HO HUM - ANOTHER MAJOR SNOW STORM PELTS THE TETONS!

Almost everyone I know is fascinated, if not consumed, by all things weather. Personally, I never take weather for granted in this Yellowstone-Teton area. I've been here long enough to know that even the old timers miss the mark on what's ahead of us in any given year. Patterns change on a dime and the Farmer's Almanac isn't always spot on (sorry granny!). No, predicting weather is definitely not a sport for the weak and Teton Valley residents take this stuff very seriously. Farmers need the moisture and water, albeit frozen, happens to be a key component for all the fun things we love to do. Snow in the winter means long, meandering runs in knee-deep powder at neighboring Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole Mountain Resorts, a day of blissful heli skiing, or, a day in the backcountry with a friend or two earning every turn.

Another thing I don't do is worry much about the winter weather in the Tetons, despite the predictions. While I don't take it for granted, snow in Teton Valley is something I count on, like paying my taxes. This year is no exception. Sure, it was a tad slower in coming, at least in the quantities we're accustomed to. But the record speaks for itself. Both of our resorts were open in November and offered a full menu of services including vast swatches of lift served terrain early in the season. Other ski areas across the country didn't fare so well this year; many limped along with limited runs for the taking and some didn't even open at all. It was a shock to skiers and snowboarders across the west. After all, this was supposed to be another La Nina year. Everyone counted on a repeat performance of 2010-11, with even more snow for the taking, and everyone just knew that previous snow records would topple. Didn't happen quite that way for many.

The White Gold Has Fallen

However, this mid-January storm has thankfully given many areas in the Rockies something to celebrate. I'm always happy when all ski areas prosper. I know what it means to the psyche of skiers and snowboarders everywhere and these resorts are often the major economic engine for many small Rocky Mountain towns.

Teton Valley is one of those places and we sure appreciate how the success of Grant Targhee is tied to our own. Well, this little gem in the Tetons is once again taking care of business - 25" of the white gold has fallen at Targhee in the last 72 hours and there's no end in sight. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is counting their blessings as well with over 36" of new stuff hitting their formidable slopes in the last few days.

This storm is packing a mean punch and that means powder galore and a January of old.

All good things come to those who wait.

The Place to Stay While Skiing Targhee or Jackson Hole

It's not lost on our guests at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa that proximity to both resorts is also heavenly, about a half hour drive to both these Wyoming classics. Nice to have choices. Not only are Targhee and Jackson Hole leading the pack this winter on snow totals but they also happen to offer the best of the west in terrain, services and genuine western hospitality. And, if snow wasn't enough, Teton Springs is offering an unbelievable value with their ski and lodge package. Spend a day on Targhee's snow laden slopes and rest your head in a deluxe lodge room at Teton Springs. Now, that's a winning combo!

The Perfect Winter Getaway Packages

Now that we've officially confirmed that the snow in the Tetons is unrivaled, it's time to reach for that ultimate brass ring of mouth-watering experiences - Heli Skiing in the Jackson Hole and Teton Valley areas.

The backcountry is now ripe for the taking! The folks at High Mountain Heli Skiing are prepared to pick you up at Teton Springs, and this new snow, measured in feet not inches, is making this the exceptional 2012 ski and snowboard adventure. Check out the deal at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa. This Winter getaway package just happens to include 305,000 acres of terrain in the Tetons and surrounding mountains.

Spoil Yourself at the Teton Springs Stillwaters Spa & Salon

As if schussing down these slopes wasn't enough incentive to make a trip to Teton Springs....the resort's Stillwaters Spa & Salon is giving us another compelling reason to make the trek to Victor, Idaho now, especially now while the deals are hot.

One of their specialties is the Hydraquench. This rich, moisturizing treatment is a delight any time of the year but I find this particular slice of heaven almost a necessity during the dry winter months. For a totally ooh & aah experience...

One Hour Hydraquench Body Treatment

• 2oz Body Butter and Body Brush for home use with take home instructions for dry brushing
• $100....a $135 value (a 25%savings!)

Here's what they say: The Hydraquench Treatment is our signature three-in-one body wrap. Your skin is gently buffed with a soft dry brush; you're then slathered with moisture rich shea butter and gently wrapped in a warm herbal cocoon. While wrapped, you are pampered with a warm stone foot massage, a cooling stone facial massage and stress relieving neck work. Heavenly!

Please mention this special at time of booking! Offer good through January 30th.

