“Hello fellow ACFAP members! ACFAP 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting is 1 month away! We are continuing the National Park “tradition” at the Snake River Resort & Spa in Jackson Hole, WY, May 31 – June 2, 2018. Once again we will precede the meeting with a group outing in the Grand Tetons National Park on May 31st. Back by popular demand we have once again lined up professional photographer and tour guide, Mr. Don Toothaker (toothakerphoto. com) who has conducted expeditions in the Grand Tetons over 10 times.

The scientific part of the conference will take place in Jackson Hole, WY on Friday and Saturday June 1-2, 2018. This CME (12 CME’s) event will feature leading authorities on pediatric foot and ankle conditions. It will cover topics both conservative and surgical. As well the seminar will feature new and exciting panels and workshops. There will be all new topics including radiology, dermatology, vision assessment, and the importance of sensory stimulation.

This year’s ACFAP conference will be at the gateway to Grand Teton National Park in Teton Village, Wyoming.

Teton Village is a small gathering of hotels in an unincorporated district of Teton County at the base of world famous Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The busy side of Grand Teton National Park is in Moose, Wyoming- 14 miles north of the town of Jackson and nearly 1 hour from Teton Village. Teton Village boasts the “quiet” entrance to the park. Far fewer vehicles/people access the park from the HWY 390 entrance.

At this years meeting we are excited to welcome Stephen and Christy McDonald. They will be attending ACFAP 2018. Stephen McDonald, C. Ped. and his wife Christy have worked in the ski business for years and own a ski shop in town. They are 25-year locals and are happy to take calls (307) 413-5745 & emails [email protected] about nearly anything Jackson Hole related.

Things to do in Jackson Hole:

Riding Jackson Hole’s iconic tram is not just for the winter! Breathtaking views of seven mountain ranges await those who travel to another ecological world in an alpine environment. Light snacks and beverages are available at the top of the tram, but packing your own lunch is the way to go. Many hotels and restaurants in Teton Village offer a “box lunch” (also known as a “Guide’s Lunch”). These are very popular with local guides and visitors alike and will keep you fueled up and ready for the action.

There are several hiking trails from the top of Rendezvous Mountain. Make sure to bring a sweater or jacket. The elevation at the top of the tram is 10,451 feet and will be considerably chillier than the valley floor. Hiking down from the tram is a popular activity. Seven miles of downhill hiking will bring you through gorgeous and wild alpine meadows. Most 7 ACFAP Quarterly Spring 2018 locals hike up and ride the tram down. It takes about four hours and the ride down is free.

Cocktails on the Terrace: Depending on weather and snow pack, the Terrace at the top of Bridger Gondola may be open for afternoon beverages and light food. Sometimes there is a local band playing music. This is an extremely popular activity with the locals. The view is excellent; the ride is free- even if you don’t order off the menu! Very scenic. It’s possible to spot deer, moose and even bear living happily on ski runs in the summer months.

Bike Paths Everywhere: While the conference is at the base of some of the most rugged mountains on North America, the valley is as flat as a pancake. It is possible to quietly pedal for hours on a bicycle and never have to ride on a public road or navigate a hill. Christy and Stephen will be hosting an evening ride (tbd) and will talk about the history and culture of Jackson Hole. It’s very popular to ride to the most excellent Pearl Street Bagels in Wilson for morning coffee and breakfast. “Downtown Wilson” is what locals call a gathering of shops at the base of Teton Pass- it’s home to some fun shops and places to eat.

Paragliding: One of the more adventurous activities is paragliding off the top of the tram in the summer months. Experienced pilots will fly you in a tandem rig as you silently sail around the mountains and canyons of the Tetons. Very safe, yet on the edge, this one is a winner. Soar like an eagle in Jackson Hole. You won’t forget it.

Float the River: From mild to wild, Jackson Hole has whitewater. For families with young or old, scenic floats are absolutely delightful. For those seeking a white-knuckle experience, any of the local companies can arrange to bring you down the whitewater section of the Snake River. Class II and III rapids and depending on snowmelt, a few Class IV rapids may be present. Very fun.

Guided Fishing Trips: Is that a fishing trip or a quiet and private float down one of the prettiest rivers anywhere? You be the judge. Also popular is taking a private fly fishing trip in a drift boat- and not fishing. It’s a great way to spend the day with a local on the quiet sections of the river. You may even catch a Cut Throat Trout to bring back to the chef at your hotel!

And More… So much more….see you soon! And if your not coming I will see you in the Smokey’s next year!!

Once again, I want to again welcome all past, future, and current members of the American College of Foot and Ankle pediatrics to this new era not only in this organization, but also in the education of pediatric foot and ankle medicine. Thank you to each and every one of you for making this all possible!

Louis J. DeCaro, DPM
President, ACFAP
www.acfap.org