GTNP Foundation February Newsletter: Nordic Trail Grooming, Teton Glassware Gives Back, Wildlife Whereabouts, and more!
This month was marked with cold, crisp, and sunny days in Grand Teton National Park with very little precipitation. As of February 22, the Snake River Headwaters is recording snow water equivalents at 82% of median, compared to 100% in 2021 and 110% in 2020 for the same day. With the last few weeks of winter on the horizon, we are hopeful that the weather pattern will shift and bring more moisture to the region.
SUMMER OF ADVENTURE AWAITS EAGER TEENS
Grand Teton National Park is hiring the Youth Conservation Program trail crew for the 2022 season. This summer marks the sixteenth year that the Foundation has supported this work-and-learn program in the park. If you know someone between the ages of 16 and 19 who loves spending time outdoors and is interested in learning more about what it takes to maintain and steward national parks, this is the perfect opportunity for them! Applications are due April 23.
Trip Report: Shadow Mountain by BC Nordic on Sunday
Shadow Mountain never fails to disappoint – especially on a day when the Tetons are out in all their glory! Six of us skied to this perfect lunch spot and enjoyed stunning views on the way up and down! One used her mini-skins which was a distinct advantage on the consistent uphill! Animal tracks were prolific both on the road and off. Another reminder of this special time of year! And beautiful place to experience Bridger Teton National forest, overlooking Grand Teton National Park! – By Karen D.
Looking for Nordic Instruction?
First timer or seasoned Nordic skiers? Young or mature skiers? Cross country or skate? Looking for a good time, technique skills, a good workout, an awesome adventure? Check out the programs and lessons offered here in Jackson Hole and the Teton Valley for the perfect fit for you. While some programs have finished up for the season, others are still going strong.
Trail Creek
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/28
JHSC Programs Keep on Rolling!
Above is this week’s schedule showing that things are still rolling ahead at nearly full speed. While the master’s clinic has ended for the week, many of them will surely be travelling to West Yellowstone this weekend for the annual Rendezvous.
We reported over the weekend about the great successes in Pinedale at the Wyoming Nordic Skiing Championships as well as here at Trail Creek with the Fun Ski Race Day. An additional bit of news is that two of our very own managed to ski the grueling 55 kilometer 2022 American Birkebeiner classic course. Congratulations are in order to Devo Coach Rob Murphy and JHSC Director Ali Sehnert! All the results can be found on this page.
A change in the weather is happening at Trail Creek today. As of report time the temps have climbed to near 40ºF with a blustery chinook wind blowing down the canyon. The Husky was at it again today, covering most trails. All in all conditions are nice; things could get interesting this week with continued warm temps and forecasts of precipitation.
The Siefferts have concluded their winter pilgrimage so the Armin’s area will be returning to its normal condition.
Groomer’s choice for today is Armin’s
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Grooming Monday-Saturday
Last Update: 2/25
Tuesday Grooming Schedule: High School Fields, Emily’s Pond Levee, Wilson Centennial Pathway
Cache Creek Fat Bike Trails
Last Update: 2/22
I groomed the trails in Cache last night and will take another lap this afternoon to firm things up and will snowshoe the smaller trails on Wednesday. That way everything should be in good shape for Winter Trails Day this Saturday!
Grooming by Friends of Pathways.
Teton Pines Nordic
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/23
New Salomon skis in stock now!! Today we received a surprise shipment of classic skis that are perfect for the 110-145lb and 160-195lb weight range. We have boots and poles to go with them too! These skis were supposed to arrive last September but have been stuck in the Covid shipping delay situation. We are happy they finally made it to the shop!
Our trails are in great shape after the recent snowfall so come out and ski! We groom 13km+ daily for both skate and classic with our new snowcat. Our trails and shop are fully open to the public 9am-4pm daily. Day passes, 10 punch cards, and season passes are available.
Please call us in advance to book lessons at: (307) 733-1733. You do not need a reservation for skiing and we do not take reservations for rentals. Please contact us in advance to check availability for off-site rentals.We still have a small size selection of skate skis and BC skis, but have lots of boots, poles, jackets, pants, gloves, and hats.
We also have a good selection of used skate gear available. Call or come by to see if we have your sizes! We have a full tuning shop so drop off your skis for a wax done by our great wax techs! Visit our website for pricing and other information: www.tetonpinesnordiccenter.com
Shooting Star
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/26
Trails are in great shape and should ski well through Monday. Be advised that the snowpack is now hardpacked and icy from the lack of fresh snow. For the remainder of the season anticipate icier conditions in the morning and softer skiing in the afternoon as temperatures warm. Outlook is calling for warmer weather next week, which may bring spring like snow qualities (icy, slushy, thinning areas) . Side note… is we recently groomed all our greens to firm up/compact the snow for our annual application of black sand. Weather pending, we plan on applying the black sand around Monday, March 7th. Please stay off the greens to prevent turf damage or post holing of the snow, as we need a smooth surface for our push spreader to roll over when applying the sand. Enjoy the Sunshine! Next update will be Tuesday 3/1.
