JH NORDIC ALLIANCE ANNUAL FREE SKI-FAT BIKE-SNOWSHOE DAY – CANCELLED
Due to the surge in Covid outbreaks in Teton County, the JH Nordic Alliance and Turpin Meadow Ranch sincerely regret we must cancel our Annual Event, previously scheduled for January 9th.
Turpin Meadow Ranch Lodging and Restaurant are currently closed for 5 days, until Monday January 3rd. Daily groomed trails for Nordic skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing remain open. Please buy your trail pass and sign waiver online.
Check TurpinMeadowRanch.com or the JH Nordic Trail Reports for updates for Nordic Ski, fat bike and snowshoe trails.
For the health and safety of our community, we encourage responsible outdoor winter recreation with social distancing, using a mask when indoors, stay home when sick.
Thank you for your understanding… See you on the trails..
December 29, 2021 Nature Update
Provided by Cathy Shill founder of The Hole Hiking Experience
https://www.holehike.com/
“The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.”
-Terri Marshall
A white Christmas enjoyed by all! Over 3 feet of snow has fallen in the Tetons with more on the way. This snowy holiday season caused some travel delays but mostly smiles with all the fresh powder. After an unusual start to the month and recent temperatures in the 40’s, winter has arrived. The snowpack is now closer to average with more on the way. A good sign since the Farmer’s Almanac predicts a below to a normal snow year for Jackson Hole.
Receiving average snowfall is very important for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Most of our annual moisture comes in the form of snow so the melting snowpack helps to keep the summer meadows green and fills the waterways within the Snake River Basin. Snowfall amounts vary throughout the valley. On average, the Tetons receive about 400 inches of snow at 9000 feet and the town of Jackson about 75 inches. Here’s to a white winter!
As winter arrives and snow accumulates, it’s imperative to make wise decisions for safe mountain travel. Our local community offers a variety of avalanche courses so people can learn about snow science. Taking an avalanche course is highly recommended and I feel crucial to safely plan for winter adventures. A variety of classes are available so best to look online for options and dates. Another invaluable local resource is the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center for daily updates on the snowpack, avalanche events and weather forecasts. Stay safe and make conservative decisions.
Lots of new touring options with the fresh snow. To make your plan, check out current conditions for temperatures, weather and grooming. Both JH Nordic and Teton County Parks and Recreation post daily grooming schedules for easy access to current trail conditions.
Enjoy all the fresh snow and fun new tour options. Join our team of naturalists to connect more deeply with the natural world and enjoy a customized experience. Learn about winter adaptations, what wildlife do, animal tracks and much more! We offer tours daily.
Hole Hiking Experience | www.holehike.com | 307.690.4453
Friends of Pathways Cache Creek Winter Grooming Fundraiser
HO HO HO – LOOK WHAT SANTA DELIVERED TO FOP…AND JUST IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME!
NOW WE NEED YOUR HELP putting this shiny new sled to work and keeping 12 miles of singletrack in Cache Creek open during the winter.
If you enjoy walking, running, skiing or fat biking along the beautiful Hagen trail during the winter, please consider donating to FOP’s winter grooming program. New equipment will help our groomers cover more terrain more efficiently, but the trails don’t groom themselves!
Last winter there were 24,275 users on the Hagen Trail and Cache Creek Road enjoying the groomed trails. If you use these trails, please donate today and share this campaign with your friends and fellow trail users!
FOP will update Cache single track grooming status on social channels, or for a more complete grooming schedule, go to JH Nordic.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021
11am – 12:30pm
Teton Pines Nordic Center
Hosted by Scott Horn and JH Ski Club Nordic Team Coaches
If you have not yet registered for this clinic , you can sign up for a 1 day clinic ($40) or the 5 Skate ski clinic series ($175). We also recommend joining the full skate and classic cross country clinic series (5 skate ski clinics and 4 classic cross country clinics) ($325) which run every week for 9 weeks on Thursdays until the end of February.
For more info, see JHNordic.com – Masters Clinics
**Clinics will be held at Teton Pines and Trail Creek Nordic trails through out the winter (we will notify location each week)
Prefer classic Cross Country only? We have a series of Classic cross country clinics – 4 remaining -every other Thursday. Next Classic XC clinic is January 6th.
Register here: NOTE: Use the blue Account Set up wizard to complete the Ski Club registration process.
Teton Pines Nordic Center grooms daily in the early morning . Trails should be in good shape in the late morning . And you can stay and ski after, as the clinic includes full day Nordic ski pass!
