The Real Jackson Might Be Here

I think today officially marked the first day that Jackson Hole was itself. The recent new snow and this morning's sun allowed the first serious lines to go down of the winter. There were at

least 3 film crews out early. This morning was a bit of a mess as we tried to assemble head cams and setup some shots. Don and Andrew started out the morning by skiing Spacewalk in tandem with a headcam follow. Jim Bob and I woke up quickly by straight lining Zero G chute. We thought we were doing pretty well until we started the hike up to Four Pines.

As we were hiking, Justus dropped into Breakneak, skied it flawlessly, threw a 360 off the bottom cliff and stomped it. Good work. We get to the top of Four Pines and see tracks down Once is Enough. A couple guys at the top were raving about how someone just went huge. We looked and saw the middle cliff....then a bomb hole wayyyyy down the chute. Its the biggest air I've ever seen in that line. The scene in Jackson Hole is quick to humble anyone.

Video Clips:
Myself doing my first front flip of the year on a good warm up cliff

Myself and Jim Bob straight lining Zero G (we'll have to go back and get the headcam shot)

Andrew and Don in Spacewalk

New Snow is expected for the next few days. When the sun comes out things are sure to get serious.


Zero G and Spacewalk (zero g in the middle has the spire)


Breakneck

A day in the Life in Jackson Hole

We live a pretty good life here in Jackson Hole. Its not uncommon to spend a whole day in the moutains and then celebrate well into the night. This particular day was extra special. Our two friends Mike and Tom from Australia have been in town and a huge crew of old UVM friends from Tahoe and New York decided to show up as well. If that weren't enough, my parents were in town. Jackson has a reputation and we had to uphold it.

A beautiful sunny day allowed us to bring the crew to Pucker Face on Cody Peak. Pucker Face is steep, avie prone, gnarly and just plain old awesome. Although we have no video, the pictures will tell the story of a true day in Jackson Hole. For all of you who have "real" jobs, my condolences.



Phil leaving the top gate on our way to Pucker (seen in the lower left)














The beginning of the approach, a little rock climbing is required














Earning the turns














Pucker Face, a good vantage point to figure out your line














Looking up after














Safely down and going over the lines














After a fun, safe and succesful day its time to celebrate














Meagan, Nat, myself, Tom and Phil














No time to let the adrenaline wear off














Beers, beruit, whatever...skiing rules

Myself and Steve, stoked? Maybe.

Don loves Australia, so do the Aussies, bringing worlds together in Jackson Hole














If skiing weren't enough, Phil and Jeff are trying to bring surfing to Jackson














Good night Irene. Another day in Jackson Hole















Cheers.

Granite Canyon: Jackson Hole

With no snow here in Jackson its getting harder and harder to find fun things to ski. In an effort to remain positive and engaged, myself, Andrew and Steve decided to check out Granite Canyon for the first time. We were aware of the unique dangers that Granite presents with its north facing slopes and long steep chutes, but with no new snow, sunny skies and low avalanche conditions we decided it was a good day to explore. We skied the top of Endless Coulior and then traversed over and skied the bottom of Mile Long Coulior.


We had surprisingly good turns in there and it was about as close to skiing powder as we've come in a month. A good, safe day had by all.


Going out the Gate



Andrew and Steve heading towards Granite Canyon


It wasn't a beautiful day or anything



Looking into Endless Couloir



Obligatory Grand Teton shot



Steve relishing the all too uncommon cold smoke



Andrew lower down in the chute



Looking back up

As Cliche as it is, I'm Joining the Blogging Community

I have a world map hanging in my room. Its positioned so I see it every morning when I wake up and every night before I go to bed. I've seen a lot of places, but not nearly enough. I'm not settling any time soon.

I've tried sitting down many times and organizing my experiences, pictures and thoughts, but life moves fast, and before I know it I'm onto the next big thing. During the past year I've traveled a lot; in and out of the country. Jackson Hole is home for now, but I suspect wanderlust will send me somewhere else in the near future.

My hope is to sort through my thoughts and experiences here (using words, photos and videos) while keeping friends, family and whoever in the loop. Humor me and lets not call this a blog, lets call it a journal.

Cheers,



Chris