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.
March 8, 2023 Nature Update
Provided by Cathy Shill founder of The Hole Hiking Experience
https://www.holehike.com/
“It is one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” -Charles Dickens
A sunny day…how wonderful. Winter started early this year with a cold November and the last couple of weeks have been quite stormy. Snowbanks are high and powder is deep in Jackson Hole. Old Man Winter is still the one in charge. Spring may be around the corner and days are longer, but warmer temperatures are needed to spur the seasonal change.
As March begins, the light penetrating the snow will stir the great bear. Male grizzlies leave their dens in March in search of winter carrion. They will basically find a carcass and stay with it. First sighting is usually in Yellowstone. Could be a bit delayed this year with our big winter, but I bet one is seen soon.
Once again, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are considering removing grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act. It’s the third attempt to give management to individual states and Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho all want the grizzly delisted.
The grizzly bear is an indicator species for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and survival of the bear is essential for a healthy, dynamic ecosystem. Females usually give birth to one or two cubs during the winter and then den two additional winters with their cubs. Due to this slow reproductive rate, states need to manage the bear for success.
Enjoy the longer days and new bird song. We will be offering winter tours until April 9 when we close for a spring break. Keep us in mind for your winter adventures. info@holehike.com 307.690.4453
GTNP Spring snow removal operations begin
Winter grooming of the 14-mile section of Teton Park Road between Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain parking area will end on March 10. The road will remain open for winter activities until March 20 when snow removal operations begin.
For safety reasons, visitors may not access the Teton Park Road once snow removal operations are underway. Rotary equipment and plows may be working at any time, and the roadway will be closed to all users until the snow removal operations are completed. Skiers and those on snowshoes using areas adjacent to the roadway are cautioned to avoid the arc of snow blown from the equipment because pieces of ice and gravel may be thrown great distances.
The Teton Park Road is anticipated to be accessible to activities such as cycling, roller skating, skateboarding, roller skiing, walking, jogging and leashed pet walking in early April, depending on weather conditions.
The Teton Park Road is expected to be open to motor vehicles May 1, depending on weather conditions.
Profiles in Nordic: Scott Sanchez of JD High Country Outfitters
JD High Country Outfitters’s Store Manager, Scott Sanchez, has been skiing in the Tetons since ‘84. Nearly 40 years later, he’s rarely missed a ski day.
Scott’s place of business came about years ago when two existing storefronts merged. Jack Dennis Sports, established in 1972, and High Country Flies, established in 1974. Since its fusion, JD High Country Outfitters has been helping outdoor recreators get outfitted for all kinds of adventures in and around the Tetons from fishing, hunting, and camping, to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
A Grizzly Bear Has Woken Up in Yellowstone National Park
Time to get out your bear spray and bring it on your cross country, fat bike, snowshoe outings on backcountry trails, especially GTNP and Togwotee Pass areas!
Here’s a sign that spring is just around the corner: grizzly bears are waking up. On Tuesday, March 7, a wildlife biologist at Yellowstone National Park was on a radio telemetry flight when he spotted the park’s first grizzly bear of 2023 emerging from hibernation, according to a news release.
The adult malebear, estimated to weigh between 300 and 350 pounds, was observed near the remains of a bison carcass in Pelican Valley, which is located in the central-eastern part of the park.
(credit: OutsideOnline)
Winter Service Levels and Important Dates
Do you enjoy any of the trails that Teton County or the town of Jackson maintains during the winter season? If so, you’ll be happy to know that grooming will continue through March based on the snowpack and forecast. Conditions will be evaluated the week of April 3rd to determine if grooming can continue past that date. Please continue to check the Parks and Recreation website for up-to-date information including grooming and ice rink status: http://www.tetonparksandrec.org/1338/Parks-Pathways
As a trail user and citizen of this fine area you are invited to the Parks and Recreation Public Open House at Teton County Library on Thursday, March 9th (5-7pm) and Friday, March 10th (1-3PM) to solicit public input on Winter Service Levels, as well as Karns Meadow Zoning and Melody Ranch Trailhead Bicycle Pump Track. For more information visit: https://engagetetoncountywy.com/tetonopenhouse
As a winter trail user, please take the time to have your voice heard through the winter service levels survey for 2022/2023. Teton County Parks and Recreation strives to meet the needs of the community throughout the winter grooming season, take the survey to let them know how they are doing and where they might improve: take the survey
Teton Co/Jackson Parks & Rec Winter Grooming Survey
Your input as a winter trails user is valued and needed: this is your chance to determine grooming days, more groomed trails and pathways & connectivity for Winter 23-24! Please complete this Community Input survey, to help Teton County/Jackson Parks & Recreation determine next Winter Grooming service levels: such as increasing to 7 days per week of favorite trails such as Cache Creek, Game Creek, Emily’s Pond, Stilson-Wilson Centennial, May Park. Community input is also valued to determine if some or all the trails and pathways currently not groomed, could be upgraded from plowed surfaces to pack & rolled/snow covered trails, allowing nordic skiing, easier fat bike biking, trail running , walking on snow. Please complete this survey ASAP for input to allow for budgets to be prepared/proposed by end of March!
