Teton Pass in the Winter
Teton Pass, the winding, high-altitude gateway between Jackson, Wyoming and Teton Valley, Idaho, offers the kind of backcountry access alpinists dream of. Locals and visitors alike wrestle over prime spots in the small parking lot, conveniently situated at 8,400 feet, for early morning powder turns and 380 degree sunset views from the top of Mount Glory.
Nestled between the looming crags of the Teton Range to the north and their slightly more forgiving cousins, the Snake River Range, to the south, Teton Pass, Wyoming offers easy access to some of the best backcountry terrain on the continent. The lure is legendary—locals casually wait up to 45 minutes on a powder day for a spot in the parking lot.
SCHUSS THE BACKCOUNTRY
Whether you are heading to the Pass for a quick Glory lap or an all-day tour, you have plenty of options awaiting your arrival. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the hubbub in the parking lot? Head southward to Chivers' or Tittymouse Ridge, and enjoy the light, loose powder and slightly gentler slopes of the Snake River Range. Of course, the lung-burning bootpack to the top of 10,086-foot Mount Glory offers probably the fastest, albeit most strenuous, trek to the top. Skiers and riders flock to this backcountry Mecca for a variety of different descents. There is the infamous Glory Bowl, the southeast-facing powder field that doubles as one of the largest—and most dangerous—avalanche paths in the area, Little Tuckerman's Ravine and Unskiabowl farther north, and the endless glades down the backside (west-facing) of Mount Glory, which drop you into the Coal Creek parking lot on the western side of the Pass (coincidentally, a popular hitchhiking spot). While some folks end up in Coal Creek, many begin their tours there. You can head up into Mail Cabin Canyon on your skins and pretty much choose-your-own-adventure!
MOTOR ON IN
If you are looking for a high-speed backcountry adventure, go by snowmachine! Snowmobiles open up the backcountry like nothing else, so whether you are hoping to hit more terrain with your skis or just play around with your new sled, head up Phillips Canyon and discover a whole new Teton Pass!
SAFETY FIRST
Backcountry skiing, riding, and snowmobiling is a right you must earn. Avalanche training is a must—numerous courses in avalanche safety are offered in and around Jackson all winter long. Whether it's your very first trip up the Glory pack or your 300th, know before you go, and carry all the proper equipment.
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