Conditions Report from February 21-23, 2026
After being out of commission for four weeks with an MCL tear, I was itching for an adventure. My good buddy Truman was coming up to visit, and we wanted to make the most of our time. Originally, we planned to ski something big, like the Ford-Stettner Couloir in the Tetons. However, the range had just been hammered with new snow and was experiencing days with 40 mph winds—major red flags for avalanche danger. Instead, we came up with a backup plan: a ski tour in the Gros Ventre Mountains, just east of the town of Jackson.
We packed our 80 liter bags and headed for the Cache Creek trailhead. When we arrived, we were relieved to find a groomed skin track that ran the length of the main trail. We followed the gradual incline for about four and a half miles before breaking off and setting what were likely some of the first skin tracks in that area in weeks. We headed up the Noker Mine Draw and gained the ridge.
At this point, I could really feel the weight of our heavy packs as we continued the uphill. The effort was worth it, though—the views were incredible, a full panorama of spectacular peaks, all holding enticing ski lines in the distance. After roughly 4 more miles, we found a good spot and began setting up camp.
The next morning, we pulled our smaller daypacks from our big bags and set out for the nearby summits of Dollarhide Peak and Sunset Peak. We were treated to perfect bluebird conditions both days, with clear skies and cold temperatures that helped preserve the snow. We enjoyed some fantastic runs off both Dollarhide and Sunset, carving smooth turns through preserved powder.
By the time we were making our way back to camp, however, the sun had taken its toll. South-facing slopes were heavily sun-affected, and the untouched powder from the morning had turned into hardpack and crust. We made the most of the descent off the southeast ridge of Sunset Peak and then began the slog back to camp. Really, it was mostly Truman who slogged—his skins malfunctioned, and he had to bootpack much of the way back.
That evening, we refueled with warm freeze-dried meals and snacks and settled in for another night’s rest.
On our final day, we packed up camp, making sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, and started our eight-mile descent back down the valley. The snow was still sun-baked and icy, which made skiing with 40-pound packs a bit of a challenge as we maneuvered through the variable terrain. Even so, it was a rewarding end to a much-needed adventure with a good friend and a successful return to the mountains after injury
Bonus Shots
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