Do you like Dogs on Groomed Cross Country Trails?
Outside Online delves into the dog/groomed trail dilemma…
Dear Sundog: after they started grooming our local trails for cross-country skiing, they put up signs banning dogs. But it’s public land. Why shouldn’t I bring my dog? -Doggedly Independent
Dear Doggedly: I feel your pain. Sundog takes his 19-pound long-haired Mexican mutt hiking, rafting, and skiing, unless threatened by a ticket from a tree cop. The bans at trails are annoying because often dogs were allowed before the skiers began their grooming. So why do they get priority?
Trip Report – GTNP Sunday Crust cruising
Gt to Taggart at 9:15 and crust was still hard. Skied only about 7.5 mi – out and back toward Jenny lake. It was pretty bumpy at first and then it got a little better. Wasn’t ideal for skate skiing!! Started softening around 10 but there was a bit of a cloud layer early. Would be better on a heavier pair of classic skis. As I was driving out I wondered if actually it was better around Windy Point. Looked that way from the car. My other question is whether it would be better in the shade because a lot of the undulations were caused by sun cups.
You definitely need the right attitude to go out there. I was just relaxed and enjoyed having skis under foot and a great view in front. Enjoy!
-Michel G
Teton Canyon Adventure
Michelle S. ventured up to Teton Canyon from Alpine recently (see photo above).
“I can’t thank you enough for your assistance yesterday morning and all the information you provided about xc skiing options. I ended up going to Teton Canyon and I had dinner at Forage. It was a fabulous day!!”
Thanks Michelle! We’re glad you had a wonderful time and appreciate the update!
Groomed Trails -What’s Open + Crust Cruising
With cooler temps – both day and night – returning this week, skate and classic skiing are still going strong!
This is the last week for grooming in the few venues that are still grooming!
Shooting Star: last grooming day was Sat. April 3rd, however the trails remain nice, firm, and packed, with few ski tracks.
Grand Targhee – Grooming Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Thanks to their elevation at 8000 ft., the snow is in good shape, with fresh corduroy on grooming days.
Teton Canyon – Grooming on Wed, Fri, Sat. Snow is still in good shape, with a classic and skate track.
Alta – last groom was April 4th -still open to ski with some patchy spots
Volunteers Still Needed for PPP
Volunteers are still needed for the PPP! There are still several opportunities to participate as a volunteer. Click below for more information on how you can be a part of this Jackson Hole tradition.
Since 1975 the Rendezvous River Sports Karen Oatey Pole Pedal Paddle has served as the annual kickoff to spring in Jackson Hole. The “PPP” is a five-leg race that includes:
- Ski/Snowboard giant slalom at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Cross Country ski leg at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Running leg from Teton Village to Shooting Star maintenance building
- Cycling leg through Jackson Hole
- Paddling leg on the Snake River
Competitors are invited to race individually or on a team and competitively or for fun. (Either way, costumes are highly encouraged!) The PPP traditionally concludes with a large community celebration, but due to Covid 19, we are focusing on only the racing for 2021.
Registration for the 2021 Rendezvous River Sports Karen Oatey Pole Pedal Paddle close at 5 pm April 7th.
Left: Another valiant skate crust cruiser…not exactly smooth crust, but a fun adventure! – Michel G.
Right: Biking in the Park, Buckrail Photo
Crust Cruising & Bikes
A couple of fun early a.m. ski trips:
If conditions are good and safe and you have your safety gear with you…Drop bikes at Bradley Taggart. Drive the car up to Signal with your skate gear. Drive down to where the meadows begin. Ski the pot holes to practice some skate ski teles then cruise over to the lower bench down to the parking lot to get the bikes and ride up to get the car at Signal.
For a longer trip. Drop the bikes off at Signal, drive up to the far end of Jackson Lake at Lizard Creek and ski down to the bikes. Soooo fun!!
-Tips from Don and Gwenn
JH Nordic Masters Recreational Clinic Series Survey
For all Nordic skiers in the JH community, we would love your input about your interest and experience with the Nordic Masters Recreational Clinics hosted this year, in conjunction with the JH Ski Club Nordic program.
Whether you attended one or more clinics, the entire 8 skate and classic cross country ski series, or have other interests in improving your Nordic ski technique – recreational , racing, social -we would love to hear from you.
Please complete this short survey, and we’ll mail you a free JHNordic NoSo patch (made in Jackson Hole!).
Thanks for sharing your ideas, so we can tailor our program to be as successful as possible.
Trail Creek
Done Grooming fo the Season
Last Updated: 3/31
Thank you!
The sun rises over the eastern Gros Ventres, the hard working snow ready for one last hurrah, the fox cruises the fields, the robins soar from their roosts; another day begins at Trail Creek. With the abundant early season snow and pandemic parameters, more kilometers have been groomed, more tracks made, more breaths taken in pursuit of Nordic contentment than ever before at our beloved Nordic center. The same joy of mastery that a Lollipopper neophyte feels as she finds air under her skis for the first time is still alive in the octogenarian as he makes yet one more lap around the Betty Woolsey course. Our sport is truly one for all ages. We are blessed to share such rich splendor in our athletic pursuits.
