Teton Pass
Backcountry skiing is reshaping the industry just like the emergence of snowboards and shaped skis. WYO HWY 22, Teton Pass, is a prime backcountry skiing destination because the highway gives access to various drainages and the top parking lot is a common starting point for the climb up Glory, or a tour out the "south side" which then takes you down to either side of the pass and back to the highway. The Webcams section of this site gives you an outlook from the top of the highway with four pass cams for viewing snow and road conditions as well as weather.
Do not venture into the backcountry alone or unprepared. Avalanche education, propper backcountry equipment and ethics are a must for skiing this jem. There are guide companies offering tours in this area as well as other prime backcountry skiing destinations, so explore your options and enjoy the great open expanses!
Backcountry riding is some of the most rewarding skiing and snowboarding you can experience because if you want to rip it, you have to hike it. The bonus Jackson skiers have is that some of the best backcountry areas are accessible from the road, so all you have to do is park your vehicle and climb. One popular section of backcountry in Jackson Hole is known as the Pass, or more formally, the Teton Pass. You can easily access this area by driving West on Rt. 22 towards the Wyoming-Idaho border. Driving out of Jackson towards the Pass on a clear day, you will see a series of bowls linked together by a high ridge running in the North to South direction. Three large bowls linked in this ridge line are Glory Bowl, to the North of it, Little Tuckermans Ravine which for you skiers in the East, has a remarkable resemblance to the original Tuckermans Ravine on Mt. Washington. And further to the North of Little Tuckermans is Unskiabowl. The highest point of these three bowls is Glory Peak which is the summit of Glory Bowl (10,086 ft.).
To hike these fantastic areas, you have to park your car at the highest point of the pass on Rt. 22 where there is a public parking area. From there you can hike up a path which is usually marked by steps which have been dug into the snow by previous hikers. The path is pretty much easy to find. If you cannot locate them, then climb up the South face from the road. The pass is just over 8000 feet, so there is a long hike ahead of you to the summit from the road. It is recommended that you be in some kind of respectable physical condition, because the factors against you are the hike and the altitude.
It is also recommended that this hike is not to be done alone. Remember, there is no Ski Patrol up there. If a problem occurs during your hike or descent, you will be able to send your partner for help if needed. Bring a pack to strap your skis or board, water, extra layers, and a pack shovel. Slides can occur up in the bowls at any time, so be extra cautious by avoiding overhangs which form on the tops of the ridges and by looking for fractures in the snow which can detect loose snow ready to slide. Safety should always be considered high priority in the backcountry. It is important to emphasize that this is an extremely dangerous area, and it is recommended only for expert skiers and riders who have backcountry experience!
The ride down, depending on which lines you choose, will be ones you will not forget. The descent is fairly long, because you should stop every few hundred feet to get your bearing. The hike and the ride down should take you anywhere from two to three hours. When you get to the road, the walk back to your vehicle will be a short 1/8 mile hike. You can always throw your thumb up to if you feel lazy. There are some motorists who will be kind enough to give you a ride up the hill, but dont rely on it as a definite ticket. Also, make sure you bring the camera so you can capture some of best backcountry skiing and boarding in Jackson.
Other pages you might find helpful:
Teton Village
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort at Teton Village.
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