Daily Trail Report for 1.17.26.
We have been in a high pressure system since the annual event which has made for some great Nordic skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing and easy driving around Teton Valley, Jackson Hole, and beyond.
Take advantage of the calm weather, firm trails, and long weekend with an exploration of somewhere new. Or try a different winter trail modality with friends. The options are endless and the skies are blue, so get out there and move across the snow in any way you desire.
At a Glance
- Sunny weekend ahead with lots of ways to get outside
- January Nature News from The Hole Hiking Experience
- Fat Biking Updates
- Tuesday Nights are for Nordic
- Teton Pines Nordic Center is having a BIG sale you won’t want to miss
- Check the grooming page daily for the most up to date info on your favorite tracks
General Weather – Lots of Sun
Mountain Weather is showing a lot of sunshine in the days ahead. With the forecasted temperature swings (warm days and cold nights) xc ski and fat bike trails should be super firm. Snow off trail should be set up very nicely for a backcountry xc ski and/or snowshoe.
What’s Groomed Today?
Planned Saturday Grooming
Daily grooming
Keep in mind that groomers will make the call on preserving snow, number of skiers since the last groom, overall conditions, etc. With these blue days and cold nights, the tracks are likely good even if they are more than 24 hours out from their last groom.
If super firm snow is not your preferred surface wait for the late morning or early afternoon when temps warm and snow conditions soften.
Check the grooming page – while we are getting closer to regular grooming, we are not there yet. We do our best to bring you the full story every morning, and the most current trail conditions can be viewed online at: www.jhnordic.com/grooming/
January Nature News from The Hole Hiking Experience
Rare, Wild Beauty in Jackson Hole
It’s fun to notice the subtle shifts in the natural world as December’s days grow shorter and then begin to lengthen in the new year. In January, you can spot pairs of ravens spending time together—preening, observing, and foraging. Ravens are a joy to watch. They are monogamous and work together to forage, hunt, and rear their young.
Whether visiting or living in this amazing ecosystem, one can’t help but feel connected to nature. Read more from our friends at The Hole Hiking Experience by clicking the link below and next time you’re out enjoying this place, look for the subtle shifts in nature as the days begin to lengthen.
Fat Biking at its Finest
With warm daytime temps and cold overnight lows fat biking should be at it’s finest, especially in the mornings before snow softens up.
Fat Biking Updates
From Harlan H, the FOP Cache Creek Single-track groomer:
All the normal winter single-track in Cache creek is compacted and riding well. There’s still not enough coverage to use the roller on it, but I should be able to groom upper Hagen after the next significant snowfall.
Community Trail Report, Darby Canyon:
The trail is firm and has been groomed this week. Lots of sunshine opportunity. Great place to go with your dog, thanks for all the dog users who have diligently picked up dog poop.
There is a single webpage you can check out if you need ideas on where to go fat biking, be sure to click the link below. And if you need to rent a bike for yourself or a friend check out our resources page and visit the pros who can get you set up with the best gear.
Tuesday Nights are for Nordic
Rather than tucking in on a Tuesday night you can embrace opportunities in Jackson Hole and Teton Valley to get out on your skis with other Nordic enthusiasts. It will be good for your body and your mind. Go mark it on your calendar now so you have the added benefit of having something to look forward to after this weekend.
Join the pros from Peak Performance for their Nordic Night Clinic Series at the Stilson Transit Center Trailhead in Wilson, Tuesdays from 4:30–6:00 pm. If you’re looking to enhance your Nordic technique there will be 4 weeks of classic instruction followed by 4 weeks of skate. You can sign up for individual clinics or the whole series. Each week the coaches from Peak Performance offer personalized tips for every skier and select drills tailored to the conditions. Sign up through the Parks & Recreation website.
🎿 Discounted rental rates available from Skinny Skis
📅 Next up: January 20 – Classic skiing
Grand Targhee Ski & Snowboard Foundation in partnership with TVTAP is hosting Tuesday Night Nordic Race Series every other Tuesday through the winter at rotating venues around Teton Valley. The purpose of these events is to bring together skiers of all ages and abilities to race together and enjoy community. You pick the discipline and the distance… Whether this is your first race or 100th, you’ll want join in the fun. Grab a headlamp and come on down!
📅 Next up: January 27, Alta Track
Teton Pines is skiing well even in low snow conditions
Many of you know Cody Downard, co-owner of Teton Pines Nordic Center. And for those who don’t know him yet, he loves to ski! He is a credible source when it comes to conditions and when he shares that “skiing is awesome at the Pines right now,” we believe him!
And if fast fun tracks are not enough to entice you to Teton Pines for a ski, Cody has lots of closeout skis and boots at 50% off! They are selling their demo / rental gear: skate, classic, and metal-edged backcountry touring.
Lots of great skis, boots and poles at 50% off at Teton Pines.
Events & Info
A shout out in the NYT
Two years ago, JH Nordic Alliance founder Nancy Leon went for a ski with Cindy Hirschfield. They had a great day!
And this week Cindy shared some of what is so great about our corner of cross-country skiing with New York Time’s readers across the country.
If you are an NYT subscriber, here is the link.
Tuesdays am and Fridays pm
Looking for a fun social ski? Teton Valley Nor-Dorks meet every Tuesday morning and Friday afternoon.
Locations vary around Teton Valley. Email Victoria and Sue at tetonvalleynordic@gmail.com for more information, or follow them on Instagram for location updates and show up!
January 24, 2026
One week from today is the Pinedale STAmpede, the largest non-profit fundraiser for 2026 for the Sublette Trails Association (STA). This is a timed intergenerational Nordic ski race fun for the whole family. There will be classic and freestyle races at distances for everybody plus a costume party lap midday. The suggested theme for the costume party is 80’s Rock!
Info & Registration: myraceresults
