Hoofers Celebrate 50th Trip to Jackson Hole
Hoofers take a scenic hike up the mountain at last year’s trip to Jackson Hole. All photos courtesy of Hoofers Ski and Snowboard Club.
While some of us will spend our spring break enjoying hot sand and sun, the Hoofers Ski and Snowboard Club is planning for something a bit chillier.
Hoofers Ski and Snowboard (SnS) will travel to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, Wyoming for the 50th time this March, a significant anniversary for a club founded on fun and tradition, which is why a special package for alumni is being offered this year to invite past trip-goers and friends and family of Hoofers to join in on the coolest spring break ever.
“The goal of this is first to honor the members that set the stage for the amazing club that we have today,” said Hoofers SnS Club President Bobby Stemper. “Second, we want to connect current members with past members. Skiing can be a lot more than recreation; it’s a multi-billion dollar industry that is run on a love for skiing and the outdoors.”
Bobby will be one of the 250 students traveling to Jackson Hole, and hopes to see over 30 alumni join them. Along with Vice President of Hoofers Trips Clare Bornemann and Assistant Vice President of Trips Ryan Johnson, Bobby and six other chosen trip leaders put in the time and planning of busses, itineraries and socials, along with any obstacles that come along the way.
A throwback to a past trip to Jackson Hole.
“Students organize these trips and it’s amazing,” said Joe Webb, outdoor recreation manager. “Over 200 people they don’t know, taking a bus out there and dealing with small shenanigans, facilitating a great big group experience and working with all the logistics behind planning the trips—they just do a great job.”
Joe assists the trip leaders with liability and coordination behind Jackson Hole, along with networking with alumni for this year’s special trip, which will feature both old and new traditions.
“We still fry as many brats as can fit on the grill, we still stay at the historic Antler Inn, we still eat elk at a group dinner and we still have more fun than anyone on the mountain,” Bobby said. Hoofers will also find out who are the better skiers are with a new twist on their king of the mountain race, a dash down the slopes with alumni competing against students.
A few mountain-goers pause for a photo-op at last year’s trip to Jackson Hole.
“The Hoofers are our favorite group of the year,” said Debby Hodges, manager of the Antler Inn. Debby has worked at the Antler Inn for 29 years, watching the fun group of Hoofers who stay there enjoy Jackson Hole year after year and make numerous long-term relationships. “I want them to know how much we appreciate them and look forward to them visiting.”
“Tradition lives in their hearts,” said Clarene Law, owner of the Antler Inn. “I just want them to have a great time and be a part of Jackson Hole.”
Bobby, who will treasure this journey to Jackson Hole as his final student Hoofer trip, is excited to connect with people who still hold skiing as a major part of their lives.
“I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to lead and show hundreds of kids the value of these trips,” Bobby said. “I hope that any future leaders understand what Jackson Hole means to its trip-goers, past, present and future.”
Have you or anyone you know traveled to Jackson Hole? Share your favorite Hoofers experiences in the comments section below!
