Jackson Hole Avalanche Awareness Night

Avalanche Awareness Night sponsored by Skinny Skis is a multifaceted event designed to be many things to many people. The gathering is a gateway for backcountry skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and hikers in the community to reconnect with one another and learn about current snow conditions in the Greater Teton Region.

From newcomers to seasoned veterans, the educational event reaches people on all ends of the experience spectrum. Backcountry users are able to meet avalanche instructors and sign up for classes. They can also speak with representatives from many of the top safety equipment and apparel providers while being exposed to the Jackson Hole mountain culture that prides itself on being based in education and experience.

This event bridges the products provided by avalanche safety manufactures with the importance of education under one roof in one night.

-Phil Leeds of Skinny Skis

Jackson Hole lost two very special people this year in an avalanche accident on Ranger Peak in Grand Teton National Park. Julia Hemstrum and Reed Finlay will offer words in tribute to Chris Onufer and Steve Romeo. For the past decade, Romeo greatly contributed his time and passion to avalanche awareness night.

Their enthusiasm for skiing will be greatly missed in the Jackson Hole as we remember these men and all they meant to us. Steve Romeo deserves recognition as well as gratitude for his hard work and dedication on behalf of Avalanche Awareness Night.

It has been a busy shoulder season for the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center. Their team of forecasters recently introduced an updated online hazard rating system that more clearly presents avalanche information and will debut a national avalanche hazard map that can be used to compare conditions around the country.

Bob Comey will speak to developments at the Friends of Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center as well as offering informative tips for traveling in avalanche terrain. Their presentation is refresher for people who go out in the backcountry and acknowledges that conditions change from year to year in the mountains.

Drew Hardesty is an avalanche forecaster for the Utah Avalanche Center. In recent years, he’s been active not only as a forecaster but also a spokesman advising on avalanche conditions in the Wasatch Range. Locally in the Jackson, Hardesty is known for being a Jenny Lake Climbing Ranger ranger. Having roots in the Tetons, he knows the mountains well.

His presentation is expected to address the issue of growing populations skiing the backcountry. In a small area, you can have many people and how this must be taken into consideration when exploring winter terrain. He will touch on topics such as changing demographics and how things are not the same as they used to be ten or twenty years ago.