Daily Trail Report for 2.7.26.
Finding balance can be as simple, or as tricky, as standing on a pair of skis. We shift our weight, make small adjustments, and forward motion carries us through. Out on the trail, nature is doing the same quiet work of balance: predators and prey, growth and rest, each playing a role in keeping the whole system healthy.
Spending time outside reminds us that balance isn’t about standing perfectly still, it’s about moving, adapting, and finding our rhythm within something much bigger than ourselves.
Skis leaning quietly against the ski hut at Turpin Meadow Ranch, reminds us that balance isn’t only found in motion, it’s also in how we rest, gather, and support one another.
At a Glance
- Races this weekend at Trail Creek
- The Hole Hiking Experience February Nature News
- Sign up for the Moose Chase, it’s one week from today!
- Go have fun on your skis, snowshoes, fat bike, or feet!
General Weather – Agreeable for outdoor pursuits
Enjoy the sunshine this weekend because Mountain Weather is forecasting a change in our weather pattern early next week. 😊
What’s Groomed Today?
Planned Saturday Grooming
Daily grooming
Check the grooming page –
Groomers are actively adjusting schedules creating great ski opportunities for track skiers! The real-time map and groomer comments will always have the most current information online at: www.jhnordic.com/grooming
Race Weekend at Trail Creek
The Johnny Curtis Memorial Intermountain Division Nordic Qualifier #2 will be hosted at Trail Creek today and tomorrow. At latest count there are around 300 entries. Saturday’s venue will be classic skiing, Sunday freestyle skate skiing.
Grooming at Trail Creek will be focused on the race until Monday. Skiing is still quite nice in the woods accessing from the end of the Old Pass Road.
February Nature News: Predators, Prey, and the Balance of Nature
Local News
While Jackson Hole remains as gorgeous as ever, dry conditions persist into early February, though upcoming weather patterns look more promising. A stubborn high-pressure system over the West will need to break down before meaningful snowfall can arrive. January did bring cooler-than-average temperatures, but that trend is already starting to shift. Since our last storm on January 10, snowfall has been limited to only a few light events.
Mid-February, however, is shaping up to be a bit more promising. Across the Intermountain West—including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming—drought conditions continue to impact winter recreation and raise concerns about water supply. Wyoming, at least for now, is faring better than many of its neighboring states.
Learn more:
Drought Status Update for the Intermountain West
Elk Management
The start of 2026 brought changes to elk management in Grand Teton National Park. The Trump administration is pushing to increase hunting within the park, despite current elk numbers falling below the population objective of 11,000 animals. With the herd already under that target, expanding hunting does not align with sound science. Management decisions should be guided by data and made with the long-term balance of nature in mind.
Learn more:
Trump administration wants to boost hunting in Grand Teton National Park
Here’s to six more weeks of winter! Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow—and honestly, we need it. As the month begins, enjoy the longer days and that extra bit of evening light.
Cathy Shill
Founder, The Hole Hiking Experience
Regional News
Healthy predator–prey relationships are essential for equilibrium in the natural world. Elk co-evolved with wolves. Deer co-evolved with mountain lions. Pronghorn even evolved alongside an extinct species of cheetah. These long relationships shaped the balance we see—or hope to preserve—today.
Opinions differ greatly when it comes to managing predators, and wolves are almost always caught in the crossfire. The hatred runs deep. The animal cruelty case involving Cody Roberts and the torture of a gray wolf in Daniel, Wyoming appears to be headed to trial, a decision that could influence future wolf management and predator status. Torture and animal cruelty have no place in the natural world, and should never be inflicted by a dominant human.
Adding to these concerns, recent poaching near Yellowstone National Park killed a prominent member of one of the park’s most well-known wolf packs. The loss of a strong female can destabilize the entire family unit. She had big potential to become a dominant breeding female.
Wolves matter first and foremost for maintaining balance in the ecosystem. As a keystone species, their presence shapes healthier landscapes and wildlife populations. They also play a vital role in Wyoming’s economy, drawing visitors from around the world and bringing millions of tourism dollars into local communities through wildlife viewing. These animals matter—ecologically, culturally, and economically. Let’s protect them.
Learn more:
- Judge suggests wolf captor Cody Roberts’ felony case will proceed to trial
- Yellowstone Wolf Poaching Raises Concerns Across Montana
Spirit
“Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things.”
—Fyodor Dostoevsky
Nature Awaits You!
Backcountry Tips
- Trails are icy, so come prepared with trekking poles and consider using Yaktraks or other traction devices for your shoes.
- As temperatures fluctuate, ski conditions can change rapidly. Expect challenging terrain and a thinner snowpack, and plan accordingly.
Field Facts
- Bird life is active with these mild temperatures; robins are still in town. During a walk along Flat Creek, I saw a belted kingfisher, flickers, magpies, chickadees, and mallards.
- Mallard numbers increase in winter as free-flowing water attracts migrants from the north.
Moose Chase
Feb 14th: For the love of Nordic
Skinny Skis Moose Chase Nordic Ski Race at Trail Creek Nordic Training Facility is only one week away! This day is all about community, fun and our love of winter, talk about a great balance! There’s a “race” for everyone:
- Premier Nordic race for all ages and ability levels – choose from 20K, 10K, 5K, and 2.5k distances. This is a skate, or freestyle, Nordic skiing event. There is no specific classic division and no classic tracks.
- 1k Relay (1/2k lap with two people)– Costumes encouraged! Free to participate!
Events & Info
Women’s Nordic Series
Feb 27, Teton Canyon, Full moon and tailgate
Join SheJumps and Teton Nordic Ski School for a fun and social Nordic ski series in the Teton Valley.
Register with SheJumps on Eventbrite HERE
Skinny Skis Moose Chase 2/14
The 30th (mostly) Annual Skinny Skis Moose Chase Nordic Ski Race will be held at Trail Creek Nordic Training Facility in Wilson, WY, on February 14, 2026.
This premier Nordic race includes distances for all ages and ability levels, with a 20K, 10K, 5K, 2.5k and a free 1K. This is a skate, or freestyle, Nordic skiing event. There is no specific classic division and no classic tracks.
Or join us for a 1k Relay (1/2k lap with two people). Costumes encouraged!