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.
The Betty Woolsey Race is Today!
In case you were wondering, today’s Betty Woolsey is a go! You may have noticed that the snow has been a wee bit short lately. In light of the current snow conditions at Trail Creek, this year’s race format has been changed from classic technique to freestyle. Freestyle means that you can elect to ski either on classic or skate skis. If you do choose to classic ski, be advised that it is unlikely to have a classic track set throughout the entire course. The decision was made as it looked to be very challenging to put in a good classic track. If you still want to ski on your classic skis, no problem, if you’d rather skate then go for it. The important thing is that it will be a fun day of Nordic camaraderie, come on out, the race starts at 10AM!
This race commemorates Betty Woolsey, Captain of the first Women’ Olympic Ski Team in 1936, and the founder of Trail Creek Ranch. During her lifetime, Betty Woolsey pioneered backcountry skiing on Teton Pass, opened Trail Creek to Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club (JHSC) for Nordic skiing in 1967, and helped the JHSC Nordic and biathlon programs get off the ground.
Sign the Waiver for the Annual Free Event!
Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance’s 6th Annual Free Ski, Fat Bike, & Snowshoe Day on January 7th at Turpin Meadow Ranch will feature free classic and skate ski gear demos, ski lessons, Turpin Meadow trail use, Backcountry Nordic ski tours, Snowshoe tours, Kids Corral, and a free Town-to-Turpin van shuttle.
Planning on attending? Don’t forget to sign the waiver! Scan or click the QR code to the left to complete the waiver prior to the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
TVTAP Providing the Goods
With the official switch to winter, we, like most of you are eager for more snow. Our volunteers and paid staff are out working to provide quality winter trails when winter arrives and regardless of conditions. Here’s what has happened since the grooming season started for us on December 8:
- We’ve groomed 35 times on the trails.
- Groomers have logged 415 miles over 88 hours.
- Changes and upgrades to the grooming report.
- Managing and training 29 volunteer groomers.
Reports from the users are single track trails are riding exceptionally well. Yeti’s Loop is in great shape and people keep telling us how much they enjoy Teton Canyon! Have a great time this holiday season and reacquaint yourself with your favorite trail.
Work on Trails and Pathways does not wane with the seasons. The impact of our work can also be felt year round. The impact can be quantified into hours worked, miles added, money invested, trail counts, etc. Please consider supporting year-round trail and pathway connections.
From Buckrail: GTNP: Park Road Snow Grooming Delayed
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) shared a road status update to its Facebook page on Thursday, Dec. 21, sharing that grooming operations on Teton Park Road will be delayed until more snow falls.
“Unfortunately, not enough snow has fallen to begin grooming the Teton Park Road for winter activities like cross-country skiing yet,” GTNP said in the post. “We are monitoring conditions, in partnership with Grand Teton National Park Foundation, and will share updates once there’s enough snow to begin grooming.”
For information on park roads, call 307-739-3682 or visit the park’s website.
December Nordic Happenings includes:
- Save the Date: Jan 7, 2024 for The 6th Annual Free Ski, Snowshoe & Fat Bike Event at Turpin Meadow Ranch
- Top Dog-Friendly Winter Trails
- How to Create the Ultimate First-Aid Kit
- Create Responsibly: A Practical Guide for Content Creators in Jackson Hole
- Video: About Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance, video by: Tower 3 Productions
- Listen to the Daily Trail Report on KHOL 89.1
Nordic Staycation Ideas
Looking for a fun winter getaway just a few hours from home? Checkout our favorite spots because there comes a point in the winter when our routines begin to feel a bit mundane and our restlessness urges us to explore something new. Fortunately for those in the Jackson area, you don’t need to leave the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for a new cross-country ski adventure local overnight getaway lodges. Miles of trails await in any direction, each offering something unique.
SheJumps x Teton Nordic Ski School Women’s Nordic Series
Join SheJumps and the ladies of Teton Nordic Ski School for a fun & social Nordic Ski Series in the Teton Valley! Each session will start with a tip of the day, which you can work on throughout the session as you meet other participants and future ski partners. After the tip of the day, we will likely break into small groups based on ski style and speed. Each session will be 1.5 to 2 hours long.
Series Schedule:
– Wednesday January 31th @ 6:00 PM | Location: Sherman Park/Victor Park under the lights!
– Friday February 9th @ 5:00 PM | Location: Teton Reserve Nordic Trail
– Thursday February 22nd @ 6:30 PM | Location: Teton Canyon ( park at New Sheep Bridge Trailhead winter parking ) Full moon ski with tailgate celebration after!
– Thursday March 14th @ 5:30 PM | Location: Alta Track(50 Alta School Rd., Alta, WY)
WILD NATURE
by Cathy Shill, founder of The Hole Hiking Experience
https://www.holehike.com/
With the most tour locations, we adapt the day to current conditions. Join the naturalists with The Hole Hiking Experience on the trail to discover winter, wildlife and the beauty of Jackson Hole.