Thank you to all who make this Nordic adventure happen. Thanks to kids with good attitudes, who listen to your coaches and do their best. Thanks to parents for the herculean effort required to bring this opportunity to your progeny. Thanks to all for dealing with pandemic parking. Thanks to coaches for the long days of training and at races, hours at wax benches, skiing with masks on. And thanks to the community for membership, trail passes, skiing, helping with the new snow cat campaign, and any other form of support that makes this all happen. Thank you!
Today’s final grooming once again happened last night as our Pisten Bully Paana—possibly for the last time if our campaign is successful—made multiple passes on almost every trail. Up to two inches of snow had fallen since the last grooming, although the raging winds of late had blown a lot of it out of the fields. This new snow worked in quite nicely to the very firm base for the skaters, although the classic tracks were a bit variable in the shady locations as yesterday’s temps barely surpassed freezing.
Today is the last day to ski the private property section of Trail Creek. Skiing should be pretty good all day, starting out very fast with slight softening by late afternoon. The National Forest trails may be skied until the snow is gone, which should last some time.
The vision of hope: in 225 days a huge dump will once again usher in first day skiing on trails that have been groomed to perfection by a brand new grooming machine, and that from the youngest pupils to the oldest masters, all will be poised and ready to do the thing called Nordic skiing at this place we call Trail Creek. Until that day . . .
Groomer’s choice is Trail Creek.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 3/26
Cache, Game, and the May park are groomed and in decent shape. The May park will no longer be groomed. We will attempt to groom cache and game once more next Wednesday but it all depends on conditions. Same for stilson and the levee which the last day will be Tuesday.
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
Done Grooming for the Season
Last Updated: 4/4
Our last grooming of the season was officially performed on Saturday Night 4/3. We’ve had 5 straight days of temperatures in the mid 50’s to low 60’s and the snow profile is now no longer conducive for grooming. Beginning April 12th, all trails will be closed as GCM begins removing snow to expose cart paths and shift gears for the upcoming Golf season. Prior to that date skiing is still welcome, but trails will not be groomed and icy, bare, or rough areas will be very frequent. It’s been a great season for Nordic that has lasted from Thanksgiving 2020 to Easter 2021. Thanks to everyone in the Nordic Shop and all the Nordic participants. Looking forward to another great season next winter!
Snake River Sporting Club
Done Grooming for the Season
SRSC Nordic trail is closed for the season.
Grand Teton National Park
Done Grooming for the Season
Plowing began March 22nd – Road closed until plowing completed – around April 1st.
3/27- Courtesy of the Jackson News and Guide
Cyclists and pedestrians will have more than a month to play on Teton Park Road without having to look over their shoulders for vehicles.
Grand Teton National Park has announced that it is opening the 14-mile stretch of road between Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge to nonmotorized users only starting Saturday.
Come May 1, the gates will come up and the road will open to the usual vehicular traffic. But in the meantime, pedestrians, cyclists and inline skaters have the run of the scenic road that runs past the Teton Range’s famous Cathedral Group.
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: 4/5
Cross Country/Fat Bike 15k: XC OPEN (Last groomed 4/3/2021) 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: 4/4
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Sunday: The warm weather has taken a toll on the track. The south facing hillsides are about gone in a few spots. Still skiable. Will not groom again, unless we get some new snow. Thanks to volunteer groomers, Randy, Tristan and Mike.
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: 3/27
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Driggs was groomed Saturday morning. All trails are in great shape and have good snow coverage. This is the last time Driggs will be groomed this season. Another winter of great skiing in town.
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: 4/4
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Sunday evening: Reset both skate and classic tracks while the snow was soft. Looks good for tomorrow morning.
Southern Valley Nordic
Done Grooming for the season
Last Updated: 4/2
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
It’s been a great season and it has come to an end. Thanks for all your participation and support and we look forward to More adventures on our local trail systems.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Done Grooming for the season
Last Updated: 4/2
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set | Singletrack: Not Set
It’s been a great season and it has come to an end. Thanks for all your participation and support and we look forward to More adventures on our local trail systems.
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: 3/26
Grooming 3/26 PM
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.
JHNordic 5th Annual Free Ski, Fat Bike, & Snowshoe Day at Turpin Meadow Ranch
SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 9TH, 2022
Turpin Meadow Ranch – 1 hr north of Jackson- Buffalo Valley Road (off Hwy 287/26) – Parking onsite/carpooling encouraged.
Fun, Free Community Day – with Raffle benefiting a 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 Snowshoe tours, Kids Corral (2-5 year olds), Bridger-Teton USFS wildlife and wilderness info, Kates Bars – Lunch, hot & cold drinks.
Sponsored by the JH Nordic Alliance members.
Family. Friends, visitors, dogs (on leash) welcome.
Bring your own skis recommended to use between free demos and tours .
Email : Info@JHNordic.com for more info
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
