Happy New Year from JH Nordic!
Celebrating with a nice ski, moose sighting, and Persephone West take-out coffee post XC ski. Reward after the effort! Wishing you all a wonderful 2021.
Winter Service Update from Parks and Rec
The Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation Department continues to work with local partners and the community to provide winter outdoor opportunities.
Staff has finally been able to groom everything including South Park Loop for the first time today. It is a bit thin but in good shape. Due to the New Year’s Holiday Cache Creek will be groomed on Saturday January 2nd rather than Friday the 1st . The High School Complex is a bit thin but will be groomed Thursday, and then not again until next Tuesday. Due to the Holiday South Park Loop Pathway and May Park will not be groomed again until next Wednesday. Please continue to check the website and/or Twitter feed (@TCJPRGrooming) for the most up to date information on conditions: http://www.tetonparksandrec.org/1353/Grooming-Report
Dec. 30, 2020 – Nature Update
Provided by Cathy Shill founder of The Hole Hiking Experience www.holehike.com/
“On these vast, calm, measureless mountain days…Days in whose light everything seems equally divine, opening a thousand windows to show us God.” -John Muir
During the winter, periods of sun usually means frigid valley temperatures in Jackson Hole. The warmth of the sun heats the earth and this heat rises trapping the cold, denser air in the Jackson valley. This frigid air remains trapped by the mountains that encircle Jackson Hole until a change in weather. Our preferred weather forecast is by local meteorologist, Jim Woodmency, at Mountain Weather and it’s always good to compare with NOAA or a different resource.
Temperatures can plummet well below zero overnight. Being active helps generate heat so snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or fat biking are great options with proper layers and preparation. It is amazing how warm the sun can feel on these cold days. You also can’t beat the views, the blue sky and the beauty of winter. On an afternoon walk, we saw a paraglider taking advantage of the calm air and blue sky to go for a ride. Looks fun!
Deep valley snow has yet to accumulate so animals continue to move. Once snow deepens, they will settle to conserve energy. Always nice to start the day with a drive to look for wildlife giving the sun time to rise and begin to heat the valley. On the back of the Elk Refuge, you can often see the Big Horn Sheep on Miller Butte. It is a winter territory for the sheep and easily seen from the road. Quite important to NOT let them lick your vehicles. The salt on our cars is not good for any wildlife.
We have also enjoyed wildlife sightings on the drive north towards Grand Teton Park on Highway 89/191. Trumpeter swans, eagles, ravens, coyotes, fox, deer, elk and moose have all been seen. Such fun to live in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem where the web of life is connected. Each day has the potential of amazing wildlife and beauty. Squirrel tracks can be seen in the snow in front of the Tetons in this photo. Reading the scene is a fun part of a nature excursion.
Busy holiday time with lots of happy clients. All of us are grateful to share such beauty and inspiration on our tours. You can’t beat time with a naturalist to connect to an area and deepen your understanding. Here’s to 2021 and the New Year ahead. May it bring peace and ease for us all and the connectedness we need to reach our true potential.
The Hole Hiking Experience has been sharing this Ecosystem for over 30 years. Join us to get off the beaten track, find wildlife and the warm parts of Jackson Hole. www.holehike.com 307.690.4453
Trail Creek Nordic
Last Updated: 12/31
Looking Back!
It’s a lovely day today at Trail Creek with gently falling snow blanketing our intricate and challenging network of trails. Totals as of the end of grooming were approaching the one inch range with the snow being very light and dry. Skiing should be good today whatever your technique with very Nordic friendly temperatures of around -5ºC/23ºF.
Grooming did begin today with the Pisten Bully placing fresh classic tracks throughout the fields, however as that mission was nearing completion, the Pisten Bully suffered a slight setback which will put it out of commission for a couple of days. Grooming was completed with the Ginzu groomer, the conditions being such that it was able to lay down some really nice best line skate passes on the rest of the trails.
Being the final day of the year, it’s fascinating to look back through the grooming reports and see how the pandemic and the year have evolved. The first mention of pandemic was in the January 29th report, with the reality of the situation seeming to become apparent in the February 28th edition, the cabin was closed on March 15th, and the final edition expressed hope that this would all be over by the beginning of the 2020-2021 season seven months later.
The seven months have come and gone but the groomer’s choice for today is still an end to the pandemic and a Happy New Year!
January 29th Grooming Report
Planetary Problems!
