General Weather – Chance of Snow and Some Sun
Mountain Weather is forecasting a chance of snow Monday morning then trending towards partly sunny through midweek. For a detailed daily forecast check out mountainweather.com.
What’s Groomed Today?
This week grooming is happening here:
- Teton Canyon – M / W / F / Sat
- Grand Targhee – T / Th / Sat / Sun
- Southern Valley – T / F / Sun
- Trail Creek Nordic – as conditions allow
Get Out and Get Moving, a Guide to Winter Happiness
The following are some highlights from the JHNordic article “Get out and Get Moving…! Guide to Winter Happiness” originally published in March of 2024. You’ll likely find the wisdom shared is particularly fitting as we wait for more snow and head into the shortest days of the year. May you be inspired to walk, glide, or ride into wellness.
“So many research studies prove what many of us living in the Tetons know intuitively—moving our bodies is a critical component of being mentally well,” explains Sara McKeown White, Executive Director of Mental Health Coalition of Teton Valley.
“Some of my favorite ones [studies] point to the exponential benefits of pairing exercise with being in nature and connecting with our loved ones.” McKeown White continues. “With a lot of us experiencing record-breaking levels of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, getting outside shouldn’t just be about breaking a sweat. But a way we can take care of our mental health and those we love. So grab a friend and get outside,” suggests McKeown White.
Text a friend to rendezvous with you on the Emily’s Pond Levee, Cache Creek, or Stilson Loop, which are all easily accessible from the town of Jackson. Or in Teton Valley, Mike Harris, Sherman Park, Teton Canyon, or Alta Track on the western side of the Tetons. Although skate skiing is a great way to sweat it out solo, classic cross-country skiing or snowshoeing allows for side-by-side conversations and a much-needed excursion.
If you’ve never tried Nordic skiing, it’s easy. Learning something new stimulates our minds and provides a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and confidence. Taking a Nordic ski lesson is a great way to learn, check out the resources page for more information on where to find local Nordic instruction and training programs. Perhaps consider gifting yourself and your loved ones a group lesson together to really combine the benefits of being active in nature while connecting with loved ones and learning something new.
“I was fortunate to participate in the JH Ski and Snowboard Club’s Nordic Masters program. I was surprised by how much fun we had playing games together,” shares Charlotte Alexander, Executive Director of The Mental Health Wellness Collaborative. “Whether cheering for teammates during diminishing equipment relay races or sharing laughter after falls, we truly had a blast.”
You heard it here, folks (from the experts): getting outside and enjoying the winter trails helps your overall well-being. We hope you take care and get out on those winter trails!
Grooming Update from Trail Creek Nordic
It may not have been an epic storm, but there is definitely more snow on the ground today than there was yesterday. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster watching the changing story of this weekend’s snow forecasts as the actual event drew closer. Precip estimates ranged as high as 7 or 8 inches at one time although now it is looking more like less than three. However, the crew at Trail Creek has been working hard, shoveling snow and trimming brush and there’s no excuse, if a Nordic ski would do you some good (and if you read the article above you know it will), you can surely come out to Trail Creek today and get that ski.
Sunday’s grooming primarily focused on the Close Field, rolling in the snow that has fallen in case the wind decided to pick up later in the day and blow things around. The woods were not groomed Sunday as that snow won’t go anywhere and will most likely be groomed today after additional snow hopefully falls.
Groomer’s choice for today is to enjoy some reasonably good early season conditions in the Close Field.
Events
The Masters practice based clinics are back! There will be 8 fun clinics to improve your technique, fitness, enjoyment beginning this Thursday. Pre-registration is required.
Come discuss current opportunities at the Winter Trails Forum with Trails & Pathways, regional organizations, bike shops, Nordic organizations, bikers, and skiers. There will be lots of time for your questions and comments!
JH Nordic Alliance and Partners hope you all come to the Annual Free Ski, Snowshoe & Fat Bike Event at Turpin Meadow Ranch for a day of playing in the snow and being surrounded by a bunch of people who really love human-powered winter adventures.
