Recreate Responsibly
The Bridger-Teton National Forest offers ample groomed, tracked and off-trail opportunities for cross country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, or just walking with your dog. Winter recreation is more concentrated in easily accessible areas, so winter requires extra effort and diligence to protect our wildlife, our watersheds, and ensure a positive experience for all. Read more on how our community can take care of our public lands, year round.
Registration OPEN for the Rendezvous River Sports Karen Oatey PPP!
| Join us Saturday, April 10th for Jackson Hole’s favorite spring kickoff, the Rendezvous River Sports Karen Oatey Pole Pedal Paddle. Race individually or on a team, competitively or for fun! Five Legs: Ski/Snowboard > Run > Nordic > Bike > Paddle. Equal cash prizes for top three male and female individual racers. Costumes highly encouraged! Registration is now open until 5pm, April 7th |
Last of Grooming in GTNP
Today, March 19th is the last day of grooming in GTNP. Road will still be open to skiers/snowshoers/walkers this weekend, then closed for plowing beginning Monday March 22nd. Other GTNP ski and snowshoe trails (un-groomed) remain open.
Nordic Masters Skate Ski Clinic
The Masters skate ski clinic hit Trail Creek Nordic at its sweet spot Thursday morning between 11-12:30. The crust was still firm, with a soft 1/2 inch top for smooth crust cruising. The groomed trails were also fast on the downhill, and a good V1 workout uphill. Thanks to coaches Scott Horn and Sevi Hagen for excellent technique guidance! Be sure to visit Trail Creek for some spring skiing. Buy your trail pass online at https://jhskiclub.org/programs/trail-creek-info/trail-creek-pass-purchase
March 17, 2021 Nature Update
Provided by Cathy Shill
Founder of The Hole Hiking Experience
www.holehike.com
“The trail is beautiful…be still.” -Lakota
With daylight savings time and recent temperatures, the feel of spring has arrived in Jackson Hole. Longer days and more light spurs change in nature. Bears wake from winter hibernation and the first grizzly sightings have been reported in Yellowstone. (https://buckrail.com/first-grizzly-bear-of-2021-spotted-in-yellowstone/) Melting valley snow brings birds back to the valley. Red-winged blackbirds now flock along water ways and Robins have been seen in town. Spring is right around the corner and changes are apparent.
Temperatures and weather can vary greatly at this time of year. Compared to all the snow in February, March has been a bit dry. Terms that you hear in the spring are “crust cruising” and “corn snow.” Both terms refer to snow and how temperatures change the consistency of the snow pack.
Crust cruising means you can ski and stay on top of the “crust.” At this time of the year, you can just take off and go with ideal conditions. Corn snow refers more to backcountry skiing and catching perfect conditions to have a great downhill ski run. Concept is the same as you time the melt-freeze cycle. With cold or freezing temperatures, a crust forms that supports your weight, but turns to deep slush during the heat of the day. You can time your activity to catch the snow right when the top layer starts to melt and you still have a firm base. Both are great spring activities and ideal conditions now in Jackson Hole.
Spring means change as Old Man Winter releases his grip on the landscape. All sorts of weather can be experienced. Looks warm and sunny these next couple of days with snow predicted this weekend. When it does turn cold again, the snow will be hard and frozen so not as good for play. That said, all we need is a few fresh inches of snow and conditions will change once again. Ah, spring!
Mornings are best when it is sunny so you can catch the melt-freeze cycle before the snow turns to slush. Always fun to drive to the Taggart Lake trailhead in Grand Teton Park, put your skis on and go. When it is firm, options are endless. Plowing scheduled to begin on the inner Park road next week but still lots of places to explore. March and April can be great months to crust cruise and we currently have lots of snow in Grand Teton and further north in the valley.
Enjoy the seasonal changes. Our naturalist guides have seen lots of new birds, moose near town, deer on the hillsides and much more. Belinda Gunn’s smile shares the joy we feel when we get to explore nature and inspire others. Join us to learn and discover.
The Hole Hiking Experience | www.holehike.com | 307.690.4453
Trail Creek
Last Updated: 3/18
Grand Finales!
Yesterday was the final day of the season for the Lollipoppers, Teewinots, and Devos and it looked to be a grand celebration on a beautiful day. Above is a Devo demonstrating some of the great skill he has acquired through the year.
Coach Libby of the Teewinots was decked out in grand style as well.
And the Lollipoppers (images thanks to Coach Kathy) were also in full costume celebrating the conclusion of a fantastic season as well. It is truly amazing what happens when you pack down some snow, put some slippery boards on the feet of kids, supply them with a few fearless leaders to direct their imaginations, and let the fun begin!
Prep, Comp, and Junior ski program training at Trail Creek will be wrapping up on Friday.
You however, still have some time left to enjoy all that great snow. Today’s grooming again happened last night with the Pisten Bully covering most trails with skate grooming along with touching up classic tracks in the fields and Armin’s specifically as well as a few other places in need. Tracks will once again be hard and fast in the morning, softening to a little slushy by afternoon. Pick your time for just the ski you want.
There’s still time to make it out for the last JH Nordic Masters Skate Ski Clinic at 11 this morning. Also of note, Lower Valley will be removing power lines in the Armin’s area today so anticipate a few weird snowcat tracks.
Groomer’s choice for today is the fields in the morning and the woods in the afternoon.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 3/18
The school fields and the levee are groomed. The school fields are getting thin with grass showing in areas. The levee has a shallow classic track. Stilson will be done around 10:30.
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: 3/18
Last grooming day = Saturday March 20th – Come and enjoy the smooth, groomed trails until then!! It’s been a fantastic season!
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 Groomed Date: 3/8
GROOMING ENDED FOR THE SEASON – NON-GROOMED TRAILS IN USFS STILL ACCESSIBLE.
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: 3/17
Cross Country/Fat Bike 15k: XC OPEN (Last groomed 3/16/2021) 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: 3/18
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
We groomed last evening (Wednesday) starting at about 5:45pm. Beautiful evening. Classic track came out okay and skate lanes look great. Got too close to the edge of the track near the “new loop” and sank the machine to the ground. Yikes! Snow pack is getting pretty rotten with these longer warm days.
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: 3/17
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Was able to buff out a fair amount of the ruts this morning. Spring conditions exist.
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: 3/18
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Thursday afternoon: Reset south side classic and skate track while the snow was soft. Both turned out well, and hopefully will be in good shape tomorrow.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 3/18
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Planning on beginning to groom around 330 this afternoon. If we groom when the snow is soft and let it freeze before we ski it should be good skiing for the weekend. Happy skiing!!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/18
Skate: Set | Classic: Set | Singletrack: Not Set
We have been short on snowmobiles, but I got one working today. Took advantage of the soft snow and set a classic track. It turned out pretty good considering the uneven surface. It will be scary icy in the morning if it freezes tonight, so time your ski when it starts to get a little soft. Not a good skate lane right now, but we will work on that in the next couple days. Don’t forget sunscreen!
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: 3/18
Grooming 3/18 PM
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
