As 2024 rapidly approaches, so does the 6th Annual Free Nordic Ski, Fat Bike & Snowshoe Day which is the winter trails event of the season! Mark your calendars for our event on Sunday, January 7th, just one week after New Year’s Eve, and join JH Nordic at our annual gathering at Turpin Meadow Ranch.
Join us as we count down to the event with 10 compelling reasons for you to be there. Share the excitement with your friends and start making plans to be a part of the vibrant winter trails community in Moran on January 7th. We eagerly anticipate your presence! See you there!
10. Free Trail Access
Turpin Meadow Ranch graciously opens its stunning grounds, granting free access to 20 km of groomed Nordic ski tracks and 5 miles of dedicated fat bike single tracks. Explore this beautiful facility on National Forest land, offering unique views of the beloved Tetons. Participants will be required to register and sign a waiver to access trails.
9. Free Classic & Skate Ski Lessons
Nordic skiing is for everyone! The JHNordic Alliance encourages anyone interested in learning to ski to give it a try. We believe in making winter trails accessible to all, regardless of skill level.
JHNordic offers FREE lessons for all skill levels during our annual event. Teton Co/Jackson Parks & Rec hosts 45-minute introductory lessons for both Skate and Classic skiing at 10 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm, and 2 pm on the new wider Willow Trail. Sign a waiver and gain confidence on skis.
8. Free Demos
Test new gear on world-class terrain during our Annual Event. Skinny Skis, Teton Mountain Bike Tours, Fitzgerald’s, The Hoff Bikesmith, Wheel Wranglers, Turpin Meadows Ranch, and Friends of Pathways offer demos. Teton Adaptive Sports hosts a Nordic sitz-ski demo. Please be prepared to sign waivers before trying out any gear.
**Most everyone will have a chance to try out new gear, but those who have their own are encouraged to bring it to the event. This will ensure that everyone can maximize their time on the trails and enjoy the experience to the fullest.**
7. Free Snowshoe, Backcountry Nordic Ski Tours
You’ll have the opportunity to explore the serene backcountry of Bridger Teton National Forest through professionally-led tours. Hole Hiking Experience will be leading snowshoe tours, while Taylor Philips and Tenley Thompson from JH Ecotour Adventures will be leading guided backcountry Nordic tours. This is an incredible chance to spend time in the peaceful backcountry with knowledgeable professionals who have a deep understanding of the environment and ecosystem.
6. Raffle benefiting Camina Conmigo
We’ve curated an amazing raffle featuring prizes from outstanding sponsors like Skinny Skis, Fine Dining Group, Teton Pines Nordic Center, Stio, Trilipiderm, JH Ecotour, Teton Mountain Bike Tours, and more!
This year, all proceeds from the raffle will support our partner, Camina Conmigo. Their mission is to inspire Spanish-speaking adults to discover the beauty of their surroundings through education, skill development, and relationship-building on local excursions. Join us in making a difference and perhaps win a prize while doing so! 🎁
5. Dogs are welcome
Our annual winter trails event is not exclusive to humans; well-behaved dogs are also invited to join in the festivities. As enthusiasts of winter trails, we understand the unique joy of sharing the snowy experience with our beloved canine companions, and we want to extend that warmth to this special day. We kindly request that all dogs be kept on a leash, and we appreciate your cooperation in cleaning up after them. PAWS will be providing poop bags and leashes for anyone who might forget theirs. Let’s make this day enjoyable for everyone, including our four-legged winter trail users! Check out a list of some of JH Nordic’s favorite dog-friendly trails.
4. Kids Corral
This event is suitable for all ages, ensuring there’s something for everyone – and we haven’t overlooked the little ones! 22 Nordic is excited to host our annual Kids Corral designed for children aged 2-6. The area will feature kids’ ski gear, games, and a supportive environment to help youngsters gain confidence on Nordic skis. Keep an eye out for the outfitter tent – that’s where the fun begins! Start their Nordic skiing adventure early!
3. Food & Ambiance
To ensure everyone stays warm while enjoying the winter trails on a cold January day, we will be serving delicious hot chocolate and Kate’s Real Food will have samples of their sustaining bars. Turpin Meadow Ranch will have an outdoor concessions area serving up bison chili, brats, chili dogs, and other hot beverages. Additionally, the Restaurant Bar at Turpin Meadow Ranch will be open on the day of the event, providing a cozy dining space for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For participants who prefer a quick bite while out on the trail, feel free to bring a packed lunch.
2. Recreate on Public Land in BTNF
One of the most unique aspects of the JH Nordic Alliance annual winter trails event is the opportunity to bring people outdoors to enjoy recreational activities on public land. Many may not be aware that Turpin Meadow Ranch is nestled within the vast expanse of the Bridger Teton National Forest.
Turpin Meadow employee and resident ‘Snow Angel,’ Elee Deschu previously worked for Bridger-Teton National Forest. “For me, claustrophobia sets in when I visit places that have “private property – keep out” signs plastered all over. Being on public lands is the ultimate freedom: we all have access to this big backyard to recreate responsibly in. And knowing that these lands were protected long ago for future generations to experience makes me grateful to enjoy and tread lightly knowing that someday, years from now, others will be able to make enduring connections out here too.”
1. The Wydaho Winter Trails Community
This event is dedicated to bringing together the Wydaho winter trails community. Whether you’re a Nordic skier, a fat biker, a snowshoer, or an early morning groomer, we all share the joy of exploring winter trails.
Whether you’re a winter trail walker, a dog owner, a parent introducing their kids to the hobby, a ski coach, or a pair of friends relishing an afternoon ski, you’re a part of this community.
While we may have diverse ways of navigating winter trails, our common bond is enjoying the outdoors on public land. Despite our differences, we find unity in this shared connection. That’s why we’re passionate about what we do—to foster community, provide information, and raise awareness of the trails in Jackson Hole and Teton Valley.
