This was the first tour I did when arriving in Jackson for “spring break”. I was feeling like exploring a new area, and getting away from the “crowded” Teton back country. Sometimes the back country skiers in the Tetons are crammed into a few canyons, and can feel a little crowded. Unlike the high sierra back country, which is a total ghost town. On the other hand, as I write this from the California I can’t wait to get back to the Tetons, they have a powerful draw on me.
A moon lit crossing of Jackson Lake
The day started early with a long drive to Colter Bay, a 3 mile crossing of Jackson Lake, then a 4000 ft climb up the east face of 10,333 to think about. The crossing of the lake was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. It was dark, but a giant full moon guided us across the lake with light fog and haziness near the lake surface that was visually wild. I wish I could have captured it on camera, but the air around us was filled with ice particulates that distorted the pictures.
Moon rise over 10,686
We cruised across the lake in hour and half or so and were greeted to a great sunrise over the fog on Jackson Lake.
Sunrise from the west side of Jackson Lake
Peak 10,333 looked real interesting with a varied east face similar to the Wimpys Albright area, but without the crowds. Not many people ski out here. We started the 4000 ft climb up the east face in the sunshine with great views of the north side of Mt Moran.
North side of Moran
Phil and I skinning up 10,333
As we got higher the views really opened up, with great views of the Waterfalls canyon to the south, and the upper bowls of the Ranger and Doane peak area.
Ranger peak
Doane peak
Jon and Phil nearing the summit of 10,333
Northern park views
Relaxing on the summit airing the dogs out
The snow seemed a little punchy on the east facing aspects, but north facing was powder. We worked our way down the upper east bowl, which skied good, kind of corn powder. We then worked the north facing stuff on the right side down to some great corn skiing to the lake.
Jon in the upper bowl
Phil skis the upper bowl
Dropping off the summit of 10,333
Carving the lower gully
Cruising the lower trees of 10,333
Jon finds some nice snow on the lower east face
Jon gets some north facing love
Some more for Jon
What a great ski in a deserted area of Teton Park. We skied down to the lake and found a stream for a water break.
A much needed break
Jon lake cruising
Jon and Phil on the way back from 10,333 in the background
Where are those beers?
Found em
Really great day in the wilderness of northern Teton Park. Can’t wait to be back.
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