Trip Report: Teton Canyon
Multi-use family trail – fatbike, kid, classic, skate skit friendly. Snow is groomed, soft wintery conditions thanks to fresh snow this week. Elevation 6700-7000ft. Grooming will continue until April 11th, conditions permitting.
The Palisades Project Virtual Premiere
Friday, March 26th @ 7PM | The Center for the Arts
Followed by a live panel discussion
The Palisades Project focuses on the intersection of motorized and mechanized recreation, wilderness conservation and the conflict that has arisen there. In northwest WY this story is playing out on the Palisades Wilderness Study Area (WSA), one of the most contiguous wild landscapes in the Lower 48 states not designated as Wilderness. The Wyoming Wilderness Association has created this film as a tool for moving divided sides towards a solution for the Palisades WSA and other wildlands like it.
March 23, 2021 Nature Update
Provided by Cathy Shill, founder of The Hole Hiking Experience
https://www.holehike.com/
“Suffering is only the friction between what is and what is wanted.” -Guy Armstrong
Recent warm temperatures and melting valley snow definitely feels like spring in Jackson Hole. Animals follow the bare earth as they start to move to summer territories. I drove north in Grand Teton Park on Sunday and saw about 20 deer on the East Gros Ventre Butte near town, lots of elk on the National Elk Refuge, and 4 moose bedded down near the Gros Ventre River. As I continued east toward the town of Kelly, I saw a small herd of bison and more moose out in the sage flats. Robins sing in the morning. Red Tail Hawks soar above town. Flocks of Waxwings feed on service berry. Love the signs of spring!
This season shares all kinds of weather directly affecting the snow. I have heard recent comments such as hard, frozen and coral reef. When we have warm days and cold nights, the cold overnight temperatures will freeze or harden the snowpack. The snow remains frozen until it warms enough to melt. Temperatures have been cooler this week keeping the snow firm. Best to watch the weather and look for optimal temperatures near freezing. This is when the top layer of snow with soften to crust cruise. Conditions have been great for xc skiing with proper timing. Give us a call to discuss conditions and help you plan a great spring outing. You can’t beat the beauty and the chance to learn about this amazing ecosystem.
The town of Jackson will be buzzing this weekend with the World Championship Hill Climb. https://snowkingmountain.com/jackson-hole-hill-climb/ . Snow King, our town ski hill, hosts this snowmobile challenge. Racers speed up the steep part of the mountain to be “king or queen of the hill.” Always a thrill and quite busy. Plan accordingly.
Finally saw a mountain bluebird! A sure sign of spring for me. Enjoy all the changes. We never know how long the snow will last or when it will turn to slush. Enjoy this dynamic time of year.
The Hole Hiking Experience | www.holehike.com | 307.690.4453
Trail Creek
Last Updated: 3/25
Foxy Encounter!
During last night’s grooming one of our resident foxes was in quite the social mood. As the Pisten Bully rumbled out through the lower East Fields it initially scampered off the trail, but after some reconsideration decided to get back to work on what must surely be a tasty morsel just under the snow. Click here or on the image above to watch the video of this magical encounter. Unfortunately for the fox it did not score any tidbits in the recorded exploration, although the evening hunt was just beginning with numerous sightings as grooming continued.
Magical might be a bit of a stretch in describing the skiing today at Trail Creek, but while probably not a top 10 day, you can get a pretty good workout if you come out for a Nordic ski today. Last night’s grooming was basically a skate grooming pass on all trails with an additional classic track setting pass on the fields. The snow never got very warm yesterday so the classic track was a bit variable. Skate lanes are very fast early with slowing but reasonable skiing as the day warms to the mid 30’s. There is a pretty good chance of a little snow which could actually be nice for skier if their wax is good.
Look for the next grooming Friday evening. Groomer’s choice for today is the fields.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 3/25
The levee and stilson are groomed and in decent shape. The last day of grooming for Cache and game will be March 31st. The last day for Stilson and the levee will be March 30th as long as conditions allow.
Cache Creek
Last Updated: 3/21
Groomed over the weekend when the temps went from warm to cold and it set up well, I’ll go again if we get a warm freeze day again otherwise its rock solid.
All the shady side stuff should last a while but the sunny side will probably get rotten with the next warm temps.
Grooming provided by Friends of Pathways.
Teton Pines Nordic
Done Grooming for the Season
Thanks for a GREAT season everyone! We successfully navigated the pandemic this season and kept everyone healthy and skiing!
