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.
December Nature News:
Light Snowpack; Wolverine Receive Federal Protection under Endangered Species Act
Provided by The Hole Hiking Experience
Due to an unseasonably dry November in the Teton region, we start the month with a thin snowpack — currently 54% of average. Snow acts as insulation to help plants, insects and animals survive without being affected by the ambient air temperature. Once covered by about 6-8 inches of snow, the ground will remain at a constant temperature near freezing. It looks like more precipitation is on the way. Hopefully cold temperatures will follow.
As winter begins, nature adapts. The cell structure of trees begins to change in order for them to withstand frigid temperatures without getting damaged by permeating ice crystals. A gradual temperature change is best for the health of trees. Everything we see in nature adapts to winter in order to survive. It’s fun to ponder how and why. Join us on the trail to learn more.
With our thin snowpack, we can still hike many trails. On average, it takes 6-8 inches of snow to snowshoe. At the start of the season, best to avoid vegetation as the snow accumulates. Bringing poles helps to stabilize your gait. Teton Pass has early ski conditions and Phillips is a nice place to cross-country ski or snowshoe. Options will change with more snow. JH Nordic is a wonderful resource for trail updates.
JHSC December Nordic Updates
JHSC Nordic is up and running like a locomotive with a full head of steam! The Prep/Comp, Junior, and Devo Teams are already training for the winter ahead, and Teewinots will start training in the near future. More are enrolled in the Nordic program than ever before – almost 250 athletes!
Training camp was held over Thanksgiving Break on Togwotee Pass for the Prep/Comp and Junior Teams. Dozens of local kids got on snow before almost anyone else in the country! We were really lucky to have snow and skiing when almost all of the country did not.
This year, day passes are $20 at Trail Creek, an individual season pass is $325, and a family season pass is $550. Passes can be purchased at the Trail Creek web page.
In general, those looking for a quiet ski and plenty of parking will find weekday mornings are a good bet. Alternatively, for those wanting to see lots of kids having a fantastic time on Nordic skis and who do not mind parking a ways away, weekday afternoons are a sure opportunity.
Help Protect Wintering Wildlife in Grand Teton
Winter has arrived in Grand Teton National Park – an excellent time for recreation in the snow but also a challenging time for wildlife in and around the Tetons. Wildlife biologists are asking visitors to avoid disturbing animals by following all winter closures and voluntarily avoiding bighorn sheep winter zones. In all other areas of the park, visitors should give wildlife plenty of space by maintaining 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other animals. Visitors can safely enjoy watching wildlife by being respectful of their need for space, staying clear of their sensitive habitats, allowing them to maintain their vital energy reserves.
Conserving energy is especially important for wildlife as temperatures plummet, snow buries food and travel is difficult. Animals like bighorn sheep, bison, deer, elk and moose survive the winter by using the least amount of energy so they can maintain fat reserves, which is especially crucial for females to successfully produce young in the spring.
Stress from winter recreation poses a significant threat to bighorn sheep and can push these iconic animals toward starvation as they endure brutal winters high in the Teton Range. “The park is asking skiers and snowboarders to voluntarily avoid sensitive bighorn sheep winter habitat, give sheep space and help us conserve these animals by spreading the word,” said Chip Jenkins, superintendent of Grand Teton National Park.
JH Ski & Snowboard Club Nordic Masters Ski Clinics
5 classic clinics and 5 skate clinics – only a few spots left -Thursdays 11am-12:30pm at Teton Pines Nordic Center and Trail Creek Nordic Trails. from December 14th to February 22nd (no class on Dec 28th)
– Take an early lunch break and join these clinics to work on your Cross-country classic and/or skate ski technique, balance, stamina, efficiency, performance , and fun.
– Coaching by JH Ski & Snowboard Club USSS certified coaches in small groups at your level.
– Sign up for all 10 clinics (10 session of classic and skate) or 5 classic only or 5 skate only.
Trail Creek
Last Update: 12/4
Quick Update
Rain then sun and temps in the 40’s today did a number on our trails, you might want to postpone your next Nordic ski at Trail Creek until we get some more snow. Will report when we are grooming again.
Welcome Back!
Finally the snow has been falling, and the fields and forests of Trail Creek are beginning to take on a winter vibe. A word of caution however, conditions are very thin, don’t get in too much of a hurry to ramp up your Nordic game to max quite yet. With a little patience and snow, Trail Creek will hopefully be in full winter splendor very soon.
