Featured Image: Jackson Hole Ecotour Adventures
New on the Blog:
Early Skate Skiing Adventures, A Life Well-Lived in Jackson Hole
An Interview with Gwenn and Don Wadsworth
Jessi – JH Nordic: I would love to hear about your own personal history, how you got interested in Nordic skiing, how you ended up in Jackson, becoming instructors, your story?
Gwenn: So Don and I came here and taught at the high school a couple years, in ’79. It was really primitive education at that time and we came from big high schools in southern California–Don’s a football coach, I’m a volleyball coach. It was when the high school was actually in town and was very small. I mean they were just so anti-physical education. We were trying to teach all kinds of cardio things and we’d jog ‘em out on the Elk Refuge–all kinds of things like that. It was just beating our heads against the wall because when they built the new high school, they wouldn’t put lines on the gym floor for volleyball or badminton or anything like that.
[Next] we ran the Sport Club at the Aspens when that whole big building was all part of it, with a swimming pool, a racquet ball court, and tennis courts; we had everything, a beautiful weight room, everything.
14 Mile Hand/Arm Powered Nordic Ski
Teton Adaptive Sport’s Director of Mission -Joe Stone – completed 14 miles on his hand/arm powered nordic ski set up on Friday – from Signal Mountain to Taggart – in 6 hours. All powered by his arms! JH Nordic provided some guidance regarding grooming timing. Joe set off at 8:30am from Signal, before the final groom of the season . And finished around 2:30pm. Amazing workout, Joe… It’s not all downhill! And a huge ski accomplishment. Well done Joe!!
Nearly Halfway There!
Do you like perfect corduroy? Help us fundraise for a new Pisten Bully at Trail Creek! The Pisten Bully Paana has served the Trail Creek venue for well over a decade, but it has come to the end of its lifespan as an efficient and effective tool. It is operating at a much lower emission standard due to its age, frequently requires repair, and is far less efficient than newer equipment.
We Are nearly HALF Way to Our Goal:
At the kickoff of our fundraising efforts, JHSC was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Teton County School District #1 Rec District Board. Then, with the generosity of about 40 Nordic community members, we generated over $71,000, getting us nearly half of the way towards a new Pisten Bully.
We hope to complete fundraising efforts and put a deposit down by August 2021. This timeframe will ensure our new Pisten Bully arrives by the beginning of December 2021.
Recreating with Dogs
Responsible dog owners help protect their pets, our wildlife and our watersheds. The Bridger-Teton offers exceptional opportunities to recreate with your companion, but responsible behavior is critical to ensure areas remain open to dogs. Watch the video put together by Friends of the Bridger-Teton to learn how we can #RecreateResponsibly with our furry friends.
Trail Creek
Last Updated: 3/21
Spring!
In case you missed it, spring officially arrived at 3:37 AM yesterday morning and the flocks of robins flitting around Trail Creek this morning seem very happy about this change of season. Those Nordic ornithologists out there have more reasons to ski with lots of other spring migrants making appearances as well.
Spring skiing is also what you’ll encounter today at Trail Creek. The Pisten Bully groomed into action early this morning, with the primary mission being skate grooming on most trails. Overnight a strong half inch of snow fell, not enough for a total rebirth of the snow surface, but it did definitely clean up the skate lanes a bit. Temps are only supposed to warm into the low 30’s today so trails should remain firmer than in recent days.
The classic tracks in the close field were reset although with mixed results as the snow was a bit hard to rework well. While there was a small bit of drifting in the open areas, the existing classic tracks should ski pretty well after getting skied in. Next grooming will be either Monday evening or Tuesday morning depending on snowfall amounts and temperatures. Happy Birthday Mom!
Groomer’s choice for today is the East Fields.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 3/20
The levee and stilson are groomed but will be pretty soft since it didn’t freeze last night. I will not be able to groom the school fields anymore this season due to too thin of a base.
Cache Creek
Last Updated: 2/20
We rolled Cache Hagen Sidewalk and Hagen Highway this evening and will snowshoe the trails near the trailhead this weekend.