While the above title brings to mind a myriad of events from pandemics to politics to climate change, most of these topics go way beyond the scope of a grooming report. However, we do have some planetary problems relevant to our Nordic world to discuss today…
February 28th Grooming Report
TGIF Edition!
What with global pandemics and crashing stock markets if ever we needed a Thank God it’s Friday Edition, today could be it. What better thing to do than put away the troubles of the world, grab your gear, and go out for a great Nordic ski! While we can’t do much about the stock market, we can pretty much ensure that you won’t catch the Corona virus out here today, and exercise is always a good thing…
March 15th Grooming Report
Slammed!
The forecast moderate snowfall has grown into a major dump moving into the foot plus range for Trail Creek. Today’s grooming is in progress as of early Sunday morning with multiple passes of the roller on most major trails followed by a pass of the Ginzu groomer for classic tracks on the agenda. Skating will definitely give you a workout today while classic skiing should be divine if you can keep your skis moving in the warm snow.
In response to the growing concern of the global pandemic, the cabin will remain closed today; however, you are still encouraged to enjoy a great and healthy Nordic ski. Just remember to maintain your six foot social distancing from other skiers (and moose) and you should have no chances of any negative consequences.
Groomer’s choice for today is touring the lovely snow draped woods.
March 31st Grooming Report
Final Edition!
The time has come . . . the permit expires . . . even though the snow is resisting the season, we need to put things away today and bring an end to a Nordic season that none of us will ever forget. Think back to the big Thanksgiving storm that started the season in grand style, allowing us to bypass rolling and Ginzu’ing, with instead Pisten Bullying first passes everywhere. The snowy Betty Woolsey and incredibly busy Junior National Qualifier seem like another world from today’s perspective. The season has ended in a way no one could have imagined, with amazing crowds of people skiing, yet sheltering in place.
One of my greatest desires and prayers is that, sometime around seven months from now, the next grooming report can be posted and all of you and your loved ones will be willingly subjected to more rambling tales of skiing, moose, and all the happenings of the great people who make up our local Nordic community, and that all will have survived this whole ordeal in the best way possible….
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 12/31
The school fields are groomed and in ok shape. Grass is showing through in a few areas but should still ski ok. Grooming will resume on Saturday because of the holiday with Cache, the levee, and stilson. The normal schedule will resume on Monday.
The levee is groomed and should be firm and fast today. Stilson will be done around 9:45.
Teton Pines Nordic
Last Updated: 12/30
Daily grooming, wide corduroy skate ski lanes with well defined classic tracks make for excellent ski conditions. Skate and classic cross country ski/ boots/ pole rentals. All service is outside, so come dressed to ski.
We still have lots of nordic gear in our shop if you need to pick up some last minute gifts for the nordic skiers on your list! We currently have a good selection of sizes in skate gear ( skis/boots/poles) but our classic gear is currently in short supply. We are expecting a small shipment of classic skis around Jan 1. We have a great selection and supply of hats, jackets, pants, socks and gloves by Daehlie, Skida, and Swix. If you want to explore Grand Teton NP and the Jackson Hole area on xc skis, we carry the must have xc ski trail guidebook for our region in the shop: https://www.facebook.com/SkiYellowstone
Please call or email Cody for more details: (307) 733-1733 or tetonpinesxc@gmail.com
Shooting Star
Last Updated: 12/31
The final day of 2020 is here! The trails are in great shape and groomed out nicely after last night’s light snow. Expect enjoyable conditions again Friday. Outlook is for a new storm cycle to begin this weekend and linger through next week. Next update will be this Saturday 1/2/2021. Enjoy the skiing and Happy New Years!
Please See the following Restrictions
- Dog Loops & All Nordic Skiing Trails OPEN
- Sled Hill OPEN
- Classic Tracks SET
- Snow Shoeing Loop OPEN SEE ABOVE RULES
- Casual Walking Not Permitted
Teton Village Pathway
Last Updated: 12/23
Teton village pathway – from Lake Creek Bridge north to the end of bike path/GTNP south entrance groomed today. Thanks to JHMR for the grooming and Teton Village Association for making it happen!
Grand Teton National Park
Last Updated: 12/29
It is a beautiful day in GTNP. We are grooming all the way to Signal Mountain today. We will not be grooming on Friday – New Years Day. We hope everyone gets a chance to go out and enjoy the fresh tracks.