We look forward to seeing you next season which will begin in late November. With global supply shortages still a concern, next season could end up being challenging for gear if you wait too long to purchase it. We’ve already placed orders for Salomon, Alpina, Sporten, Lillsport, Daehlie, Swix, Sauce, and Craft. This gear should be arriving in early November. If you’d like to preorder or special order gear for the season please get in touch with Cody: tetonpinesxc@gmail.com
Shooting Star
Last Updated: 3/22
The trails have groomed out well, and conditions for Nordic skiing should be very enjoyable. Snow fall today and tonight will provide a refresher for the track surface. A few more chances of snow throughout the middle of the week are followed by sunnier and warmer weather this weekend. Reminder that trails will be icy in the morning, softer around lunchtime, and potentially slushy in the afternoon — temperature and sunshine dependent. Also, the depth & quality of the classic tracks will be inconsistent due to the icier profile. Enjoy!
Next Update 3/29
Please See the following Restrictions:
- Dog Loops & All Nordic Skiing Trails OPEN
- Sled Hill OPEN
- Classic Tracks SET
- Snow Shoeing Loop OPEN
- Casual Walking & Trail Running Not Permitted
Snake River Sporting Club
Last Updated: 3/21
SRSC will be grooming Monday. Conditions are springlike, thin in some areas and the creek crossings are thin too. Get down to explore and enjoy while the snow lasts!
Grand Teton National Park
Done Grooming for the Season
Plowing began March 22nd – Road closed until plowing completed – around April 1st.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Done Grooming for the Season
NON-GROOMED TRAILS IN USFS STILL ACCESSIBLE. LODGE CLOSED.
From all the Nordic team at Turpin, the managers, groomers, instructors and guides, we’d like to say thank you to the Nordic community who made this winter season so memorable. We are already looking forward to next winter and the opportunity to facilitate the ski adventure of your dreams.
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/the-ranch/live-conditions/
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com | 307.543.2000, office
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 3/25
Cross Country/Fat Bike 15k: XC OPEN (Last groomed 3/25/2021) Fat Bike CLOSED.
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
Alta Track
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday
Grooming through April 11th, conditions permitting
Last Updated: 3/25
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Enjoyed morning coffee on the Alta Track this morning (Thursday). Finished up the grooming at 8:30am. Left the classic track in place, as it is firm and in good shape. Low flying geese!
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
Grooming through March 27th, conditions permitting
Last Updated: 3/24
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Smoothed out the west side with the weighted drag. Didn’t have time to groom the east side.
Sherman Park
Done Grooming for the Season
Last Updated: 3/24
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
It was a great winter trail season in Sherman Park. Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers and staff for keeping the trail well groomed. Enjoy spring!
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Grooming through April 11th, conditions permitting
Last Updated: 3/24
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Wednesday: Plan to reset skate and classic, if I can improve. Should finish by 9am.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Grooming through April 4th, conditions permitting
Last Updated: 3/24
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Groomed Campground and Yetis loops early this a.m. Skate track and classic track have been reset on both. Warning, please be aware that the gate is currently closed on yetis loop due to motor vehicle traffic. Please be sure that the gate stays closed to avoid trail damage.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Grooming through April 3rd, conditions permitting
Last Updated: 3/24
Skate: Set | Classic: Set | Singletrack: Not Set
I groomed the skate track and reset the classic track. The single track was not reset. Ride the roads to the Southern Valley trail access for Lady Slipper and the rest of the system.
No dogs allowed.
5th Street Singletrack
Done Grooming for the Season
Last Updated: 3/19
Singletrack: Not Set
We are done grooming singletrack at 5th street this season. Thanks for your support!
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Grooming through April 4th, conditions permitting
Last Updated: 3/13
Singletrack: Set
All of the single track trails are rider packed. All the trails are in relatively good condition with the exception of animal tracks. It is getting a little icy out there after the freeze-thaw cycle and soft in the middle of the day. Your best times are early and late. I was able to use the single track drag on Nemo, Powerline and upper Lady slipper to try to fill in the ruts and animal tracks. I was only moderately successful at doing so. Enjoy the ride.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/11
Darby groomed to end of road.
South Leigh Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/18
Grooming 3/18 PM
Wydaho Ride Groomed Winter Challenge with Kait Boyle
SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 10:59 PM
Ride our favorite fat biking trails to help fundraise for grooming machines for TVTAP and Friends of Pathways: March 6th to March 27th
Nordic skiers can participate and contribute too! Who doesn’t like a perfectly groomed winter trail?!
To participate, you must also donate to one of the following organizations and attach a photo for proof of donation to your RideWithGPS activity:
Teton Valley Trails and Pathways
Friends of Pathways
Skyliners Motor Club (mail check to PO Box 552 Driggs 83422)
Karen Oatey Pole-Pedal-Paddle (PPP)
Hosted by JH Ski & Snowboard Club
SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
Bring your own Team or compete as an individual. Join this fun-filled muli-sport community favorite event, or cheer on friends and family! Competitive or just for fun, family event. Prizes.
Event honors Karen Oatey and the Karen Oatey Endowment, and benefits JH Ski & Snowboard Club youth ski programs and scholarships.
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