In the winter months, there is usually ample snow for skiing, but the limited daylight can make it more difficult to spend time outdoors. While skiing in places like GTNP, Teton Pass, or Turpin Meadow Ranch offers a breathtaking experience in a tranquil setting, it’s not always feasible to take the time to drive to the trailhead and still get in your ski. That’s why it’s a good idea to identify nearby loops so you can get out for a quick lunchtime Nordic ski.
Fortunately, from East Jackson to Wilson to Victor to Driggs, there are groomed Nordic ski loops that offer a solution to this dilemma. While they may not be as scenic as skiing through GTNP, they can get your heart pumping. For our January trail of the month, here are three quick and accessible trails for a convenient lunchtime or post-work ski; May Park, Stilson Loop Trail, and Driggs Winter Trails.
🔄 What’s even better? These trails are made up of loops, giving you the freedom to customize your ski experience. You can loop to your heart’s content, hitting your mileage or time goal within the confines of your short break. So, let’s embark on a quick journey through these local gems and make the most of that winter daylight.
🟢 Easy/Beginner Friendly 🐶 Dog-friendly 🚴🏽Fat Biking =Groomed
1. In Teton Valley:
Driggs Winter Trails🟢🐶🚴🏽=
Directions: Formerly known as the Driggs School Loops, the Driggs Winter Trails are located between the Driggs High School and Middle School. To reach the trails, take Hwy ID33 north through the center of Driggs for 5 blocks past Ski Hill Road. Then, turn right (east) on E. Ross Ave at Teton High School. The trailhead is about 500 ft east of the High School parking lot entrance. Ample parking is available near the trailhead, with wide shoulders on both sides of Ross Ave.
Description: There are three different loops to ski, totaling 2.8 miles of track. With only one small hill to negotiate on the far North loop, the track is mostly flat. This trail offers classic and skate skiing on open terrain. Teton Valley Trails and Pathways (TVTAP), a Driggs non-profit, grooms M/W/F. Consider contributing to their grooming efforts, as even a small donation can make a difference.
📢 🐕 Dogs can enjoy Driggs Winter Trails. Please keep them under control and within voice command. 🐕📢
2. In Wilson, WY:
Stilson Loop🟢🐶🚴🏽=
Directions: The Stilson Loop Trail, located to the north and west of the bustling transportation hub, offers a convenient ski track for people near Wilson, Wyoming. To access the trail from Jackson, you can take the StartBus or drive west on HWY 22 across the Snake River bridge. From there, turn right on HWY 390 and then take an almost immediate left into the Stilson Parking area. We recommend parking on the north side of the parking lot. If you are coming from Teton Pass, take a left on Beckley Park Way and turn left again to pass through parking to get to the north edge.
Description: This short and easy one-mile loop is groomed by Teton Co/Jackson Parks and Rec on Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting, throughout the season. You can ski this trail in either direction, both of which will take you through the Wilson Meadows, providing stunning views of Teton Pass, Glory Bowl, and the southern Tetons. This beginner-friendly trail is perfect for new skiers and kids, especially considering the warming hut which provides a comfortable place to change and access to bathrooms. Better yet, you can enjoy a quick Nordic Ski session and then hop on the bus to Teton Village for some downhill skiing.
💕🐕Well-behaved dogs are permitted on the Stilson Loop Trail 🐕💕
3. In Jackson, WY:
May Park 🟢🚴🏽=
Directions: Just one mile from the town square, Wayne May Park is located in East Jackson, off Kelly Ave and east of Pioneer Lane. The trailhead is at the corner of Hansen and Rancher, where street parking is available.
Description: The half-mile loop offers beginner-friendly ski trails, perfect for kids, new skiers. Teton Co/Jackson Parks and Rec groom the trail on Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting. This trail is in a popular town park, skiers should be considerate of walkers and snowshoers, while non-skiers should avoid the groomed trail.
🐕🚫Sorry, no dogs allowed in May Park! 🚫🐕
🏋🏽♂️ One of the great things about cross-country skiing is its efficiency as a form of exercise. A mere half-hour on the tracks delivers a full-body workout, engaging your legs, core, and even arm muscles. The 3 Loops for a Quick Nordic Ski gives a convenient ski escape for when time is limited. For more loops in town, you can explore the JH Nordic Trails page. Keep in mind that even brief skiing sessions contribute to preparing your body for longer ski adventures when more time and daylight are available.
