yurt party.

This past Monday night, I had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate a friend's birthday by renting out the Rock Springs yurt, located just outside the boundaries of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Yurts, in western culture, are commonly located deep in the mountains. They provide refuge for skiers, snowboarders, alpinists, and mountaineers alike. Ours here in JH has a lovely little wood stove, sleeps about 8 people (comfortably) and comes with a trusty "yurtmeister" who cooks you dinner, snacks, and breakfast. On Monday afternoon, we set out on the 3:00 pm tram to begin our treacherous decent down to our home for the night. (I say treacherous only because, like the rest of the US, it hasn't really snowed here this winter. The downward travel was a crusty mess of snow littered with rocks and brush.) After our heinous run to the bottom, we were greeted into the yurt with chips and dip and a welcoming fire radiating from the wood stove. Our night was spent socializing, making new friends, and sleeping soundly in...an igloo? Yes, David and I spent the night in the little igloo that had been built right outside of the yurt. And yes, it was actually warm. Yay for Thermarest! Needless to say, this was one of my favorite experiences I've had so far here in JH, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the winter has in store :)

the yurt.

beverages of choice.

danielle in the igloo.

girls just havin fun!

inside of the yurt.

me and my favorite girls.

bedtime!

Lifted Spirits

Today put me in a much better mood than I was yesterday. I did have the day off though, so that helped a lot. As usual, David and I caught the bus bright and early to catch some fresh turns out at the resort. With our surprise, we peaked around the corner of the Bridger Restaurant to find the gates OPEN to Casper Bowl. I strapped my board to my pack, and we raced to the top, only to be trailing behind three other guys.

Me, about to drop into Casper Bowl. Look at all that pow!

I stared in awe at the endless field of powder below me in the bowl. We dropped in through a narrow chute and reaped the benefits of our strenuous morning hike. Soon after David had to leave for work and I met up with Anna.

David's first turns through Casper Bowl.

I was a bit skeptical after the insane amounts of recent snowfall, but headed out to Rock Springs with Anna anyway. When we got there I was surprised at the amount of people who had already gone though. I guess that's the story of Jackson people though -- always pushing their limits. At least it made me feel safer.

Quick shot of lower Rock Springs.

We ripped through the fresh powder, happy and tired after the long run down. I have the next two days off and can't wait to do it all over again!

Anna, finishing out a lap through Rock Springs.

Stoked on Snow

In a normal winter weather pattern, I wouldn't be excited about 3" of fresh snow on the ground. In fact, I would probably stay home. But when faced with the disadvantages of and El Niño year, one will definitely jump out of bed for a meager three inches. Today was one of those days. It seems like the storms have finally started reaching Wyoming.

David and I made it out to the Village just after opening. With so many options, we decided on some Thunder laps. I took a few photos of David hitting a drop called Surveyor's. It's roped off right now but it's still possible to slide off of the smallest part of it. With a few more storms, and no ropes, this drop will be pretty fun.

Snowy day on Surveyor's Drop. Rider: David Duffy

When David had to go to work, I ran into my friend Anna down at the bottom. We ended up having a pretty epic day together. First we took a "warm-up" lap down Granny Chutes over to Thunder and then up to Sublette. We decided at Headwall hike was in order. (I really need to get out hiking more. That type of altitude is a killer when you're used to hiking at sea level.) Needless to say, we gained significant distance between us and the dude not far behind us so I still felt pretty good. The snow on the Headwall was awesome and it was due time for a lunch break. I ran into my friend Trevor at 6311 and he suggested we go into Rock Springs.

I've been itching to get out into the backcountry since conditions started settling after the Wally incident. Problem is, I don't know my way around back there and it's hard to find somebody to show a newb around. I even have my Level I Avalanche Class done so it's not like I would be a safety hazard. Luckily Anna has been living here for four years and she was stoked to go out there.

We dropped into the second gate and were amazed to see a big bowl full of deep powder. It was so peaceful and beautiful out there. At times I felt like I was in the resort with the amount of tracks I saw, but the snow was still surprisingly deep and soft. After seeing a few people out there, I felt even safer. We took the sketchy traverse out (there's actually a fallen log right in the middle of it), navigating our way around the brush and dirt patches, and decided we would do it all over again.

After lots of turns, laughs, a questionable log ride and high fives, it was time to hit the Moose for some hot cider beverages. I was so stoked to be out there in the backcountry (finally), especially with another girl who was having just as much fun. Until next time...