Don't waste another minute just dreaming about the perfect ski trip; call the nice folks at Teton Springs now, where the options are plentiful - just like the snow! See you in the mountains! 1-877-787.8757

Teton Valley presents the first annual great Snow Fest a place where the Snow Gods are truly celebrated!

It has definitely been a strange winter thus far. No one can dispute that. Weather is always a hot topic of discussion, in all seasons, but even more so this year across the entire country. You see news clips of people ringing in the New Year rolling skating through Central Park, in t-shirts no less. The Rocky Mountains in particular were poised to celebrate another repeat performance of La Nina after the 2010-11 ski season was one of total euphoria, not to mention record snow fall for many ski areas. Now, most of these same resorts find themselves off to a struggling start, and the areas fortunate enough to open for the Christmas holidays now limp into a new year. They remain eternally optimistic. That's the only way to approach the "snow farming" business that ski industry types find themselves in. They've all struggled through the years with marginal at best snow conditions, and having been down this road before, they cringe at the thought of history repeating itself.

Ski Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole

Now, let's talk about Teton Valley and the snow levels at our local resorts Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole. These guys jumped ahead of the pack right out of the gates and continue to lead the nation on total snowfall to date. Their snow measured on summit and base snow stakes reflect this early bounty. All of Grand Targhee's terrain is open, all lifts running. Normally this January status would be ho hum for this powder capital of the country, a what-else-is-new kind of update. However, in this particular year, this is indeed a precious development and 11 feet of total snowfall to date is not lost on the masses, view more of Targhee Mountain conditions.

Jackson Hole also has reason to celebrate, sitting at the 10 feet of total snowfall, and is proud of its 42" summit snow depth, and rightfully so. All of their lifts are operating except one, which does indeed turn on weekends. Both of these mountains have impressive skiable acreage so their snow reports are especially meaningful, especially compared to many of their competitors in the region.

The Great Snow Fest - Teton Valley Style

The entire community of Teton Valley, Idaho, including Grand Targhee in nearby Alta, Wy, is getting ready to celebrate their first annual Great Snow Fest January 12-15 and in their words, this event is "celebrating the wonder of snow." Somehow seems more relevant this season... Teton Valley relies heavily on winter recreation, of which Grand Targhee is a major component. Their home resort boats an annual average snowfall of 500" plus, and snow levels even on the valley floor never ceases to impress even the hardened winter visitor. Yeah, no argument here that this year the numbers are not quite as impressive but this valley is feeling blessed non-the-less. Their local mountain is open and also garnering national attention for its refusal to participate in the "no snow" trend of 2011-12. The first Snow Fest is quickly approaching and the events will be a welcomed reprieve, especially for out-of- towners expected to attend, anxious to play once again in the white stuff.

There's something at this festival for everyone. We've all seen the artistic wizardry created out of a bloc of ice. It's usually at a wedding when a dove, swan or heart decorates the reception table. Snow sculptures are definitely cool and gawkers should be in for a huge treat when they see what will suddenly appear from a block of ice at this snow festival. It solidifies the old saying, "every job is easy if you have the right tools," and in this case, it's a hunk of ice, albeit sizable block of ice, a sharp chainsaw and some blow torches. Oh, and did I mention talent sure helps. Artist Michael Hoffman is the iceman for this event and viewers will be astounded by what this guy can do with water frozen over. The Teton Arts Council has many events in Teton Valley.

For the folks who covet the Nordic tradition of skiing, a don't miss event is the Backcountry Film Festival hosted by Teton Valley Trails and Pathways on the 12th in Victor's Wildroom Room. You're sure to be inspired by what you see on this silver screen. Sufficiently motivated, you're ready to sign up for one of the most celebrated Nordic events in the Rockies - the 9th Annual Teton Ridge Classic held Saturday at the drop-dead gorgeous Teton Ridge Ranch. Harboring outdated equipment in your ski quiver - not a problem. These guys are also featuring a "wood ski" division this year!

There's a luge demo in Victor's park, snow bike demos and races at Grand Targhee, and of course the big daddy event - Skijoring! Trust me, you don't see a dynamic event like skijoring often and it alone is worth a trip to Teton Valley this weekend! Skiers and snowboarders are pulled by horses through jumps and other obstacles while holding on for dear life. This takes a brave soul, not to mention competency and precision on their boards. Check this one out for sure!

The Best Place to Stay in the Teton Valley or Jackson Hole

A stone's throw to events, but a welcomed reprieve when you need a break from all the action is Teton Springs Lodge and Spa. This all-season luxury resort in downtown Victor is offering special lodging rates for the Snow Fest and other winter activities. You'll love the quiet elegance and affordability this place affords. While you're there be sure to check out the Stillwaters Spa & Salon. After all, tomorrow is another big day! Check the schedule and plan to spend some time in Teton Valley this winter, where there's always a celebration of the snow.

