Targhee Today

Tim Adams from Teton Valley Trails and Pathways sent us a wrap up of the first trail work day on Mahogany Creek. Read the rest of this entry →

I’ll confess, I’m glad I didn’t get to vote.

My role in the vote count at Saturdays Battle of the Band Showdown prohibited me from using a wooden nickel to determine who would open this year’s Targhee Music Festival.  And with each band bringing their a-game to the concert at the Spud, the choice was tough.  It was a common dilemma among the 500+ attendees who were treated to the sounds of Burning Olympus, Jet Black Ninja Funkgrass Unit, Mandatory Air, LuNKuR and The Tie Hacks under the first nearly-clear sky Teton Valley had seen in over a week.

Remember what blue skies look like?

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Grand Targhee Resort is proud to announce a new addition to its “Targhee in the Community” program to provide additional incentive for valley residents to volunteer with several non-profit projects this summer.  For each 6 to 8 hour shift worked, each volunteer will receive one 2010/11 winter season unrestricted full day lift ticket.  Participants are eligible for up to two lift tickets per person, per summer season.

“Volunteers are an integral part of Teton Valley,” said Christina Thomure, Director of Sustainability at Grand Targhee Resort.  “They help improve the health and well-being of residents, spur economic development, and enhance our local ecosystem which all lead to a better quality of life.  We’re hoping that the opportunity to earn a complimentary lift ticket, as well as do good, will create an abundance of volunteers in the valley this summer.”

The following non-profit projects are participating in the first round of the program:

Friends of the Teton River has several projects throughout the summer including;
o    Electro-fishing assistance: June 14-July 12, Monday thru Thursday
o    10th Annual River Party assistance: July 10th
o    Teton and Trail Creeks restoration: June 1-August 31 & July 26- July 30
o    Contact Megan Hatch at 208-354-3871 or email at megan@tetonwater.org.

Earthfire Institute, a wildlife sanctuary, needs help with trail maintenance and the development of a Small Animal Wildlife Garden during the month of June.  Contact Linda Miller at 208-456-0926 or email at Linda@earthfireinstitute.org.

The Teton Valley Community School needs help with their outdoor youth education programs on June 12, 19, and 26.  Contact Cyndi Fischer at 208-787-0445 or email at Cyndi@tetonvalleycommunityschool.com.

The Teton Valley Chamber of Commerce needs help with their Summer Festival and hot air balloon launch June 30- July 4.  Contact Heather Gottemoeller at 208-354-2500 or email tvcc@tetonvalleychamber.com.

Teton Valley Trails & Pathways needs help with trail restoration and maintenance June 12, July 10, and August 7.  Contact Tim Adams at 208-201-1622 or email tim@tvtap.org.

Skiers and riders that volunteer for one 6-8 hour shift with the above-mentioned projects will receive a 2010/11 winter season unrestricted day lift ticket.  Participants are eligible for up to two lift tickets per person, per summer season.  Volunteers will sign up for lift tickets through the non-profit on the day they volunteer and Grand Targhee Resort will mail the tickets to the volunteer at the end of the summer season.  Volunteers are instructed to contact non-profits directly to sign up for above projects.  More details on projects here:

If you are a non-profit in Teton Valley and have a project that you would like Grand Targhee Resort to consider for the “Targhee in the Community” program, please send a request for application to cthomure@grandtarghee.com or call #307-353-2300, X1375.

We’ve been graced with the photographic talents of Robin Pitt this winter, a transplant from the Northwest - he and a few friends scored some seats on the snowcat on the first bluebird day after a 33 inch dump.

Read more/see more on the Snowboard Magazine blog.

With four feet of snow over the past week and 40 inches in the past 48 hours, it’s a good time to shoot out a reminder about our EARLY TRACKS program.  The skinny:

• The price WENT DOWN this year from $69 to $49 (does not include lift ticket)
• The hours moved up to an 8:00 am start this week - that’s access a full hour before the lifts open to the public - so new Early Tracks hours are 8:00 am to 9:30 am
• You’ll be joined by a ski instructor who will tailor your morning to your specific needs.  If you want pointers or instruction, great.  If you want as many laps as possible in 75 minutes - well that’s fine too.

