It was Friday night before President’s Weekend and I still didn’t have a clue where I was spending the long weekend. Trips to Canada, Jackson Hole, and Salt Lake City were all viable options but as a student the most affordable is always the most ideal.
So on Friday night, a good friend of mine mentioned she was headed to meet her parents at Grand Targhee. My hopes for the weekend were beginning to turn around when she suggested I come with. A smile formed on my face while images of steep groomers and views of the Grand Teton began to fill my head.Â
I had only ever been to Targhee once before, but it left a lasting impact and a thirst for more. These kinds of last minute trips are exactly why I felt it was so important to attend a college in the mountains. Living in Montana, Targhee is only a short drive, making it the perfect weekend destination.Â
This trip got even sweeter when I was informed we would be able to couch surf, rather than pay for any sort of housing. These types of experiences are what make the ski community work. Opening your home to a family friend and her two fellow collegiate ski-bums is exactly what creates positive ski culture.
After our last minute planning late Friday night, myself, my friend, and one other ski-driven student set off early Sunday morning to Grand Targhee Resort. We drove straight from our houses to the hill to make the most of our day and got there with plenty of time to take advantage of the terrain Targhee has to offer.
Coming from Montana, the snowpack in Wyoming was a welcome surprise. For the first time this season we could ski without the constant fear of a looming core-shot. We rounded out our first day in Targhee with a bootpack up Mary’s to ski some different terrain. The turns were certainly heavy but it was a nice compliment to the firm groomers, especially as we watched one of our friends test the snowpack with backflip followed by multiple tomahawks.
Ski trips are traditionally full of laughs and this trip was no different. We spent some time in the lodge after last chair talking with our friend’s family and some true Targhee locals. It was clear that ski culture runs deep, no matter the generation, and our car ride back down to town was spent reflecting on the good times and our appreciation for an older generation that instilled this passion for skiing in us.Â
Our fun lasted late into the night with dinner and heavy laughter leading us into our last day. We skied one beautiful day at the resort. The sun even came out to give us a view of the Grand Teton before we headed down to begin our trek back north.
A quick stop at a local Mexican restaurant and we were on the road. The conversation consisted of dread over returning to school and where our next spontaneous trip might take us. With good company and fun skiing the weekend was an objective success. Fond memories were made as we returned to Montana with smiles on our faces just 36 hours after we had left.
Wonderful people are what make these trips possible, both everybody I skied with, or even just talked to, grew my appreciation for this community. I look forward to where I might end up next as I reflect on my gratefulness for everybody’s kindness and the joy that can spark from a spontaneous weekend.