JH Underground – news, sports and music blog from Jackson Hole, Wyoming news, sports and music blog from Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Let’s hope they consult a better map this time.

Katchafire, the Maori reggae band that got lost and canceled its appearance at last summer’s Targhee Fest, is slated to headline the Jackson Hole Mountain Festival on March 26.

The seven-piece band from New Zealand was one of the most anticipated acts for Targhee, and the mix-up — apparently the musicians thought they were headed to a “Targhee, Wyoming” near Laramie — caused no small amount of disappointment among fans.

This time, the group will play for free at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the centerpiece of a weekend that includes the Pole Pedal Paddle, Coombs Classic and other festive events.

Package deals of lifts, lodging and lunch are available for $99 per person, based on a two-night minimum and quad occupancy. Click here for details.

The slow burn of Katchafire just might be hot enough to lure back the D.O.G. Rasta Team — recently relocated to Oregon — and have Iron Monkey/Taste of Consciousness MCs Adam and Christian in full regalia.

Posted under Music, Ski Resorts, Sports

Tags: festivals, jackson hole mountain resort, marijuana, pole pedal paddle, reggae, skiing, snowboarding

For town dwellers, there was almost unanimous heartbreak when Teton Thai decided last year to move to Teton Village.

We’ve traded our hop, skip and a jump away hole-in-the-wall for an après refuge. After making my first visit to the new location (and a second one just days later) I must admit, it is not a bad trade.

But beware of impostors.

Read More…

Posted under Business, Food, Ski Resorts

Tags: jackson hole mountain resort, teton village

Wolves reportedly have been stalking the National Elk Refuge. While not an uncommon sight, there is said to be a large pack hunting elk — up to 17 wolves, according to one story circulating around town. Other sources report numerous sightings near Kelly.

On a drive to the airport yesterday (this car is still there, by the way; the entire season’s snowpack can be viewed atop it), I observed what appeared to be five wolves in the vicinity of Flat Creek. The closest canid to the highway was clearly a wolf: large, dark and husky.

(This photograph may look like a coyote, but I have it on good authority that coyotes would not be hanging out near a wolf.)

Also seen on the refuge from the highway: a bald eagle perched atop the fence by the visitor center, and tundra swans along Flat Creek.

Not a bad time to take a sleigh ride, which leave from the visitor center about every 30 minutes. Adult price is $18.

Posted under Environment, Wyoming

Tags: elk, photography, wildlife, wolves

In a passing noted by only a few forlorn Facebook posts, Taco Bell recently shuttered its doors in Jackson.

The chain joins a list of failed fast-food franchises in Jackson Hole. Despite its prime location on Broadway, the site has been a graveyard of eateries, including The Goalpost, an early precursor to a sports bar.

It’s a sign of just how much the times have changed, but the opening of Taco Bell circa 1993 was a major event. I remember a long line of cars waiting at the drive-through on the first day. During one particularly skid winter, a significant portion of my “nutrition,” if it could be called that, was derived from 99-cent seven-layer burritos.

The closing also is a testament to the quality of Pica’s and the new crop of Mexican restaurants in Jackson run by actual Mexicans. And it’s probably good for community health, too, given the recent lawsuit filed in Alabama alleging that Taco Bell “meat filling” is only 36 percent beef. Adios!

Posted under Economy, Food

Tags: restaurants, skids

To the plethora of web cams that let us check the views, the weather and whether there’s a parking spot atop Teton Pass comes the latest: the Alpenhof’s Tram Cam. The camera is mounted on the hotel’s deck and aimed at the dock for the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram at Teton Village, so viewers can gauge just how long the line is before deciding on a ski strategy.

The camera is online at JHTramCam.com. Images are updated every 15 seconds, and the camera operates 24/7, offering a glimpse at how many people are in line at 6 a.m. on a powder day.

Besides aiding skiers, the Tram Cam will plug daily specials at the Alpenhof, a classic Teton Village hotel that has endured amidst ritzier neighbors.

Regi Rikli, executive assistant at the Alpenhof, says, “Over the years, the understated European elegance of the Alpenhof sometimes gets overlooked in favor of the newer, flashier properties. But those who desire a real [old world] ski experience will appreciate the storied history of the Alpenhof, its classic Bavarian alpine charm, and the fact that it is one of the few remaining original properties in Teton Village.”

Posted under Business, Media, Ski Resorts, Sports

Tags: aerial tram, jackson hole mountain resort, skiing, snowboarding, teton village

Fire up the party bus. Anthony B. returns to the Knotty Pine in Victor tonight, bringing with him a taste of Jamaica.

The reggae star put on one of the best shows of the winter last year.

JH Underground is giving away two free tickets, a $50 value. In the comments, say you’re in, and at 4 p.m. today I’ll choose the winner in a random drawing. Your name will be on the guest list for tonight’s show.

Tickets are for sale online till 3 p.m., or call the Knotty at (208) 787-2866.

Posted under Music

Tags: knotty pine, reggae, teton valley