Jack & Jill Went Up the Hill

Yesterday the C-Team and its honorary member Phil (he's too good at stuff to really be C-Team material) did the first annual Jack & Jill ski mountaineering race at the small, obscure and remote Teton Pass ski hill.

photo belongs to Teton Pass ski resort

There was a le mans start where we had to run to our skis, put them on and then go.  There were two climbs with the first being significantly longer than the second.  Two downhills as well, both of which were totally managable.  The turnout was amazing with more than 40 people.  It's amazing considering Teton Pass is totally and incredibly remote -- almost an hour's drive from Choteau, Montana, a cute and also fairly obscure town on the Rocky Mountain front -- just outside the Bob Marshall Wilderness. 

Dave, Amber and Phil

Unlike last weekend, I was not last.  In fact, I finished third woman (out of how many I do not know).  I was second on the first ascent but the second place woman out-skied me.  I was in the second transition with her but she took off about a minute before I did and finished 2.5 minutes ahead of me.  She won two coolers of beef -- I just aquired 100+ pounds of bison so I should really be relieved that I didn't win more meat.  I am pleased with being third and despite feeling a bit blobby after a week of unmitigated debauchery, felt like I was able to put in a solid effort and ski the wind-blasted ice/hard pack decently.

Amber WON, as did our friend Phil who took the overall and men's win.  Dave did swimmingly as well.  We might have to become the B- Team with all the winning (or Amber and I cleverly discussed just calling ourselves the A+ Team).  All in all a super fun little adventure and an opportunity to get to know Montana that much better.  I think I am in love with Teton Pass, what with its small hill, dogs running around, great bar and food and $30 lift tickets (free with $35 race entry -- oh and there was all-day free beer).