Everyone has heard of old Punxsutawney Phil over there in Pennsylvania. That little guy can make most skier’s smile by seeing his shadow on Groundhog Day, which means 6 more weeks of winter. However, 6 more weeks of winter ends in mid-March, which is about mid-season when it comes to a Teton backcountry skier’s ski season. From what I know, the groundhog most of us backcountry skier’s rely on is Punxsu-TELE Phil…who resides on Teton Pass and can see a bit further into the winter forecast than that other rodent.
It looked grim for a bit today, but under much fan-fare, and just as Punxsu-TELE Phil was dropping his knee to carve his first tele-turn, the sun broke through the clouds and indeed, he saw his shadow on the snow. For skier’s, this event marks the beginning of 6 more MONTHS of winter, and something we can all really get stoked about.
Punxsu-TELE Phil sees his shadow on Teton Pass today.
Steve FTW!!!
glad someone got a chuckle.
Thats one steezy groundhog!
for more groundhog day enjoyment…
dirty hippy rodent
oh, and cue andrew in 3…2…1… telling phil to lock down his paws to free his mind!
Funny! Being a tele guy, I especially appreciated the photo. I made the pilgrimage to Punx many a time while at school in Pittsburgh. Nothing quite like freezing your rear off to see the Inner Circle pull that poor rodent out of the stump. At least the little guy looks well fed and seems to like the guys in the top hats.
glad you like it, cj. that’s funny you went to see phl get yanked out of his hole. i’m sure those guys in the hats think they are something special.