“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when the stick together.” -Vesta Kelly
It’s the darkest time of the year in the northern hemisphere. Winter starts this week with the Solstice on December 21, 2023. The latitude in Jackson is 43 degrees north so short days with sunrise at 7:53 AM and sunset at 4:50 PM. It’s the time of the year when nature is quiet. Many species hibernate and all conserve energy in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We don’t notice additional light until about late January. As winter begins, it is important to have snow so wildlife can use the insulating properties of the snowpack. With 6-8 inches, snow insulates the ground to protect organisms from frigid winter temperatures.
I am sure a snow dance or two is happening in our valley. Snow is thin for this time of the year, and we do start to get anxious for the start of the ski season. Jackson winters are affected by temperatures and currents in the Pacific Ocean. This winter, La Nino dominates which means warm water in the Pacific and usually a drier winter in the Tetons. We are currently at 84% of average mountain snowfall. Winter is just beginning and after 35 years of touring, I know that snow can be thin in December as it begins to accumulate.
Lots of changes to come in 2024. Wolverines will become protected under the Endangered Species Act. Wolves will roam the mountains of Colorado bringing nature back towards balance. Grizzly bears will be brought from the north to increase genetic diversity in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. (https://wyofile.com/montana-to-start-trucking-grizzlies-into-yellowstone-region-to-improve-delisting-prospects/ I hope decisions are made to support diversity and the animals.
As winter begins, it can be a reflective time. I wish for all beings to be safe and may my actions support nature and life’s diversity. Enjoy this dark time of the year and let it snow.
www.holehike.com | 307.690.4453
Friends of Pathways Winter Grooming Fundraiser
Winter is finally here (albeit in fits and starts!) and Friends of Pathways is grooming 12+ miles of winter singletrack in the Cache Creek area – the only free winter singletrack in Jackson Hole. This includes 4.6 miles on the Cache Creek Road, 7.5 miles of singletrack along the Hagen Trail, Ferrins Trail and more. Grooming started with this most recent snow storm and will go through April, weather depending. Last season was our longest season ever and we groomed from November 7-April 7. If you enjoy using these trails, please give to FOP’s Winter Grooming Campaign. We can’t do it without your help!
Trail Creek
Grooming As Needed
Last Update: 12/21
Betty Woolsey Update!
In case you were wondering, the Saturday December 23rd Betty Woolsey is a go! In case you’ve noticed that the snow has been a wee bit short lately, you’re probably not surprised to hear that the format has been changed from classic technique to freestyle. The decision was made as it looked to be very challenging to put in a good classic track. If you still want to ski on your classic skis, no problem, if you’d rather skate then go for it. The important thing is that it will be a fun day of Nordic camaraderie, come on out! All the details are on this webpage.
The schedule for the next few days is as follows: Thursday afternoon coaches will be shoveling snow onto the trails, Thursday evening grooming, Friday no practice as kids will be at the Winter Carnival (check it out if you have time, it will be great), Friday night race grooming, Saturday morning the Betty Woolsey Race.
Groomer’s choice is to get your registration in for the Betty Woolsey.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Update: 12/11
Staff went up Game Creek on Saturday. Weekend storm was a bust. Snowmobile and pull behind took a real beating so we pulled out before getting into the sunny areas. We need 3-4” of wet snow or more fluffy snow to keep grooming.
For the most up-to-date grooming info visit: http://www.tetonparksandrec.org/1353/Grooming-Report
Cache Creek Singletrack
Groomed by Friends of Pathways
Grooming As Needed
Last Update: 12/10
We groomed the Cache Creek road to Noker Mine and upper Hagen from bridge 5 to 2. The lower trails are still a little thin on snow, especially under the trees, but are still compact enough to use for now. We will keep snowshoeing around and packing things in until there is enough snow to take the roller through.
Teton Pines Nordic
Grooming As Needed
Last Update: 12/20
We just completed an afternoon groom (roller). The snow texture is good and the skate skiing is great–except for a few thin areas. The cold temps have stuck around and kept the track in good shape. We have not had any freeze/thaw cycles out here yet. If you are in Jackson it might seem tough to believe, but it’s much colder out here and the snow hasn’t gone anywhere😀
We received around 1/2″ of new snow this morning which freshened things up a bit. We plan to reset the classic track tomorrow and roll the skate track(possibly ginzu groomer tomorrow).
Shooting Star
Grooming As Needed
Last Update: 12/22
Trails continue to be on the thin side as warm and dry weather persists. Reminder walking is not allowed as it diminishes the life span of the track. The importance of this is currently extremely high with the thin and melting snowpack. Ski with extra caution as more exposed/bare/brushy areas are emerging. Outlook is calling for light snow on Saturday, followed by more dry weather next week. We’ll continue to monitor the course daily and do our best to keep the trails open. See the attached map for which trails are open, and below are the ongoing trail notes. Next update will be Tuesday (12/26).
