MSS December Newsletter

MSS Admin
Nov 10, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Dec 22, 2023

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, here we go! Big congratulations for everyone for getting here, getting housing (yay!), getting your uniform, coming to training and making your bookings and schedules. It is a big lift to get our season underway and this team has done a fantastic job.

Every holiday season comes with its own unique challenges (and who doesn’t love a challenge?). It is no secret that we are approaching the holiday rush with thin snow conditions. Our snow makers, groomers, patrol, and lifties have gone above and beyond to give us the best possible product given the circumstances; please thank them when you see them for their hard work. With the opening of Eagles Rest today, we have every lift open. An informal poll of other ski areas shows us to be one of the few that can state that. However, with our guests heading here to ski and ride limited terrain, some extra thought to safety practices seems prudent. We brainstormed some ideas that we would like to share with you.

Train, train, train before you terrain! The progression from green to blue is trickier than normal. Solid side slip, hockey stops, and parallel turns on the lower mountain should be mastered before heading up the hill. Seek out ways to challenge these skills on green terrain. Consider the timing of your first blue runs, mid to late morning is ideal. Saving the ‘first blue’ for after lunch is not advisable. Currently, Easy Does It is the most reasonable first blue run. Using Sweetwater to download back to the base is an AWESOME way to get down and avoid South Pass Traverse and Teewinot Gully.

As always, the mountain conditions change throughout the day, sometimes quite a bit. Remember to check temperatures throughout the day and adjust terrain decisions accordingly. Hard and frozen conditions in the morning on trails that haven’t been groomed are not fun and can lead to sliding falls. New snow, especially on trails that were previously pock marked with rocks and stumps, can cover obstacles. Please be cautious from day to day as you explore terrain.

Last year was amazing with lots of snow and filled in runs; we could and DID ride everywhere. Returning students may remember this and be looking forward to skiing and riding the same runs. Additionally, levels assigned to guests last year may require some managing. With the limited terrain open and challenging conditions on many of our advanced runs, all lessons may need to take a step back in terrain choices. As you step up your terrain difficulty, please be sure you understand what your exit/escape routes are.

The Adventure Trails on the lower mountain are not ready! They are all closed to traffic, and we must obey all closed area signs. We are working with Pipe and Park team to put in some terrain features for us to use on Lower Pooh Bear. Creative games and tasks will be the order of the day as we create great adventures for our young guests.

Last but not least- share the responsibility code with your guests.

Point out why you are making decisions- where you stop, when you merge, why you are choosing a trail, reminders about vision, skiing in a lane. Adjust your speed based on conditions and traffic. With additional crowding, ski in a predictable manner and be aware of your surroundings to avoid collisions. It is good practice to give other skiers/riders plenty of room when passing, this is especially important when passing children who can be less predictable.

So many of the actions we take to keep ourselves safe are habitual to us- and must be learned by our students. Help them learn!

This guy knows!

Lastly- remember that you can take advantage of our fantastic neighbor ski area Grand Targhee for ‘additional terrain’. A trip to the ‘Ghee would be a good way to add some variation and adventure for your guests. If you want to set this up for your private lesson clients, check in with the private lesson supervisors (mss.privates@jacksonhole.com or Bridger basement) or Lexey (lexey.wauters@jacksonhole.com or Bridger basement). Please don’t show up at Targhee without arranging for your day ahead of time!

Thanks to eveyone- for staying safe and healthy AND for keeping our guests safe and healthy also. Have a GREAT holiday season.