Grooming provided by Friends of Pathways.
Teton Pines Nordic
Last Groomed Date: 3/20
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
Last Updated: 3/22
The trails have groomed out well, and conditions for Nordic skiing should be very enjoyable. Snow fall today and tonight will provide a refresher for the track surface. A few more chances of snow throughout the middle of the week are followed by sunnier and warmer weather this weekend. Reminder that trails will be icy in the morning, softer around lunchtime, and potentially slushy in the afternoon — temperature and sunshine dependent. Also, the depth & quality of the classic tracks will be inconsistent due to the icier profile. Enjoy!
Next Update 3/29
Please See the following Restrictions:
- Dog Loops & All Nordic Skiing Trails OPEN
- Sled Hill OPEN
- Classic Tracks SET
- Snow Shoeing Loop OPEN
- Casual Walking & Trail Running Not Permitted
Trip Report: 3/21 – Thanks to a freshly groomed trail, Shooting Star skied beautifully on Sunday. Both classic and skate conditions were excellent.. between 10am-12:30p. Firm corduroy to start, softening on the south facing pitches first, then a nice 1/2-1 inch creamy top. So good, we did 2 full loops.
Snake River Sporting Club
Last Updated: 3/21
SRSC will be grooming Monday. Conditions are springlike, thin in some areas and the creek crossings are thin too. Get down to explore and enjoy while the snow lasts!
Grand Teton National Park
Last Updated: 3/22
Plowing begins March 22nd – Road closed until plowing completed – around April 1st.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Last Groomed Date: 3/8
GROOMING ENDED FOR THE SEASON – NON-GROOMED TRAILS IN USFS STILL ACCESSIBLE.
While Turpin Meadow Ranch is officially closed, we would like to recognize some highlights from our perspective this winter:
- all of the folks who came to Turpin to try Nordic skiing for their first time ever
- all of the joy that was shared which inspired a new term for skis: “giggle sticks”
- a strong interest and participation in our lessons and tours from the community
- guests posting their adventures at Turpin on their social media
- people flagging down the groomer to share their gratitude
- and the biggest compliment of all is when folks tell their friends to go to Turpin “because it’s my favorite place to cross country ski!”
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: 3/22
Cross Country/Fat Bike 15k: XC OPEN (Last groomed 3/21/2021) 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
Last Updated: 3/21
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Sunday: both skate and classic tracks set on all loops. There was a lot of new snow so the skate track is pretty soft, especially with the sun baking it right now. Classic track came out great and is highly recommended in the morning. Have fun while it lasts!
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
Last Updated: 3/22
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Used drag to smooth and level the track. The skiing should be excellent. I couldn’t set a classic track.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 3/20
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Groomed and set the skate track, classic track and singletrack on Saturday evening after the snowstorm. It’s not perfect but it’s the best it’s been in a while. Enjoy!
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 3/22
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Monday: Plan to reset both skate and classic tracks this morning, using the Ginzu. Expect both to turn out well.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 3/21
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
This morning I groomed Campground in Yetis loops. The skate track and the classic track have all been reset. You should expect soft snow conditions for today. It should set up well overnight with the cooler temperatures. Enjoy the glide.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 3/20
Skate: Set | Classic: Set | Singletrack: Not Set
On Thursday evening we groomed and reset the classic and skate track. Currently waiting for the snow to fall in this storm cycle and don’t plan on grooming again until this evening at the earliest.
No dogs allowed.
5th Street Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
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
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: 3/18
Grooming 3/18 PM
Wydaho Ride Groomed Winter Challenge with Kait Boyle
SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 10:59 PM
Ride our favorite fat biking trails to help fundraise for grooming machines for TVTAP and Friends of Pathways: March 6th to March 27th
Nordic skiers can participate and contribute too! Who doesn’t like a perfectly groomed winter trail?!
To participate, you must also donate to one of the following organizations and attach a photo for proof of donation to your RideWithGPS activity:
Teton Valley Trails and Pathways
Friends of Pathways
Skyliners Motor Club (mail check to PO Box 552 Driggs 83422)
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.
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
