Signs of Spring in Jackson Hole

Well Spring is in the air in Jackson Hole! March has come in like a lion and not stopped - snow, snow and more snow on our beautiful mountains! Our recent March storms have created more "epic conditions" for the amazing skiers that are here for that very reason. And for those of us who are not so adventurous, it provided us with a great day of skiing on Saturday and a nice day of rest on Sunday (too much new powder)! We are realizing why Wyoming was rated the second "happiest state" (behind Hawaii) though - there is always something wonderful to enjoy here!

Beyond the abundance of snow, there are signs that Spring is just around the corner:

1. Music Under the Tram: It's a Party Every Weekend!

This March JHMR is expanding their spring concert series.  “Music Under the Tram” will be held every Saturday and culminating with three days of music as part of Mountain Festival, March 25th to 27th.  These concerts are free and open to all and provide a festive party atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. 

Due to the "Spring" weather, they have opened the outdoor bar for Apres Ski
and enjoying the Music Under the Tram! No problem getting a cold beer at this bar!

Ready to serve whatever you need after a day of skiing!

Great band this past weekend! Looking forward to the next few weeks of entertainment!

2. Yellowstone Bears Emerge (article from the Jackson Hole Daily Newspaper)
"It appears some of Yellowstone's bears believe winter is drawing to a close. Park employees observed grizzly bear tracks...near the lower loop of the Yellowstone National Park's Grand Loop Road...the activity is typically a sign that grizzlies in Jackson Hole will emerge soon."
"Bears begin looking for food shortly after they emerge from their dens. Carcasses of elk and bison that have died during the winter are an important food source, and bears will sometimes react aggressively when surprised while feeding on them."
"Yellowstone regulations require visitors to stay 100 yards away from black and grizzly bears at all time. Hikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers are encouraged to travel in groups of three or more, make noise on the trail and keep an eye out for bears. Bear pepper spray has proven to be a good last line of defense when it's kept handy and used according to directions when the bear is within 30 to 40 feet."

YIKES! BEARS! Oh my, don't worry Mom & Dad, I won't be going anywhere near the woods until those bears are nice and full (maybe by August??). I will stay 100 yards away, and hope that pepper spray is nothing that I ever need to use. UGH, a bear within 30-40 feet....just have me for lunch!

3. Longer days/warmer temperatures mean more time for enjoying the outdoors
The longer days and warmer temperatures have brought lots of people out to enjoy the weather. We have taken up running again - funny that I see many people out jogging in shorts and women just in sports bras (Barry may even get back out there if this is true)! It is warm, but not that warm yet!

NOT suggested attire for snow running!
And NO, this is not Barry & I - this is from Google images, I swear!

We were hiking out on the levee the other day and came upon three moose, who did not want visitors. They delayed our journey, as they would not let anyone pass where they were! After waiting patiently (you can't disturb the wildlife), we were able to enjoy a beautiful hike. Bella was thrilled to have her "boyfriend" with us and also our neighbors. She loved pulling Nathan on his sled! We saw two bald eagles, a hawk, three moose and an ermine (Weasel) - it is definitely spring time!

Sign posted at the trailhead!

Bella & Lad enjoying the spring weather!

Bella's new adventure - Sled Dog!

Bella trying to find the spring flowers!

JACKSON HOLE INTERESTING FACT:
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has the longest continuous vertical rise of any ski area in the U.S rising 4,139 feet from the valley floor to the top of Rendezvous Mountain!

As many of you head off to Spring Breaks in tropical places (Derek is going to Paradise Island, Bahamas and Ashley is off to Gulf Shores), we will keep on enjoying the snow and skiing in the Great Wild West! Be safe and enjoy!