Happy Spring!
As the sun crosses the celestial equator the Northern hemisphere tilts towards the great star marking longer and warmer days to come. But as I sit to write the JH Nordic newsletter on this first day of spring and look out my windows I see snow flurries instead of sunshine. To me and many Nordic enthusiasts this is a welcomed treat. And while many Nordic areas have closed up shop for the season there is still some great Nordic skiing to be had, the theme of today’s email.
The groomer at Trail Creek said it best: “Yes the calendar says that spring has nearly arrived, but when the silent white flakes drift earthward, draping the trees and trails with yet another round of winter splendor, surely the flowers and the bees can wait a little longer. Don’t waste this bonus, you mustn’t move with slowness, enjoy the wintery euphoric, do it with your Nordic; ski.”
Tech Tip: There is Still Plenty of Opportunity for Nordic
Courtesy of: Scott Horn, Nordic Notes JH News and Guide
While the novice Nordic skier may believe that the season has ended, as Nordic centers close and grooming ends around our valley, seasoned skiers know that another chapter has just begun — crust cruising. Warm spring days, followed by cold nights, create a magic wonderland of well-frozen snow that when touched by the morning sun allows for miles of endless Nordic skiing pleasure. This is the perfect time to explore areas you never thought possible, particularly north of town. It is an uncertain season with no defined beginning or end, and occasional interruptions in between. But most years you can find good crust somewhere from mid-March to mid-May. If you still want to ski into June there is always Togwotee Pass.
Just a few safety reminders: Depending on the day you will want to be off the snow by mid-to-late morning or you will be taking the chance of being stranded in fields of mashed potato-like snow. Expect the unexpected — bear spray, duct tape, safety gear, food and water are necessary precautions for your adventure.
The snowpack is a little thinner this year, but there’s still plenty to explore, so don’t let this opportunity slip away.
Ask JH Nordic
If you were coming one time, which places would be your top two choices now for average classic skiers? Thanks, Steve
Hi Steve,
One of my absolute favorite places on a sunny day is Taggart north toward Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Unfortunately, grooming has ended on the Teton Park Road trail. But there is a lovely classic skier track across the sagebrush meadow – either next the the road (closed to vehicular traffic until May 1st, so still very peaceful), or along Cottonwood Creek. Both trails are listed on the JHNordic.com/trails/ page. Type in “Taggart” in the search bar.
At this time of year, there are still some excellent groomed trails:
- Trail Creek Nordic
- Cache Creek
- Game Creek
- and over in Teton Valley: Teton Canyon
While Teton Canyon is a 45 min drive, there are many excellent restaurants to try in Driggs and Victor, plus the classic Huckleberry shake at the Victor Emporium! Let us know where you go, what you liked!
Nancy, JHNordic
Trip Report: Pine Creek Pass
We enjoyed a short but beautiful ski from Pine Creek Pass recently. Since it was a weekday, we were the only ones at the trailhead parking lot and were the only ones on the road/trail all day. Lots of animal prints and beautiful views. This is one of those nice skis out of Teton Valley that has become an annual tradition! Trip report submitted by Karen D.
Trail Creek
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 3/20
It’s So Nice To See Snow & Ice!
Yes the calendar says that spring has nearly arrived, but when the silent white flakes drift earthward, draping the trees and trails with yet another round of winter splendor, surely the flowers and the bees can wait a little longer. Don’t waste this bonus, you mustn’t move with slowness, enjoy the wintery euphoric, do it with your Nordic; ski.
As of report time up to four inches of very heavy spring snow has fallen at Trail Creek today. The Husky has been hard at it, warping that warm snow into some lovely soft skiing opportunities. A pretty good crowd has already been out today, with smiles the dominant feature.
Almost every trail received a skate/classic pass today with Close Field, Moose Loop, and Animal Farm receiving multiple passes. Properly waxed skiers should be able to have a wonderful ski today.
If current weather forecasts hold, the near term grooming schedule will be Monday Morning, Tuesday evening, and Thursday evening.
Groomer’s choice for today is Woolsey Woods.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Grooming Monday-Saturday
Last Update: 3/19
The levee and stilson are groomed and should ski ok this morning before it warms up. The school fields will no longer be groomed this season.
Most trails are still holding up decently except three creek pathway and the school fields, so they will no longer be groomed this season. I am hoping to groom through next week on stilson, the levee, game creek, cache creek, and Wayne May Park but it all depends on how they hold up with the warm weather that is forecasted for next week.
Monday Grooming Schedule: Cache Creek to Noker Mine
Cache Creek Fat Bike Trails
Last Update: 3/13
I did a pass on all the Cache Creek trails this evening. Things are holding up well but as the temps get above freezing try to avoid using the trails in the late afternoon.
Grooming by Friends of Pathways.
Teton Pines Nordic
Grooming is finished for the season.
Last Update: 3/20
Sunday March 20 was our closing day. Thanks for a great season!!
