We had a record breaking year of snow here in the Tetons. Being the manic community that we are…there was not a single person in a bad mood this entire winter. The powder dictates our happiness, therefore, there were a ton of happy people. Each day of skiing was better than the last. Grins from ear to ear were to be seen on each and every face. The heavy snow began falling in January and kept going through February, March, April… Yes, and it is still coming.

About two weeks ago you could see the shift in the manic population from absolute powder joy to a bit of frustration. Two weeks ago you could see people really start to itch for some warmer weather. Within that time many people started to pack up and hit the desert for a dose of warmth thinking that by the time they get back we will see some warmer weather in the Tetons. About a week ago people were visibly IRRITATED! The cold weather and snow seemed to settle in here…maybe we are doomed for a local Ice Age. Here we go, the total switch from bliss to beer swilling boredom as we wait for the dirt and trails to dry out.

This is the time of year where the road bike can be handy to get in some exercise, but not when there are still freezing roads and snow blowing sideways. This past Friday night I sat with friends drinking beer at the local pub…nothing else to do when it is dumping 10 inches of snow. I could not believe that it is almost May and we were in a complete storm. Our local mountain Pass even closed down for the evening. Crazy! We all decided to succumb to mother nature and make our ski plans for the next day…again!

I awake on Saturday to a total BLUE BIRD day. I jump up out of bed with the same excitement I have experienced so many times this winter. I call up my ski buddies, make my coffee, pack the backpack, load up the skis and off I go…again! Yes, another amazing day. A total winter, powder day, April 26th! The backcountry was packed with tons of folks just itching to blow off some steam. In turn, we all got one more amazing powder day! Is it winter?

Today…I wake up to warmer temps and sun. Today I rode my bike in shorts and a short sleeve bike jersey. Is it Spring? The weather report looks like we will see winter again later this week. Hopefully it will be Spring again for the weekend.

Cheers, drink one in honor of Springtime in the Rockies!!