-large.webp)
Dawn Patrol on the Tetons: Chasing First Tracks in Jackson Hole
First tracks, steep lines, and why Jackson’s Tetons are the perfect stage for a true dawn patrol
Photo by Kevin Cass
Shutterstock (ID: 143703559)
When the alarm goes off before the sky lightens, there’s a moment of decision that feels domestic and elemental at once: stay under the blankets, or join the mountain as it wakes? Choose the mountain and you find yourself on a narrow road that winds toward the Teton Range, headlights cutting through frosted sage. By the time you clip into your skis the world has been pared back to essentials — breath, heartbeat, and the hush of a valley that still remembers the night. The early glow arrives like a promise. Pines frame the rising sun, cornices sharpen into silhouette, and the first tracks across an uninterrupted slope look like a personal invitation: come claim a line. That’s dawn patrol in Jackson Hole — not a single run but a ritual of intentional early-morning departure, crisp air, and the rare combination of technical challenge and cinematic scenery.
Trail Wisdom
Check the avalanche forecast
Always read the Teton Avalanche Center bulletin before your tour and adjust plans to avoid high-risk slopes.
Start before sunrise
Early departures minimize wind exposure and maximize the chance to be on fresh tracks; aim to be skinning at first light.
Layer for variable exertion
Wear breathable base layers and carry a light insulating midlayer; temperatures change quickly between skin and descent.
Respect wildlife closures
Avoid closed areas that protect wintering ungulates and nesting raptors; check park notices and signage.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Granite Canyon approaches for sheltered tree runs
- •Lesser-known south-facing bowls near Teton Pass that preserve late-season snow
Wildlife
Moose, Elk
Conservation Note
Grand Teton National Park and local organizations emphasize avalanche education and wildlife protection; practice Leave No Trace and follow seasonal closures to reduce human impact.
The valley has long been inhabited and used by Shoshone people and later mountain men; Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929 and expanded in subsequent decades.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Spring corn turns, Long daylight laps, Avalanche education courses
Challenges: Variable snowpack, Wet slides on warm days
Spring brings longer days and firmer morning corn with sticky afternoon melts; choose early starts to maximize stable snow.
summer
Best for: Alpine hiking, Climbing and scrambling, Wildflower viewing
Challenges: No alpine skiing, Thunderstorms in afternoons
Summer shifts the Tetons to hiking and climbing mode; snow retreats to the highest basins but the terrain remains dramatic.
fall
Best for: Clear, crisp conditions, Photography of fall color, Skinning late-season snowfields
Challenges: Early season storms, Shortening daylight
Fall is quieter and colder; early-season snows can arrive suddenly, so pack for variable weather.
winter
Best for: Powder skiing, Long ski descents, Backcountry touring
Challenges: Avalanche danger, Cold nights and wind
Winter is prime for dawn patrols and deep snow, but conditions demand avalanche awareness and competent winter travel skills.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Avalanche beacon, probe & shovelEssential
Non-negotiable for any backcountry objective to locate and rescue companions.
Ski touring setup (skis/splitboard, skins, touring bindings)Essential
Allows uphill access and efficient, controlled descents in varied snow.
Insulated, breathable layering systemEssential
Helps regulate temperature during climbs and cold descents.
Goggles with low-light and bright lenses
Interchangeable lenses help with visibility from pre-dawn to mid-morning light.
Common Questions
Do I need a guide for dawn patrol in the Tetons?
If you lack avalanche training or backcountry experience, hire a certified local guide; they know safe lines, current snowpack conditions, and efficient approaches.
Where do I check avalanche conditions?
Consult the Teton Avalanche Center website for daily forecasts, observations, and recommended travel advice.
Are permits required for backcountry skiing?
Backcountry travel within Grand Teton National Park is allowed, but specific routes and overnight stays may have regulations; check National Park Service guidance for current rules.
When is the best time to find fresh powder?
Winter storms in January and February often deliver deep powder; early morning after a storm gives the best chance at untracked snow.
Can I rent backcountry gear in Jackson?
Yes — several outfitters in Jackson rent touring gear and avalanche equipment and can also arrange guided trips.
What level of skiing is required?
Many classic Tetons lines require advanced to expert downhill skiing ability due to steep pitches, variable conditions, and exposure.
What to Pack
Beacon/probe/shovel for rescue, insulated water bottle to avoid freezing, breathable layers and windproof shell, extra goggles with low-light lens
Did You Know
Grand Teton is the tallest peak in the Teton Range at 13,775 feet (4,199 meters).
Quick Travel Tips
Fly into Jackson Hole Airport for the quickest access; check the Teton Avalanche Center before leaving; arrive very early to secure parking; consider hiring a local guide if unfamiliar with backcountry travel.
Local Flavor
Jackson combines rugged Western heritage with a refined outdoor culture — expect cowboy-inspired cuisine, local art galleries, and communal après-ski scenes where guides and locals swap route tips over hearty fare.
Logistics Snapshot
Nearest airport: Jackson Hole (JAC). Typical elevation: valley ~6,200 ft. Check avalanche forecasts daily. Parking at trailheads fills early; guided options widely available.
Sustainability Note
Travelers should minimize disturbance to wintering wildlife, pack out waste, stay on durable travel surfaces when possible, and support local guide services that invest in conservation and avalanche education.