Shooting Star
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 3/19
It looks to another nice weekend with lots of sun this Saturday followed by potential snow Sunday afternoon. Spring skiing conditions will be in full effect for the remainder of the season. Looking ahead, I anticipate we can provide daily grooming for the upcoming week through 3/27. Beyond the 27th, we’ll need to evaluate if grooming can be extended as warm weather is forecasted to return towards next weekend. Also, reminder the Nordic leg of the PPP will be here on Saturday 3/26. Fingers crossed the weather cooperates!
TRAIL STATUS
- YELLOW LOOP OPEN
- SLED HILL GROOMED on 3/19 (Grooming will occur as needed)
- CLASSIC TRACKS SET
- SNOWSHOEING OPEN (BLUE LOOP ONLY, STAY ON THE EDGE OF THE TRAIL OR IMMEDIEDATEY NEXT TO TRAIL)
- ORANGE LOOP OPEN
- WALKING, NOT ALLOWED
Snake River Sporting Club
Daily Nordic grooming for both “Front Nine” (south side) and “Back Nine” (North side) Nordic Trails
Public access to the groomed Nordic trails is $50 per person per day, with no season passes available. Ski rentals are available at the Sports Shop. Guests must check in at the Sports Shop to sign a waiver and make payment before heading out. The daily pass does not allow access to the Restaurant this season. The clinics that are being offered are for members and lodging guests only.
Please call the Sports Shop with any questions you may have at 307-200-3093
Grand Teton National Park
Grooming is finished for the season and plowing operations began 3/14
Grooming is sponsored by the GTNP Foundation and generous donations from our community.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Grooming is finished for the season.
Last Update: 3/18
The lodge is closed for the season and grooming has come to an end. Thanks to all who came out and visited the ranch this winter! The lodge and restaurant will be open for summer activities mid-June.
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/the-ranch/live-conditions
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com | 307.543.2000
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
Grand Targhee
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Last Updated: 3/20
Cross Country 15k: XC OPEN
Fat Bike Trails : Closed
Snowshoe Trails: Open
Targhee’s Nordic trails are groomed Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sat/Sundays. Fat bike/snowshoe trails are groomed regularly but not on a set schedule – the groomer usually waits until after a storm cycle to groom the single track.
Trail day passes are $20 this winter.
Remember, singletracks will be closed when there is more than 3 inches of snow in a 24 hour period.
Alta Track
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday
Last Updated: 3/20
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
Going to hold off on grooming for now to wait and see if it snows and the temperatures drop
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: 3/19
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Driggs track will be groomed at 8:30 am Saturday.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 3/16
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Rolled out the new snow Wednesday night. Made a few extra passes to smooth out the waves. The perfectionist in me doesn’t like it but over all both the classic track and the skating should be pretty damn nice! Get out there and enjoy as the forecast next week looks like this might be it?…keeping the dream alive! Walking single track was also packed down and groomed, watch for old post hole marks!
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/20
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
Was thinking exactly what Mark just reported for Alta. No grooming in the Canyon for now.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
Last Updated: 3/18
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Yeti and Campground both shaped up pretty well. Set the classic track on All of Yeti and the campground part of the campground loop. The trails are a bit rough near the trail head but should ski well up in the trees. Have fun!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Reserve Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Thursday & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/19
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Skatetrack was last groomed on Thursday and the classic track has been left alone since last Monday. 7 AM Saturday 19th morning after scouting for pre-groom, I determined that the snow is too frozen to have any success. I’ll try to have a look mid-morning and see if the timing is right. Standby for updates.
No dogs allowed.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/14
Singletrack: Set
Happy hour, Hill benders and Nemo were all groomed after the last storm cycle March 7th & 8th. Trails are still in decent shape and mostly rider packed. Enjoy the ride.
Happy Hour (aka Mike Harris to ID/WY state line)
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/16
Groomed to Pinnacle TH only.
Rammell Mountain Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/16
Grooming is done for the 21/22 season.
South Leigh Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/17
Groomed 3/17.
Registration OPEN for Pole Pedal Paddle
Registration is now OPEN for JHSC’s Rendezvous River Sports Karen Oatey Pole Pedal Paddle on March 26th. Since 1975 the “PPP” has served as the annual kickoff to spring in Jackson Hole with a five-leg race that includes:
- Ski/snowboard alpine race at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Running leg from Teton Village to Shooting Star
- Cross country ski leg at Shooting Star Nordic track
- Cycling leg from Shooting Star to Von Gontard’s Landing at South Park Bridge
- Paddling leg on the Snake River to Astoria boat ramp
Competitors are invited to race individually or on a team and competitively or for fun. Either way, costumes are highly encouraged! The PPP will conclude with a large community celebration at Astoria Hot Springs Park open to the public*.
Registration closes at midnight on Wednesday, March 23rd Details and registration HERE.
*Please no dogs at any leg of the PPP and if you plan to soak at Astoria, reservations are required.
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
