February & March Moments — Savoring Winter
After a fairly snowless trip to Colorado in January, I had one more trip planned for early February to Jackson Hole. Skiing Jackson had been on my list for several years, and I decided this was the year. I didn’t realize the West was in the middle of a historic snow drought, but everything was already booked, so I went anyway. Some skiing is better than none, and I’d get to experience a new place.
The trip was about ten days long, and even though my mom was checking on the cats, it still felt tough to leave them again so soon. I’ve been traveling a lot lately and I miss my baby every time I go. I was also a bit bummed heading west, seeing photos of dirt and mud where there should have been deep snow, but I tried to stay optimistic.
Landing in Salt Lake City, it was clear how thin the snowpack was. I spent a few days skiing Little Cottonwood Canyon, one of my favorite places. Snowbird and Alta are incredible in a good year, and while much of the backcountry was still inaccessible, the resorts did a great job opening what they could.
From there, I drove to Jackson Hole. It’s about four hours from Salt Lake, but I prefer flying there for cheaper rentals, better flight options, and easier logistics.
I had a couple of ski days at Jackson, and my timing worked out. After nearly three weeks without snow, a storm rolled in the day I arrived and dropped about a foot of fresh snow. The mountain was busy, but everyone was eager to get out. I loved the terrain. If I had to compare it, Jackson feels like a blend of Snowbird and Alta, with steep, technical lines and sections that are more forgiving.
The day before the storm, I drove into Grand Teton National Park for sunset. I couldn’t reach Mormon Row, but I still caught a full view of the Tetons in evening light, and it was worth it.
Usually ski trips fly by and I never want to leave, but this one felt different. The conditions across the West were tough. Hard snow, moguls, and icy patches made long days on the mountain more tiring than usual. After nine or ten days straight, I was ready to head home. It felt strange to be in powder country and find myself craving East Coast winter.
Getting back, I was relieved to have some time without travel. It was good to be home with my cats and settle into local skiing.
This winter I also focused on rebuilding my portfolio. I wanted more skiing and snowboarding content to encourage couples to get married on the snow. I put out a call for models and was lucky to connect with a couple at Black Mountain. It’s a small mountain with a big heart, and photographing a couple in wedding attire there felt perfect. I’ll share more from that shoot in a separate post.
I also booked several winter shoots, which is unusual for me since it’s typically a slower season. Winter elopements are something special. The scenery feels unreal and the trails are quiet. I’ll be sharing more from those soon.
Closer to home, I’m grateful for how much I explored New England this season. I spent time at Waterville, skinned with my dad, and made trips to Burke, Sunday River, and Saddleback. It’s been an incredible winter.
By late March, southern New Hampshire had mostly lost its snowpack, so my weekday training has shifted to running, roller skiing, and biking. One of my goals this summer is to train for citizen ski races next winter. Having that goal will keep me consistent.
As we move into April, I’m still holding on to winter. I decided to skip a spring Colorado trip given the conditions and high airfare, so I’m focusing on squeezing out as many New England ski days as possible. I’m aiming for 50 days on snow, which would be a personal record.
Then it’s on to summer. Hiking, running, roller skiing, and biking.
