Monday, January 23, 2017

Jackson Hole 2017: Jordan Does Rendezvous Bowl

This is about Jordan skiing Rendezvous Bowl; read about the rest of the ski trip here.

Rendezvous Bowl is that big bowl at the very, very top of the resort that you saw clear from town and knew you would be skiing later. When you ride the tram up, the operator will give you the spiel about how Rendezvous Bowl is for expert skiers and riders only, the local standing next to you will probably be mouthing the script in unison since he or she has heard it so many times. And yes the visibility can be bad some days and require you to ski by using the force, but on a good day it’s not just where the tram docks; it’s your personal powder playground. The wind likes to howl up top, which can be a good thing. Days when the bowl hasn’t gotten a re-up of powder the wind can buff the bowl smooth, essentially grooming it. Those are the times when you want to be up there. Oh and if it’s clear the view ain’t bad either. --from Top 10 Ski Runs at Jackson Hole

According to EpicSki, Rendezvous Bowl is nearly half a mile wide with about 800 vertical feet. "There are really only a couple of things to ski from the tram. Rendezvous Bowl is the 'easy' way down. It's big, wide, moderately steep, and subject to all kinds of wind, sun, snow, and weather conditions. It can be powder, smooth skier-pack, rock-hard frozen bumps, creamy corn, or ankle-deep slush. It can have horrible white-out conditions or it can be one of the most gorgeous places you've ever been."

But first, a practice run on the bumps of Elephant Tree...

Rendezvous Bowl looks bigger from on top than from the safety of the Tram.


It's a long way down.


Rendezvous Bowl isn't kind to first-timers.



Does this bowl ever end?


Style and control in Rendezvous Bowl.


Jordan's first trip down Rendezvous Bowl was a huge success!


Jordan is elated.


His coach is proud.


His girlfriend is relieved.

A couple days later, Jordan skied the bowl again. Even with the "limited visibility," he skied it faster and more confidently. There were a few inches of new-ish snow that made the skiing even more fun.

Next year, Corbet's Couloir?
A photo posted by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (@jacksonhole) on

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