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.
Vote for JH Nordic Cross Country Skiing in Best of JH. Find JH Nordic under “Adventure and the Great Outdoors “, Family friendly Activity.
Don’t forget to vote for JHNordic, voting ends March 18th!
Trip Report: Friday in The Park- Signal Mtn to Taggart 14 miles of Teton heaven!
| We timed our family shuttle drop-off at the Signal Mountain end of the weekly groomed Teton Park Road trail to coincide with the GTNP groomer’s arrival. The plan was to skate ski on freshly groomed corduroy south for 14 miles to the Taggart trailhead. The GTNP groomer was right on schedule, just after 10:40. Today was the 2nd to last full Friday groom of the winter season. Weather was perfect, sunny, crisp, no wind. We were the only ones at the trail head, and encountered only a friendly couple, a double poking classic skier, two solo skate skiers, and closer to North Jenny lake, two women skating with their well-behaved dogs on leashes . So the trail was wide open for our enjoyment, as the biggest views of the Tetons opened up. We talked of the peaks we observed as we skied, ideas of camping on remote beaches, up remote canyons in summer months to come. We analyzed and identified favorite AT ski slopes as we approached Taggart. And even ran into old friends near Jenny Lake. A trail side picnic, shared dark chocolate and chocolate covered coffee beans, water, removing a layer of jacket as the sun and exercise warmed us nicely. Grateful for our wild, national park open spaces, our ability to recreate with friends, the benefit of a magnificent groomed trail ( thanks to Grand Teton National Park Foundation) , and our public lands open for all to enjoy. A perfect winters Friday ski with Teton beauty the main attraction! |
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: 3/12
Podium Finishes!
Some great results are being posted from the Western Region Junior Championships at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Utah. U18/U20 results are here and the U16 results are here; podium finishes include Natalie O’Brien pictured above (thanks to Coach Johnny) at 2nd place and Kate Brigham standing at 3rd in the U18/U20 women and Aurora Stiles standing 2nd in the U16 women. Lots of other great finishes as well, more results will be posted today on Summit Timing’s website.
You too can have some fast skiing today if you make it out to Trail Creek. Our continued clear and dry conditions have resulted in some very fast snow. Our nearest snow reporting station, Phillips Bench has dropped to100% of normal as of today. There is some snow in the forecast for early next week although amounts at this time look to be on the light side.
Today’s grooming once again happened last night with the Pisten Bully making best line skate grooming passes on most trails. Classic tracks were reset in the fields as well with varying results and classic tracks in the woods are also somewhat variable. In the morning the snow will be softer in the shady sections while the afternoon sunshine should soften the field trails a bit. The crust in the fields is not perfect yet, but tracks indicate that more skiers are venturing off the groomed trails with pretty good results. Look for a rework of woods classic tracks tonight.
Groomer’s choice for today is an afternoon tour of the fields.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 3/12
Cache creek and May park are groomed and will be firm and fast. Game creek and three creek pathway are groomed and in decent shape. Classic tracks are very shallow in spots.
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: 3/12
Today GTNP Taggert to Signal and, Bar B Bar. Cold and clear this morning. Trail conditions are good and should be fast.
Buffalo close to the road, while heading north in GTNP. Beautiful, wild, big, hungry, !!! Be sure to give all wildlife plenty of space and respect. – By Kathy
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: 3/12
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: 3/12
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Today I was able to clean up the Nordic track with the drag and fill-in most of the frozen potholes and foot prints. I reset the skate track and the classic track. The classic track was set very shallow. Singletrack is ready to roll. Be aware of the excavation near the electrical box. The city of Victor plans to backfill the area to mitigate this hazard. Enjoy the glide and the ride.
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 3/12
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Saturday: plan on grooming skate track this AM and classic if needed, although existing classic should be pretty good with the weather we’ve been having. Should be done by 10am.
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: 3/12
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set | Singletrack: Not Set
Let me apologize for the poor quality trail this past week. We have had equipment problems and have not been able to groom since Monday. On Monday the Bronze Buffalo Club used a demo snowcat to groom the Nordic trail. Unfortunately, the snow turned isothermic (rotten) that day. As a result, the snowcat struggled and left some rather undesirable grooming. Now, everything is frozen and very difficult to improve with our snowmobile equipment. I suggest skiing at a different venue, or skiing with extreme caution. We will put effort into grooming when conditions are favorable. Stay tuned…
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
