger and Doane peak area.
Ranger peak
Doane peak
Jon and Phil nearing the summit of 10,333
Northern park views
Relaxing on the summit airing the dogs out
The snow seemed a little punchy on the east facing aspects, but north facing was powder. We worked our way down the upper east bowl, which skied good, kind of corn powder. We then worked the north facing stuff on the right side down to some great corn skiing to the lake.
Jon in the upper bowl
Phil skis the upper bowl
Dropping off the summit of 10,333
Carving the lower gully
Cruising the lower trees of 10,333
Jon finds some nice snow on the lower east face
Jon gets some north facing love
Some more for Jon
What a great ski in a deserted area of Teton Park. We skied down to the lake and found a stream for a water break.
A much needed break
Jon lake cruising
Jon and Phil on the way back from 10,333 in the background
Where are those beers?
Found em
Really great day in the wilderness of northern Teton Park. Can’t wait to be back.
10:48 eastern. colors, hope and anchor fly- Providence. basketball? great coverage of your latest teton excursion. please include the wasatch into your link? as hateful as Alta Peruvian Lodge’s G.M. re-todd collins might be the rest of little cottonwood canyon is loaded with goods. last of silver haze ind. cannabis to be ignited and inhaled relatively soon. come buy with me? checkpoint alpha, beta gamma 15:50 hrs. over
Nuge I thought when Mike said nothern range tour.. ” Bear recon!” I thought Mike heard the news that they have been waking up walking around. I was using poles and dynafits so the trip across the lake was not bad. Mike great pics and even better day. Got my own little mono sierra #5 in victor near fox creek. Its even got a loft with a matress so you’ll always welcome to stay and have a bone steak. T minus 5 weeks to you return to the Tetons? Looks like you feeling the flow with this web journalist thing. Are you skiing anything in CA? Can I expect to see any of the Shata trip or maybe something with Powder Dan in it. Keep up the great work and leave nothing on the table.
10:06 eastern. rain drops fly-Providence. did i say 15:00hrs.? i meant 10:06 (3/23). righteous work calla and jon. beautiful pictures and as far as “bear recon” goes i know exactly what you mean jon. mike calla is, at least theoretically, related to the grizzly bear. when spring rolls around he likes to communicate with his recently emerging from hibernation friends in the northern tits. family re-union so to speak. next time check webber canyon? silver haze (cannabis) ind. set for ignition, vaporization and particulate inhalation command center invasion (she deserves a standing ovation): t-minus 6.25 hrs. checkpoint alpha, beta, gamma 10:00 (3/24) over
1:59 eastern. colors, hope and anchor fly-Providence. sorry for the delayed check in. produced comprehensive research today. was distracted from bootedandfed.com during this endeavor. every time i log onto this web site i feel like i am in a backcountry ski tour. pretty great! only thing missing; the flavor of powder that chokes. purple skunk ind. kinder nugs destruction- dust phase (t.h.c. vapor crystals) following temperature gradient lung initiation t-minus 3.5hrs and counting. checkpoint alpha, beta, gamma 10:00 over
9:58 eastern. weiners fly-Providence. nuge was here. indoors, fantastic flavor very affordable. big draw t.h.c. chronic vapors t-minus 6.5 hrs. checkpoint alpha, beta, gamma 10:00 over.
I really don’t think the bears were out yet, but would love to see a grizz in the wild some day, thats for sure. Jon, can’t wait to be back in the tetons, should be back no later than april 12. I got some plans for Moran.
10:44 eastern. acid rain, snow, sleet pollution flies- Providence. as far as trying to see a grizz in the wild goes can i make a recommendation? live in a tent off a ski trail at jackson hole, get a carpentry job and walk rapidly to the start bus early every morning. eventually you will see a grizz. sure do miss skiing you western u.s.. since 9/11 flying is offensive and i refuse to do it. stuck. rip it up for me? tell the gang out west i said hello? kibbers ignition air mass transition location bronchial (personal) t- minus 5.5 hrs. and counting. checkpoint alpha, beta, gamma 10:00 (3/29) over.
Your dad and I were involved in the textile industry. He has told me about your exploits and life.
He gave me your web site, which I will pass onto my son, who is a skier.
I have known your dad for about 35 years, we still go out to breakfast together.
I have never known a finer person. He is one in a million.
you are lucky to have him as your dad, but I am sure you realize that.
The scenes are truly majestic
Bernie Cohen