Trip Report: Game Creek
Game Creek was the perfect trail to escape Sunday’s wind, tucked away in a peaceful valley just south of Jackson on the southside of Snow King.
Thanks to Teton County Park & Recreation’s twice weekly grooming (Wed & Fri), the 6 mile round trip groomed trail was still in excellent shape 2 days later. Firm enough for both skate skiing and fat biking, and soft enough for a silky classic XC ski. The tail is complete with a classic track as well!
Very few people were found on the trail; though, a small herd of elk were out and about.
Skinny Skis Gear Guide
Christmas week is upon us! Fear not, there is still time. With help from Scott at Skinny Skis, we’ve got all of your last minute shopping needs covered. From stocking stuffers, smart watches, and pack essentials to base layers and hard goods – here’s some gear that’s worth checking out this season.
Masters Recreational Clinic Will Be On Wednesday Dec 23rd This Week
Skate Ski technique, tips, fitness, fun… Meet dressed to ski at the Teton PInes Nordic Center trailhead – Clubhouse south side.
TIME: 11am – 12:30 pm
LOCATION: TETON PINES NORDIC CENTER – Moose-Wilson Road, Wilson
Please RSVP unless you are signed up with a Masters Clinic season pass.
- Please arrive -dressed and booted up, ready to ski. Bring skate ski gear this week. Feel free to arrive with a warm outer jacket, which you can leave in your day pack or bag outside at the Nordic Center. Due to the current health guidelines , we will remain outside for the full lessons. There are indoor bathrooms, but there is no indoor warming space.
- Come at 10:50am to Teton Pines, to meet the coaches and to divide into small groups.We will meet on the snow, on the south side of the Teton Pines Clubhouse, in front of the Nordic Center lower level retail shop. Rental skis, hot waxing, Nordic clothing and accessories are available at the shop. If you need rental equipment, we recommend you plan ahead -contact Cody – tetonpinesxc@gmail.com or (307) 733-1733.
- Please wear a mask so that we can #RecreateResponsibly. We will divide into small groups based on ability, and maintain 6 feet + distance at all times. If you do not feel well, please stay home.
- Please bring your own water and a snack.
- We have 3 coaches per clinic. To keep groups small, please spread out during personal instruction.
Taggart Trailhead Update in GTNP
There is an increase in parking along the west side of the Teton Park road, which now extends a 1/4 mile north to the Cottonwood Creek Bridge. Thus, the groomed trail now begins at the Cottonwood Bridge.
The regular groomed ski section now starts just before the bridge. There is some parking near the porta-potty but most can be found along the west side of the road toward the traditional parking area. This seems best for skaters.
There is a narrower linking trail from the large lot to the new ski starting point. As of 11:45am on 12/20, the groomer had not made the return pass from Signal Mountain.
According to park rangers, both porta-potties will remain open this winter.
Trail Creek Nordic
Last Updated: 12/20
As of 10:30 AM the winds were indeed rising into the quite strong range with quite a bit of drifting in the fields. Never to fear, you should still be able to find plenty of good skiing today at Trail Creek with lots and lots of fresh grooming. Perhaps the best bet for today would be to head out to the protected woods and enjoy all the fresh snow from recent days.
Today’s grooming was with the Pisten Bully and covered most trails with double passes and fresh classic tracks. The snow has also finally gotten deep enough to bring the East Fields into the network, having received first tracks today, even if they will probably drift in substantially before the day is out. We have at least started on the base with the promise of lots of good skiing to come.
Speaking of good skiing, there was plenty of it yesterday at the high school race. Thanks to all who made it possible and to those that might have missed their Saturday ski because of the race. It is amazing what our Nordic community can do when it comes together. Top finishers yesterday were from Jackson with Kate Brigham being the fastest girl and Bridger Stiles the fastest boy. Full results are available here.
The critter report today in a word is plentiful- with many moose along with elk and white tail deer, not to mention a few squirrels bustling about this morning. Your Nordic adventure today could definitely include wildlife encounters. Stay out of the wind (or embrace it if you are one of those types) and you can have a great ski today.
Groomer’s choice for today is fully groomed for the first time this year with classic tracks, Homesite!
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Moose-Wilson Road pathway was groomed Sunday morning at 8am – from Lake Bridge (2 miles south of Teton village) north to the end of the summer bike path near the GTNP South entrance. Note that south of Lake Creek Bridge to Stilson, the pathway is plowed to asphalt. They will groom after snow or wind events. Grooming operations by JHMR, funded by Teton Village Association (TVA).
