Winter Programs Updated for 2015/2016
September 28, 2015 | Posted in: JHMG
As we transition from the summer season to the autumn here in the Tetons, I start to think about how quickly the winter season will be upon us. Its this time of year that I truly begin to get excited for the cold and snowy days ahead of us. Here in Wyoming we have the pleasure of long winters and cold temperatures as well as quick access to many of the classic lines of the Teton Range. With these elements and the ability to get into the mountain environment right away comes excitement and thoughts of many great days out with friends and guests. As a ski guide here in the Tetons I am always trying to be a few moves ahead of others when thinking about where and when I want to ski specific terrain, as I want to enjoy the untracked and quiet parts of the mountains here in Jackson Hole. 
The skills needed to interrupt weather, snowpack and overall terrain take time and experience. There truly is no substitute for these set skills other than simply getting out into the mountains as much as possible. The more time that people can put into gaining knowledge of the winter mountain environment then the more comfortable people should feel when going out into new terrain or inclement weather. It’s this theme of consistently learning and gaining new mountain knowledge that’s just as exciting as the winter months here in the Tetons for me personally. With the approaching winter I want to invite you to join us again to take advantage of our winter programs here at Jackson Hole Mountain Guides and push yourself personally, physically and improve you’re general winter mountain travel skills!
Our Teton Tune-Up Clinic is a one-day backcountry touring program that takes people to either Grand Teton National Park or Teton Pass with the emphasis on refreshing general backcountry and avalanche safety skills. Many of our past Avalanche Students ask us what they should do after they take a Level I or Level II Avalanche Course and this program fits the exact need for filling in the gaps and having the ability to practice a set skill while completing a classic backcountry tour. This clinic is built to meet the needs of those that have a background in the backcountry as well as some avalanche safety and want to get out with friends and practice and polish a specific set of skills. The program is designed for the intermediate to advanced skier or rider looking to expand their mountain knowledge and continue their avalanche safety education. We look to have a minimum of 3 people for these programs as to provide a diverse learning environment. So if you and you’re backcountry friends are looking to get into the mountains, gain some new skills as well as ski or ride the scenic terrain of the Tetons then this is the program for you!
Our AIARE Level 2 Courses are designed for skiers, riders and winter alpinists who regularly travel in avalanche terrain. Many of you have taken an AIARE Level 1 course recently and its time to progress and build on the education from the Level 1. This course is open to both recreationalists as well as professionals. Our 4-day course takes place from Thursday’s to Sunday’s and has a curriculum that is well balanced between classroom and field time. The course includes a full day tour in Grand Teton National Park with many more hours in the filed working on snow profiles and snowpack assessment. These courses also focus quite heavily on general winter mountain travel, decision making and advanced companion rescue. Check out the Level 2 schedule here and book soon as these courses fill up very quickly as we approach winter!
We are very excited to announce a new relationship with Atomic in the realm of their backcountry specific skis, skins and boots. As Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, we will have a line of Atomic’s Backland series skis and boots for rental and demo for any of our winter programs.
The Atomic Backland 95 Ski paired with the Backland Skin and the Backland Boot is the perfect combination for our backcountry and ski mountaineering programs here in the Tetons. The Backland package is built 100% for touring with comfort, function, and weight all in mind. This package will provide our guests and students with the perfect balance of touring and skiing function with the technology and history that Atomic has consistently provided since 1955!
Written by our Winter Director Brian Warren
