Lots of New Snow Means Great Skiing and Potential Hazards
Ullr has been kind to Jackson Hole and Teton Valley and many Nordic grooming operations are in full stride. Shooting Star is planning to open today while Teton Pines and Trail Creek have been grooming daily. If you’re looking for somewhere to ski for free (or with your dog) check out Cache Creek, Game Creek or Emily’s Pond; all have been groomed within the last 24 hours. In Teton Valley the Driggs Track and Teton Canyon are in good shape.
Please keep in mind as you head out today that lots of new snow also means an increase in avalanche danger. In fact the groomer for Cache and Game referenced a small slide that crossed trails in their latest trail report. For current avalanche conditions visit the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center’s website: https://bridgertetonavalanchecenter.org/.
Trip Report: Skate Skiing at Teton Pines
Grooming at Teton Pines Nordic was perfect corduroy. There is nothing like first tracks, no matter what skis you’re on!
As you can see in the photo above, the snow was a little soft after all the fresh overnight powder … but so fun to be back on skate skis. Classic skis would be an excellent choice too!
The Targhee Tune Up Is Today
If you feel like cheering on some local racers this morning head over to Grand Targhee for a mass start skate race. The first race begins at 10am and there are mass starts every 15 minutes after until 11am.
Winter Wildlife Closures Begin
Some areas of critical winter range in the Jackson area are closed to all human activity from December 1 – April 30. With deep snow, low amounts of food, cold temperatures, and many of the females pregnant, if people disturb wildlife in these areas, animals are forced to expend precious energy that compromises their survival.
- Winter wildlife closures on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Jackson District are found here.
- All winter wildlife closures and restrictions in Teton County can be found here.
Remember to Recreate Responsibly and resepct winter wildlife by giving them space, keeping dogs under control, and properly storing food. While this video uses BC skiing as its example, the same respect applies to Nordic skiers, fat bikers and snowshoers.
Trail Creek
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 12/2
Breaking in a New Trail!
The featureless field of white in the image above was within seconds, converted into some soft, but pretty good Nordic skiing as part of this morning’s grooming routine at Trail Creek Nordic Center. In case you don’t recognize the area above, this area is a new addition in the region of Seifert’s cabin that perhaps was collectively named Dark Hollow last year. If you’re lucky enough to get a ski today, check it out although caution is urged when crossing the snow bridge over the creek until it has set up firmly.
Today’s grooming covered pretty much every trail except for the East Fields. On the mostly single Husky pass through the woods, more classic tracks than ever this year were laid in as it was possible to take advantage of the recent 10+ inches of snow. Double passes were made on Moose Loop with multiple passes through the Close Field. Conditions are a bit soft yet with some dribbles on the trails, but all in all, you should find some great skiing today.
For those of you with a racing or social spirit, don’t forget the Targhee Tune Up Saturday 12/3 over the hill. All the information is available on their web site; it should be a fun day!
Groomer’s choice for today is Moose Loop.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Grooming Today: Emily’s Pond
Last Update: 12/2
Cache creek and May park are groomed and in great shape. Game creek has been groomed and is in great shape also. Be aware of avalanche danger, there was a small slide up Cache and Game Creek this morning that crossed the trails. Three creek pathway has been groomed.
Full grooming schedule on expected to begin 12/3.
Cache Creek
Last Update: 11/17
Main Trail (forest service road), Hagen and Ferrin’s Trails Grooming
Thanks to Friends of Pathways’ Chris O., he has been out doing some early grooming for fat biking and nordic skiing up Cache. We remind walkers to keep to one side in the existing footprints, to maintain a nice smooth trail for skiers and riders. And keep the trail clean, pick up the poop. Respect wildlife and wildlife closure areas. Donate to Friends of Pathways and Friends of Bridger Teton to support these Bridger Teton Forest winter trails.
Teton Pines Nordic
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 12/1
We are open daily to the public for skiing and we groom our 16km of trails everyday for both skate and classic skiing.
Stop by the shop and pick up your season passes and the gear you need for the season! We have a fully stocked retail shop with the latest skis, boots, poles, waxing supplies, and clothing from Swix, Salomon, Alpina, Odlo, Lillsport, Daehlie, Craft, Sauce and more. We offer private lessons daily, skate and classic ski rental packages, and bc xc rentals for the park. We are open 9am-4pm.
