Trip Report: Exploring more of Teton Valley -Pole Canyon
We love local Nordic skier/explorer Karen D’s curiosity, adventuresome spirit and energy to get out and ski nearly all the 100+ trails in JHNordic -in Teton Valley, Jackson Hole, the Wyoming Range, the Big Holes, and all sorts of places. Broaden your horizons, explore a new trail, or break your own trail while the snow lasts. PS. a few of us skied excellent crust at Trail Creek Nordic today – good for both skate and classic skiing. So add crust-cruising to your ski list for the next few weeks!
Pole Canyon was a lovely for a morning of new snow and sunshine! We left the trailhead at 9:30 and were all alone the entire way up the valley – to the turnaround spot which is a very big dead stump. The canyon was beautiful and we heard not a peep – until we did! On our way out, we encountered three groups of snowmobiles (ten snowmobilers total) which was scary given the narrow trail. We recommend a very early start on a weekday if you are up for skiing this valley. Skins are also helpful if you have them. 4.6 miles round trip and 2 ½ hours. -Karen D
JHSC Happenings
The Osito program was firing on all cylinders this year with seven of the ‘little bears’ taking part in their first race ever, many of the group making it down their first descents of classics like Gutflop and Faceplant, and with 100% of the crew having a great time playing, exploring, and snacking out at Trail Creek!
Kids are looking forward to making it farther and farther out at Trail Creek, incorporating some skating, and going on adventure skis before the season ends. Sunsets, smiles, striding, and the occasional break for a Tik-Tok dance (follow @coombsoutdoors to see their antics) are an average day for this crew!
Coaches both frequent and occasional: Miles, Sahir, Connor, Vanessa, Maggie and Laura.
All 52 Lollipoppers have been making big improvements in their Nordic skiing! While most of the kiddos attend just one of the three days that the program is offered, several kids attend two sessions, and one intrepid young man attends all three days each week! We are fortunate in having so many capable coaches and volunteers who work with the kiddos and me and bring their coaching, parenting, teaching, and skiing skill sets to help the kids: Bill and Amelia Mayer, Stephanie Williams, Rody Hagan, Dennis Oney, and of course, Ann Makley! Thanks to all of you!
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.
Trail Creek
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 3/21
Amazing Video!
Like the rest of the JHSC youth Nordic programs, the Ositos have wrapped things up for the year. However, Coach Miles has sent in an amazing video showing some of the highlights of the season. Click on this link and you can see learning, exercise, and fun in action. Nice job Coach Miles and crew, and Ositos!
You too can have some learning, exercise, and fun if you come out to Trail Creek today. Yesterday’s storm ended up depositing a couple more inches of snow after grooming wrapped up yesterday which mostly groomed up quite nicely in this morning’s cool conditions. Passes were made on nearly every trail with fresh classic tracks along the way. The conditions are just a bit variable ranging from nearly perfect to having a few voids in the snow, but all in all the snow should ski very nicely today.
We’re moving to a limited grooming schedule this week with the next grooming scheduled for Tuesday evening and then Thursday evening in hopes of being able to morph the forecast warm snow into great skiing. Happy Birthday Mom!
Groomer’s choice for today is to not forget your sunscreen in the very sunny fields.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Grooming Monday-Saturday
Last Update: 3/21
Cache Creek has been groomed today. Likely the last time to Noker Mine this year. Check back tomorrow for additional updates on seasonal status.
Tuesday Grooming Schedule: Emily’s Pond Levee, Wilson Centennial Pathway
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: 3/21
Today is the last day that the Sled Hill will be groomed, as a deteriorating snowpack in this area will begin to yield grassy areas and needs the grooming equipment to stay off it for preventing turf damage. People may continue to sled here for as long as conditions permit, however it will no longer be groomed for the remainder of the season. Overall, the trails should be enjoyable. Look for icy conditions in the morning followed by softer/slushy skiing in the afternoon. Enjoy the spring skiing!
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.
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: 3/21
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: 3/21
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
All loops rolled full width and classic track set Conditions are gorgeous but skate track is soft – should be much better tomorrow after a cold night. Classic is great. It won’t last long.
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: 3/20
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Went out at 5pm to roll the 6” of fresh snow and set a classic track. Cold temps tonight should firm things up for great skiing tomorrow.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 3/20
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Rolled out the new snow Wednesday night. Made a few extra passes to smooth out the waves. The pThe season continues! Was able to set both classic and skate tracks with the ginzu. The groom came out nice and should set up with cold temps…get out there as with the forecast for the week it looks warm! Ski On
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/21
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Plan to use the roller to pack down the 9 inches of dense snow that fell on Sunday, and set classic tracks. Imagine track will remain quite soft for the day.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
Last Updated: 3/21
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Monday morning groom session we reset the skate and classic track on yetis and campground loops. Enjoy some of the last Nordic skiing we’ll have as the temperatures are going get
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Reserve Nordic
Done Grooming for the Season
Last Updated: 3/21
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
We are done grooming at Teton Reserve for the season. We pulled a bunch of trail stakes last week and it snowed yesterday more than anticipated. We don’t want to groom blind and risk damaging the golf course. Thanks to everyone involved with making this track a reality this winter. We hope you enjoyed the new venue.
No dogs allowed.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/18
Singletrack: Set
Friday evening I was able to groom and set the singletrack on powerline to the top, Nemo, upper and lower Hillbenders. Please ride these trails in the early a.m. and later p.m. when the temperatures are coldest. The forecast has an outlook for incredibly warm temperatures that will not be conducive to riding singletrack mid-day. If you’re leaving a rut turn around. Thank you for your support.
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
