Jackson Chills
Jackson, Wyoming (September 21, 2002) - The scene outside the Bridger Gondola in Jackson this weekend seemed familiar, yet strangely out-of-place. Hundreds of skiers and snowboarders stood huddled in a packed line-up outside an endless progression of gondola cars, waiting for the season's first ride. No snow graced the mountain's dark flanks, and no gloves clutched a frosty pair of skis, but the eyes--everyone's eyes were lit with the anticipation of depthless powder days ahead.
It's premiere season, and Teton Gravity Research delivered this year's feature film--The Prophecy--in style. After lounging in front of the TGR offices with a couple of kegs of local choice, ski industry icons, pros, and dedicated ski bums ascended Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to witness a barrage of images that would leave them drooling for snow.
From profiles on the Utah backcountry hucking culture to skiers and snowboarders continuing to meld big mountain and freestyle disciplines, The Prophecy tells a captivating story of our changing sport. And of course, the cliffs dropped, airs stomped, and powder snorkeled raised heartbeats to dangerous rates.
After amped-up riders descended from the Gondola Summit with prizes from POWDER, Rossignol, Smith, TGR, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and more, the party moved to the Mangy Moose for a night of uncapped debauchery. Mixmaster Mike, of Beastie Boys fame, laid down tracks all night to stoke the fires of a raucous pre-season bash. If the stoke from one night could fuel a season of endless snow, Saturday was it. Save your old skis to burn until next fall.
