Tap into the Magic of Backcountry Skiing & Mountaineering

by Ron Matous

Away from the lifts, the only sounds in a Teton winter are those of the wind and your own deep breathing. The peaks rise around you like a challenge, with countless couloirs and snowfields devoid of tracks. But with some of the steepest terrain and harshest weather west of the Mississippi, the Teton range seldom forgives mistakes. A number of guide services and mountaineering schools are available to help you gain experience and enjoy the Teton backcountry safely. So if you’re not an expert, go with the pros:

Rendezvous Ski Tours
Three yurts on the west side of the Tetons allow overnight tourers access to miles of backcountry without the need for winter camping. They also guide day tours anywhere from Teton Pass to Grand Teton National Park. Their chalet at the mouth of Fox Creek provides luxury accommodations for up to 12 people and makes a fine base camp for any ski vacation.

Jackson Hole Mountain Guides
Exum Mountain Guides
With programs in ice climbing, ski-mountaineering, and more technical mountain excursions, both companies’ guides can provide basic one-day instruction or see you safely up such difficult multi-day ascents as the Tetons in winter. This spring Exum & the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort conduct four Ski & Snowboard Mountaineering Camps in the resort backcountry as well as in the Tetons.

The American Avalanche Institute
Two- to five-day courses in avalanche-hazard evaluation, rescue, and forecasting begin with a Level I class. Skiers and other winter recreationists can learn the principles underlying the behavior of snow, how to recognize danger, and what to do if caught in an avalanche. This winter’ s schedule includes several courses at all levels in the Jackson area.

The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Backcountry and Alpine Guides
They show intermediate-to-advanced skiers and snowboarders the best snow and safe routes in the backcountry accessed by resort lifts. And for those who lack the backcountry expertise to venture on their own through the gates that lead into Rock Springs, Cody, and Green River bowls, and other canyons to the south, a guide is a must. Hiring a JHMR Backcountry and Alpine Guide can make your out-of-bounds experience both safe and pleasurable.

Ron Matous, Excursions columnist for the Jackson Hole News, has been guiding skiers and climbers around the Teton Range since 1980, including numerous winter ascents of the Grand Teton. He is an instructor with the American Avalanche Institute 
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