Grand Teton Park Foundation has provided the following modifications to the grooming schedule for Teton Park Road over the holidays:
Sunday 12/27 — Grooming to 4 passes x4 miles Taggart to south Jenny
Tuesday 12/29 — Grooming to Signal Mountain AND 4x to South Jenny
Friday 1/1 — No grooming.
Sunday 1/3 — Grooming 4x to South Jenny
Tuesday 1/5 Grooming to Signal Mountain AND 4x to South Jenny
[Back to regular schedule after 1/5]
Remember that dogs must be on leash, and are only allowed on the groomed trail in the section of GTNP. Please consider making a donation to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation for funding winter grooming -one of our most iconic trails. For bonus points, note “Nordic grooming” on your donation so we can track the involvement from our invested community members!
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Last Updated: 12/31
We reset all classic track and skate lanes this morning! We received about an inch of soft, fluffy snow overnight and it laid down beautifully underneath the Ginzu groomer. Our trails are looking great for the weekend and for THE NEW YEAR! Come on out and ski or fat bike with us. Come try our fat bike single track! Don’t forget to bring your dog! SEE YOU IN 2021!!!
To help with social distancing and to get you on the trails faster please purchase your trail passes and sign your waivers online in advance. To keep an eye on live conditions, check out the webcams here.
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 12/31
XC OPEN (Last groomed 12/31/2020, Fat Bike CLOSED.
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
Alta Track
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday
Last Updated: 12/31
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Set
Just finished up the Thursday morning groom of the Alta Track (9am). Cleaned up the skate track and reset some of the classic track where it was possible. About a half inch of snow had fallen on the track since my start and it is continuing to snow. Happy New Year!
Please do not park in the library parking lot.
Driggs
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 12/30
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
The grooming machine doesn’t like these sub-zero temperatures. I will let things warm up a bit before venturing out today. I plan to set all the trail marking stakes and will pull the drag to level the trail as much as possible. Stay warm!
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 12/30
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Groomed the skate track with the drag. Did not reset classic track because it was in pretty good shape. Looks like good skiing out there. Did a pass with the drag on the dog walk/single track as well. Enjoy!
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 12/30
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Wednesday: Current temperature well below zero, so will wait until 9am to begin grooming. Plan to smooth out skate track and don’t think ill be able to improve classic, still in fair shape from Monday reset.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 12/30
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Will begin grooming tomorrow morning, around 630. Should have it cleaned up for a Happy New Year!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 12/31
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Some sweet corduroy, if I do say so myself. Re-established some of the lost track and widened all. Classic track set as well. Get it while the gettin’s good. As Billy Ray Valentine (Trading Places) would say: “Merry New Year!”
No dogs allowed.
5th Street Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/27
Singletrack: Set
Sunday night – 5th St. is ridden in. A few inches of fluff on top packed in well and smoothed out the previous bumps. Go low on the tire pressures if these low temps stick around. Clockwise laps always easier (riding it both ways is believing).
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/27
Singletrack: Set
The entire Southern Valley singletrack system has a fresh haircut. We groomed everything: Happy Hour, Nemo, Hillbenders, Upper and lower Lady Slipper and Pole Canyon to the trailhead. Enjoy the ride!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/30
Some grooming has already occurred in Darby Canyon. We plan to begin grooming on a more regular schedule starting January 6th.
JH Nordic Recreation Masters Clinics
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7th | TETON PINES
The third of eight in the clinic series featuring classic XC ski. Sessions run bi-weekly from 11:00am – 12:30pm through March 18th, alternating between skate skiing and classic cross-country.
Teton Ridge Classic
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9TH | GRAND TARGHEE
The 18th annual Ridge Classic benefits both Teton Valley Trails and Pathways and Teton Valley Ski Education Foundation. The race will start at 10 am. The 24, 14, and 7 km races will be intervals starts separated by 20 seconds. Individual start times will be emailed to registered participants on Friday before the race.
CANCELLED
JH Nordic Alliance Annual Free Nordic Ski, Fat Bike, Snowshoe Event
Based on our goal to Recreate Responsibly, the JH Nordic Alliance has decided to cancel this season’s Annual Free Winter Trails Nordic, Fat Bike and Snowshoe Event. Stay tuned for January 2022! In the meantime, we encourage you to get out safely, responsibly, wear a mask, keep your groups small, and space out!
We’d love to hear about your outdoor adventures, what your doing to stay healthy, safe, respectful of community health guidelines – send pictures or post on FB and Insta – #JHNordic
