Officials consider pommel lift up Glory

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

By PJH Staff

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-A Forest Service official speaking on the condition of anonymity has said the Forest Service is considering installing a small lift to take skiers from the top of Teton Pass to the peak of Mt. Glory.

The source said officials have researched what it will take to run a pommel lift, which skiers tuck between their legs and are pulled skis leaving the slope, to the peak of Mount Glory, which rises 10,086 feet above the valley floor.

“This could be one of the most serious judgment lapses federal employees have ever made regarding the promotion of backcountry access,” the source said.
The backcountry ski runs down the slopes of Mount Glory are popular for both Jackson Hole residents and visiting experienced skiers. Many have expressed a near religious-like devotion to the area, and some make the more than 3,000-foot hike several times a week when conditions are right.

Additionally, the source alleged that officials have discussed constructing a trail for Segway Personal Transporters along the south face of Glory, the same side where skiers and snowboarders set a boot pack for hiking in winter snow conditions.

The source, who said he could be fired – “or worse” – if Planet JH released his identity, said the movement to make the physically demanding hike easier through mechanization is led by some powerful people in federal public lands management who want to experience the pristine, high Alpine experience, without all the work.

“It is ridiculous to even consider that anyone would want to do anything up there other than maybe hike up in the winter for the unparalleled downhill skiing or in the summertime for the wildlife and wildflowers,” said Frank Rizzo, a Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem naturalist and preservation advocate. “We will fight this tooth-and-nail if the feds think they can get away with anything this absurd.”
Calls to the Forest Service office in Jackson were not made on Tuesday. PJH
PERMALINK:
Officials consider pommel lift up Glory | Planet JH News Article: Flipside

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