- Please arrive -dressed and booted up, ready to ski -skate ski gear this week. Feel free to arrive with a warm outer jacket, which you can leave in yr day pack or bag outside at the Nordic Center
- Come at 10:50-10:55am -location: Teton Pines Country Club , Moose-Wilson Road. Walk outside around the Club house to sign in at the Pines Nordic Center, south side of the building.
- BYO mask or double buff.
- We will divide into small groups based on ability, and maintain 6 feet + distance at all times , outdoors at all times . If you do not feel well, please stay home. All with a skill set from advanced beginner to Intermediate to Advanced are welcome.
- Feel free to bring water, a snack, in yr waist or backpack.
Looking forward to seeing everyone, and kicking off this great season on Nordic skis, having fun, staying fit!
Fresh Groomed Tracks
There were fresh groomed tracks and big smiles in Game Creek the morning of December 29, 2021. We hope you are getting out and enjoying the many trails in our community. We’d love to feature your photos and/or adventures, please share with us at trailconditions@jhnordic.com!
January Women’s Skate Skiing Clinics
Dates: Fridays: January 7, January 14 and January 21
Time: 11am-12:30pm
Teton Pines Nordic Center
If you’d like to improve your skate technique and fitness, come join us for three Skate lessons at Teton Pines. We’ll improve our glide on skate skis and learn to be more efficient uphill, downhill, and review the different skating strides. These clinics are for those with some skate skiing experience who would like to improve. We will cover more than the basics to get you skating longer distances with ease and going up and down hills with proficiency and confidence. Each session will be part instruction with plenty of time to ski and practice. $50/Clinic or $135 for all 3 ($45/Clinic for Teton Pines Nordic Center season pass holders). Rentals available for $35. Trail pass is included.
Instructor: Kim Springer Kim grew up warming her fingers in the Octagon on Mt. Mansfield in Stowe, Vermont. After college she discovered the warm world of Nordic skiing and has been passionate about all aspects of the sport ever since. She loves sharing that passion with others and has taught in and around Jackson Hole for many years.
Questions or to register: Call Teton Pines Nordic Center at: (307) 733-1733
Trail Creek
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 12/29
SNOW KEEPS ON COMING!
Another round of snow is headed our way with the National Weather Service forecasting about eleven inches for the rest of the year. As of report time, we had received nearly 2 inches with light to moderate snowfall and pretty calm winds.
While the snow has deepened, the critter count has been increasing as well. The moose above is one of the bigger bulls to ever venture on to our trails and was spotted this morning within sight of Sam the Truck. The elk are passing through at night but are still really shy with the only evidence so far being their tracks. One special resident (or residents) are our weasels which have been spotted regularly this winter, fully dressed in their best winter white. They can be spotted anywhere, consider yourself lucky if you spot one.
The Husky once again ventured forth, grooming most trails. Classic tracks are now on about 50% of the trails with more every day. Speaking of more, a new section of trail has been groomed today. About midway between Sam and the bottom of Homesite there is a new trail that crosses a new bridge and makes a lollipop in Mug’s Meadow. We might do some additional modification as the season progresses, but currently it is a lovely sinuous diversion of your daily workout.
Groomer’s choice for today is to check out Mug’s Meadow.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Update: 12/29
Cache Creek, May Park, Game Creek were all groomed and in good shape 12/29. Thursday 12/30 the levee, stilson, and the school fields will be groomed.
Cache Creek Fat Bike Trails
Last Update: 12/26
I groomed all the trails in Cache this evening and will do another lap tomorrow to firm things up.
Grooming by Friends of Pathways.
Teton Pines Nordic
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 12/27
The snow is great at Teton Pines! We groom 13km+ daily for both skate and classic with our new snowcat.
We are open to the public 9am-4pm. Please call us in advance to book lessons at: (307) 733-1733. You do not need a reservation for skiing and we do not take reservations for rentals. During the next two weeks we don’t allow multi-day or off-site rentals.
We still have a great selection of classic skis, skate skis, boots, jackets, pants, gloves, and hats so come on out to pick up last minute gifts for the XC skier on your list.
Visit our website for pricing and other information: www.tetonpinesnordiccenter.com
Shooting Star
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 12/28
The sled hill was able to be groomed today. Coverage is inconsistent on this area (thin & deep pockets) and will likely be soft. We’re still troubleshooting our electrical issues with the Pistenbully/snowcat and was fortunate that it functioned enough to groom the sled hill along with the Yellow loop today. Until the snowcat is repaired, don’t anticipate the sled hill being groomed daily or potentially even weekly… but we will groom it whenever our equipment allows. Next update will be Friday (12/30) and reminder we’ll continue to focus only on the Yellow Loop until the snowcat is fully functional. Thanks.