Snowflakes, Snowcats, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding... Teton Valley Welcomes the Official Start of Winter!

I love being in a place where there is a clear distinction for when the seasons change. Four times a year it's almost as if we're treated to a sense of new beginnings, fresh opportunities, a different set of clothes, other toys! It's not this way for everyone, or everywhere. The transition from one season to the next, like when fall ends and winter begins, doesn't necessarily mean much more than a date on the calendar to most folks. Given it inevitably happens right before Jolly Old Saint Nick arrives with the promise of goodies for all doesn't help. Talk about some heavy competition. However, the arrival of winter always meant something special to me, but I'd venture to say that in general, the official start of winter just doesn't warrant much fanfare.

I always thought that winter made its grand debut on December 21st. It was something that I just counted on, never questioned, and always celebrated. However, it can actually fall on the 22nd, as is the case in 2011. I can adjust. A day here or there certainly doesn't really have much effect on weather in the northern Rockies. And, one could easily say the seasons get a tad muddled here in the Tetons more often than not, a place where it's not all that unusual to see snow in July, and temps in November that begs golf attire. If you're a golfer, don't get too excited; the promise of November pars and tee times tend to be very short lived.

Targhee and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
 

Winter typically arrives with vengeance in the Tetons. That's why so many flock to eastern Idaho and western Wyoming, and in particular, Teton Valley. It's a magical place where the amount of snowfall annually is almost as legendary as the magnificent mountains in this Yellowstone region. This year is no different. November delivered on the promise of big snow for the 2011-12 season. Both Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole Mountain Resorts opened by Thanksgiving weekend after a huge weather front dropped copious amounts of the beautiful white stuff. Even better, Teton Springs Lodge is located between Targhee and Jackson Hole! Turkey dinners were gobbled with one foot out the door; skiers had been patient and now they would rather taste their rewards. Online snow reports for Jackson Hole can be viewed online.

There's no looking back. Targhee was also able to open more terrain and all their lifts by mid-December and the snow is once again piling up. This is an impressive feat indeed given the short supply of December precipitation in general throughout the Rockies. Many ski areas are sadly still anxiously waiting for the skies to open over their particular resort. It will happen, it always does.

So, it's apparent once again, the Tetons rock! Both Targhee and Jackson Hole blaze the way into winter with typical aplomb and I note, with more notoriety than usual. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort was recently named the "Top Ski Resort in North America" by Forbes Magazine - wow! Everyone at Tetons Springs Lodge & Spa is more than proud to call this magnificent place our neighbor!

Anyone for an Amazing Heli Skiing Adventure?
 

For those girls and boys who were very, very good this past year, perhaps a heli ski trip, with 305,000 acres of primo terrain in the Tetons included, was found under the tree. http://www.heliskijackson.com/ (batteries included!) Teton Springs Lodge & Spa has again joined forces with High Mountain Heli-Skiing to offer this once-in-a-lifetime powder ski experience.  The chopper picks you up in Teton Springs Resort, just steps from the Lodge or luxury mountain cabin. It appears that exemplary service and snow go hand in hand at Teton Springs!

Snowmobiling at it's Best!

For those who want to experience the exhilaration of swooshing thru the fluffy POW can spend the day on the back of a snowmobile. Taking a sled into the backcountry is a terrific alternative to strapping boards on one's feet. You'll still get the adrenalin rush, view wildlife in their winter environment, all while enjoying spectacular scenery. In keeping with Teton Valley's reputation as the recreation capitol of the west, snowmobiling gets top billing. The folks at Teton Valley Adventures will even pick you up at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa and you're off for a snowmobile experience of a lifetime!

Don't Forget to Pamper Yourself at Stillwaters Spa

You won't have to travel far; you can enjoy miles of snowmobile trails in the Big Hole Mountains just minutes from the lodge. This terrain is well suited for the family new to the sport or for the seasoned rider looking to conquer new terrain. You'll be back in time for that deep-tissue massage the resort's Stillwaters Spa is famous for!

There's still time to book holiday reservations at Teton Springs. Fortunately they're still feeling the Christmas spirit and offering 20% off holiday lodging. Given the snow at these local resorts demand will be high - so book now. After all, winter is officially here; doesn't matter what the silly calendar says! Check out our affordable Winter Getaway Packages.