NEWS RELEASE
WHAT: Jaime Pierre jumps a 255 foot cliff on skis to Break the World Record
WHEN: January 25, 2006
WHERE: Off the backside of Grand Targhee Resort, Alta WY
Photo: Greg Epstein @ www.gregepstein.com
Teton Gravity Research film athlete, Jamie Pierre successfully jumped a record breaking 255 foot cliff off the backside of Fred’s Mountain located just outside the boundaries of Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, WY. The feat occurred on January 25, 2006 witnessed by the Teton Gravity Research production team. After researching the monster air for more than 7 years, Jamie finally found conditions that were suitable for the jump. In communication with professional skier and 20 year Jackson Hole local, Jason Tattersall, Jaime and “Tat” determined that the snow pack was in prime condition for the jump. Tattersall had repelled the cliff during the summer months to examine the sheerness of the cliff and find out the features that lie under the snow in the landing zone. Tattersall reported seeing nothing bigger than softball size rocks on the steep terrain. With heavy and persistent snowfall having brought 335+ inches (27.9 feet) to the Tetons this winter, it was primed with a deep and consistent landing necessary to support the intense impact. Before the shoot Jaime was heard saying: “If I do this I am not going to get hurt.” So after 30 minutes of preparation, a notion of full confidence and a brief prayer Pierre leapt off the massive buttress, holding a mute grab in first 50 feet and then continuing the 4 second freefall before hitting the snow. Jamie’s bomb hole left him buried 6 feet under the snow for roughly a minute until he was dug out by nearby photographer, Adam Clark. He skied away making deep powder turns from the record breaking air with a mere bloody lip.
Josh Nielsen, TGR’s supervising producer was onsite said this of the event: “It was a really, really heavy and intense experience for all of us, the event was managed by Pierre and we were kind of along for the ride”
The cliff was initially measured at 245 feet with a rage finder used for B.A.S.E. jumping. The day after photographer Wade McKoy went back to the site and measured the jump by rope with the speculation that the distance is greater, with the closer to exact result of 255 feet.
When asked, “How did you feel that night?” Pierre replied “That was the best night of sleep I have had since becoming a professional skier some 16 years ago.”
Photo here: http://www.lineskis.com/assets/blog/20060225211342-Jaime_Pierre_Press.pdf
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