Over the summer and fall lots of work has been done on the trails, the equipment is poised and ready to roll (including our brand new Ski Doo snowmobile above), and we are itching to move everything into high gear at Trail Creek. In the past few days the close field, Woolsey Woods, Homeward and Outward Bound, Moose Loop, and parts of Armin’s have been rolled several times. That being said, overnight rains and warm conditions have resulted in very soft and thin conditions. We have had a few skaters out making reasonable progress but a careful tour in the woods on your classic skis might be the choice of the day.
Be patient and pray for snow and hopefully soon our Husky will be setting pristine tracks everywhere. Grooming could be a bit sporadic over the next few days depending on what conditions come our way. If a report comes out, grooming will have happened. We are holding off posting on Nordic Pulse until our base becomes a bit more stable.
If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the December Nordic Newsletter with lots of information about what’s coming up at this website.
Groomer’s choice for today is a classic cruise through the woods.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Update: 12/4
Staff is evaluating snow pack in Cache Creek today. Valley locations need more of a base to get the snowmobile out to pack. If staff can start packing Cache or Game we will post here. Likely going to need one more storm and cooler temps. Patience is the word of the day. 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 Schedule: As Needed
Last Update: 12/3
I did an exploratory groom up the Cache road and on Hagen from bridge 2 to 5. Its still thin but will hopefully set up and form a base. I will check Hagen Highway, lower Ferrins, and the River trail after we get a little more snow.
Teton Pines Nordic
Last Update: 12/5
Come out this morning and ski some fast snow (fast if you have warm wax). Things will get really soft and sloppy later today when it hits 45F, so come now!
We groomed yesterday but can’t groom again until we get snow. There is still corduroy from yesterday–only a few people skied on it.
Shooting Star
Not Grooming Yet
Last Update: 12/4
Snow finally arrived this past weekend with 6-8” falling since Friday. While it is nice to see the return of winter, we still need more snow before opening any trails. Due to the extreme winds associated with this past storm, many areas are exposed and unsafe for skiing. Our weather pattern will be unsettled this week with warm temperatures in the mid-40’s Monday through Wednesday, which may cause significant melt. Outlook is calling for colder weather on Thursday with snow showers through the upcoming weekend. GCM will continue to prep what we can when weather permits, but ultimately, we need more snow and stable temperatures. Reminder, our site needs approximately 18” to groom with the snowmobile and 24”+ with the snowcat. Next update will be Friday, 12/8/23.
Grand Targhee
Not Grooming Yet
Last Updated: 12/3
Classic Track: Not Set | Fat Bike Trails: Closed | Snowshoe Trails: Closed
There is good snow coverage but grooming ops have not started so you will have to make our own track. Be sure to purchase a Nordic day or season pass at the Grand Targhee ticket office to support grooming and trail maintenance.
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.
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: 12/4
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Set
Above freezing temperatures overnight and forecast for next couple days will not help the thin coverage on the track. Thinking I will probably have to refrain from grooming until colder weather returns later in the week. Will update accordingly.
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: 12/1
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
We are staging equipment, anticipating some snow out of this storm (crossing fingers). 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
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
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: 12/2
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
It snowed and we are excited to begin grooming soon. Stay tuned to the grooming report for updates as we get trails open.
Driggs School Loops
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 12/2
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
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: 12/2
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
It snowed and we are excited to begin grooming soon. Stay tuned to the grooming report for updates as we get trails open. We hope to have some of the Alta track ready for skiing in the next few days. Please respect the Alta landowner property and avoid skiing in ungroomed areas.
JH Ski & Snowboard Club’s
Black Tie Blue Jean Ski Ball
Saturday, December 9th
Bridger Gondola
VIP tables and General Admission tickets available. This incredible evening will consist of cocktails, a silent auction, dinner, dancing, and a Grand Raffle. Funds raised are used to offset program costs, purchase safety & protective gear and support our young athletes.
Nordic Waxing Clinic
Wednesday, December 13th
Skinny Skis
Learn the basics of glide waxing with demonstrations and hands-on use of iron and liquid applications. Each clinic limited to 10 attendees. Sign up at Skinny Skis or emailskis@skinnyskis.com.
Cost: Suggested donations of $10 to support grooming in Grand Teton National Park.
Fat Bike Community Meeting
Monday, December 18th
Highpoint Cider, Victor, ID
Discuss current opportunities with Teton Valley Trails & Pathways, regional organizations, bike shops and riders. Topics to be discussed: · Singletrack grooming · Where to ride in the region · Volunteer grooming opportunities · Trail sharing and etiquette on multi-use trails · Supporting grooming and programming · Meet local riders · Short film + fat bike games!
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!
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/
