Wildlife Wednesday with JH Ecotour Adventures
Have you ever heard the blood curdling scream of a red Fox at night? If you have, you likely heard the courtship behavior of this small wild dog. During the cold month of February foxes are busy with the mating season. Many foxes begin traveling further distances searching for mates and many younger individuals are dispersing over large distances. Other interesting behaviors include nuzzling and shadowing as male foxes court prospective mates. Observing these unique behaviors is one of the many reasons we enjoy guiding in Jackson Hole during the winter months. Photo by naturalist and guide @sernst83
Ask JHNordic: Spring Ski Conditions in Jackson Hole
We are considering a last minute trip to visit our daughter in Jackson the first week of April (or possibly the last week of March). I would most appreciate your advice on xc ski conditions to help us make a decision on when best to visit. Of course its weather dependent, but will most grooming come to an end before April 1 this year? For example, how late in the season is the NP Taggart/Jenny Lake trail groomed? When do the xc ski centers in the valley typically stop their grooming. Thanks for any details and thoughts you can provide. Hope to see you soon! -Best, Dave M.
Hi Dave, I would recommend coming in mid-late March, as we have had a lower snowpack this year than is typical. While it is impossible to forecast the weather for the next month, most of the grooming will end mid March (i.e. Grand Teton National Park, Parks & Rec public trails, Teton Pines).
Trail Creek and Shooting Star normally continue grooming until April 1st. And if our snowpack holds, we often get excellent skiing on top of the snow crust , known as “crust cruising” across the open meadows in GTNP, starting at the Taggart lake trailhead, north and east. See this article for more info:https://jhnordic.com/crust-cruising-grand-teton-national-park/
Grand Targhee and Teton Canyon in Teton Valley ID often continue grooming into April . And there are several non groomed cross country trails that have good spring snow, such as Rosie’s Ridge on Togwotee Pass. Enjoy your visit.. and feel free to check our daily Trail Reports to track how the grooming and snow conditions are prior to coming. Posted every early morning on:JHNordic.com/trailreports/ -Best, JH Nordic.
LAST JH Nordic Masters Skate Ski Clinic
SKATE SKI CLINIC at TRAIL CREEK NORDIC
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022
11am – 12:30pm
Hosted by Scott Horn and JH Ski Club Nordic Team Coaches
Don’t miss the last clinic of the season! This skate ski clinic will focus on developing your technique, balance, stride, stamina, and overall fitness. All levels (except first time beginner) welcome. See you there!
Trail Creek
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/22
Olympic Experience!
A big thanks to Coach Libby for sending in some images of a recent Teewinot practice session where actual Olympians came out to ski with them to create what must have been an amazing day of skiing for the young skiers.
Coach Libby reported from last Wednesday’s Nordic Olympics, “We were lucky to have Pete Karns, Martin Hagen & Erich Wilbrecht [all former Olympians] join us for a fun afternoon of “Olympic” games, including bocce ball curling, 3 legged ski races, kick sled races and 2 person bobsled. The kids were excited and also very respectful, and I think it’s safe to say that Pete, Martin & Erich had fun too. It was certainly a magical sharing of the love and fun of Nordic skiing. Pete’s grandson Christopher Karns is on the Teewinot Team, and he was especially proud to have his grandfather join.
After the “events” concluded, we stayed warm with a lap up to the Sky Stadium and down Gut Flop. The kids had a great time learning more about the Olympics, Biathlon and the “old days” of Trail Creek + the old Biathlon range. The kids were all awarded some crazy USA shades and gold medals. A fun day for sure, and hopefully a tradition to continue in future seasons.”
What an amazing opportunity, keep up the good work coaches!
If you’re looking for an amazing opportunity to ski today, Trail Creek is calling. Overnight a short inch of snow has blanketed the area, allowing the Husky to once again create some great skiing conditions. We had a report yesterday from a skier involved with TUNA in Utah (think Soldier Hollow and JN Qualifiers) that conditions were magical and that most surely continues today.
In the woods, Woolsey Woods, Moose Loop, Homesite, and Suicide got multiple passes with fresh classic tracks while almost every other trail received a single pass, mostly with a fresh classic track. The field trails mostly received multiple passes with fresh double classic tracks. The Nordic X continues to evolve with each passing day’s grooming and also with the deposition of any new snow via snow fall or drifting.
Groomer’s choice for today is Woolsey Woods.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Grooming Monday-Saturday
Last Update: 2/18
Wednesday Grooming Schedule: Cache Creek, Wayne May Park, Game Creek, South Park Pathway
Cache Creek Fat Bike Trails
Last Update: 2/22
I groomed the trails in Cache last night and will take another lap this afternoon to firm things up and will snowshoe the smaller trails on Wednesday. That way everything should be in good shape for Winter Trails Day this Saturday!
Grooming by Friends of Pathways.
Teton Pines Nordic
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/18
Our trails continue to be in great shape despite the warm weather we’ve recently had. Our snowpack is holding steady right now and we are hoping the snow arrives late this weekend for a nice refresh. Skate skiing is off the charts and classic is good, but it will be better once we get this new snow! The classic track conditions are perfect for your skin skis but we are really hoping to get back to some Blue Extra conditions next week!
