Exploring Yellowstone in the Winter
Broadening horizons and exploring in Yellowstone National Park!
Yellowstone has miles of trails for the adventurous skier and snowshoer. Though track is set only on a few trails, all unplowed roads and trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There is so much to see in the National Park including lots of thermal features and wildlife. On this trip report bison, elk and coyotes were spotted. What an incredible adventure.
For more information about trails in Yellowstone and safety recommendations for cross country travel in the park click the link below.
Jackson Hole Nordic Recreational Masters Clinics
Hosted by Masters Coach Scott Horn and Jackson Hole Ski Club Nordic team coaches, the clinics are back for Season 3! Work on your technique and form with professional tips and exercises from USSA certified coaches. Stay and ski all day with your clinic ski pass at Teton Pines Nordic center. There will be two coaches and 2 small groups per clinic, and plenty of outdoor space to stay socially distanced. Meet local nordic skiers, bring your friends and family. We ask that everyone wear a mask or double buff.
The next clinic is on Thursday Jan 21st for skate skiing.
Check out the link below to register for the clinic as well as to see upcoming clinics throughout the season!
Moose Antler Drop
| By Jackson Hole Ecotour Adventure With shallow snow in the Jackson Hole Valley, we’re still seeing plenty of moose out on wildlife tours of Grand Teton National Park as they gather in the sagebrush flats. Though some still have antlers, more and more of them are falling off, an annual occurrence for all of our 4 deer species. By the end of January, few moose will still carry antlers. Antlers are primarily reproductive organs, their size and shape can be attractive to potential mates. In addition, during the fall, bull moose will urinate and scoop up the scent from the ground with their antlers, a moosey cologne that is believed to help trigger estrus in female moose. In early winter, cells called osteoclasts begin to break down the bone cells which attach antlers to the skull. As this connection weakens the weight of the antler, an impact from sparring or rubbing against a tree, or shake of the head will knock them to the ground. Antlers can weigh upwards of 20 lbs, shedding this weight undoubtedly makes winter just a little easier for moose. The visible scar in the second picture will soon heal over and we won’t see much in terms of antler growth for several months. As forage conditions improve in the spring osteoblast cells will facilitate rapid bone growth, which can reach up to an inch per day at the peak! As a reminder, harvesting antlers in National Parks is illegal and antler hunting in NW Wyoming in National Forests and other areas is closed until May 1st in order to protect wintering wildlife. Thanks to ETA Naturalist @kels_wellington for the great shots! |
January 13, 2021 Nature Update
Provided by Cathy Shill founder of The Hole Hiking Experience
Kindness is like snow.
It beautifies everything it covers.
-Kahlil Gibran
Frigid mornings and sunny afternoons dominate the week. Most days begin with a fog layer due to the cold temperatures. By late morning, the heat of the sun burns away the fog as temperatures begin to rise. Always fun to look at valley web cams to get updates: seejh.com/live & JHNordic.com (for GTNP -Taggart) . When the fog layer settles in Jackson Hole, you usually can go higher into the mountains where the sun shines.
Wildlife continues to move to their winter territories. We have been seeing lots of wildlife near the Gros Ventre River as we drive north on Highway 89/191. Make sure to give them space and limit disturbance. Hard time of the year for them.
What do the animals do when the temperatures get so cold? Snow is a great insulator so they use the insulating properties of snow to help them stay warm. New snow and powdery snow contain a high percentage of trapped air among the snow crystals. The trapped air retains heat. It works a lot like our down coats trapping air between the feathers which helps us stay warm.
Species have adapted to use the insulating properties of snow. Larger animals create snow beds to stay warm. You can see these depressions as you tour throughout the valley. Places where they bed down to sleep. Grouse and small weasels’ tunnel into the snow to reach a depth of insulation where they don’t shiver. If you winter camp, a snow cave or igloo will keep you warmer than a tent. Always lots to be learned from the natural world. Observation is the key.
Winter is a special time to visit Jackson Hole. Endless places to explore and fewer visitors during the winter months. As the snow world becomes established, you can put on your skis and go. Most of the valley vegetation will get covered by snow. If close to town, you can’t beat a tour up Cache Creek. It’s a great option if you only have a short amount of time. If in Grand Teton Park, endless options so check out JHNordic.com/trails/ (select GTNP region)
Lots of happy clients!
Thank you so much to the Hole Hiking Team! We had a great snowshoe hike with Belinda last week. She was punctual, knowledgeable and energetic! Her passion for the nature and wildlife was second to none! Would recommend this to anyone traveling to the Jackson area.
