The Skillet Glacier on Mount Moran is a coveted ski descent. It is hard to get to in the winter, yet it is a 6000 foot continuous descent beginning in a tight couloir almost at the summit of Mount Moran (12,605′). This defines aesthetics.
This Spring, Dan and I realized we would both be spending the summer in Jackson while working in Alaska for Alaska Mountaineering School. We also concurrently noted that there was lots and lots and lots of snow falling in the Tetons this Spring. So, naturally we figured it might be a perfect opportunity for a summertime Skillet descent. Somehow, despite working for the dark side (Exum), he still was able to get his act together to follow through with all the bar talk.
Alas, we found ourselves in a canoe- heading to Moran. We talked about getting up early. But thats about as far as we got with that plan. However, by six am we were rolling. We enjoyed a perfect 1300 foot run down from the Thumb to the base of the Skillet. The good skiing ended there. After slogging in the summer sun for another 4000+ feet, conditions were sloppy to say the least. It would have been the perfect opportunity for a canoe descent. Nonetheless, we had fun. It was a silly, sunny time until Dan got caught in a slough and lost a ski. After twenty minutes of probing the debris, he finally spotted it in a basin 500 feet below. Whew. That was close. We were psyched to be able to ski down to below 8000′ on a little channel of snow before having to pack the boots and skis for the final walk down to the boat. Upon arriving at the boat, we were greeted by some friendly fisherman who were happy to celebrate with us. Aaaaaah summer.
A good burger at Billy’s did the trick before I had to start packing for a 5 am start to guide Disappointment Peak the next day. They say if you never slow down, you’ll never grow old. I figure I’ll stay 16 forever. 
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