Targhee Today

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.