Trail Creek
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 3/8
A Cloudy Day at Trail Creek
While more snow is on its way, today is remaining quiet at Trail Creek, with cloudy skies and cool temperatures making for a very pleasant ski in the open fields, far less blinding than usual. Things were a bit more blue yesterday, when the Lollipoppers were searching all over Trail Creek for leprechauns and a pot of gold! The groomer didn’t spot any rainbows, but they must have been there, because they were successful, and it looks like they had a great time in the search. If you want to follow their footsteps, the shamrock signs are still up for a little while, so see if you, too, can find your own gold to enjoy! Thanks Coach Kathy for the great photos!
Today’s grooming was a best-line pass across most trails in the system, plus touch-ups on the various stadiums as needed. With the cooler temps, the trails are remaining solid and very nice, so many of the classic tracks were left as-is, lest the snow be prematurely aged. The Nordic X course also received a substantial overhaul today, though it remains a work in progress.
Groomer’s choice is the East Fields.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Grooming Today: Emily’s Pond Levee, High School Fields, Wilson Centennial Trail
Last Update: 3/8
Game creek is groomed and in good shape.
Cache creek and May park are groomed and in good shape.
Cache Creek Singletrack
Groomed by Friends of Pathways
Grooming Schedule: As Needed
Last Update: 3/5
Singletrack groomed 3/5.
Teton Pines Nordic
Grooming Daily
Our 20% off sale has been extended on nearly everything in the store (skis, boots, poles, clothing, waxing accessories, etc)—we even have lots of clothing at 30% off! We have most sizes available in everything in the shop including: skate skis, classic skis, bc touring skis, boots, poles, gloves, jackets, pants, and hats.
We are open daily to the public for skiing. Click here for our current trails grooming and conditions: https://nordic-pulse.com/ski-areas/US/WY/Teton-Pines-Nordic-Center. We offer private skate and classic skiing lessons daily, skate/classic ski rental packages, and bc xc rentals for the park. We are open 9am-4pm. Please call to book lessons and with any other questions.
Note—We have a new shop phone number this season: (307) 732-4130
Shooting Star
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 3/8
We finished the black sand application today and will switch back to morning grooming tomorrow (Thursday 3/9). Look for unsettled weather through the weekend, as a warmer winter weather system pushes through with Friday being the most turbulent day bosting high winds, rain, and snow. Calmer conditions should return midday Saturday and Sunday. We’ll continue to do our best each day with grooming… Skiers should be aware that during rain/snow events combined with temperatures around the freeze/thaw range, grooming becomes very difficult as the profile turns gummy/sticky and the snow tends to smear or clump due to it not being pliable from it transitioning in and out of a liquid to solid state. Typically, after a rain/snow event, the trails will groom out better once the wet moisture has had a chance to set up overnight with below freezing temperatures. Keep up with the forecast and enjoy! Reminder no walking, trail running, and snowshoeing. Thanks!
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.
Grand Teton National Park
Grooming: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Update: 3/7
It’s a beautiful day! Grand Teton National Park – grooming to Signal Mountain. Friday will be the last day for grooming in Grand Teton National Park for the winter!!
Lots of fresh corduroy from Taggart to Signal, thanks to GTNP grooming! Check out JHNordic.com/Grooming/ to find other fresh grooming in our new real-time map, thanks to our partner, Nordic-Pulse.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 3/7
The trails have a little dust on crust this morning, conditions are cold this morning but the trails should be speedy as the temps warm up. Today’s grooming will happen this afternoon around 2:30pm in preparation for our final night ski of the season.