(A lucky skier and Ski School Instructor Derek Hutton get after it during an Early Tracks session yesterday)

Photos: Hans Trupp/Von Trupp Productions

Don’t forget our powder toolbox is DEEP.  Check out the latest in fatigue-busting deep snow technology in our rental shops and make the most of your morning.

Give Ski School a call to book at 307-353-2300 x1352.

And keep an eye on our TwoFer deals web page for an upcoming Early Tracks TWOFER!

We received a recent accolade from Skiing Magazine, who identified their “Green All Stars” and awarded Grand Targhee Resort the title of Greenest Ski Resort.

Early last week our Director of Sustainable Operations, Christina Thomure, joined a group of like-minded companies (SOLE, Kleen Kanteen, The North Face, Teton Gravity Research, Protect Our Winters, Regen and Polartec) for “Gotham Goes Green,” a sustainability-themed media event in New York City organized by Rendezvous Event Management.  Christina was invited as the guest speaker, representing not only Grand Targhee Resort, but also Protect Our Winters (POW).  We were the first Resort to sign on as a partner of POW and Christina sits on the board.

Read the rest of this entry →

Rob Kingwill and the “Cream Dream Team” check out the natural terrain features in Waterfall and off of Peaked Cliffs.  That’s Das Boat, not “Das Boot” (unless you’re Canadian).

There’s a unique breed of skier that enjoys the uphill as much as, if not more than, the descent.

A posse of these incredible athletes gathered under bluebird skies this past Saturday to compete in the USSMA Randonee race.

Photo courtesy Jeanette Boner, Valley Citizen

The racers started at the base of Dreamcatcher chairlift and ascended Sweetwater to the top of Fred’s Mountain.  The first descent took competitors through Lightning Trees and Instructor Chutes where they began the second climb in the race, skinning up the Teton Vista Traverse to the top of Mary’s Nipple.  After skiing to the saddle between Mary’s and Peaked Mountain, the rec category competitors descended into Fourth of July Bowl and finished the race.  The Race and Heavy Metal classes hiked the backside of Peaked, skied Booshway and finished it off with a 2000 ft skin up Colter’s Run before heading into Fourth of July bowl and back to the base area.

Total uphill vertical = 5000 feet.  Total course distance = 7.5 miles.

(no time to check out the great views of the Grand - it’s a quick switch from uphill to downhill mode for these competitors)

photo courtesy Jeanette Boner/Valley Citizen

Congratulations to all of the winners and competitors, all of whom displayed admirable athleticism throughout the event.  The top three finishers from the race class are now qualified for the worlds in Andorra.  Best of luck to them!

It’s no secret that we’re surrounded by world renowned backcountry terrain here at Grand Targhee Resort.  With the perfect terrain for learning located within our boundaries, it makes sense that the backcountry experience here is perfect for those looking to safely explore the unique experience of heading into the wilderness on skis or a snowboard.Rich Rinaldi at Yostmark Backcountry Tours has been guiding skiers and snowboarders in the Tetons for over 15 years, and holds a permit with the Targhee-Caribou National Forest.  Looking to earn your freshies adjacent to the resort?  He is the keeper of the kingdom.  Join Rich or one of his professional guides for a day of adventure and exploration this winter.  Book your trip at our Activity Center off of the Main Plaza, or by calling them at 307-353-2300 x1355.

For those just starting to venture into the backcountry we put together a little Q & A with Rich - but feel free to leave questions in the comments section of our blog and we will get those answered as well!

What is backcountry ski touring?
Backcountry ski/snowboard touring is an experience that takes you away from the lifts and noise of the ski area and allows you to experience the winter environment in a majestic setting. We travel in areas without avalanche control and spend our time climbing up the slopes, skiing untracked powder, taking breaks, and exploring the mountains. This is skiing/snowboarding at its best!

How long are the tours?
A full-day tour typically starts at 9 am and finishes around 3-4 pm. Tours from Grand Targhee will meet at the Activities Center at 8:30 am. A half-day tour starts at 12 pm and finishes around 3pm. Tours from Grand Targhee will meet at the Activities Center at 11:30 am. Half-day tours are on Peaked Peak only.

What can I expect from a backcountry tour?
Tours originating from Grand Targhee will begin with a ride up the lift followed by an hour-long hike to the top of Peaked Peak. From there, we will leave the ski area and spend the day skiing and exploring the backcountry off of Peaked Peak before returning to the Grand Targhee base area.

