My friend Shad and I arrived in the Tetons for our second attempt at the Koven route and the summit of, what has become for us, the illusive Mt. Owen. We always plan to “go light” so of course the station wagon was loaded with most of the climbing, camping and ski gear we own.
Why is it that “going light” requires so much gear? I just can’t decide exactly what I’m doing until I see it for myself and most importantly how the mountains feel about my intentions.
No matter how many skiers, climbers, weather forecasters and park rangers I get conditions updates from I never completely agree with any of them. In the end I always stare at the mountains and try to let them tell me the right thing to do on a given day. Over the years I hope I’ve gotten better at making the right decision to be safe, have fun and be able to return again uninjured.
Saying the mountains had a lot of snow for the end of June would be an understatement. They were plastered down to about 8,500 feet. A Teton climbing ranger with 17 years experience claimed the most dangerous conditions he had ever seen. Avalanches in June? Yes. Lots of them on all aspects. The upper elevation snow had not consolidated. Mt. Owen would have to wait yet again and skis would be the tool of choice for playing in the mountains on this trip.
I can’t say I was too upset with skiing only with the 4 mile hike on dirt trails to get to the snow line. This would simply be a continuation of one of the most epic and long lasting ski seasons I can ever remember. And despite around a dozen climbing trips to the Tetons I had never skied here before.