Turpin Meadow Ranch is open to all for skiing, lodging, dining, Nordic lessons, and tours! Closing day (March 12, 2022) is less than a week away so make your plans to come to Turpin soon! Call the office (307) 543-2000 or visit our website to book your adventure and/or meal!
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
Grooming Schedule: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/8
Classic Track: Set | Fat Bike Trails: Closed | Snowshoe Trails: Open
No new snow to report this morning as a new low pressure system sweeps into the Valley this afternoon. Expect light flurries this afternoon and evening with highs in the mid twenties and lows in the single digits.
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: 3/7
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Tuesday morning; Randy rolled the track last night. This morning plan to use Ginzu to set classic all around. Finish by 8am.
Driggs
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 3/7
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
I pulled the drag around the track all afternoon to firm up the skate track. Should actually have some speed now. The classic track has been reset as well. Get some laps before the next storm!
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 3/8
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Blowing and drifting snow made for an interesting groom. I was unable to groom the walking path with some plowing piles being not ideal for running the slews and groomer over. Skate and classic tracks should be good to ski and nice an firm until the snow falls this afternoon. Enjoy!!!
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/8
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
This morning plan to reset north side classic and skate tracks. Both should ski well.
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: 3/6
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
I got everything cleaned up Monday evening. Nice to finally use the Ginzu again! It should firm up overnight and ski well tomorrow. Set classic track and skate lanes on Yeti and Campground loops. Heads up for a couple bumps on Yeti where the Ginzu was swallowed by some deep snow. Happy sliding!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Reserve Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/7
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Tuesday morning groomed and reset the skate and classic track. It turned out nicely and should be fast. Enjoy the glide.
No dogs allowed. Please stay on the groomed trails at all times.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 3/8
Singletrack: Set
Wednesday evening groomed Nemo with multiple passes. Tuesday volunteers groomed groomed upper & lower Ladyslipper and Hillbender’s. PLEASE try to ride when the snow is firm. Please DON’T ride when it’s near or above freezing, leaving a rut, having to walk or push. It’s ruins everyone else’s experience. Practice and enjoy good ethics.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Groomed by USFS
Last Updated: 3/8
Groomed 3/3.
Rammell Mountain
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Groomed by USFS
Last Updated: 3/8
Groomed 2/24.
South Leigh Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Groomed by USFS
Last Updated: 3/8
Groomed 3/6.
Pinnacle Trail
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Groomed by USFS
Last Updated: 3/8
Groomed 3/3.
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/
Skinny Skis Season Finale – Freestyle
Saturday March 11th
Location: JHSC Trail Creek Training Facility
2.5, 5, & 10km Skate or Classic
Get your Nordie Nerd on this season with a skate or classic race. All races are open to everyone with no cut off times. Or ski the course after the race to try it out. There is something for every level of skier including the kids!
Registration: 9am day of race. Race start time: 10am all races
Suggested entry – $20 for 5 & 10km. $10 for JHSC Junior Nordic athletes. $5 for 2.5km
Cash or check ONLY! Please make checks out to JHSC.
Annual Sunny Korfanta Race
Sunday, March 12
White Pine Wyoming Ski Resort
This is an event to honor of one of Pinedale’s most notable skiers, Albert “Sunny” Korfanta. His contributions and pioneering spirit is celebrated annually at this event as he was instrumental in opening the ski hill in 1940. This is a fun race for all abilities, beginner to expert. Skiers and boarders of all ages are welcome. COSTUMES ENCOURAGED!
[Rescheduled 3/16]
Women’s Nordic Series
Saturday, March 16
5:30PM | Alta Track
Due to the inclement weather the Women’s Nordic Series is rescheduled for Thursday, March 16th at 5:30 pm at the Alta Track.
Annual Spring Fling
Cardboard Race and Pond Skim
Saturday, March 25
Whitepine Wyoming Ski Resort
It’s almost time for our annual closing weekend shenanigans! Cardboard Race and Pond Skim, Saturday, March 25, 2023. Contingent upon snow conditions. If needed, we’ve got plenty of cardboard. Just ask!
Crazy Costumes, Saturday and Sunday, March 25-26, 2023. All and any! Just keep it clean
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
