New on the Blog: Karen Daubert & Jared Smith: Nordic Enthusiasts
Karen Daubert and Jared Smith are not only avid skiers but also engaged Jackson residents involved in different organizations. Though Jared has more personal history in Jackson than Karen, since retiring 4 years ago, they have both been actively exploring all the winter trails of Jackson and actively involved in nonprofit work.
Jared’s History in Jackson
Jared grew up enmeshed in the Nordic community of Jackson. His parents first came to Jackon in 1945 on their honeymoon, and they started building a cabin at the end of Fish Creek Road when Jared was born in 1956. He grew up spending summers at the cabin, and then 1973 was the first winter and full year Jared and his family spent in Jackson.
Trail Conditions Update: Teton Park Road
Tuesday, March 16
The Teton Park Road – GTNP is skiing very nicely for both classic and skate skiing.These photos give you an idea of the groomed condition. Firmer before 11 – just right until 2pm, though high thin clouds kept the trail from softening too much.We tested the crust on the side, but still a bit soft, breaking crust . With more sunny days and cold nights, worth checking out early morning to see if it holds a skier’s weight.Last grooming day is this Friday, March 20th. Last day to ski TPR is Sunday, as GTNP will begin its spring road plowing Monday. Skiing off trail is still permitted, so crust and skier tracked trails well away from the road will be fine for some weeks.
GTNP Spring Plowing Operations Begin Next Week
Spring plowing will begin in Grand Teton National Park on Monday, March 22. The plowing operations mark the end of over-snow access on the 14-mile section of the Teton Park Road between Taggart Lake Trailhead and the Signal Mountain area.
For safety reasons, visitors may not access the Teton Park Road once plowing operations are underway. Rotary snow removal equipment and plows may be working at any time, and the roadway will be closed to all users at all times until further notice.
Skiers and those on snow shoes using areas adjacent to the roadway are cautioned to avoid the arc of snow blown from the rotary equipment because pieces of ice and gravel can be thrown great distances.
TOMORROW!
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
Join the JH Ski Club coaches for our final Skate ski Masters clinic of the season. Learn and practice your skate ski technique, perfect for making the most of late season crust-cruising, final month of groomed trails, training tips for the Pole-Pedal-Paddle Race on April 10th.
All welcome (no beginners)
Drop-in $35 (includes Trail Creek Nordic day pass -proceeds to to the JH Ski Club Nordic youth program)
Trail Creek
Last Updated: 3/16
Back in Business!
Thanks to Dick May Welding, the Pisten Bully was back in commission late yesterday afternoon at Trail Creek. Hopefully things will go smoothly to the end of the month as we wrap up a very busy season.
Trail Creek was a hive of activity yesterday with all the teams out enjoying more or less a”slush fest” in the balmy afternoon conditions. As grooming began the multitude of soft tracks were easily reformed into some nice corduroy and classic tracks. In these warm springtime conditions our Pisten Bully is able to make much more progress during this later afternoon early evening time although we are limited to what can be accomplished in this narrow time slot.
Yesterday’s agenda included multiple passes with fresh classic tracks on the field trails, Moose Poop, and Moose Loop. Homeward Bound and Armin’s received a skate/classic pass, and most other trails received a skate only pass. Ungroomed classic tracks range from good to melted depending on sun exposure. Most everyone should be able to find just the ski they want today, just watch the clock and the thermometer to find your sweet spot.
Groomer’s choice for today is late morning classic through Armin’s.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 3/16
The school fields and the levee are groomed and in good shape. 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: 3/15
Spring conditions will continue to be the theme all week. Warm temperatures and sunny skis are forecasted through Friday, followed by a potential rain/snow mix over the weekend. Overall, conditions should ski great! Reminder that trails will be icy in the morning, softer around lunchtime, and potentially slushy in the afternoon. Also, the depth & quality of the classic tracks will be inconsistent due to the icier profile. Enjoy!
Next Update 3/22
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
Grand Teton National Park
Last Updated: 3/16
Spring skiing conditions today in GTNP – Taggart Lake Trailhead to South Jenny.
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/the-ranch/live-conditions/
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com | 307.543.2000, office
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 3/16
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: 3/15
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Was able to reset about half the classic track this evening before the snow set up too much. The rest of the classic track is still set but looking pretty ugly. The skate lanes groomed out nicely though. Skating should be really good Tuesday morning.
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: 3/15
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Used weighted drag to smooth out deep footprints on skate track. No classic track is set.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 3/15
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
I attempted to evening groom but the snow is far too soft. I left the track alone. We’ll try again in cooler temperatures.
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 3/16
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Tuesday afternoon: Made a couple passes over skate track, snow was soft, so turned out well. Hopefully not too much use this evening, only a few cars when I finished. Classic held up well since Monday afternoon reset, so left alone.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 3/14
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
TVTAP has some equipment maintenance that needs to be addressed before we can groom again. Standby for updates. Current report: Campground loop skate track and classic track were groomed Sat evening. Yeti’s was not groomed due to frozen conditions.
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.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/13
Singletrack: Set
All of the single track trails are rider packed. All the trails are in relatively good condition with the exception of animal tracks. It is getting a little icy out there after the freeze-thaw cycle and soft in the middle of the day. Your best times are early and late. I was able to use the single track drag on Nemo, Powerline and upper Lady slipper to try to fill in the ruts and animal tracks. I was only moderately successful at doing so. Enjoy the ride.
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
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. BYO mask – and lunch & drink -to ski after the clinic ! And check out Sam-the Truck!
All welcome (no beginners)
Drop-in $35 (includes Trail Creek Nordic day pass -proceeds to to the JH Ski Club Nordic youth program)
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)
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
