Hole Hiking Nature Update
Written by Cathy Shill
www.holehike.com
307.690.4453
Man is not himself only…. He is all that he sees: all that flows to him from a thousand sources… He is the land, the lift of the mountain lines, the reach of its valleys. -Mary Austin
Snow! Felt my sigh of relief as I woke to a white landscape. February was a very dry month for us and we need mountain snow to keep meadows blooming and thriving. The plants feed the deer, elk, moose, bison, pronghorn and they feed the predators such as bears, wolves, mountain lions and coyotes. Just one example of life’s intricate web. Twenty inches of fresh snow! Yeah!
For this time of the year, snow is very thin in Jackson Hole. Last week, my brother arrived for a ski vacation with temperatures at minus 8 degrees and left seven days later with temperatures in the mid-fifties. Crazy.
The best snow and tour options are a bit north in the valley. Over the weekend, I skied in Grand Teton Park with friends and conditions were great. We did tour on a groomed track so snow was more consistent. Grand Teton Park plans to plow the inner park road next week but most other valley trails will be groomed through at least mid-March.
As days lengthen, wavelengths of light penetrate the snow differently. The white landscape reflects the snow but as it begins to melt, light is absorbed by the exposed ground, trees, rocks and bushes. This warmth further melts the snow. The penetration of light and thin snow spur bears to wake from hibernation. Rodents, who have massed together for warmth, will become more territorial with changes in light and the urge to mate. Larger animals will migrate as the releases its’ grip on the landscape. Spring is right around the corner. The song of the Red-winged Blackbird has been heard singing “spring.”
Check conditions as changes occur daily. It’s time to carry bear spray as the bruins awake from winter slumber. Make sure to give all animals lots of space. March and April are vulnerable months since most animals are thin and hungry awaiting the green shoots of spring.
The Hole Hiking Experience has the most tour locations to share so we can adapt to changes. Join us for signs of spring and to enjoy the solitude as Old Man Winter releases his hole on the landscape. Winter tours are available through the first week of April. We then take a break to allow the trails to dry for summer hiking. Both winter and summer tour options can be found here- https://www.holehike.com/ or give us a call 307.690.4453.
Ask JH Nordic: Taggart to Signal
From Andrew O:
Hello – I’m coming from out of town and curious about the Taggart to Signal trail. Wondering what time the groomers typically head out in the morning and from which direction? I have a flight to catch Friday afternoon and really hoping to squeeze in some skiing Friday morning before I leave. Thanks!!
JH Nordic:
This Friday, March 11 is the last grooming day in Grand Teton NP – Taggart to Signal. The groomer normally heads out from Taggart at first light – around 7-7:30 am, reaching Signal around 10:30-10:50, depending on snow, then turns around and heads back south. Hope you can enjoy it this week! We recommend making a donation to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, who organizes and financially supports winter trail grooming.
Spring Plowing Operations Begin Next Week
Over-snow access on Teton Park Road ends this weekend
A media release from Grand Teton National Park:
MOOSE, WY— Spring plowing will begin in Grand Teton National Park on Monday, March 14. The plowing operations mark the end of over-snow access on the 14-mile section of the Teton Park Road between Taggart Lake Trailhead and the Signal Mountain area.
For safety reasons, visitors may not access the Teton Park Road once plowing operations are underway. Rotary snow removal equipment and plows may be working at any time, and the roadway will be closed to all users at all times until further notice. Skiers and those on snowshoes using areas adjacent to the roadway are cautioned to avoid the arc of snow blown from the rotary equipment because pieces of ice and gravel can be thrown great distances.
The Teton Park Road is anticipated to be accessible to activities such as cycling, roller skating, skateboarding, roller skiing, walking, jogging and leashed pet walking on April 1. There may be non-motorized access from Taggart Lake Trailhead to the Jenny Lake parking area earlier, if conditions allow. Grand Teton will provide updates via the park’s Facebook and Twitter.
The Teton Park Road will open to motor vehicles May 1.
Other park roads such as the Moose-Wilson Road, Signal Mountain Summit Road, Antelope Flats Road, East Boundary Road, Mormon Row Road, Two Ocean Road and Grassy Lake Road remain closed to vehicle traffic when posted or gated in the spring. These roads may close temporarily to accommodate snow removal operations. The opening dates of these roads vary from year to year and are dependent on weather, snow conditions, plowing progress, wildlife activity and road conditions.
The paved multi-pathways in the park are open to use when they are predominantly free of snow and ice.
Trail Creek
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 3/9
Pinch Me I’m Dreaming!
