A Deep Start to the New Year

Enter the vortex. Jackson Hole awakens on Wednesday, January 5 to 10” overnight and 14” in 24 hours. Powder conditions are plentiful; gluttonous skiers and riders belly up to the buffet, their appetites insatiable. Tram laps, Hobacks, these woods and those, hoots and hollers ripe with stoke echo across bowls. A symphony of joy familiar to this time of year.

Anticipation for what was a memorable morning quickly morphed into an afternoon of elation, with flakes accumulating rapidly. We received 12" over the course of the day, setting the table for a feast with a more-than-favorable forecast for the following day.

Jackson Hole rises Thursday to the thunderous thuds of Patrol’s avalanche bombs cascading through Teton Village. 9” overnight, 18” in 24 hours, and double-digit totals projected for the day are cause for celebration as snow throttles down from the clouds above. With such deep snow comes great responsibility; Patrol works tirelessly to open the mountain as safely and quickly as possible.

Once open, faithful and frothing skiers and riders descend the steep and deep slopes through the unrelenting storm. Face shots, powder clouds, and abundant bottomless turns are the keynote characteristics to this day in Trench Town. Snow continues falling swiftly to the tune of 22". By midday the Aerial Tram, Thunder, and Sublette are all closed due to avalanche hazard and inclement weather. By nightfall, avalanche hazard mitigation bellows from above once again.

Friday daybreak. A pink-hued sunrise signals the emergence from the heart of the storm, illuminating the glistening white peaks of the Tetons. A quick glance at JH Insider provides structure to the dreamlike state of yesterday: 24” in 24 hours! An unbelievable start to 2022.

Some incredible snow stats for the first week of January:

• As of January 8, since New Year's Day, we have received 63"! Snow continues to fall.
• We received 42" in the last 48 hours.
• As of this morning, we received 24" in 24 hours.
• Total snowfall is now 240" on the year. 
• Snow depth to date is 91".

A special and heartfelt thank you to all of Ski Patrol for keeping everyone at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort safe this week. Their efficiency in the face of such a heavy storm was truly a heroic effort. If you see a Patroller, thank them for always keeping our winter playground open and safe as possible.