January 9, 2015, Grand Targhee, ID

Last Sunday we were looking forward to a big powder dump on that night through Monday night.  It did not happen at Bridger or Big Sky (where we were), but it did happen at Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole.  Grand Targhee got 30'' and Jackson Hole got 37” inches.

We arrived at the foothills of Grand Targhee in Driggs, ID, and stayed at our favorite spot. We had dinner at The Royal Wolf bar/café, a local spot that we’ve heard of for years. It takes 30 minutes to get to Grand Targhee from Driggs. It was a sunny day with temperatures in the low 20's and no wind. The base is at 7860' and the high point is at 9862'. We were on the 7th chair of the Dreamcatcher quad.  We followed a fun trail and headed to Peaked Mt to ride the Sacajawea quad.  It was deserted for the first 4 runs. The groomers were wonderful packed powder. The off piste runs were stiff where they were sun-affected and soft where north facing. The past 3 days were great off piste, but the recent sun has affected the west facing lines. There is a cat operation off Peaked Mt, and the ski lines were great. The snow pack is a thing of beauty, no brush in the open lines or under trees. Powder skis!  We also skied the Blackfoot double. The lift provides access to large, treed terrain.

In the afternoon we headed east to Jackson Hole. We drove over Teton Pass and stopped for lunch.  There were 40-50 backcountry folks heading out for the lines north to reach Wilson and Jackson Hole or south to other peaks.  A few years ago I toured on the south side for some great lines and avoided other tourers. The powder looked great.

Go Hawks!!

Photo #1 – The Tetons
Photo #2 – Peaked Mtn.