Grand Targhee 2025

I slipped in one rest and recover day while staying in Driggs, ID, at the Teton Hostel Hideaway after skiing a couple of days at Grand Targhee.

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Revelstoke Loop 2025

Grand Targhee

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Departed Garden City this morning at 5:30AM with the objective of arriving at the Grand Targhee Resort before 11AM. The fog was thick approaching Montpelier. I felt compelled to slow to 40mph and that still felt fast. It was -2F as I pumped gas with the sky still black. A nearby coffee shop still had 30 minutes before it was to open so I continued north my car fueled and me on empty. It seems I traveled over a couple of small passes and enjoyed the early morning light on the surrounding rolling mountains. At some point the temperature dipped to -19F so cold that the cars exhaust still emitted a white cloud despite running at normal temperature. I saw horses and cows seemingly frozen where they stood in the fields with frost covering their coats - brrrr. Hwy 89 started in Utah, traveled north into Idaho, the wiggled back and forth between Idaho and Wyoming. I reached Alpine, WY, stopping at the Pumpkin Coffee shop. I couldn't resist the egg-sausage-cheese bagel even though I was only seeking a coffee. The sweet lady offered my a free to-go cup with more coffee as I left.

South of Driggs I cleared another pass and the temperature shot up to 28F - whew. The speed limit up the winding road to the Grand Targhee Resort felt painfully slow at 30mph, but I finally arrived and was directed to a favorable parking spot close to the main lodge. Unfortunately cell service at the base doesn't work. I tried texting Alan to let him know I'd arrived, but it wasn't until at the top of one of the chairs with clear views of the valley to the west that we were able to connect via phone.

I met his friend, Meredith, a friend from college days. His ancestors settled in the area as part of the 1862 land grant program. He taught skiing at Grand Targhee for many years, but now focuses on selling sheep and pigs for their meat. He's a very accomplished skier. I was given a grand tour of the resort. This time the skies were clear affording me spectacular views of the Tetons and the Grand Teton mountain itself. The snow coverages is low with a couple of bare spots. It's a far cry from the reputation as a powder destination.

I was invited to join Meredith, his wife Dana, and their middle daughter Olivia for dinner at their house. It was a pleasant evening and I was made to feel most welcome.

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Skied for a second day at Grand Targhee with Alan. I picked him up at his friends house just off the highway to the resort at 9:30AM. The snow was a little frozen, but not bad. The groomers were definitely a little more forgiving. Alan introduced me to Mary's Nipple, a hill that you needed to boot pack up. We just traversed into near the start of the climb and then skied down the shaded valley that kept the powder pristine - what was left anyway. We skied until just before 1PM when my knees ached and Alan was ready to start his drive back to Longmont.

I chilled at the hostel for the remainder of the day. The place filled up at 4PM with guests from across the US.

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Today was a much desired rest day. Crazily I woke up at 6AM when I should be sleeping in! I headed into Driggs to Wydaho Roasters Coffee House. Great place with a pleasant vibe, plenty of places to sit and enjoy a coffee, big selection of delicious pastries, bustling with folks, subdued music, and free refills. I had their light brew and a cherry galette. Afterward I swung by 22 Design telemark binding manufacture and thanked them for a great product. One guy was excited about Scarpa's new light weight boot with an improved walking mode and 22 Designs latest binding designed for area skiing - no walk mode with a ski brake.

The remainder of the day I just hung out at the hostel reading and relaxing.