Snow stories from skier greats

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

By Christie Koriakin

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-In February 1986, a massive maritime storm hit the Tetons.
The wet and heavy snow caused unprecedented avalanches, including one that slid nearly all the way from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Headwall to the base of the tram.

Some of the most legendary skiing icons of Jackson Hole will gather to tell the story of this storm as the second installment of the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum’s five-part winter oral history program, Jackson Hole Stories: Voices of the Valley.

Hear from skiers that have been here since the beginning, like Kirby Williams, who began his work as a ski patroller the first year the tram operated, working on the team for 35 years.

Rod Newcomb is the American Avalanche Institute founder, who has decades of experience forecasting avalanches in Jackson Hole. He has earned an honorary membership to the American Avalanche Association, the highest honor given to avalanche researchers and practitioners.

Renny Jackson will chime in with his rescue experience. Jackson has worked for the Grand Teton National Park Mountain Rescue since 1976, and currently runs the helicopter short-haul program.

Husband and wife team, Don, co-owner of the American Avalanche Institute, and Sarah Carpenter, a ski guide for JHMR and Exxum, will share their combined experience.

Oral history programs with local experts will continue every other week with topics like “River Stories” and “Hunting Stories.”
NOTE: You may have seen this printed in last week’s paper because we made a mistake. JH Weekly apologizes for the error.

“Avalanche and Skiing Stories,”  7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, at Teton County Library. Free. 733-9605
PERMALINK:
Snow stories from skier greats | Planet JH News Article: Sports & Recreation

Leave a Comment