It’s been snowing here in Jackson for a few days now and I thought I’d go out for a tour on the pass to check out and see how things were stacking up. I had low expectations and didn’t really have a plan on where I’d go, I just needed to get out and have a look. I took out my Mountain Approach skis today, I’ve been testing them in hopes of accessing more backcountry shredding riding my regular board binding interface as well as my “no-board”. Once on the trail I was happy to see far more snow than I expected and my hopes of some pow slashes seemed certain as I climbed and views of the surrounding peaks looked promising. I could see a few dicey tracks up high as the light popped through the clouds, a lot of people had gotten out and skied over the past couple days. I ventured off the well beaten ridge trail to a untouched west-facing bowl and began to assess the snow. It seemed like decent coverage but it was super light density… not a good sign for safe shredding. I dropped in cautiously and my board sank deep into the fresh snow. As I picked up speed I made my first few pow turns of the season and it felt great to be floating through the mountains again. I made it to the bottom of the run without hitting anything but decided to call it a day. With no base the snow was just too light and I didn’t want to push it… I don’t enjoy riding while holding my breath worried about rocks & sticks lurking below. I skinned back up to the ridge and headed home. The forecast is looking good for more snow… I’m sure it will turn on soon.

My ski boarding set up