TRAIL STATUS
- YELLOW LOOP OPEN
- SLED HILL GROOMED on 12/28 (Grooming Frequency Depends on Machinery Functioning)
- CLASSIC TRACKS NOT SET
- SNOWSHOEING CLOSED
- ORANGE LOOP, CLOSED
- WALKING, NOT ALLOWED
Grand Teton National Park
Last Update: 12/28
Good conditions in Grand Teton National Park! Enjoy the day!
Grooming is sponsored by the GTNP Foundation and generous donations from our community.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Last Update: 12/29
The lodge and restaurant at Turpin Meadow Ranch are closed to outside guests until January 3. However our trails are open and we have all sorts of winter gear for rent. We also offer Nordic ski lessons & classic ski and snowshoe tours. We are asking that folks sign their waivers and pay for trail passes online ahead of your visit. Please call the front office (307) 543-2000 for booking equipment rentals and Nordic adventures. Enjoy these last days of 2021 and have a happy new year!
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/the-ranch/live-conditions/
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com | 307.543.2000
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
Grand Targhee
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Last Updated: 12/28
Cross Country 15k: XC OPEN -last groomed 12/26/2021
Fat Bike Trails : Closed & Not Groomed
Snowshoe Trails: Open & Not Groomed
Targhee’s Nordic trails are groomed Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sat/Sundays. Fat bike/snowshoe trails are groomed regularly but not on a set schedule – the groomer usually waits until after a storm cycle to groom the single track.
Trail day passes are $20 this winter.
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: 12/29
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Placed wooden stakes on the south loops and rolled them this afternoon. A few small dirt patches. Skating is good but soft. Hopefully with this next storm we can add classic tracks
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: 12/29
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Still some weeds out there but I’m pretty good shape overall. Did 3 passes on the outer loops but did not set classic on the middle loop. Still a bit shallow for the classic track but getting there
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 12/28
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Got on the track Tuesday night, made multiple passes with the roller. Should set up beautifully and ski (skate) great. Classic track was not set. Fat bike and or walking single track was packed with just the sled. More snow in the forecast and snowing at report time 11:00pm
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Last Updated: 12/29
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Wednesday: This morning, plan to use the Ginzu to reset both skate and classic tracks. The colder weather has set up snow nicely and should make for good conditions. Finish by 10am. Snow stake is measuring 36 inches.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
Last Updated: 12/29
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Planning to groom yeti’s loop and CG loop. Beginning at 5 pm. I will try to set a classic track on both loops.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Reserve Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Thursday & Saturday
Last Updated: 12/28
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
The skate track has been established. The classic track was not established as the snowpack is a bit thin in the wind scoured areas. All in all there’s pretty great coverage but there are some bits of grass still poking through. Enjoy the glide.
No dogs allowed.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/27
Singletrack: Set
Singletrack trails have almost all been groomed. Happy hour, Nemo, Lady slipper, pole canyon connector, powerline, and lower hill bender all got multiple passes. If you can’t ride please walk off to the side of the trail. It’s probably gonna be pretty soft. Enjoy the ride.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/28
Groomed 12/28 to summer trailhead.
Rammell Mountain Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/15
Grooming coming soon
The USFS is continuing to monitor snow levels on our roads and will close them to wheeled motorized vehicles when there is enough snow to groom
South Leigh Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/28
Grooming coming soon
Grooming 12/28
JH Nordic Masters Classic & Skate Ski Clinics
SKATE SKI CLINIC THURSDAY DECEMBER 30, 2021
11am – 12:30pm
Teton Pines Nordic Center
Hosted by Scott Horn and JH Ski Club Nordic Team Coaches
There will be 10 clinics running every Thursday in January and February from 11am-12:30pm. The Nordic Masters clinics will focus on skate ski and classic cross country skiing every other week.
Joining all 10 clinics is your best approach to developing your full Nordic skiing technique, balance, stride, stamina, and overall fitness while having fun in a small group. For those who only wish to focus on one technique, we are offering a Skate Ski Clinic series of 5 clinics or a Classic Cross country series of 5 clinics.
JHNTeton Ridge Classic Ski Race
SATURDAY, JANUARY 8TH, 2022
Grand Targhee Nordic Trails, Alta Wyoming
19th Annual Classic Cross Country Ski race – Race format: wave starts based on distance; 24 km, 14 km, 7 km, and 2 km.
For more info and registration: https://tetonridgeclassic.com/registration
For race trail maps: https://tetonridgeclassic.com/maps
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
