Behind the Pages: Phil Lindeman

If you’ve read JHStyle for a while, you already know that writer Phil Lindeman has a knack for finding the pulse of mountain-town life. He’s taken us on a tour of Jackson Hole’s thriving craft beer scene, walked us through some of the region’s most innovative architectural projects, and even rounded up insider tips for gardening at altitude.

In the upcoming winter edition, Phil is back with a bevy of stories that tap straight into the heart of Teton life. He’s shining a light on the lifesaving mission of the Teton Backcountry Alliance, spending time with the avalanche dog team at Grand Targhee to learn how these heroes train, and sitting down at Maison to explore the fresh flavors shaping one of the valley’s most exciting menus.

A career mountain news guy based in Summit County, Colorado, Phil has spent the past 15 years covering… well, just about everything. These days you’ll hear him on Krystal 93 — a gig he still can’t believe they gave a reformed newspaper reporter. (His wife says he’s getting better. Phil insists he still sounds like Ron Burgundy.)

We caught up with Phil for a behind-the-pages Q&A on the stories he chased this season, the mountain life that keeps pulling him in, and the verve he brings to the job every step of the way.

What was your favorite part of contributing to the 25/26 Winter Edition of JHStyle?

I had the rare opportunity to interview Jay Pistono, the godfather of backcountry etiquette on Teton Pass. It was my first conversation with Jay, and I'm heartbroken to know it will be my last. My piece on Teton Backcountry Alliance — his brainchild — is a small tribute to a big man I wish I knew better.

During cold months, what's your go-to beverage to warm up?

Spicy Rabbit (half and half chai tea and Nesquik hot cocoa).

What's the perfect wintertime meal?

Buffalo chili with Fritos.

What's your favorite part of winter? And what's just the worst?

Snowboarding is my medicine. But like medicine, it's bitter sometimes. Those are the days you'll catch me daydreaming about a beach.

When it's time to turn on some music and get to writing, what's on your playlist?

Something instrumental like Explosions In The Sky, or maybe hip-hop like Nas or Lupe Fiasco. The lyrics don't distract.

Chilly temps, wind, snow... what wintertime wardrobe items would you perish without?

Neck buff. I'm one of those guys, wearing a buff with a ball cap instead of a beanie.

Describe your ideal winter day.

It just snowed 16 inches. The tunnel is closed. It's still storming and I've got nowhere to be but my favorite chairlift, lapping powder stashes with some buddies.

Where's your favorite spot to write? Why?

Kitchen table. It's not comfortable or convenient, but it gets the juices flowing.

If you could enjoy a fireside chat with one writer — dead or alive — who would it be and why?

Is it cheating to say James Nachtwey? He's a photojournalist, not a writer, but I've always wanted to learn how he remains calm and perceptive when the world is literally exploding around him. He's the definition of a pro.

If someone is looking for a great book to add to their winter reading list, what would you recommend?

"Powder Days", by Heather Hansman, on the anthropology of ski bums. Or "The White Death", by McKay Jenkins, about the Montana avalanche that inspired modern U.S. avy forecasting.