It’s a dreamlike day here at Trail Creek today; plenty of sunshine, trees and trails blanketed in a foot of fresh snow, and miles and miles of freshly groomed Nordic trails. Life is surely good today! We did actually get around a foot of snow in the recent “epic for 2022” snowstorm and the Husky has been hard at it today, deflating all that glorious snow into some hard working trails. Every trail got at least a skate/classic pass with most of the field, Woolsey Woods, Moose Loop, and Homeward and Outward Bound getting double passes. There was even enough snow that with a little work we could bring Gutflop and Faceplant back for one last hurrah.
Coach Libby reported in that her Teewinot crew had a fantastic time recently skiing all the way up Suicide and have a cocoa and cookie party at the cabin at the top of the hill, what a marvelous idea!
Racing is ongoing at nationals today, click on this link and you can even watch along. Hopefully all of our athletes can have a great day.
Many thanks to Coach Luna for sending in some more images from Minneapolis; click here to view all of them in greater detail.
Groomer’s choice for today is to venture into the fairyland like woods and have a cookie and cocoa party.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Grooming Monday-Saturday
Last Update: 3/9
Cache creek and May park are groomed and in good shape. Both should ski nicely when they setup. Game creek and three creek pathway are groomed and in good shape after the new snow.
Thursday 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: 3/9
Winter is back! The snowcat was out this morning and the track is perfect! Conditions should be awesome through the weekend. Wax for today: am Swix green, pm Swix blue. Our retail shop is still well-stocked with gear and clothing so come on out and see us!
Our trails and shop are fully open to the public 9am-4pm daily. 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.
In our retail shop 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: 3/7
Weather conditions worked out in our favor, and we were able to complete the black sand application today. Grooming will switch back to early mornings beginning tomorrow (3/8). Skiers should anticipate storm skiing during the day on Tuesday and possibly Wednesday, followed by colder weather through Friday. Next Nordic Update will be this Friday (3/11).
TRAIL STATUS
- YELLOW LOOP OPEN
- SLED HILL GROOMED on 3/4 (Grooming will occur as needed)
- CLASSIC TRACKS SET, INCONSISTENT DUE TO SPRING PROFILE
- SNOWSHOEING OPEN (BLUE LOOP ONLY, STAY ON THE EDGE OF THE TRAIL OR IMMEDIEDATEY 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: 3/8
Today GTNP Taggert to Signal and all four lanes to the south. Overcast and snowing. Trail conditions are good. @grandtetonfoundation @jhnordic #gtnpgrooming
Grooming is sponsored by the GTNP Foundation and generous donations from our community.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 3/9
The new snow, cold temps, and pro pisten bully work have made for the best laid track of the season – but don’t take my word for it, come see for yourself before we close on Monday, March 14.
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: 3/8
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: 3/8
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
Will begin grooming this afternoon around 3pm. LET IT SNOW!
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: 3/9
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Driggs track was set today. South trails have classic and skate set. North track was rolled multiple passes in order to pack snow and increase our base. Enjoy the sun and snow!!
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 3/9
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Rolled out the 6-8 inches of new snow with multiple passes. Reset the classic track as well. Skate tracks as I was done looked pretty nice and not too soft. Classic track came out pretty nice but will be soft. If it doesn’t get too much traffic it will set up nice! Beautiful day out there…Enjoy! *on singletrack there are still some deep footprints so watch your footing!
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/9
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Plan to use the roller to pack down new snow, and reset both skate and classic tracks. Should be done by 9am.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
Last Updated: 3/9
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Wednesday morning I was able to reset the skate track on yetis Loop. Campground is currently ungroomed. I hope to get back there this afternoon to finish things out.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Reserve Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Thursday & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/9
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
rolled out the new snow, then set both classic and skate. came out nicely. today surface is soft. tomorrow should be A-OK
No dogs allowed.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/1
Singletrack: Not Set
With warm Temps any exposed trail will be soft by midday. Please try to ride before 10am or after 6pm. Thanks
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
JHTTB Announces Community Engagement Meetings
March 15 -16
We encourage everyone in the Greater Jackson Hole community, including Teton Valley and Star Valley, to add their voice and thoughts to drive the future of life and tourism (one of our largest economic drivers). You can participate in the Sustainable Tourism Survey, as well as join in the Community Engagement Meetings on March 15 and 16 to learn more and contribute your thoughts and ideas. This is important that everyone actively participates to determine the future of Greater Jackson Hole!
See locations and links for virtual participation below:
Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 6:30-8:00 pm,
Grand Teton Ballroom, Snow King Resort, 400 E. Snow King Ave, Jackson
Tuesday, March 16, 2022, 6:30-8:00 pm,
Driggs Senior Center, 60 S Main St Driggs
For those who want to attend virtually, the event will also be broadcast via Facebook Live:https://www.facebook.com/jacksonholettb
This is a free public event, open to all members of the greater Teton County community
Rendezvous River Sports – Karen Oatey Pole Pedal Paddle (PPP)
March 26, 2022
More details coming soon!
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
