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

On a day when pro triathlete Adam Wirth of Boise captured the PPP crown, a huge crowd gathered at Teton Village to celebrate spring’s arrival during the Jackson Hole Mountain Festival.

Perhaps as many as 4,000 people turned out Saturday for the PPP awards party, music by Lazy Eyes beneath the tram and the featured concert by Black Mother Jones and O.A.R. Parked cars lined the village entrance road all the way to Highway 390, in what may have been the largest turnout yet for the festival.

While the selection of the headliner generated strong opinions, one thing everyone could agree on was fine weather and free music make for a great party. Tailgates with generous spreads of food and beverages could be found from the PPP finish line at Astoria to the village parking lots. Most of the buzz around O.A.R. was whether rock star Dave Matthews — staying at Teton Village on vacation, skiing and snowmobiling — would join them onstage. (He did not.)

The diehard music fans pushed the festival into the wee hours of Sunday night, when the Providence, R.I., rock group Deer Tick played the Pink Garter.

Read More…

Posted under Entertainment, Music, Ski Resorts, Sports

Tags: festivals, jhmr, pink garter, ppp, rock

Today’s chilly morning, with a temperature of -8 degrees at Jackson Hole Airport, made for lots of annoying “I’m glad I’m on spring break” Facebook posts, but it was not a record, according to meteorologist Jim Woodmencey.

The record for March 25 in Jackson is -27 degrees, set in 1965, he said.

The meteorologist noted colder temperatures in Bondurant (-18) and at Yellowstone Lake (-19) this morning. The lows may have been even a few degrees colder before dawn, he said.

The recent blast of winter has ensured that there will be a nordic leg for the 38th annual Pole Pedal Paddle on Saturday. The Jackson Hole Ski Club will set a course at the base of the mountain by the Teewinot and/or Eagle’s Rest lifts.

Today is the deadline to register for the PPP without paying an additional $15 registration fee. Sign up to participate individually or with a team here.

Read More…

Posted under Ski Resorts, Sports, Weather

Tags: cycling, jhmr, Nordic, ppp, ski racing, skiing

Nine months after suffering critical injuries in a ski accident, Sally Francklyn returned to Jackson Hole this week, grateful to those who saved her life.

Walking with the aid of a cane, Francklyn sat at her old desk at the public relations firm Denny, Ink. and greeted friends and former co-workers. “The band is back together,” beamed owner Chris Denny.

Tonight Francklyn’s family has organized a benefit to thank those who provided care following her fall in the Once Is Enough chute on March 24. Proceeds from the “Super Sally Celebration” at the Pink Garter will go to Jackson Hole Ski Patrol, Teton County Search and Rescue and the High Fives Foundation, which aids athletes injured in winter sports.

Read More…

Posted under Ski Resorts, Sports

Tags: jhmr, skiing

After a big week of snow, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort will open its upper mountain earlier than expected. The Bridger Gondola and Marmot chair will open tomorrow, followed by the aerial tram and Thunder and Sublette chairs Saturday.

The resort has received 33 inches of snow in Rendezvous Bowl since Dec. 1. Also, ski patrol has completed preparatory work on the upper mountain faster than anticipated, spokeswoman Anna Cole said.

Today the resort opened the new Casper high-speed quad at mid-mountain. Aimed at intermediates, the $5 million lift replaces a 38-year-old triple chair.

Warm weather has made the snow dense, padding rocks. Colder temperatures and intermittent snow are expected for the next week.

(Photo by Julie Weinberger, via JHMR)

Posted under Economy, Ski Resorts, Sports, Weather

Tags: jhmr, powder, skiing, snowboarding

Looking ahead to spring, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort already has booked the popular rock band O.A.R. to headline its Mountain Festival on March 30.

The free concert is the centerpiece of a weekend that features the 38th annual Pole Pedal Paddle race, Coombs Classic and other music and events. Lodging and lift ticket specials are available.

O.A.R., for Of A Revolution, rose to prominence playing the college circuit and through word of mouth. Like the Dave Matthews Band, to which it is often compared, the group went on to achieve mainstream success, selling out Madison Square Garden in 2006.

Read More…

Posted under Economy, Music, Ski Resorts, Sports

Tags: center for the arts, festivals, jhmr, ppp, rock, teton village