Note—We have a new shop phone number this season: (307) 732-4130
Shooting Star
Last Update: 11/30
Opening Day: 12/3
We are planning to open all Nordic Trails on Saturday (12/3). The Sled Hill will remain closed until further notice… though I am hopeful it will be open next Saturday (12/10). Please be advised this next winter storm is forecasted to bring violent winds late Thursday and last all day Friday, as a cold front pushes through. The course is currently prepped for this wind event to maximize the benefits of potentially heavy drifting. Due to the likelihood the course will severely drift over Friday, we may need to delay the start time of Saturday’s opening for several hours until the course has been properly prepared. If this occurs, I will update everyone the morning of. Again, all trails (weather permitting) should be open this coming Saturday (12/3). I will send the next update on Opening Day (12/3). Thanks, and drive safe…the Windy Mile might live up to its name and bring frequent white out conditions through Friday.
Grand Teton National Park
Last Update: 12/2
Granite canyon Moose-Wilson road closed until Dec 16th
The portion of the Moose-Wilson Road, south of Death Canyon junction and including Granite Canyon Trailhead, remains closed due to construction activities. The road and trailhead will open to over-snow winter recreation December 16. The northern section of the Moose-Wilson Road remains open.
Taggart to Signal – closed to vehicles, not yet groomed. GTNP will begin grooming from Taggart to Signal Mtn on Friday December 16th. This groomed opening is to coordinate their “start to winter recreation” when the south entrance on the Moose-Wilson Road opens (Granite Canyon trailhead area) (skier track trail to LSR preserve and Phelps Lake ) .
Skiers are welcome to ski on the Teton Park Road on the ungroomed road between Taggart, Jenny Lake, and Signal Mountain prior to the groomed opening. If you ski with a dog, remember to stay on the road at all times, and on leash. Please pick up after your dog, too!
We encourage you to support grooming in Grand Teton National Park, one of Jackson Hole’s most beautiful Nordic trails, by donating to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, underwriter of Nordic grooming: GTNPF.org/donate/ -and note “Nordic grooming”. Our community and visitor support make grooming possible!
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!
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 12/2
Classic Track: Not Set | Fat Bike Trails: Open | Snowshoe Trails: Open
Strong southern winds throughout yesterday afternoon blew in a substantial amount of snow. Temperatures cooled back down throughout the evening and brought in 9 inches of light snow overnight.
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: 12/2
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
Working at the Alta track today with the goal of having it skiable Saturday.
Driggs
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 12/2
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Soft track but should firm up with cold temperatures. Conditions are excellent!
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 12/2
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Got the trail punched in this morning and we are working on compacting the base. It will be soft today, but the weekend should be good. Enjoy!
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Last Updated: 12/2
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Road and parking lot are in much better shape after grader was in on Thursday. On Friday, used roller to pack down the 8-12 inches new snow, then 2 more passes with Ginzu to set classic and skate. After cold night tonight, plan to reset both skate and classic early Saturday morning. Should be all right this weekend.
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: 12/2
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
We plan to pack all the new snow this afternoon if the parking lot is clear. Standby for updates.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Reserve Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Thursday & Saturday
Last Updated: 12/2
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
Will be rolling out the trail again starting around 3pm.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 11/30
Singletrack: Not Set
Spent another 4 hrs packing the snow down so we’re not getting overwhelmed with the next storm. Sorry folks still not rideable.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
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/
Murie Cookie Swap & Open House
December 11, 2022 | 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Murie Ranch, Moose, WY
Join us for a Murie-inspired Cookie Swap out at the Murie Ranch on December 11th. What’s a cookie swap, you might ask? Bring a couple dozen of your favorite cookies and a Tupperware container and the swapping will begin. You’ll leave with an assortment of everyone else’s best cookies and a very happy heart!
JH Ski Club Masters Nordic Ski Clinics
Thursdays – from Mid December to late February
First Clinic (Classic) – Thursday, December 15
Teton Pines Nordic Center
Join us this winter season to increase your ski speed, stamina, and strength. Work on your technique and form with professional tips and exercises from USSA certified coaches. Stay and ski all day with your clinic ski pass at Teton Pines Nordic Center or Trail Creek Nordic Center (we will ski at both locations through out the winter to provide a variety of terrain and technique).
Betty Woolsey Classic Race
December 26, 2022
Trail Creek Nordic Center
Come work off your Christmas feast in style! 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.
JH Nordic Alliance 5th Annual Free Ski, Fat Bike, & Snowshoe Day
Sunday, January 8th, 2023 | 9:30AM – 3:00PM
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Fun, Free Community Day – with Raffle benefiting local Nordic Alliance non-profit. Free trail pass, Free skate & classic XC ski demo gear, Free fat bike demos, free Nordic ski lessons, Free BackCountry Nordic Ski & Snowshoe tours, Kids Corral (2-5 yr olds), Bridger-Teton USFS wildlife and wilderness info, Kates Bars, Lunch, snacks, hot & cold drinks.
Sponsored by the JH Nordic Alliance members. Family. Friends, visitors, dogs (on leash) welcome. Bring your own skis and bikes recommended to use between free demos and tours.
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
