Backcountry & Snow Safety

IN CASE OF BACKCOUNTRY EMERGENCY: DIAL 911

BACKCOUNTRY WARNING AND INFORMATION

The ski area assumes no responsibility for skiers or riders going beyond the ski area boundary. Areas beyond the ski area boundary are not patrolled or maintained. Avalanches, unmarked obstacles, and other natural hazards exist. Rescue in the backcountry, if available, will be costly and may take time.

When exiting the gates into the backcountry, make sure to have the proper gear, knowledge, a partner and a plan. Reentering Targhee's boundary requires uphill travel. Be Prepared.

GRAND TARGHEE BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS POLICY

'Backcountry' refers to any area outside the ski resort's boundary. Grand Targhee Resort has a Closed Boundary/Open Gate Backcountry Access Policy. Access from lift-served terrain is permitted through our Backcountry Access Gates, but not through our roped ski area boundaries. 

BACKCOUNTRY GATEs

Grand Targhee neither encourages nor discourages backcountry touring. Backcountry users are essentially "on their own" and accept the associated risks, so make sure you read all signs before entering. Once riders leave this boundary, they are in the backcountry, and Grand Targhee does not patrol it. Backcountry users need to make their own decisions about avalanche conditions and if the terrain is skiable. When leaving resort boundaries, skiers and snowboarders enter the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and the Caribou/Targhee National Forest, where there is no Avalanche Hazard Reduction. The only rescue is through Teton County, WY Sheriff, and Search and Rescue. That rescue could be delayed hours or into the next day.

BACKCOUNTRY SKIING

Grand Targhee Resort neither encourages nor discourages backcountry touring. Skiers/snowboarders crossing out of the Grand Targhee Resort boundaries do so at their own risk. Read the posted signs at the designated access gates before proceeding. For more information, call the Bridger-Teton National Forest Backcountry Avalanche Hazard & Weather Forecast at 307.733.2664 or click the link to the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center. 

WARNING: RISK OF AVALANCHE

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – CHECK CURRENT TETON AVALANCHE CONDITIONS – JHAVALANCHE.ORG

While snow safety and avalanche mitigation efforts help reduce the risk of avalanches, avalanches and snow slides may occur at ski areas inside and outside the posted boundaries. Avalanches are an inherent risk of the sport due to the nature of snow and its application on steep mountain terrain. If you're leaving the resort boundary, you must be educated on reducing the risk of injury or death from avalanches. Visit avalanche.org or contact Grand Targhee Ski Patrol for further information on the risks and prevention of avalanche-related injuries or death.

AVALANCHE TERRAIN

Grand Targhee Resort's surrounding backcountry is extreme terrain and contains numerous avalanche paths, cornices, and cliff areas. When travelling in the backcountry, there are many associated risks, including avalanches, getting lost, stuck, injured, or cliffed-out. Most avalanche fatalities occur in the backcountry. Outside the boundary, avalanches are not created by ski patrol with explosives. Instead, they are caused naturally and by people. Be aware of the hazard and read the Bridger Teton Avalanche Hazard Advisory before venturing into the backcountry. It's important to know that safety in the backcountry is not guaranteed, even when taking all the precautions. Backcountry Access Gates are equipped with a Beacon Checker. Make sure you have fresh batteries and are transmitting. Look for these signs to find the solar-powered Beacon Checker. Stop by Ski Patrol to ask questions about our Backcountry Access Policy or if you need further information. 

This advisory is posted at all backcountry access gates and both patrol stations. It is also available online at www.jhavalanche.org, or you can call 307-733-2664.

Always ski one at a time with a partner and have the proper equipment (beacon, shovel, and probe). Make sure to practice so that you and your partner know how to use your equipment. In the event of an avalanche, your partner is your best chance of survival. Know before you go!