March 10, 2021 Nature Update
Provided by Karen D.
www.holehike.com
“This is my very favorite time of the year to Nordic Ski!” my friend proclaimed emphatically. When asked why, she explained how wildlife is coming into the valley, the birds are returning and the evidence of so much activity can be found – when one is extra observant – in the snow. As if to prove her point, we rounded a corner and saw such unusual prints in the snow that it was my turn to exclaim: “what on earth created such a pattern?!” Well that morning (earlier this week) there was a tiny sliver of light fresh snow over hard crust so that the lightest of pressure created a detailed indentation. Like an Andrew Goldsworthy creation, in front of us lay a magical imprint of bird’s wings and feet (but alas the feet were punctured by my errant ski pole). I had to agree – this is an incredible special time of year.
It is also a great time of year to explore new places like some of the beautiful routes in Teton Valley where our favorite peaks can be viewed from the west. Or a new area for most excellent crust skiing. And then this is a perfect time to just head out because you have always wanted to explore that one special place. Happy March!
And for more information, check out the Jackson Hole Wildlife Calendar!
Jessie Diggins Clinches Historic Nordic Ski World Cup Overall Title
Jessie Diggins is the second American — and first American woman — to win the biggest annual prize in cross-country skiing, the World Cup overall title.
Diggins recently clinched when it was decided that the World Cup Finals will not be held next week.
The Finals were originally to be in Beijing, but in the autumn it was announced that no international skiing and snowboarding events would be held at 2022 Winter Olympic venues this season. The Finals were rescheduled for Lillehammer, Norway, then canceled again last month. The International Ski Federation left open the possibility that the Finals could be rescheduled at a different location until recently.
Being Wild Jackson Hole
Being Wild Jackson Hole is an outreach campaign designed to introduce visitors to Jackson Hole’s historic legacy of landscape stewardship and natural resource protection.
The Being Wild Campaign seeks to emphasize Jackson Hole’s unique identity as a “Crucible of Conservation” through visitor education, storytelling, and the offering of place-based volunteer opportunities to connect visitor to current wildlife conservation efforts.
Trail Creek
Last Updated: 3/10
The Hazards of Trail Creek!
Ok, you’ve been skiing all winter and things have been going well. You’re feeling strong—the pandemic is hopefully winding down—life is good.
Sometimes when things are going well, we tend to let down our guard so today’s grooming report will be a refresher on the hazards of Trail Creek.
1. Moose—you’ve been skiing by moose all winter, no problem; keep up your guard as they are getting tired of winter and have the potential for cranky episodes. Even the small ones are bigger than you.
2. Moose (and elk) tracks—our lovely winter residents make many divots in the corduroy; don’t let them cause a tumble when you’re screaming down Faceplant.
3. Moose poop—this can also throw a nice glide for a big loop; watch out!
4. Squirrels—another bane to a beautifully set trail, the resident population has been very busy in the recently warming weather, raining down cones, which don’t ski real well.
5. Ice—it is spring—ice happens. Watch the temperature and time your outings accordingly.
6. Raging Devos (or Juniors, Comps, Preps, Teewinots)—known to fly down the Nordic X course ecstatically at warp 9—not always on the lookout for you. Keep your eyes open!
7. The Groomer—rather than fretting about the other hazards of Trail Creek, he might be day dreaming about distant locations and/or listening to a podcast on bicycling in Scotland; he might not see you until it is too late!
And if that is not enough, our littlest ones are into costume season; can anything prepare you for running into the Incredible Hulk on your next outing?!
Seriously speaking always be careful and have a great ski. Today’s grooming actually happened last night with the Pisten Bully making pretty good headway with the slightly softer snow. All field trails received multiple passes with fresh classic tracks (nice to shallow) while the majority of woods trails received best line skate grooming. Except for some hazards 2, 3, and 4 damage the woods classic tracks are in pretty good shape.
The trails should remain firm and stable throughout the day with mostly cloudy conditions and high temps staying right around freezing. The current plan is for limited grooming tonight with more extensive grooming Thursday evening.
Groomer’s choice for today is a nice safe ski.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 3/10
Game creek and three creek pathway are groomed. Game is in good shape . Three creek is in ok shape with a few sections with dirty snow from the road.
Cache and May park are groomed and in decent shape. Cache creek road and parking is starting to deteriorate, 4 wheel drive is recommended.
Spring Update: 3/8
The Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation Department (TCJPR) grooming activities will continue past March 15, 2021. Grooming efforts through the Parks Division is supported in part by grant funding through Wyoming State Parks, Historic Site, & Trail through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant. The funding for that ends on March 15th each year.
The plan as of today is continue grooming all locations. Valley locations will be evaluated weekly starting on March 15th , with an update every Friday on status. Backcountry locations, Cache and Game Creek, will be groomed through April 1st at which point we will evaluate those locations.
Thanks to TCJPR for extending their grooming season and community winter trail recreation!!
Cache Creek
Last Updated: 2/20
We rolled Cache Hagen Sidewalk and Hagen Highway this evening and will snowshoe the trails near the trailhead this weekend.
Grooming provided by Friends of Pathways.
Teton Pines Nordic
Last Updated: 3/7
| Trip Report: Sunday March 7th update: Teton Pines is skiing well, with snow remaining firm and crisp, freshly groomed in the morning, still cold and slightly softer in the afternoon. Excellent conditions for both skate and classic Call us for specific retail questions (307) 699-3394 or tetonpinesxc@gmail.com. Our hours are 9am-4pm daily. |
Shooting Star
Last Updated: 3/8
It looks to be another sunny week with great overall conditions for Nordic Skiing. Anticipate warm & windy weather today (drifting should be minimal as warm temps have crusted over the snow profile) and light snowfall Monday night, as a cold front will move in on Tuesday. Daily high temperatures will be in the mid to upper 30’s through the weekend. Again, reminder we are now in full springtime conditions. Expect the snow profile to change throughout the whole entire day and grassy/bare areas may begin to form. Mornings are typically icier, lunch/early afternoon will be softer, and late afternoon conditions could become slushy. Plan ahead and enjoy the spring skiing!
