I chose just one ski trip for this winter. That was to join the G.E. Ski Club in Whitefish, Montana. My plan was to make this a skiing road trip. I would drive to Whitefish, stopping at other resorts along the way; going there and coming back along a different route.
On Day#1, I drove from home in Silverthorne, CO to Jackson, Wymoning. The Rocky Mountains have a very low snowpack this year. Along most of this leg of the journey, there was only snow on the hilltops. The roads were dry pavement. Along the roads, grass; not snowbanks.
Once in Jackson, I opted for Grand Tetons National Park (NP) rather than skiing. I had never been to Grand Teton NP. It was amazing how little snow there was. In the Elk Preserve, the elk were feeding on grass. I did learn, that the area farmers sets aside feed for the elk, but only bring it to them when the snow covers all their natural feed.
Elk Grazing in the Elk Preserve, Jackson, Wyoming
A Young Elk Watching Me
I saw a diverse set of wildlife. My hopes were to capture photos of the Bison and Moose. However, I was unable to get closer than 8 miles to the Bison. This photo was taken from an elevated position.
Bison Many Miles Away
Bald eagles were in abundance.
A Pair of Bald Eagles Resting in the Elk Preserve
A Bald Eagle Resting with Jackson, Wyoming in the Background
A herd of Mule Deer was nearby.
Mule Deer
There were plenty of Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep. Although their winter coats are not hiding them very well.
Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep
It was fun to watch how nimble they were on the rock ledge.
A Young Big Horn Sheep in a Rock Ledge
Of course, I did see the Grand Tetons, or most of them. They were shrouded in a layer of clouds most of the time.
Gran Tetons with clouds covering the peaks
One animal, which has been elusive for me is the moose. They roam on the trails by my house in Silverthrone. Yet, I have never seen one. Here, I could see them, but they were far off the road.Hiking in the Preserve was not allowed.
Moose and Calf
With the Tetons partially obscured; the wildlife free to roam far from sight with no snowpack; I still had a great day!
I learned so much about the wildlife, man’s interference, and now the ways man is trying to help. My guide was extremely knowledgeable on all subjects pertaining to the Tetons, Wildlife, geology, native tribes, and politics.