JACKSON, Wyo. — The community is invited to gather together to celebrate the life of longtime Teton Pass Ambassador Jay Pistono on Friday, Oct. 10.
Teton Backcountry Alliance (TBCA) wrote on Facebook over the weekend that Pistono passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, Sept. 17, after a long illness. He served 25 years as U.S. Forest Service Teton Pass Ambassador and was one of the founding board members of the TBCA, assisting its launch in 2017.
TBCA Board Chair Gary Kofinas told Buckrail that Pistono volunteered his services on Teton Pass, until he eventually took a paid position with the forest service to help manage a safer and more enjoyable backcountry experience.
“He brought a lot to the table,” Kofinas said. “He had a deep understanding of the issues on Teton Pass and a deep knowledge of backcountry skiing and mountaineering.”
Kofinas said that Pistono had a vision to cultivate a community effort of responsible use.
“He wanted people to be respectful of others and to be respectful of the place,” Kofinas said. “Everything from not kicking an avalanche off Glory to hit the road and kill somebody or close access, to leashing your dog, to parking right.”
Kofinas shared that Pistono was loving and kind with people but he also knew how to be forceful when there was a problem or incident. Nonprofit Friends of the Bridger-Teton (FBT) wrote on its website that Pistono worked to create a culture of decency among the occasionally ornery skiers.
“He’s broken up fights over dog poop, encouraged better parking, talked people out of skiing avalanche-prone lines above Wyoming State Highway 22 and trained and managed volunteer Ambassadors,” FBT wrote.
Last year, Pistono spoke to Buckrail about his ongoing commitment to connect with backcountry users.
“Making personal contact with backcountry skiers is the most effective way of reminding people of the need to be safe and to ski responsibly,” Pistono said.
According to Kofinas, Pistono planned to step down from his role as an ambassador this winter, and become an advisor to the program. TCBA currently has 20 ambassadors to carry the torch for Pistono, managing backcountry access points on Teton Pass. All of the ambassadors who were trained under Pistono will “continue to work to realize his vision,” Kofinas said. Kofinas emphasized that there will now be a void on Teton Pass.
“Our ambassadors are heartsick,” Kofinas said. “They loved him, but at the same time have been inspired by him and will hopefully continue his good work.”
Starting in 2011, Pistano also served as the first-ever ambassador for the Snake River Fund (SRF). At the time, the unregulated section of the Snake from Wilson Bridge to South Park Bridge was experiencing significant usage and increased congestion by both commercial outfitters and the general public, according to the SRF.
“Jay’s calm, knowledgeable and caring demeanor allowed him to form a deep bond with all River users,” the SRF wrote on Facebook. “Pistano was instrumental in providing input into how Wilson and South Park accesses function today.”
Teton Country Search and Rescue (TCSAR) also offered its condolences via Facebook.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jay Pistono,” TCSAR wrote. “He was a true community hero and a sincere friend to TCSAR. Our hearts go out to his friends and family and countless ski partners.”
TBCA had announced plans for a celebratory barbecue on Friday, Oct. 10, to thank Pistano for his dedicated service on Teton Pass. To honor and remember Pistono, TCBA is keeping Oct. 10 as a day to celebrate his life. The potluck event will be held at Owen Bircher Park at 4:30 p.m. The celebration will include people sharing their memories, as well as music. In the event of bad weather, the event will be moved into the Old Wilson Schoolhouse. For information about the Jay Pistono Teton Pass Fund to support the ambassador program, contact TBCA.