Next Update will be Monday 3/15.
Please See the following Restrictions:
- Dog Loops & All Nordic Skiing Trails OPEN
- Sled Hill OPEN
- Classic Tracks SET
- Snow Shoeing Loop OPEN
- Casual Walking & Trail Running Not Permitted
Teton Village Pathway
Last Updated: 2/17
Teton Village Pathway from Lake Creek Bridge north to just south of the GTNP moose-wilson road south entrance was groomed this morning. Nice for an easy , flat nordic ski, fat bike , or trail run. Or if you’re commuting by ski or bike from Wilson or Jackson!
Groomed by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and funded by Teton Village Association.
Grand Teton National Park
Last Updated: 3/7
Taggart Lake Trailhead to South Jenny this morning.
Tim B shared these majestic images of the Grand Teton, Teewinot , and Mt Owen (aka “The Cathedral Group” when views from the north-east) while skate skiing from Signal Mountain south along the freshly groomed Teton Park Road. Truly inspiring to get out and enjoy.. Last grooming day: Friday March 19th
Just a reminder, there will be no grooming on the TPR on Tuesday, 3/9, as the park will be using their bombardier over snow vehicle on the TPR to move park service crews up to Lupine Meadows to do work on structures. . Grooming will resume on Friday 3/12, per normal schedule.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Last Updated: 3/8
While Turpin Meadow Ranch is officially closed, we would like to recognize some highlights from our perspective this winter:
- all of the folks who came to Turpin to try Nordic skiing for their first time ever
- all of the joy that was shared which inspired a new term for skis: “giggle sticks”
- a strong interest and participation in our lessons and tours from the community
- guests posting their adventures at Turpin on their social media
- people flagging down the groomer to share their gratitude
- and the biggest compliment of all is when folks tell their friends to go to Turpin “because it’s my favorite place to cross country ski!”
From all the Nordic team at Turpin, the managers, groomers, instructors and guides, we’d like to say thank you to the Nordic community who made this winter season so memorable. We are already looking forward to next winter and the opportunity to facilitate the ski adventure of your dreams.
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/adventures/winter-adventures/
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/the-ranch/live-conditions/
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com | 307.543.2000, office
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 3/10
Cross Country/Fat Bike 15k: XC OPEN (Last groomed 3/9/2021, 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: 3/9
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Ginzued the track last night and am rolling the new snow this morning. Will be a bit soft for skating. The base below the new snow is firm. And perhaps too firm to set a good classic track. I may need to wait until it softens up a bit. For now it is not set.
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: 3/10
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Cleaned things up this morning. Too firm to set the classic track.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 3/10
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
The skate and single track set fairly well. Nice and firm just below the surface. Did set the classic track but it’s a pretty shallow set. Get after it before the sun does. Enjoy!
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 3/10
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Wednesday: On Tuesday rolled the new snow and the road and parking lot were plowed. This morning plan to use the Ginzu to reset skate and classic, if I can improve. Expect the skate to be good, classic fair.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 3/9
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
With 1-2” of new snow I was able to put in a nice groom. The skate track and classic track have been set and this should make for a phenomenal couple days. Enjoy the glide!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/9
Skate: Set | Classic: Set | Singletrack: Not Set
A little fresh snow. Track is soft in spots
No dogs allowed.
5th Street Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/18
Singletrack: Set
Got the trail packed in and buffed out yesterday afternoon. It will be good till the next round of snow arrives.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/3
Singletrack: Set
Rolled the power line from Mike Harris to lower lady slipper and lower ladyslipper singletrack. Should be good once everything refreezes tonight. Enjoy!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/26
Groomed to Pinnacle TH – 2/25
South Leigh Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/3
Grooming 3/3/2021
Pinnacle Trail
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/26
Groomed to upper meadows – 2/25
Wydaho Ride Groomed Winter Challenge with Kait Boyle
SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 10:59 PM
Ride our favorite fat biking trails to help fundraise for grooming machines for TVTAP and Friends of Pathways: March 6th to March 27th
Nordic skiers can participate and contribute too! Who doesn’t like a perfectly groomed winter trail?!
To participate, you must also donate to one of the following organizations and attach a photo for proof of donation to your RideWithGPS activity:
Teton Valley Trails and Pathways
Friends of Pathways
Skyliners Motor Club (mail check to PO Box 552 Driggs 83422)
JH Nordic Masters Recreational Clinic – Skate Ski Technique
THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021
Trail Creek Nordic, Trail Creek Road (off Hwy 22), Wilson
11am-12:30pm
Skate Ski Clinic -Tips, Technique, Fun! Work on your V1, V2, balance, form, fitness. Coaches are provided by the JH Ski Club
All welcome (no beginners)
Drop-in $35 (includes Trail Creek Nordic day pass -proceeds to to the JH Ski Club Nordic youth program)
Karen Oatey Pole-Pedal-Paddle (PPP) – hosted by JH Ski & Snowboard Club
SATURDAY APRIL 10, 2021
Bring your own Team or compete as an individual
Join this fun-filled muli-sport community favorite event, or cheer on friends and family!
Competitive or just for fun, family event.
Prizes.
Event honors Karen Oatey and the Karen Oatey Endowment, and benefits JH Ski & Snowboard Club youth ski programs and scholarships.
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