- Trail conditions are early season. Please ski with caution as the snow profile is extremely thin.
- Walking is not allowed and will be extremely detrimental to the track with the very low snowpack.
- No classic tracks will be set, and sporadic bare/brushy/exposed areas may be present.
- Grooming frequencies will be as needed to preserve the track.
- Sled Hill is Closed. Needs ample snow (2FT).
- Temporary closures of the Nordic Course may be needed until additional snow accumulates if severe melt occurs.
- Small game/scavenger animals may be present throughout the whole course. Use extra caution when skiing with dogs.
Again, we’ll do our best to keep the trails skiable and open during this warmer weather. Enjoy the sunny conditions!
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Grooming As Needed
Last Update: 12/22
We are open and everyone is welcome to enjoy their public lands at Turpin Meadow Ranch, whether you come to XCski, snowshoe, fatbike, or dine in our restaurant. Early season trail conditions persist and we are keeping our fingers crossed for snow accumulation on Saturday and Sunday.
TMR is open to all for skiing, lunch, Nordic lessons, and tours! Call the office (307) 543-2000 or visit our website to book your adventure and/or meal! Check out our live webcam for current conditions.
Summer Homes Loop, Riverside Loop, and Willows Loop groomed 12/19.
Please help support trail grooming in GTNP by donating to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. It’s easy and encouraged. All you need to do is visit: GTNPF.org/donate/ and leave the comment “Nordic” in the designation section. There is the opportunity to leave a one time gift or reoccurring monthly donations in any amount.
Grooming Has Yet to Begin in Grand Teton National Park.
Grand Targhee
Grooming: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
Last Updated: 12/17
GTR is grooming Rick’s Basin area trails on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. Skate skiing is good. no classic track set just yet. Variable conditions exist, please ski with caution.
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: 12/22
Friday: Plan to smooth out the skate track this morning. Classic was reset yesterday with fairly good results, a bit thin first mile. Caution at the cattle guards.
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, Thursday, Sunday
Last Updated: 12/22
Yeti and campground have a fresh groom and set the classic track on both. Happy Holidays and happy skiing!
Please note the USFS dog closure policy Dec 1st – April 15th at this venue.
Teton Reserve Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Last Updated: 12/2
It snowed and we are excited to begin grooming soon. Stay tuned to the grooming report for updates as we get trails open. Please respect the Teton Reserve golf course and only ski on the groomed trail. We will announce when the trail is open, soon. Stay tuned…
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 12/16
Left the classic track but took a few laps on the skate track to try and freshen it up.
Driggs School Loops
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 12/2
It snowed and we are excited to begin grooming. Stay tuned to the grooming report for updates as we get trails open.
Alta Nordic Track
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
Last Updated: 12/18
Ginzued the Library Loop and Stadium on Monday night. Still thin but skiable and kind of smooth. Come on snow!
Betty Woolsey Classic Race
Saturday, December 23rd
Trail Creek Nordic Center
This event commemorates Betty Woolsey, a ski racing Olympian and the founder of Trail Creek Ranch. During her lifetime, Betty Woolsey pioneered backcountry skiing on Teton Pass, opened Trail Creek to JHSC for Nordic skiing in 1967, and helped the JHSC Nordic and biathlon programs get off the ground.
This community event offers distances for every age and ability; 10 AM start time with a mass start classic format.
Racers can choose from 0.5k, 3k, 5k, and 10k options.
Christmas Brunch with Santa
Saturday, December 23rd
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Head over to Turpin Meadow Ranch 11:30am – 2:30pm for brunch and pictures with Santa! Reservations are required. Call 307-543-2000 to reserve your spot today!
JH Ski & Snowboard Club Nordic Masters Ski Clinics
Thursdays, Dec 14 – Feb 22
Teton Pines and Trail Creek
11am – 12:30pm
5 classic clinics and 5 skate clinics at Teton Pines Nordic Center and Trail Creek Nordic Trails.
Join these clinics to work on your Cross-country classic and/or skate ski technique, balance, stamina, efficiency, performance , and fun.
Teton Ridge Classic
Saturday, January 6th
Mike Harris Trail System
Classic cross country ski races -distances: 15 km and 7 km courses.
For the last 2 decades, the Teton ridge Classic (TRC) has been one of the premier classic Nordic ski races in the Greater Teton region. The Teton Ridge Classic will take place just south of Victor, Idaho on the Mike Harris trail system.
Save the Date
JH Nordic Alliance 6th Annual Free Ski, Fat Bike, & Snowshoe Day
Sunday, January 7th, 2024
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Free Classic and skate ski gear demos, ski lessons, trail use, Backcountry Nordic ski tours, Snowshoe tours, Kids Corral, Town-to-Turpin free van shuttle -Family friendly.
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/
