Today’s Avalanche Forecast
Nordic and winter trail users are urged to use caution when recreating on trails and terrain below steep slopes. The BTAC reports and their website is a valuable local resource for planning your outing. Visit their forecast page for the most up-to-date information.
What’s Groomed in Jackson Hole/Teton Valley?
See real-time grooming in the Jackson Hole/Teton Valley region. Find all the latest grooming & fresh groomed tracks. Plan your next Nordic Adventure with ease.
Lots of Options to Enjoy Winter Trails on Saturday
Alta Vista Skiathlon
Don’t miss out, the online registration ends tomorrow. There is an option to register day of for an additional $10. A Skiathlon is a race where you classic your 1st lap and skate your 2nd. You may also sign up as a team. There will be hot cocoa and the possibility of PRs.
Fun fact: This race format originated in Norway in the 1920s and has been an Olympic race competition since 1924.
Reminder: There is a Free Teton Pass Shuttle Every Saturday.
Since many Nordic skiers are also backcountry alpine skiers and BC Nordic skiers here is some helpful information about accessing Teton Pass. Thanks to Teton Backcountry Alliance, you can leave your car, ride the shuttle, and shred! No reservations needed. See here for schedule and other details.
Saturday 2/24: The Last Night Ski at Turpin Meadow Ranch
Celebrate February’s full moon, aka the snow moon, by skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking under it on the snow covered winter trails of Turpin. Mythical creatures get a free trail pass on Saturday night (iykyk). There is also a cabin available February 22-25 so you can come play AND stay! Call the office (307)543-2000 for more information.
WILD NATURE
by Cathy Shill, founder of The Hole Hiking Experience
https://www.holehike.com/
“In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.” -William Blake
It finally feels like winter. Recent stormy weather created piles of snow, a white landscape, slippery roads, and powder days. We are currently at 90% of average mountain snowfall and it seems both town and the mountains may surpass the average for February. La Nina keeps the temperatures a bit warm but it’s OK, it feels like winter. Mid-February also brings more light to the valley as days begin to lengthen.
As we look at the landscape, it seems asleep underneath the blanket of winter snow except life continues to be quite busy.
“This place beneath the snows of winter is called the subnivean zone, and in this zone, small mammals can move about freely searching for food, still under the matted dry grasses and protected by a roof of ice and snow. This roof is created as the heat from the earth melts the snow and water vapor is created in the resulting space between snow and earth. This vapor rises to the roof of snowpack and condenses, forming a thin layer of protective ice that stops sub-zero winds from getting in from above and slows heat loss from below. The subnivean zone temperatures are just a degree or two above or below freezing for the whole winter–even into early spring when the outside air temperature above the snowpack warms considerably.” https://friendsofreadwildlifesanctuary.org/beneath-the-snows-of-winter-the-subnivian-zone/
The subnivean world is amazing. Small mammals create dens and group together for warmth. Voles and shrews will mass together and they are in different mammalian families. Small weasels tunnel in the snow to hunt. They also sleep in the snow since it is warmer. Plants provide food and some grow as light increases.
For me, the joy of being outside in the winter is the solitude and the story left on the snow. Tunnels left by small mammals, the cone litter of the Red Squirrel, the bed of a Ruffed Grouse, all leave an imprint. You can’t beat Jackson and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to provide endless options. It is always fun to connect more deeply with the natural world.
Join our naturalists on the trail to discover winter, wildlife, and the beauty of Jackson Hole. With ample tour options, The Hole Hiking Experience can adjust locations and adapt each day to the current conditions.
Stellar Stilson Grooming
“Stilson is stellar 30 hours after grooming! Thank you thank you. It makes a difference in our lives. We are in our 70s and just can’t ski the pass much any more. Skate groom looked sweet, too. Might have to get back into that again. Pass along to powers that be. Cheers.” -KB
Thanks KB for your trail update, we love our community to encourage others to get out there and share real time reports. KB also shared great appreciation for the dog walkers and dogs who avoided the crisp clear classic track as well as the firm surface that helps create a durable surface for all users to enjoy. Thanks to the The Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation Department for such great grooming on well loved valley trails!
