Tips for Late Winter and Early Spring Adventures in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks!
Though snow remains deep in Jackson Hole and Yellowstone’s interior, the winter season is coming to an end in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Snow covered roads are starting to be plowed in preparation for the coming summer season. Winter isn’t quite over yet however, here’s what you need to know about exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks this spring, including late winter xc skiing, wildlife watching (don’t forget your bear spray!), road opening dates, and more. Featured image by EcoTour Naturalist Kirk Ryder.
Recent warm weather in early March is causing snow to begin to recede, but we expect to be skiing and snowshoeing well into April. Warm sunny days and cold nights causes the snow to firm up, creating excellent cross-country skiing conditions known locally as “crust cruising.” This firm surface allows one to travel quickly over the snow surface, opening up acres of terrain to explore.
Thanks to grooming funded by our friends at JHNordic and the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, the Teton Park Road has been a favorite ski destination throughout the winter. Get your last ski in soon, grooming ends on March 19th!
Visit www.jhnordic.com for updates on grooming of other locations throughout the valley as the winter season winds down.
Trip Report: Pilgrim Creek in Northern GTNP
| Spectacular spring ski! What a lovely and surprisingly open valley. Today was sun-filled with a little layer of new snow on top of an earlier skier tracked trail. You really cannot go wrong in this area as the meadow is large and the ways around it unlimited. We carried bear spray as it is that time of year when they are coming out of their Winter’s sleep. But saw no signs. 2 1/2 hours. Fun! Saw signs of a a great horned owl’s imprint. It looks like it successfully found prey. -Karen D. |
Skinny Skis Winter Rental Sale
Begins Friday March 12
First come first serve
What’s being sold
– LIMITED Salomon Snowscapes XC skis
– All XC Fischer Spider 62’s & Rossignol OT65’s XC skis
– All XC Rossignol adjustable XC poles
– All snowshoes
– All alpine touring skis
– All alpine touring boots
Trail Creek
Last Updated: 3/11
Western Region Junior Championships!
A whole bunch of JHSC Nordic skiers are in Utah today to participate in the last major event of the season, the Western Region Junior Championships. Because of the pandemic there is no junior national championship this year, but the individual regions have been able to put together events for our athletes to show off their abilities after a season of tough training.
Because of the pandemic, no spectators are being allowed this year, full information about the event can be found on the 2021 Western Region Junior Championship website and racing results can be found at the Summit Timing website. Racing begins today and continues through Saturday.
Even though you probably can’t go watch the championships in Utah, you can still have a nice ski today at Trail Creek. It looks like we’re in for a spell of cool nights and somewhat warm days with little precipitation going forward. Conditions are quite hard but still skiing pretty well.
Today’s grooming happened yesterday evening with mainly skate grooming throughout the fields and close woods. Classic tracks are thin in places but working ok mostly if you can get your wax dialed. Thankfully the afternoon temps are moderate enough that the snow is kind of in stasis mode and keeping pretty stable and skiable. Look for evening grooming to continue until the next snow.
Word from up north is that while the crust is stable enough for some fun classic skiing, it still has a ways to go for skaters to be able to do their thing well.
Groomer’s choice for today is Woolsey Woods.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 3/11
The school fields and the levee are groomed and in ok shape. Classic tracks are very shallow because of how firm the base is. Stilson will be done around 11:00.
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: 3/11
The sun is out and the snow is still good! 9am-12pm should provide the best conditions for classic and skate conditions are good all day. As the temps warm over the next few days expect soft conditions in the afternoon. Closing is next Saturday—March 20.
We still have a good selection of spring gloves, spring hats, touring boots, small classic touring skis, and large (190cm) BC touring skis. All pants and jackets are 20% off and we have a small selection in most sizes still available.
| Trip Report: Thursday March 11th update: Teton Pines Nordic is skiing beautifully! We skated skied on nicely groomed corduroy around 11:30-1:00, and tested the crust. Just firm enough, and will get better with sunny days, cold nights. Classic tracks are well set, nice and smooth for the perfect glide. Snow has good purchase thanks to daily grooming. Highly recommended . Oh, and be alert for a moose or 2. We saw one well off the trail, but they love the willows, need lots of space! 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: 3/11
Cold and clear this morning
Grooming at the CH Ranch, a couple of private residences, then off to Melody Ranch to finish the day.
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: 3/11
Cross Country/Fat Bike 15k: XC OPEN (Last groomed 3/11/2021, 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: 3/11
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Last night, I groomed all of the southern half of the Alta track and just the classic track on the northern outer loop. It set up nicely overnight. This morning (Thursday), my groomer-in-training and I finished up the skate lanes out north. Everything looks really nice. Go have some fun in the sun!
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: 3/11
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Thursday: Plan to make couple passes over skate track this morning, should be good, finish by 8am. Classic is in good shape from Wednesdays reset. Road and parking lot was plowed Tuesday afternoon and is in decent shape.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 3/11
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Going to begin grooming around 330 this afternoon. Hopefully I will catch it when it is soft and get everything tuned up. If the track has a chance to freeze overnight before it sees skis it should be in great shape for the weekend.
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: 3/11
Darby groomed to end of road.
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
