THE APOGEE

We’re currently in that awkward transition period in the Tetons where skiing no longer makes much sense, but high snow levels still limit how high you can comfortably hike. Thankfully, the greater Teton area has a huge variety of mountain ranges that receive very different snow totals throughout the year. Some of the first ranges to melt out are Hoback Canyon and the Snake River Range.

I had always wanted to do a trip up Cream Puff Peak ever since picking up Thomas Turiano’s skiing bible. Ideally, I wanted to ski it, but this was not going to be the spring for that...

I had wanted to ski the South Face of Mount Woodring ever since I stood on the summit of Rockchuck Peak many years ago. I dreamed of skiing this beautiful 2,000-foot fall line in perfect corn, straight down toward a frozen Holly Lake under a beaming blue sky. Maybe dreams come true...

For my first few weeks back in the Tetons, it’s been pretty damn good. I skied 4,000 feet of corn off Mount Saint John, had multiple powder days on Glory, and now found myself on another mission in the park with Charlie. The forecast called for warm weather, so we left Driggs at 4:00 a.m. We estimated about four hours to the summit of The Jaw, which would put us skiing by around 10:30.

A twenty-four-hour flight, five days in Salt Lake, and a four-hour drive later, I was finally back in the Tetons. Packing, unpacking, selling a car, buying a new one, and all the mental load that comes with moving from the bottom of the world had finally caught up with me.

Climbing two peaks on my last trip in the Southern Alps for awhile.

My favorite ice climb to date - another classic in Eureka.

Another amazing day climbing the classic moderate ice route in the Eureka area.

Skiing Telluride Peak from Red Mountain Pass with Sapers.

Reconnecting with my oldest adventure buddy on a super fun multi-pitch ice climb.

The first backcountry ice of the season off Camp Bird Road.

Packrafting the popular tramping route over Gillespie Pass.

A quick and steep climb right off the road.

A peaceful overnight stay in the Pisa's with Deanna.

An epic day of alpine climbing high on the North Ridge of Bonpland.

Skiing the iconic Somnus Couloir in boot-deep powder with Rob.

A quick ski of the Grand Couloir before the snow melts out.

Climbing and skiing the North Face of Mount Aurora from Centennial Hut.

Skiing the icy West Face of the Minarets in otherwise perfect conditions.

Warm conditions led to an aborted attempt on the North East Face of Mount Humdinger.