Wyoming Premiere of the Palisades Project
Friday March 26th, 2021
It is easy to say that The Palisades Project is telling the story about a land conflict – but in reality the conflict we are dealing with is one about people. Our film shares the voices of people involved in the conflict surrounding the Greater Palisades landscape, to both tell the story and inspire a solution. Dan Smitherman of the Wilderness Society is one of those voices.
Don’t miss the full length film that premieres virtually March 26th!
Attend virtually from the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts | Followed by a livestream panel discussion.
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 |
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: 3/19
The Next Generation!
A few more images of the Lollipopper’s season finale are a joy to behold; many of these wee ones have gone from never being on skis to screaming down Gutflop in just a few months; being close to the ground probably does make things easier!
Fun is always a crucial element, but not hard to find when sliding around on the snow with your buddies at a great place like Trail Creek.
You too can have some fun today at Trail Creek if you come out for a great Nordic ski! Reports from yesterday’s JH Nordic Blog indicated that the skate ski clinic hit the sweet spot timing-wise during their 11-12:30 session, conditions should be similar today.
Grooming once again happened last night covering most trails with Pisten Bully skate only passes while touching up classic tracks in the close field and on Moose Loop. The woods trails are definitely staying firmer later in the day although the snow has gotten pretty dirty with all the melting.
Looking ahead it appears as if we finally are going to get some measurable precip in the next few days. Anticipate night grooming again tonight with the next one being dependent upon snowfall. Today is the last team practice, look for more or less every other day grooming going forward.
Groomer’s choice for today is Moose Loop.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 3/19
Cache and May park are groomed and still in decent shape. There are a few bare spots up cache and the short loop at May park cannot be groomed anymore.
Game creek is groomed and still in good shape. Three creek pathway is groomed but the last southern third of trail in no longer groom-able and the rest of the trail has thin spots.
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: 3/19
Today is Brandon’s final day to groom in GTNP for the season. We hope everyone is able to get out end enjoy the last weekend of skiing in the park.
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: 3/19
Cross Country/Fat Bike 15k: XC OPEN (Last groomed 3/18/2021) 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: 3/19
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Saturday plans: will wait to see what this “big snowfall” will really do before heading out tomorrow. If it misses us, I will try to get everything groomed before 10ish. If it pans out, will wait till noon or later to start. Right now, it’s 38 degrees at our house at 9:20pm. Can’t imagine it’s going to do much, but then again, I believe in science (National Weather Service). We’ll see in the mornin!
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: 3/19
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
We’re waiting on some new snow before we groom the park again. The skate track is set though it’s not in the best condition it is skiable. For this coming storm cycle.
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: 3/19
Skate: Set | Classic: Set | Singletrack: Not Set
Nick and I each spent some time reestablishing the track. The classic track and skate track has been groomed and are set the best they could be without new snow. It’s not perfect but it is back. Go on out and enjoy the Nordic trails once again.
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
