Wildlife Advocacy and Winter Recreation with Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures
Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures is a wildlife cross country ski and snowshoe tour operator in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks that has been operating for 12 years. For 365 days of the year, they run a variety of snowshoe and cross country ski tours and road-based wildlife tours for all ability levels that seek to connect visitors and give them a deeper experience with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In the winter, most of the tours run in Grand Teton National Park.
“We try to get people excited about the winter ecology around us and the added value beyond just a ski tour–it’s a ski tour with a skilled, professional naturalist that’s going to deeply connect you to the landscape”, says Josh Metten, a Naturalist Biologist Guide with EcoTour Adventures.
“As a wildlife cross country skiing and snowshoeing tour operator, we have a commitment to conservation because we’re only able to do what we do as a company because of the wildlife and wild places around us,” Josh goes on to say.
With such amazing access to wildlife, the folks at EcoTour Adventures are huge advocates for responsible recreation and respect for wildlife in the winter. They have been partners with the Jackson Hole (JH) Nordic Alliance for about 3 years now. Josh has found the partnership with the Nordic Alliance to be a great contribution to expanding knowledge about nordic skiing in the Jackson Hole region–both where to ski and where not to ski to respect winter wildlife closures and encourage stewardship.
Check out Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures on Facebook to stay up to date on their Wildlife Wednesday postings! Visit their website to join them on a tour.
Trip Report: Turpin Meadow Ranch
Turpin Meadow Ranch XC and Skate ski highlights. The recent snow meant excellent conditions for both skate and classic skiing. First tracks on the Mule Loop this morning were met with perfect corduroy. The fat bike single track was groomed, too! Socially distanced lunch to go and dinner by the fire made for a great day!
Weekend Highlight
Your update on all things JH Nordic from this week, in one place.
Watch: 399 and Cubs Den for the Winter
by Jackson Hole Ecotour Adventures
What a way to end 2020! Grizzly 399 and her 4 cubs traveled nearly the entire length of Grand Teton National Park last week, returning to a denning area in the northern part of Jackson Hole. The family of bruins has put on some serious weight in the past few months and we’re hopeful they will emerge healthy in the spring.
It’s unusual but not unheard of, for grizzlies to remain active throughout December, watch the video to learn more about Grizzly 399 and the amazing adaptations bears have to hibernate through the winter!
January 6, 2021 – Nature Update
provided by Cathy Shill founder of The Hole Hiking Experience https://www.holehike.com/
“Let my mind become silent,
And my thoughts come to rest.
I want to be
All this is before me.
In self-forgetfulness
I become everything.”
-Joseph Cornell
Happy New Year! What a wonderful time to reconnect to ourselves and nature. The season of winter supports reflection and a slower pace with short days and long nights. The New Year shares the perfect time to align with nature and life around us. We can pause to connect with the world. Nature rejuvenates us if we slow down to let it.
As Henry David Thoreau said, “You cannot perceive beauty but with a serene mind.” With our busy lives, it helps to take a break and spend time outdoors. A few deep breaths will calm our energy and allow space for more peace and ease. The flow of nature is with life, with the current of this moment. We have much to learn from the natural world. Each day holds wonderment and Jackson Hole is the perfect arena to slow down to listen.
The week started with a blanket of fresh snow which quiets the forest. We can choose to go to a busy place like a ski resort or we can choose to go into the woods and breath in the quiet and space. After a storm, everything glistens with freshness like going through a car wash. Storms carry some punch.
Jackson shares endless trails to connect with the natural world. We have been skiing along the Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton Park. It’s a great beginner ski and you can’t beat the beauty. Trails are a bit slower after the holiday rush. I know that we enjoy touring beneath the majestic Teton peaks as much as our clients do! Join us to learn about the natural world, the season of winter, how species adapt to winter and, yes, all about about those Tetons. The Hole Hiking Experience (www.holehike.com) 307.690.4453
Be safe. Be well and here’s to a joyous 2021!
Trail Creek Nordic
Last Updated: 1/10
After a great couple of race days today at Trail Creek you will find that all recently groomed trails are back in their more or less normal configurations. The Pisten Bully was hard at work today, placing new classic tracks on pretty much every trail. The fields were fully groomed back to recent configurations although you might glimpse a ghost of yesterday’s classic tracks here and there. Wood trails have all received skate and classic grooming in the past 30 hours; skiing is quite nice today and you should be able to find plenty of joy if you can make it out.
Looking ahead, another busy week is coming up. The crazy times will be Monday and Wednesday afternoons when the full range of our programs from Lollipoppers to Comps will be doing their thing. Tuesdays and Fridays are a bit slower and usually Thursday is the quietest afternoon. Mornings usually are quite quiet and traffic in the woods is also usually a bit lighter. It is truly amazing to see all that can happen at a Wyoming Nordic center.