Trail Creek
Grooming Daily
Last Updated: 2/21
Our Hosts are Here!
If you like to ski Cle’s Climb, Faceplant, Moose Loop, or Armin’s, you have the Seiffert family to thank as they own a pretty good chunk of the Nordic area we call Trail Creek. They’re currently in residence for their annual winter visit in the green A frame cabin, you’ll notice a few snowmobile tracks in and out of their cabin, give them a friendly wave if you encounter them on the trail and let them know how much we appreciate their hospitality.
Conditions began the day a bit on the crunchy side this morning with warm temps yesterday allowing the snow to freeze pretty firmly overnight. As the Husky ventured forth this morning, the woods trails with the insulating effect of the trees had not frozen as firmly as the fields and groomed pretty nicely. By the time grooming shifted to the fields, temps had warmed enough for favorable results there as well. Most every trail received at least one pass with Animal Farm and Olympic receiving multiple passes and classic tracks being reset where needed.
Pictured above is Junior Coach George whose usual position is on the sidelines cheering on the Juniors, skating to fantastic finish in last weekend’s Moose Chase. Note his own Junior cheering squad chasing him across the finish line, way to go Coach George! Also pictured above are a whole bunch of Junior Moose Chase winners, lined up for their victory shot, way to go Mini-Moose Chasers!
Groomer’s choice for today is Animal Farm.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Update: 2/20
Stilson, Wilson Centennial Trail and Emily’s Pond Levee groomed 2/20.
Cache trailhead to Noker Mine groomed 2/19.
Cache Creek Singletrack
Groomed by Friends of Pathways
Grooming As Needed
Last Update: 2/21
Single track groomed the evening of 2/20.
Please help support trail grooming for the Cache Creek Single track trails by donating to the Friends of Pathways. Visit: friendsofpathways.org/donate/ and leave the comment “Grooming” in the campaign section.
Teton Pines Nordic
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/21
Ski early for a perfectly groomed track and colder temps(firmer/better track). 30% off all clothing and 20% off skis, boots and poles. We have demo gear available for purchase too!
We groom approximately 16km of track for both skate and classic daily. We have a full retail and rental shop. We offer lessons daily. Call us with questions and to book lessons: (307) 732-4130. To keep our track in pristine shape for skiing we do not allow dogs, walking, snowshoeing, or fatbikes.
Teton Village Trails
Groomed Periodically
Last Update: 2/20
Pretty morning. Gray’s Meadow and Teton Village Trail groomed 2/20.
Shooting Star
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/19
It looks to be a great week for Nordic skiing as calmer weather is forecasted through Friday. Over 4 feet of snow has fallen during the last several weeks, making for good trail coverage and a great winter backdrop. Enjoy!
- Walking is not allowed.
- Sled Hill is Open.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/20
Wednesday’s groom was done Tuesday evening with the ginzu resetting the skate lane. Everything is skiing fast. And it’s springlike out there!
TMR is open to the public daily for skiing, meals, Nordic lessons, and tours! Call the office (307) 543-2000 or visit our website to book your adventure! Check out our live webcam for current conditions.
Support grooming in GTNP by donating to GTNPF.org/donate/ and leaving “Nordic” in the designation section. We encourage skiers to support all of our grooming teams.
Grand Teton National Park
Grooming: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 2/20
When will the osprey return to his nest? Happy skiing GTNP grooming today -Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain.
Grand Targhee
Grooming: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
Last Updated: 2/19
GTR grooms Rick’s Basin area trails Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun. Trails are in good condition. The Nordic Classic Track will not be set due to a mechanical issue.
