Stephen Koch

I was recently asked about how I train for steep snowboard descents. Below is my reply. When I was doing steep snowboard descents on a regular basis I trained by riding as much variable terrain as possible as often as possible. Getting out on icy, crappy snow all over the mountains, especially at the areas [...]

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This post is from an email conversation I had with (I believe) Lou Dawson, blog master of www.wildsnow.com and a visionary ski descent master to boot, several years ago. I try to define the nuances of mountain descents. I would love to know your comments… Stephen Koch rides some firm ’snow’ on Puncak Jaya, New [...]

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I was invited to take an early tram with the Ski Patrol by my long time friend and early climbing and mountaineering mentor Kevin Pusey. The plan was to go with him on his snow reduction route, but since there was about 1″ of snow it was not necessary. Instead KP asked me where I [...]

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My client called me 10 minuted before we were to meet for an early tram asking, “what do you think about the snow conditions? The Hobacks are going to suck.” I told him that I believe the “Hobacks will be at least as good as yesterday.” And yesterday they were great with creamy powder. My [...]

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This morning I was up on the early Gondola with several clients. Our original plan was to get an early tram, which when hiring a private instructor, you can pay a bit more and get early tram or gondola if tram is not opening. It is a great way to get a few untracked runs, [...]

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Back up! Below are some photographs of the avalanche debris pile from the avalanche that hit the Bridger Restaurant at the top of the Gondola at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Mother nature…simply amazing! Recommend on Facebook Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post

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It has been suggested by JHMR that I remove the photos of the avalanche debris that hit the Bridger Restaurant at the top of the Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort that were here. I have complied and will discuss with JHMR and hopefully have them back up. I believe transparency is the best thing. [...]

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SITUATION: Special Information: The Wyoming Department of Transportation will close Teton Pass at 8 A.M. Tuesday for avalanche reduction work. Re-opening time will be dependant on the amount of snow impacting the highway. An upper level low pressure system brought dense snow, strong winds and very warm temperatures to Western Wyoming Monday. Winds at 10,4000 [...]

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I am home, in Jackson, WY and the windows are being rattled by what I assume is continued avalanche control work by the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol, several miles away at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. They are probably loading up sleds with explosives (fertilizer), lowering them down slopes to the perceived starting points and [...]

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A major avalanche occurred at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort today. The avalanche apparently occurred naturally after the ski patrol had finished their initial avalanche control and were preparing to do a secondary. The avalanche traveled down the mountain and over cliffs and struck the Couloir Restaurant, knocking out windows and toppling tables and chairs [...]

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