Our Fearless Leader

Tonight the sky enveloped The Grand Teton, and for the first time in nearly five days I lost sight of that magnificent peak. Just a few months ago I stood atop that grand mountain... 13,770 ft with my co-worker, friend and mentor Chris Onufer. We stayed on the summit for nearly 30 minutes while we ate our lunch and conversed about the abundant beauty of the valley below.

(Chris near the summit of The Grand)

Chris had a comanding presence and was a familiar face to everyone who frequents the Tetons. If you were ever on a chairlift in Jackson Hole and saw someone standing on the TOP of the Tram, above the cables, most likely it was Chris.

He never let a minute pass that he wasn't on an adventure or planning his next excursion.

(photo right: the summit)

(photo left: Chris repelling off the top of The Grand Teton)

Sadly on Wednesday, he was claimed by the mountains that he loved. Chris and Steve Romeo were on an ascent of Ranger peak to ski the south coulier when an avalanche broke and claimed the lives of two beloved brethren.

I never had an opportunity to meet Steve Romeo, but I heard Chris tell stories of their numerous mountain adventures throughout the years, which have been immortalized in my memory.

Chris was an inspiration to climbers, skiers, mountaineers and athletes alike. The first summer I became friends with Chris he drove to Coeur d'Alene, ID to compete in the Iron Man competition there. He finished the hellish endurance race one weekend and the next he climbed Mt. Rainer and came 1,100 ft from summitting and skied down. He then drove back to Wyoming and worked his work week and on the next weekend he completed a tri-athalon in Driggs, ID. The man never slowed down for one minute. Whether he was working, mountaineering, skiing, biking, running or whatever he chose for the day, he always put forth 110% of his energy and knowledge.
(Chris on his birthday ski break 2011, Top of the tram)

(Chris and I waiting below the last three pitches on The Grand)

I feel fortunate to have gotten to know and love Christian Onufer. He taught me more than I could ever relate in words. Whether he was showing me the intricacies of the Tram mechanics or teaching me about the mountains that we love, he would always bestow his knowledge and experience with me and all those around him. I will never forget his larger than life personality, complete with millions of "one dollar" bets, laughter and smiles. He has taken me up The Grand Teton, convinced me to climb and snowboard down The Ice Cream Cone Coulier on The South Teton, not to mention taking me on the best ski runs I have ever had the opportunity to ride here in Jackson Hole. He has given me a passion for exploration in the mountains he loved. He was my guide, my teacher and my friend.
I will miss seeing your face everyday and learning everything that you knew. I will watch for you now in the sunrise over Sleeping Indian and in the sparkle of the granite in the Teton's. I will listen for your guidance through the wind and the roar of the machine. And I will feel your presence in the deepest snow and steepest of couliers. I'm going to miss you Chris, but happily your spirit lives on in each of us.

in memoriam: Steve Romeo and Chris Onufer

Ride Breaks VS. Lunch Breaks

"Umm... Mountain Station, not sure if you care but there are two skiers coming down Casper Bowl right now."

"Oh, we care. Bridger?"

"We're on it."

Radio banter as the evening turns to Blue Bird. With the Tetons blanketed a North Westerly wind pulls the covers over the valley and all those below the headboard of this mountain range pursue their apres ski dreams.

For me, The Clash plays in the background as I watch the bright sun rays set behind the Westerly peaks.

My day began flying Car 1 in a 60 mph NW wind and swinging too close to tower 5 with the TGnaR crew and our savvy Tram Mechanic Josh. However it was a swift recovery from there. I was fortunate to get the 9:00 break... the "Garth" break, 50 minutes during the opening hour of public operations.

1st Tram with my Amer friend from Ogden, straight to South Hoback. A buffed bowl, to Our Trail to my sickest south boundary run of the season. Then halfway back up Union Pass lift I hear over the radio that we had beat our own Tram by a sizable lead. We decided to go for a second lap, but this would require me beating my own Tram again and being ready on the dock in order to relieve Virgil, my fellow operator who had just flown me to the top for my second run. Risky move... I know, but worth it if it can be done right.

And it was. Racing down a milk bottle Bowl, with no visibility and a bit of vertigo I began to question my decision to poach another run. I caught my breath, by slowing my turns and clearing my head. I had told Mike that it was going to be a fast run, but I ended up loosing him before getting to Sublette chair. Apparently Cheyenne Gully was too inviting.

One look back, no signs of my friend... A-line to Lower Tram Line, to sick pow slashes directly underneath Car 2 and the knowledge that I am going to make it in time to relieve Mr. Virgil Swords. What a break!
Who needs lunch when you eat powder for breakfast?

Party on Wayne, this is Garth signing off. Much love from JHMR!