Jackson Chronicles – Day 2
Got up early this morning, excited to watch the big Life-Link rando race, meet people, and absorb the ambiance of the Tetons. It always amazes me what goes on around here. Yesterday the East Ridge of the Grand Teton got its first ski descent, and other lines are falling as well. Up on top of the Jackson resort, you can look over at the Grand Teton and imagine how extreme it must be up there, then swing your gaze around to Cody and Noname, where lines such as Talk Is Cheap filter out all but the elite ski alpinists.
But the focus of today was the North American ski mountaineering race championships. The comp went well, perfect weather, on-time start, no hurts I’m aware of. Pete Swensen won the race in 2:01:45, with Jennie Wall number one woman at 2:19:53. The course included a number of transitions, and a final climb up Corbet’s Couloir, the famed Jackson Hole air-in run where the concept of hucking was probably born. The racers kick steps up Corbet’s to the final vertical section where they boot up a ladder that’s been tied in to the mountain with ropes. As the last obstacle at the end of max vertical, one can only imagine what that feels like.
 |
| Winner Pete Swensen jams the final climb. |
 |
| Poly Samuels-McLean is always smiling. As Mrs. Consistency, she’s got the number 3 slot tied up for the overall North American standings because of her commitment to attending all the races in the series. Of course, seeing Poly here begs the question, where is Andrew? We’ll let him tell that story, hint, it involves one wheel. |
 |
| Ever seen this many Dynafits in one place? |
 |
| The famed and historic Jackson Hole tram, to be removed this summer. Grand Teton in the distance, the original Briggs ski route takes the snowfield from the summit. |
Comments
7 Responses to “Jackson Chronicles – Day 2”
Blogroll & Links
- Andrew McLean
- Backcountry Access
- Brittany and Frank – Skiing
- Colorado Drug Rehab
- Earn Your Turns
- G3 Backcountry Skis
- Jordan White's Blog
- My Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Outdoor Research
- Sierra Descents
- Ski resorts in Austria
- Ski Snowboard Wax Tools
- Skiing History
- Ted Mahon Fourteeners
- Thompson Pass Treks
- Wildsnow @ Facebook
- WildSnow's Web Host
click here to see 100 Facebook fans waving at once
Yearly and Monthly Archives
Search Powered By Google
Nice pics! I knew there was a reason I didn’t leap into that coulior when I was out there – it looks steep!
Great to see you up in JH Lou!…and thanks for covering the races this season.
It is really amazing to live in a place like Jackson with SO many hardcore ski mountaineers. Hans and Co putting a line down the East Ridge of the GT is super impressive and Mark Newcomb’s ski of Talk is Cheap yesterday(only the 3rd descent, his 2nd I think) is just awesome!! Guys like me are just a dime a dozen. It only took me 13 years to ski Central Couloir on Cody…luckily I finally got it last Weds. Here’s a shot from the ski area after the mandatory air at the bottom. First tracks…doesn’t get any better!!
http://www.jacksonhole.com/mtn.gallery.asp?Dir=Photo%20Of%20The%20Day&Image=032206.jpg&Page=
I believe a Wilson woman was the first to ski the Grand Teton back in Jan/Feb of this season. I am uncertain at this moment of the route used, but could try to find out.
Was that your set of track on Central, Steve? Nice! I didn’t get it when it was fresh — but there were about 10 folks behind me. Yikes!
Saw Newcomb at the base at the end of the day…on skis w/ Diamirs.
I’ve never seen so many Dynafits at the resort as I did on Saturday.
Anyone know how many descents Bird Brain has received? I’ve been eyeing it lately. (I’ve only read about the 1st descent.)
Eric…yes, that was my track in Central…timing is everything, get it while you can!
I’m sure Birdbrain has had plenty of descents. I did it somewhere around 2002(?). Anchors down and right!!
Hi Lou, I’m organizing a randonnee rally were I live in New Zealand, and was woundering if I could use the great photo of Pete on the final boot up corbets. It would be used in a magazine that is doing a small write up on the event. No one really knows what rando raceing is over here, and I think this photo would give people a good idea and get them exicted on the race. thanks, hear from you soon
Grant
Grant, that would be fine, just make sure the copyright stamp is on it and that you mention this website somewhere in the writing.