Today at Trail Creek you will find that all recently groomed trails are back in their more or less normal configurations. The Pisten Bully was hard at work today, placing new classic tracks on pretty much every trail. The fields were fully groomed back to recent configurations although you might glimpse a ghost of yesterday’s classic tracks here and there. Wood trails have all received skate and classic grooming in the past 30 hours; skiing is quite nice today and you should be able to find plenty of joy if you can make it out.
Looking ahead, another busy week is coming up. The crazy times will be Monday and Wednesday afternoons when the full range of our programs from Lollipoppers to Comps will be doing their thing. Tuesdays and Fridays are a bit slower and usually Thursday is the quietest afternoon. Mornings usually are quite quiet and traffic in the woods is also usually a bit lighter. It is truly amazing to see all that can happen at a Wyoming Nordic center.
Groomer’s choice for today is Woolsey Woods.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 1/10
The levee and stilson are groomed and in good shape. The school fields will be done around 10:30. Grooming will resume on Monday with Cache creek to noker mine draw
Teton Pines Nordic
Last Updated: 1/6
| Sunny days are here for awhile and the skiing will be great! We groom 16km for skate and classic daily. We offer private lessons daily—please call the shop to schedule. We still have a good selection of gloves and hats but have a smaller selection remaining of pants and jackets by Swix and Daehlie. We have a small selection of skate and classic gear in the shop. Our ski/boot/pole sizes are very limited so please call us before showing up to see if we have what you need! 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. . 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: 1/5
Some much needed snow has and is currently falling. Skiers should expect storm styling skiing today, followed by what appears to be very enjoyable conditions Wednesday-Sunday. If the forecast holds, the trails will hopefully firm up & smooth out each day throughout the week. Get out and enjoy the fresh air! Next update will be on Monday 1/11 or whenever conditions change.
Please See the following Restrictions
- Dog Loops & All Nordic Skiing Trails OPEN
- Sled Hill OPEN
- Classic Tracks SET
- Snow Shoeing Loop OPEN
- Casual Walking Not Permitted
Teton Village Pathway
Last Updated: 1/6
Groomed this morning, from Lake Creek Bridge to end of pathway near GTNP South Entrance. Nice corduroy, skate and classic skiers, fat bikers all out enjoying!
Grand Teton National Park
Last Updated: 1/10
Cool in the park this morning but the sun is about to pop out. 4 lanes to south Jenny today. @jhnordic @grandtetonfoundation #gtnpgrooming
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Last Updated: 1/10
A balmy -15 this AM hardened up the ski trails fantastically. The fat bike single track and the skate lane are going to be fast! Come enjoy this beautiful blue-bird day! 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 (see link below). As always, remember to recreate responsibly. Bring a mask as it is required to enter the lodge. Lunch and dinner are both by reservation only.
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/adventures/winter-adventures/
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/the-ranch/live-conditions/–
Cheers, Gabe Hassan
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com | 307.543.2000, office
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 1/10
XC CLOSED FOR EVENT (Last
groomed 1/9/2020, 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: 1/10
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Sunday: Plan to reset skate track this morning. Imagine classic is still in good shape from Saturday morning groom.
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: 1/8
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Driggs trails were groomed at 5 pm on Friday. Main High School and Middle School loops are in good shape for classic and skate. East trails groomed and in great shape for fat bikes and classic skiing. Also enjoy sledding and dog walking on East trails. Groomer tip: Trails between High School and Middle School best area to skate ski!!Enjoy the skiing in town. Thanks for getting outside! GK
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 1/10
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
I’m planning on grooming Monday mid-morning after the temps warm up a bit. I should be done in time for your afternoon ski/ride/walk.
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 1/10
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Buffed out the skate lane. Classic track was in good shape so I left it as is, a bit faint at the trailhead but quickly improves.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 1/8
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Should be done grooming by 9. I expect good grooming and ski conditions with the couple inches of new snow.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 1/8
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set | Singletrack: Not Set
No dogs allowed.
5th Street Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 1/7
Singletrack: Set
Thurs PM – human groomed a lap pulling the kids on sleds. A little soft on top but should ride-in well and hoping it sets up overnight. Go fatbike!
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 1/10
Singletrack: Set
Amazing conditions Used Fitzgerald’s snowmobile and TVTAP V-Plow to groom Nemo Hillbender upper and lower Grumpy Upper Ladyslipper Happy Hour Powerline Sherman Springs ENJOY!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 1/6
Grooming Darby 1/6 afternoon. Should be done by 4:00.
Rammel Mountain Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 1/8
Groomed as of Jan 8th.
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
South Leigh Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 1/6
Grooming S. Leigh 1/6/2021. Should be done around 12:00
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