TRAIL STATUS
- YELLOW LOOP OPEN
- SLED HILL GROOMED on 2/26 (Grooming will occur as needed)
- CLASSIC TRACKS SET
- SNOWSHOEING OPEN (BLUE LOOP ONLY, STAY ON THE EDGE OF THE TRAIL OR IMMEDIATELY NEXT TO TRAIL)
- ORANGE LOOP OPEN
- WALKING, NOT ALLOWED
Snake River Sporting Club
Daily Nordic grooming for both “Front Nine” (south side) and “Back Nine” (North side) Nordic Trails
Public access to the groomed Nordic trails is $50 per person per day, with no season passes available. Ski rentals are available at the Sports Shop. Guests must check in at the Sports Shop to sign a waiver and make payment before heading out. The daily pass does not allow access to the Restaurant this season. The clinics that are being offered are for members and lodging guests only.
Please call the Sports Shop with any questions you may have at 307-200-3093
Grand Teton National Park
Last Update: 2/27
Sunny skies and good trail conditions in GTNP today. @grandtetonfoundation @jhnordic #gtnpgrooming
Grooming is sponsored by the GTNP Foundation and generous donations from our community.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/28
Join us for fun Thursday evening with a night ski. Reminder that the lodge closes Friday afternoon at 2pm for a private event – there will be no guest services available from then on through Saturday March 5.
Trails are in variable condition. We have everything from firm and fast to sticky and slushy and everything in between. The fat bike trails are hard and have been super fun. The skate lane was reset with the ginzu Monday evening.
Please sign acknowledgment of risk forms and pay for trail passes online ahead of your visit. Call the front office (307) 543-2000 ahead of your visit for booking equipment rentals and Nordic adventures (lessons and tours).
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/the-ranch/live-conditions
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com | 307.543.2000
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
Grand Targhee
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Last Updated: 2/28
Cross Country 15k: XC OPEN
Fat Bike Trails : Closed
Snowshoe Trails: Open
Targhee’s Nordic trails are groomed Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sat/Sundays. Fat bike/snowshoe trails are groomed regularly but not on a set schedule – the groomer usually waits until after a storm cycle to groom the single track.
Trail day passes are $20 this winter.
Remember, singletracks will be closed when there is more than 3 inches of snow in a 24 hour period.
Alta Track
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday
Last Updated: 2/27
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Plan to reset skate track all around and classic on the north loops, south classic was reset Saturday.
Please do not park in the library parking lot. Please be sure to keep your dogs on a leash and to clean up after them.
Driggs
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 2/28
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Smoothed the skate track with drag and left the classic track as is.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 2/27
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Sunday evening 6 PM headed out to groom Sherman Park. Plan to reset the skate, classic and singletrack. Please be aware of the grooming equipment.rm up great in the next cold hour or two. Enjoy!
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Last Updated: 2/28
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Plan to reset both skate and classic tracks this morning. Finish by 9am.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
Last Updated: 2/28
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Monday evening I was able to reset the skate track only on yetis and the inner campground loop. The air and snow temperatures are too warm for any success of trying to reset a classic track with the Ginzu. It would just clog up. The classic track was in fine shape so I left it as is. Enjoy the glide.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Reserve Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Thursday & Saturday
Last Updated: 2/27
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Reset Skate & Classic Track. Came out really nice!
No dogs allowed.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/23
Singletrack: Set
Wednesday evening we were able to groom multiple passes on happy hour, powerline, pole connector, upper and lower ladyslippers, upper and lower Hillbenders.
Happy Hour (aka Mike Harris to ID/WY state line)
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/18
Groomed to summer TH 2/16
Rammell Mountain Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/10
Groomed 1/14
South Leigh Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/18
Groomed 2/16
WYLD Times at R Park, Hosted by JH Land Trust
Saturday, March 5th
Rendezvous Park | 3 – 5 pm
On Saturday, March 5 from 3-5 pm the Jackson Hole Land Trust (JHLT) will host WYLD Times at R Park. You are invited to enjoy this free, winter festival to kick off the JHLT’s new WYLD membership initiative. WYLD members fuel free community conservation programming that enriches the livability of this valley and invites accessible open space experiences for all.
WYLD Times at R Park will feature several activity stations with something for everyone. You can take a fat tire bike for a spin courtesy of The Hub Bicycles and brush up on avalanche rescue skills and backcountry preparedness with Teton County Search and Rescue. Kids (or those young at heart) can learn about nature with the JHLT’s Discovery Boxes and sled R Park’s iconic knolls. All activities are free, and you are invited to join WYLD for fun extras like hot cocoa, beer, and custom donuts from Provisions. Don’t have avalanche safety gear to practice with? You can join WYLD for a chance to win an ARVA Evo 4 Combo Kit, including a beacon, probe, and snow shovel!
Become a WYLD member by visiting jhlandtrust.org/wyld today. Attendees who join the WYLD membership program before or during the March 5 WYLD Times at R Park event will be entered into the giveaway to win the ARVA Evo 4 Combo Kit, including a beacon, probe, and snow shovel.
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