Join us to learn and discover about this amazing ecosystem! The Hole Hiking Experience (www.holehike.com) 307.690.4453
TVTAP Winter Trails Challenge Update
| Thank you to everyone who has signed up for our TVTAPs Winter Trails Challenge! After the first 10 days, you’ve logged over 900 miles and raised more than $4000 so our volunteers can keep grooming. Obviously we’ll hit our mileage goal, so look for us to increase the challenge. Nothing like moving the goalpost!!! You can register any time until February 14, but we don’t want you to miss out on any opportunities to win great prizes. Get your team together or register solo today! |
Trail Creek Nordic
Last Updated: 1/17
Great Results from Soldier Hollow!
Results from yesterday’s Nordic Qualifier in Soldier Hollow, Utah are available at Summit Timing. Highlights include top 10 class finishes for Kate Brigham, Natalie O’Brien, Aurora Stiles, Bridger Stiles, Mason Wheeler, and Des Concannon. Way to go team and coaches!
While racing continues today in Utah, skiing continues here in Wyoming at Trail Creek. The Pisten Bully was out and about early this morning, making skate passes on pretty much every trail. A few snowflakes have been falling on and off all morning but haven’t amounted to much yet. The forecast does call for a couple of inches this afternoon which would be good.
The warm temps actually softened the snow somewhat allowing for pretty nice results on the skate lanes. Fresh classic tracks were set in the close field and the rest are in pretty good shape.
Groomer’s choice for today is Animal Farm.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 1/16
The school fields are groomed and I decent shape with shallow classic tracks. Grooming will resume Monday with Cache creek to noker mine draw.
Teton Pines Nordic
Last Updated: 1/14
| Check out the new snow cat for grooming perfection, just arrived this morning! We tested the before and after. The new groomed corduroy was silky smooth, nice and wide…will be a great bonus! 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: 1/17
Fantastic Nordic conditions should continue through Thursday! Trails will likely remain hard packed with icy sections and ski fast. Weather is calling for light snow on Sunday followed by more cold/dry weather until Friday. Next Update will be on Friday. Enjoy!
Please See the following Restrictions
- Dog Loops & All Nordic Skiing Trails OPEN
- Sled Hill OPEN
- Classic Tracks SET Inconsistent Depths due to Ice
- 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: 1/15
Cold and clear out this morning- expect good skiing conditions from Taggart lake trail head to signal mountain and back today.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Last Updated: 1/17
It looks like its going to be a snow day today! Snow started falling just as I was finishing up the trails, so they’re going to be a bit soft again today. Definitely not complaining about the snow, though! If you’re new to skiing or wanting to refine your skills, book a ski lesson with our professional ski instructor Elee (she also does guided tours)! She is a wealth of knowledge and can help take your Nordic skiing, whether it be skate or classic, to the next level! 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/
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com | 307.543.2000, office
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 1/17
Cross Country/Fat Bike 15k: XC OPEN (Last groomed
1/16/2021, Fat Bike OPEN.
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: 1/17
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Sunday: Reset skate track and classic on Northern loops, with mixed results. Skate looks to he good.
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: 1/16
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Driggs track was groomed today and is nice and flat. Should be good for skate and classic
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 1/15
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Skate track has been reset. The classic track is currently not set. I smoothed out a lot of the bumps and ruts getting it ready for the next storm. Skating should be good. The single track has been reset and cleared up. Enjoy the ride and glide!
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 1/17
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Smoothed out skate lane and reset the north side classic track. Intermittent light snow this morning but not much yet in the way of accumulation. Have fun!
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 1/16
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
I reset the skate and classic tracks on Campground and Yetis loops. Enjoy the glide.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 1/17
Skate: Set | Classic: Set | Singletrack: Set
Nordic trail was set by the cat groomer Sunday evening. Bronze Buffalo Club had a demo cat for the weekend. Singletrack will be set Monday morning.
No dogs allowed.
5th Street Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 1/14
Singletrack: Set
Thurs PM – 5th St. singletrack surprisingly excellent! Aside from a few frozen footprints possibly the fastest it’s ever been! Firm and fast. Clockwise is easier. Multi-lap for a great workout! Enjoy!
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 1/14
Singletrack: Set
Trails are solid and firm with the warmup and cool down yesterday. High winds has shedded some snow from trees and there are limbs and branches across trail. Use caution.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
JH Nordic Recreational Masters – Skate Ski Clinic
TETON PINES
JANUARY 21st
All welcome (no beginners)
Drop-in $35 (includes clinic & Teton Pines Nordic all day ski pass)
or $30 (if you already have a Teton Pines Nordic pass or membership).
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
