WILSON, Wyo. — Teton Backcountry Alliance (TBCA) has announced that it will add Fridays to the free Teton Pass shuttle schedule this season, a change from only Saturdays and Sundays last year. Additionally, the beacon park at the Coal Creek Parking lot is set up and ready for those looking to practice their rescue skills.
The shuttle service for the season will start next Friday, Dec. 19, instead of Dec. 12, due to conditions. Chair of TBCA Gary Kofinas told Buckrail that warm weather and rain have made it such that most backcountry users aren’t in need quite yet.
This year, TBCA has 21 Pass Ambassadors. They recently completed a two-day orientation where they met with agencies like the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), Teton County Search and Rescue and Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Bridger-Teton National Forest reps.
“We have a very skilled team, more than ever before. It’s just a very high level of professionalism,” Kofinas said to Buckrail. Ambassadors will regularly be on the Pass in various locations from Wednesday to Sunday every week.
Kofinas emphasized that ambassadors are present to promote responsible use of the pass, safety and wildlife conservation efforts.
TBCA has made some gear upgrades this year as well. Last year, the pass shuttle was a two-wheel-drive van. Thanks to partial funding from the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board and community member donations, TBCA has acquired a 2024 Ford Transit all-wheel-drive van outfitted with winter tires, which promises a safer and more comfortable ride.
The shuttle will also take skiers and riders to the Stilson parking area upon request, typically at the beginning and the end of the day. Dogs are welcome in the Teton Pass shuttle.
“All you have to remember,” Kofinas said in closing to Buckrail, “is that the shuttle will be at the Trail Creek Trailhead at the top of the hour, and at the bottom of the hour it’ll be at the Coal Creek parking lot.”
Learn more about the Teton Backcountry Alliance and check the shuttle schedule here.