Please remember no dogs on the Nordic trails and be alert for dog sledding traffic at intersections along the Nordic Connector. GTR is no longer grooming for fat biking or snowshoeing, however fat biking is permitted on the groomed Nordic trails.
Please support TVTAP winter trail grooming on your favorite TV winter trails by purchasing a TVTAP Trail sticker Please remember to manage your dogs and respect dog and wildlife closures. Buy a dog trail sticker, too!
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Last Updated: 2/21
Wednesday: Plan to reset skate track and the north classic this morning. Should be good.
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 2/20
Campground and yeti skate and classic set. Enjoy your skiing!
Singletrack: 2/19
Monday morning groomed powerline BPA Rd., East and Sherman Springs access. SUNDAY PM groomed Nemo’s & Happy Hour. Expect to be soft and will be real nice after it sets up! Consider lower tire pressures! Enjoy!
Please note the USFS dog closure policy Dec 1st – April 15th at this venue.
Teton Reserve Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Last Updated: 2/20
Groomed the skate lanes of all the south trails. looks like a great day for a smooth glide. Enjoy!
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 2/21
Wednesday morning: Reset and tried to improve the skate lanes as there had been a lot of foot traffic on them. Just as a reminder, when pups (and their humans) walk on the skate and classic lanes when conditions are soft, it ruins the tracks and can be challenging to erase. We have a footpath groomed and the perimeter pathway is plowed. Left the classic track as it. Enjoy yourselves!
Driggs School Loops
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 2/20
Reset skate and classic Tuesday evening. Skate should be really fast Wednesday morning, before it gets warm.
Please pick up your trash and dog pop with the supplied Mutt Mitt station.
Alta Nordic Track
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
Last Updated: 2/20
Tuesday: Plan to reset the classic track and smooth out the skate lane. Should be done by 9:00 AM.
Darby Canyon
Grooming As Needed
Last Updated: 2/16
Groomed today 2/14.
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
Rammell Mountain Road
Grooming As Needed
Last Updated: 1/24
Groomed today 1/24.
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
South Leigh Road
Grooming As Needed
Last Updated: 2/20
Grooming this morning, 2/20.
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
Pinnacle Trail
Grooming As Needed
Last Updated: 2/14
Groomed today 2/14.
Winter Trails Day with Friends of Pathways
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024
9 a.m
Winter trails day kicks off on the top of Teton Pass with free backcountry demos offered by Hoback Sports until noon.
Friends of Pathways grooms over 12 miles of winter singletrack in Cache Creek; come ride it Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. with free fat bike demos from Wheel Wranglers and Teton Mountain Bike Tours. It’s a great opportunity to try out a new bike or try fat biking for the first time.
Want to skate ski or classic Nordic ski? Skinny Skis and JD High Country Outfitters will have their Nordic demo fleets available for free! PAWS and JH Nordic will also be there to answer questions about responsible recreation on our public lands.
JH Ski & Snowboard Club Nordic Masters Ski Clinics
Note: All clinics are full for the remainder of the season.
For those already registered:
Thursday, February 15
Trail Creek Nordic
11am – 12:30pm
Work on your classic ski technique this Thursday, as well as balance, stamina, efficiency, and performance.
Night Ski at Turpin
Saturday, February 24th
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Celebrate February’s full moon, aka the snow moon, by skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking under it on the snow covered winter trails of Turpin.
Afterwards warm up by the fire in the lodge and enjoy a delicious meal and drink specials in the restaurant.
Reservations required, call 307-543-2000 to save your spot under the snow moon!
2024 Backcountry Film Festival
Saturday, March 2nd
Old Wilson Schoolhouse
Tickets for at-home streaming coming soon. Films from 7pm-9:30pm. Beverages served; food available.
Fundraiser raffle to support Teton Pass Shuttle. LOTS of great gear and other stuff to give away.
General Admission: $15.
Buy online.
Mark your calendar so you don’t miss out on all the wonderful events coming up! Explore the highlighted events below or find more events on our website at https://jhnordic.com/events/