What can I expect from skiing with a guide?
Let your guide plan and manage your tour so that you can place your focus on your next powder turn! Your guide will set an appropriate pace,  coach you on what to wear so that you remain comfortable, provide instruction of efficient skinning technique, safe skiing practices for the backcountry, and much more.  Feel free to ask questions, but most importantly you can rely on your guide’s ability to create a safe and fun experience.

How hard is skiing in the backcountry?
Yostmark Backcountry Tours LLC customizes all tours to match the fitness level and needs of the participant(s). You should be comfortable hiking at a slow to moderate pace for 45-60 minutes. To enjoy the down skiing part of your tour, you should to be able to make parallel turns on blue runs. Because we cater our tours to our clients we are able to accommodate your ski ability and physical stamina. During a typical tour we will take adequate time for water and snack breaks and pace ourselves to ensure a rewarding and enjoyable time in the backcountry. Our focus is safety and fun!

What is a beginner tour?  Is it for a beginner skier?
A “beginner tour” is for a person that is an intermediate skier or rider (can ski blue runs with little or no trouble) that is heading into the backcountry for the first time.  The focus of the tou is to introduce the participant to all aspects of backcountry touring - not just the skiing or riding itself.  It includes: basic use of an avalanche transceiver, basic skinning/climbing techniques, how to dress for the backcountry, pacing and powder technique.  Participants should be comfortable hiking uphill at a slow to moderate pace for 45-60 minutes.

What gear do I need?
The following is a list of equipment for a backcountry ski tour:
Ski/snowboard touring equipment: skis/snowboard with touring bindings, boots, poles and climbing skins*
Avalanche transceiver*
Shovel *
Ski jacket/ Shell
Ski pants
Long underwear (synthetic or wool, no cotton)
Warm ski hat and gloves (preferably a light glove to hike in and another warm glove or mitten for decents and breaks)
Sunglasses/ Ski Goggles
Down or synthetic jacket (must be light enough to pack in day pack)
1 liter of water
Day backpack for gear (approximately 2500 – 3000 cubic inches)
Sun screen/ lip balm
Lunch, snacks
*Can be provided or rented.

If you do not own touring skis, skins and boots you can rent them from Yostmark Mountain Equipment (208 354 2828) in downtown Driggs at the corner of 3rd and Little Ave. Yostmark offers both telemark and alpine touring rental packages (also known as Randonee). If you are unable to come to Driggs to pick up your equipment your guide can bring your rental equipment up, provided that he/she has all of your relevant information.
Snowboarders will either need a splitboard with skins or approach skis with skins to complement your conventional snowboard and collapsible ski poles. Splitboards and skins can be rented from Peaked Sports in Driggs for $65 per day (208-354-2354). If you are using approach skis, make sure that the bindings work with your snowboard boots.
Guides will have carry a cell phone, emergency kit, first aid, and repair kit.

Will I need my own transportation?
Yes. Clients are responsible for providing their own transportation to the morning rendezvous at either Grand Targhee or Yostmark Mountain Equipment in Driggs.
*For Grand Targhee tours, if you are staying in Driggs and do not have your own transportation, arrangements can be made in advance with your guide. Inquire at the Activities Center or at Yostmark Mountain Equipment.

How much does a guided backcountry tour cost?
Full Day:     $250/person, $80 for each additional person.
Half Day:    $125/person, $50 for each additional person
(Max group size is 4 for a single tour.)

What are the dos and don’ts of going on a guided backcountry tour?  Do I tip my guide?  Are there any Backcountry Etiquette tips I should be aware of?
This is a great question - the more familiar you are with the procedures, the better experience you will have!  Make sure to:
-  Listen to your guide!  Follow their track on the uphill and wait for their cue on the downhill.
-  Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
-  Cross a trail only if it is absolutely necessary and only when it is safe to do so
-  Be completely visible to any skiers/snowboarders that are above you on the slope
- Typically guide tip is 15 to 20 percent of rate
-  Don’t follow too closely behind the person skinning up in front of you (so you don’t hit their skis)
-  Use good communication within your group and with others in the backcountry so you don’t inadvertently poach someone else’s line.

For more information, including info on touring opportunities on Teton Pass, visit www.yostmarktours.com check out their Facebook page, email info@yostmark.com or call 208-354-2828.