Norris Hot Springs, Montana

Winters are long in Teton Valley. By March I start feeling antsy for hiking season. It begins to get a little redundant snowboarding and cross country skiing all winter and never leaving the valley. Kind of like the movie Groundhog Day where every day is the same as the last. I know I know, you feel reeeeeeally sorry for me right? HAHA! When the valley begins to feel smaller than it is, that means it's a great time to have an "out of valley" experience. We headed to Ennis Montana a couple hours away to soak in the glorious Norris Hot Springs. Glorious hot perfect water indeed with live music playing in the geo dome at one end of the pool! Just what the doctor ordered! 

Look Ma! I'm Skiing!

New Hobby

I've always wanted to learn how to downhill ski ever since I moved out West almost 6 years ago. I became a snowboarder my first winter here after learning how much a ski set up (skis, boots, bindings & poles) would cost. I had no idea each item was so expensive (minus the poles). I worked in a ski shop my first winter here and even with my employee discount it was going to come out around $700-1000. I didnt know many people at that time otherwise I would've borrowed or bought used gear. That's how and why I became a snowboarder. I bought my entire snowboard set up for just under $300! Now, don't get me wrong I LOVE snowboarding! I love surfing down the mountain in waist deep powder blowing snow into my face with each swift turn. Riding powder is the most exillerating feeling in the world! However, riding hardpacked groomers is not very enjoyable on a board. Some people love it but I don't. I've turned into a powder snob and won't go up to the ski hill if there isn't at LEAST 4+ inches of new snow. This is not a good way to be living in a ski down during the high pressure days, sometimes weeks, of sunshine and no new snow. I should be up there using my ski pass! So I'm finally learning how to ski. I bought an old used pair of skis WITH bindings for $25! The edges and bases of the skis are PERFECT! These skis probably never left the bunny hill! My ski boots were brand new and I bought them for half off. My entire set up cost $350 which is a near steal! I've been up at Targhee tearing up the bunny hill and having an absolute blast learning something new. Hopefully by the end of this ski season I'll be able to ski the entire mountain. I think it's a reasonable and realistic goal. Cheers to learning new things & having fun! 

3rd Annual Snowfest

Teams had three short day to turn these giant blocks of snow into beautiful works of art.

DAY 1:

DAY 2:

DAY 3:

Bear + Deer = BEER 

And I love BEER!

The wagon sculpture won first place. 

The Wizard of Oz came in second place. 

The Alice in Wonderland came in third.

My personal favorite was the Gnome. I have my reasons.... 

Winter Shenanigans, I mean, Winter Sports

Living in a cold climate one must dress accordingly if they must go outside.

There's never a dull moment with my friends.

A New Years Day toast!

This was a great way to start 2014! 

Brrrrr Rabbit!

I never get tired of cross country skiing in Teton Valley. It's a great way to get outside, ski with the dogs and get in a good workout to keep those holiday pounds from sneaking in. We are lucky to have front door access to so many beautiful places to ski. It never gets old.

Grow Up? NEVER!!!

We had to take a "normal" picture. You know, for the folks. 

But don't worry. We can't be "normal" too long.