We groom 13km+ daily for both skate and classic with our new snowcat.
Our trails and shop are fully open to the public 9am-4pm daily. Day passes, 10 punch cards, and season passes are available at the shop.
Please call us in advance to book lessons at: (307) 733-1733. You do not need a reservation for skiing and we do not take reservations for rentals. Please contact us in advance to check availability for off-site rentals.
We still have a limited selection of skate skis, a few classic track and BC skis, boots, poles, jackets, pants, gloves, and hats. We also have a good selection of used skate gear available. Call or come by to see if we have your sizes! We have a full tuning shop so drop off your skis for a wax done by our great wax techs! Visit our website for pricing and other information: www.tetonpinesnordiccenter.com
Shooting Star
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/21
Overnight 2” of new snow fell and was a welcomed change to soften the block of ice we’ve been grooming over the recent weeks. The trails are in great shape and should ski well through Friday. Please, be aware that some light drifting will likely occur throughout each day, especially Monday & Tues as an artic front will push through bringing substantially colder temperatures for most of the week. Stay warm and enjoy! Next Update will be Friday (2/25).
TRAIL STATUS
- YELLOW LOOP OPEN
- SLED HILL GROOMED on 2/21 (Grooming will occur as needed)
- CLASSIC TRACKS SET
- SNOWSHOEING OPEN (BLUE LOOP ONLY, STAY ON THE EDGE OF THE TRAIL OR IMMEDIATELY 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
Last Update: 2/22
GTNP – Taggart to Signal today.
Grooming is sponsored by the GTNP Foundation and generous donations from our community.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/21
Our pisten bully laid down some of the best tracks of the season Monday morning. The trails came out surprisingly firm despite the fresh snow. We expect today to be another gorgeous day to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and freshly groomed trails.
Please sign acknowledgment of risk forms and pay for trail passes online ahead of your visit. Call the front office (307) 543-2000 ahead of your visit for booking equipment rentals and Nordic adventures (lessons and tours).
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: 2/21
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: 2/22
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Skate track will be a little soft and slow because of the cold snow. Should be perfect green-blue wax classic skiing.
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: 2/21
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Groomed and set the classic track but the blowing snow filled it in many places. I placed more stakes on the outer loop to help in following the trail.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 2/21
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Monday morning I was able to groom and pack the singletrack, skate track and classic track. Temperatures are warm and the snow is incredibly soft. It’s going to stay soft until the temps drop significantly. Please be aware that if you’re making a deep divot, rut or track please wait for it to set and firm up.
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Last Updated: 2/22
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Reset both skate and classic tracks late Tuesday afternoon. Both turned out very well. Unfortunately, on my last pass out, two snow machines rode up middle of the track. You win some, you lose some.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
Last Updated: 2/22
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Tuesday afternoon I finished grooming and was able to reset the skate track on yeti‘s and campground loops. I was not able to set the classic track. Enjoy the glide
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Reserve Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Thursday & Saturday
Last Updated: 2/21
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Lots of new snow to pack. set full width skate lane and a classic track this morning. expect soft surface
No dogs allowed.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/14
Singletrack: Set
I was able to drag and fill in some ruts and post holes on upper and lower lady slipper. All the other trails are in fine shape. 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: 2/18
Groomed to summer TH 2/16
Rammell Mountain Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/10
Groomed 1/14
South Leigh Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/18
Groomed 2/16
LAST JH Nordic Masters Skate Ski Clinic
SKATE SKI CLINIC at TRAIL CREEK NORDIC
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022
11am – 12:30pm
Hosted by Scott Horn and JH Ski Club Nordic Team Coaches
Don’t miss the last clinic of the season! This skate ski clinic will focus on developing your technique, balance, stride, stamina, and overall fitness. All levels (except first time beginner) welcome. See you there!
WYLD Times at R Park, Hosted by JH Land Trust
Saturday, March 5th
Rendezvous Park | 3 – 5 pm
On Saturday, March 5 from 3-5 pm the Jackson Hole Land Trust (JHLT) will host WYLD Times at R Park. You are invited to enjoy this free, winter festival to kick off the JHLT’s new WYLD membership initiative. WYLD members fuel free community conservation programming that enriches the livability of this valley and invites accessible open space experiences for all.
WYLD Times at R Park will feature several activity stations with something for everyone. You can take a fat tire bike for a spin courtesy of The Hub Bicycles and brush up on avalanche rescue skills and backcountry preparedness with Teton County Search and Rescue. Kids (or those young at heart) can learn about nature with the JHLT’s Discovery Boxes and sled R Park’s iconic knolls. All activities are free, and you are invited to join WYLD for fun extras like hot cocoa, beer, and custom donuts from Provisions. Don’t have avalanche safety gear to practice with? You can join WYLD for a chance to win an ARVA Evo 4 Combo Kit, including a beacon, probe, and snow shovel!
Become a WYLD member by visiting jhlandtrust.org/wyld today. Attendees who join the WYLD membership program before or during the March 5 WYLD Times at R Park event will be entered into the giveaway to win the ARVA Evo 4 Combo Kit, including a beacon, probe, and snow shovel.
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
