Ice Park to reopen

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

By Ben Cannon

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-After a three-week closure that its owner described as “painful,” the Teton Ice Park is expected to reopen this week. The artificial ice-climbing area near Grand Targhee Resort was forced to shut down while forest service officials examined the park’s insurance policy and operating plans. 

Owner Christian Santelices, who first opened the ice-climbing park Dec. 19, said officials with Caribou-Targhee National Forest were flooded with letters of support from climbers, business owners and wilderness-access advocacy groups. 

“The whole thing has been incredibly stressful and costly,” Santelices said, explaining that this was the third time the park has been shut down. “It has severely affected our business.”

Qualified people –individuals who demonstrate competence as ice-climbers– can use Teton Ice Park for a seasonal membership of $40. Guided rates range from $105 for a half-day, small group lesson to $360 for a full day of one-on-one instruction.
Santelices said the ice park’s business model relies mostly on revenue generated through guiding.

COURTESY TETON ICE PARK
Teton Ice Park

PERMALINK:
Ice Park to reopen | Planet JH News Article: General News

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