Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is home to over 200 named avalanche paths within the ski area boundary and many more smaller unnamed paths. Mitigating avalanche danger for guests at the iconic Wyoming ski area is a monumental task which involves a combination of ski patrollers deploying explosive hand charges while skiing through the terrain and firing off their seven GAZEX Avalanche Exploders units located on the Headwall and above Pepi’s Bench.
The following video highlights the installation of four GAZEX units along a steep section known locally as Pepi’s Bench in positions that previously required difficult hikes to access for hand-thrown explosive charges. The install was a tough job with the crew working at 10,000 feet elevation without road access. All materials and equipment were delivered using heavy lift helicopters.
To ensure proper footing, each foundation required drilling and grouting five 20-foot-deep anchors using custom-built lightweight, heli-portable drilling equipment. Concrete was flown using a hopper dangled on a heavy lift helicopter. Read more about the project from GEOVERT who delivered high-risk, high-complexity geotechnical solutions worldwide and worked with Jackson Hole on the install.
Project Overview
At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming, avalanche protection was enhanced through the installation of three 1.5m³ and one 0.8m³ Gazex exploders along “Pepi’s Bench” a steep section of the ski area prone to avalanches.
The project reduced reliance on hand-thrown charges and difficult patrol hikes, enabling safer and faster opening of terrain following high avalanche forecasts. Works were completed at 10,000ft elevation without road access, requiring heavy-lift helicopters and lightweight, heli-portable drilling equipment for foundations and anchors.
Project Challenges
- Remote alpine location at 10,000ft with no road access.
- Requirement to mobilise heavy materials and equipment by helicopter.
- Construction of stable foundations on steep terrain.
- Need to minimise risk to ski patrol and avalanche staff.
Project Solution
- Installation of three 1.5m³ and one 0.8m³ Gazex exploders.
- Custom lightweight, helicopter-portable drilling equipment used for foundations.
- Mass concrete foundations tied back with micropiles and grouted anchors.
- Heavy-lift helicopter used for material transport and concrete placement.
- Collaboration with Jackson Hole ski patrol and avalanche specialists to site exploders effectively.
Project Results
- Reliable remote avalanche control system installed at high elevation.
- Reduced need for hand-thrown explosives and risky access by ski patrol.
- Faster and safer opening of ski terrain during high avalanche conditions.
- Long-term safety and operational improvements for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
