High Country Skiing Draws Crowds

The ample snowfall in the high country above Jackson Hole has led to a fair number of back country skiers taking advantage of conditions not found in many areas of the west yet.  Teton Pass Ambassador Jay Pistono says those conditions have even attracted skiers from a variety of states including Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Colorado and Montana. Pistono reminds those heading out for these activities to be aware of the avalanche conditions before they go.  He says there is a lot of information available from the Bridger Teton National Forest avalanche website, but in addition, people need to pay attention to their current surroundings while they are out and add to the official information with what they observe. Pistono adds that the Bridger Teton National Forest avalanche website this year has provisions for skiers to contribute any information they come by in their activities to keep the site more up-to-the-minute and relevant.  Pistono says regardless of the apparent conditions, he is concerned that some skiers may not be adequately prepared for potential situations when they head out to ski. He says skiers need not only to be prepared for their trip, but be prepared should something go wrong.  Pistono says he has observed people going out with light-weight packs when the weather conditions are nice, but if they are not prepared with the right clothing or other provisions to be able to handle an incident, it immediately turns into a rescue call. Pistono is urging back country skiers to attend an avalanche awareness night Thursday at Snow King sponsored by Skinny Skis at 6:00 pm.