Nice quality corduroy for skater and classic skiing, fat biking, walking, running. Dog friendly!
Teton Pines Nordic
Last Updated: 12/19
We are open daily 9am-4pm (closed Christmas Day). We groom 16km of track each morning for both skate and classic skiing. The conditions are great right now and will continue to improve as we get more snow this week.
Please come ready to ski as we do not have an indoor area for getting ready this year. We have lots of covid protocols to keep everyone safe and healthy this season. Please check in with us at our outside window/intercom located on the southside of the Teton Pines Clubhouse. The main Clubhouse upper level/front door is closed to the public. The restaurant is closed to the public this winter as well.
We still have lots of nordic gear in our shop if you need to pick up some last minute gifts for the nordic skiers on your list! We currently have a good selection of sizes in skate gear ( skis/boots/poles) but our classic gear is currently in short supply. We are expecting a small shipment of classic skis around Jan 1. We have a great selection and supply of hats, jackets, pants, socks and gloves by Daehlie, Skida, and Swix. 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: 12/19
The Windy Mile decided to wake up this morning and our site is currently experiencing drifty conditions. Skiing today may be more enjoyable with a classic or touring set up. The trails were leveled out and groomed multiple times this morning, but may likely have drifts form throughout the day. Ski with caution and please stay on the trails. Thanks and we’ll do our best to smooth out the track again tomorrow.
Please see the following Restrictions:
- Dog Loops & All Nordic Skiing Trails OPEN
- Sled Hill OPEN
- Classic Tracks SET
- Snow Shoeing Loop OPEN
- Casual Walking Not Permitted
- Early Season & Drifty Conditions
- Grooming is currently via snowmobile and Pistenbully
**SKI W/Caution!!… Current Depths and Coverage are Very Deceiving
Next Update Will be 12/21 or whenever conditions dramatically change. Enjoy!
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Last Updated: 12/20
More new snow! Still a couple dirt spots here and there, but for the most part everything is filling in nicely. Snow flurries on and off all day today too so conditions will only improve from here on! 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. 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.
To keep an eye on live conditions, check out the webcams here.
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 12/20
XC OPEN (Last groomed 12/19/2020, 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: 12/20
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Randy and Dalton spent Saturday staking out the track. Good work. So this morning I should be able to stay on course and reset both classic and skate tracks. I’ll begin to groom around 830.
Please do not park in the library parking lot.
Driggs
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 12/20
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Smoothed out well. Some weeds stubbing out on track but snow cover improving.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 12/19
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
The warming trend and new snow have made for a bit of a mess. We hope to groom again by Monday am.
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 12/20
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Reset both sides of the classic track and refreshed the skate lane. Moose are active this morning in the back 1/4 of the canyon. Enjoy!
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 12/20
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Campground and Yetis loops are all set. Skate and Classic tracks have been set. The snow is soft but it is smooth. Enjoy the glide.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 12/19
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
The warming trend and new snow have made for some messy conditions. We hope to groom again by Monday am.
No dogs allowed.
5th Street Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/17
Singletrack: Set
Late Thursday – Twas a week before Christmas when all through the 5th St. the ditches were filled and checked off his list, so St. Nick took his sled and gave us a groom. Then I in my post work haze did arise and rode in laps until the demise of my thighs. On Friday go ski out some powder then go grab your bike! It’s the best that it’s been before the Holidays strike!
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/20
Singletrack: Set
Happy hour single track, powerlines and Sherman Springs access have been groomed with the V plow. All other singletrack trails we’re groomed three nights ago and are now rider packed. Enjoy the ride!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
JH Nordic Recreation Masters Clinics
Wednesday, December 23 | TETON PINES
This 8 clinic series will take place on Wednesday this week rather than Thursday. Masters Clinics run bi-weekly from 11:00am – 12:30pm through March 18th, alternating between skate skiing and classic cross-country.
Betty Woolsey Classic Nordic Race- 2k, 5k, 12k (* Sandbag series)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26th | TRAIL CREEK
Register with the JH Ski Club. A community favorite, honoring Betty Woolsey of Trail Creek Ranch. All ages welcome, interval start. Come dressed to ski and wear a mask!
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
