2020/21 Winter Season Reflection

We can hardly believe that Closing Day is almost here, concluding a memorable winter in which we saw 500”+ of snow marking five consecutive winters with over 500 inches of snow at the Resort. This winter will also be remembered as the year our community successfully navigated pandemic-related challenges. Let us reflect on this unforgettable winter.

Cam Fitzpatrick indulges in a powder vortex on opening day.

We began the season with cautious optimism; thankful for the opportunity to open for another winter amidst the pandemic and rising COVID-19 cases in Teton County, yet unsure if our meticulous planning would endure for the duration of the season. With success our sole option and the holiday season rapidly approaching, Ullr repeatedly delivered frigid blasts of weightless snow. Powder has a not-so-mysterious way of assuaging trepidations, and we received 84” of it in December.

Woooooosh. Jim Ryan knows how to cool down.

Through the Holidays and into the New Year, hope for snow reigned supreme. Although the beginning of the month failed to provide a similar abundance of blower to January 2020, the latter half doused the Tetons and provided a preview for what was a historic February.

Welcome to pillow world.

February was jam-packed with excitement. We hosted two world-renowned events: The Yeti Natural Selection Tour and Kings & Queens of Corbet’s. The former, Travis Rice’s sport-progressing brainchild of a competition, yielded a decisive victory for superstar Mark McMorris. The latter, the annual legendary, gravity-defying display of skill and style. Karl Fostvedt and Madison Blackley were crowned King and Queen, respectively. Hans Mindnich and Audrey Herbert took second place; Jake Hopfinger and Zoe Vernon rounded out the podium in third. Competition was stiff this year, and rounding out fourth and fifth place for the men were Parkin Costain and Elias Elhardt, respectively.

All hail the King, Crazy Karl.

All hail the Queen, Madison Blackley.

Somehow, it stopped snowing long enough for these events to run. The sun was practically nonexistent and Teton cold smoke was abundant. Let’s take a concise look at just how deep February was, as previously mentioned in our February recap blog:

• There were only 4 days with no fresh snow, and 10 days with double digit 24 hour totals.
• 193″ of snow fell at the Raymer plot for the month, which tied the record for most snow in February at the Raymer Plot in 2019 (that’s 16 feet!).
• In Rendezvous Bowl, 172 inches of snowfall were recorded in February.
• That is over 100 inches more than February’s average snowfall of 71 inches.
• February 2021 now also ranks as the third snowiest month on record, behind December 1996 with 215 inches and February 2019 with 193 inches.

Mike Mac indulging in a cold smoke buffet.

Seemingly making up for the lack of sun in February, March brought us bluebird days, warmer temps, and ideal spring skiing and riding conditions. Bouts of snow were elusive, as we only received just over 2’ of fresh—a stark contrast to the powder-driven Groundhog Days of the previous month.

Springtime shenanigans with Caite Zeliff & Jim Ryan.

This winter will be remembered as one of the most unique, challenging winters in our lifetime. To conclude, JHMR President Mary Kate Buckley says, “I want to sincerely thank our loyal passholders and valued guests for complying with the health and safety protocols this winter. At times it was challenging, but it allowed us to have a successful winter and stay open. I want to especially acknowledge our staff, who did a tremendous job keeping the mountain safe and for going above and beyond to deliver a successful season.”  

Tigger driving that train. What a season!

Looking ahead towards next winter, our Spring Pass Sale begins on April 14. Click here to view pass products before our sale starts and lock in the best price and value for next season. While you’re at it, opt-in to receive SMS notifications from us and be entered to win a FREE Grand ByPass.