I've been wanting to ski and explore the mountains of the northern end of the Tetons for some time now. However, my inherent laziness and the long approach across Jackson Lake have kept me away. Luckily, I had a motivated partner and we made plans the make the trek across the lake and do a little exploring. 
Dan Kowalski skinning across Jackson Lake in the morning. The approach across the lake wasn't too bad and only took about an hour. However, after a long day of skiing, the trip back across Jackson Lake could only be described as soul-crushing.
Me making very tentative turns in the heart of the couloir.
Dan contemplating what type of the snow the next turn was going to bring. From turn to turn you were never exactly sure what type of snow you were going to be landing in.
Dan Kowalski skinning across Jackson Lake in the morning. The approach across the lake wasn't too bad and only took about an hour. However, after a long day of skiing, the trip back across Jackson Lake could only be described as soul-crushing.Dan on top of the windblown summit or point.
Dan setting up to make a turn in the couloir. The snow conditions in the couloir ranged from breakable crust to hard wind-packed. You never really knew what you were going to get. I always like to joke that chute skiing isn't supposed to be good, but the last two chutes we've skied have taken the poor snow aspect to a new level.
Me making very tentative turns in the heart of the couloir.
Dan contemplating what type of the snow the next turn was going to bring. From turn to turn you were never exactly sure what type of snow you were going to be landing in.Despite the poor snow conditions, this was an excellent adventure. It had all the aspects you could think of: a long approach, a high point or summit, a steep, narrow ski descent, a bushwack out of Colter Canyon, and an extreme tired feeling at the end of the day. I'm already scheming towards another trip to the northern Tetons.
