TREW Ambassador Erica Aarons grew up riding the tow ropes of Minnesota before making her way out West to the Teton Valley. A bonafide ripper, Erica has traveled all over the world following her love of skiing, from the Chugach Mountains in Alaska to the Andes in Chile, but nothing has her heart like the range in her backyard.

From Erica: I’ve called the Tetons home for a decade. 

I learned to love the range from the east. Sharp, towering peaks that Jackson Hole is known for and I vowed to never get sick of looking at. To this day, I’ve kept that promise.

The Tetons have a reputation for being intense, and sharing these mountains with some of the most impressive athletes in the world is a good way to humble yourself. 

I was first smitten by Tram laps and 4,000 feet of inbounds powder, with my “secret” stashes and never-ending blower, cowboy pow. Another storm always around the corner to offer a welcome refresh. 

In the years that followed, my thirst was quenched by lift-accessed backcountry. Mile-long couloirs, powder that stayed untracked even longer, and conquering lines that I never dreamt of skiing became my everyday reality.

Beyond the skiing, I’ve found community and chosen family. There’s always a familiar face in the grocery store or the lift line. Holidays away from ‘home’ filled with skiing, potlucks, and good friendships.

Now, I love the Tetons from the west. Life in Teton Valley, Idaho is slower, the Cathedral Peaks appear more gentle in comparison, and I’ve found skiing that is more laid back too.

Like many, I came for a season and never left. 

April is Earth Month! 

Join us in celebrating Earth Day all month long. We will be donating 10% of all profits from this month back to protecting + advocating for our public lands. Learn more here.

The last photo in this series is by Emily Tidwell! Thanks Emily!