This Week’s JH Nordic Masters Rec Clinic
Highlights for today’s Masters clinic featured classic cross country skiing, 3 small groups, a beautiful sunny day, crisp snow, and lots of great technique and tips!
What’s the Deal with Winter Wildlife Closures?
By Ecotour Adventures
The wind howls and blasts our faces with particles of frozen snow. We watch as the elk herd, ears back and eyes squinting, walks across the meadow. “They’re trailing” I explain, “the herd walks single file to conserve energy as they move through the snow.” The elk reach dark timber, finding a small bit of refuge. But it’s only January, and we more than three months of winter to go. We depart to look for other wildlife as my guests sip hot coffee, cozy in our warm Ecotour Adventures safari vehicle.
| And don’t miss out on Wildlife Wednesdays! Join Ecotour Adventures every Wednesday at 5:30 PM MT on Facebook live for the latest videos from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Photo by Naturalist @kirkkryder |
Trail Creek Nordic
Last Updated: 12/10
Busily Waiting!
Snow is forecast for days to come which will be a great addition to our Nordic trails at Trail Creek. While in past years the big burn pile by the stadium was the genesis of a great party, this year with pandemic conditions the decision was made to just make it go away. We’ve been waiting for snow in the forecast to cover the ash fall that inevitably happens, and today was the day. You might also notice another burn in the Woolsey Woods area.
If you are lucky enough to make it out for a Nordic ski today you will probably notice some fantastic crystals growing on plant, mineral, and snowy substrates. Some of today’s crystals are over an inch long, check it out.
Today’s grooming in addition to fire mitigation involved a Pisten Bully best line skate pass on most trails. The tired snow is still hanging in there, allowing skiers to still have a pretty good time cruising our trails. If you are looking for solitude, usually Thursdays are the quietest practice days of the week so today could be your day
Groomer’s choice for today is to check out Suicide Hill.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 12/9
We are still patiently awaiting more snow in order to get the PistenBully out for grooming. We did get the roller/snowmobile out to Stilson in the last day or two and most other areas are skier packed at this time.
Teton Pines Nordic
Last Updated: 12/9
We are open and the skiing is still pretty good even after the dry spell! Snow is on the way, so we should have incredible conditions beginning Friday. By the look of the forecast, we should be set for the winter and will groom daily for both skate and classic skiing.
We have a fully stocked shop with a great supply of hats, gloves, jackets, pants, classic skis, metal-edged classic skis, skate skis, boots, and poles! The brands we carry are: Swix, Skida, Daehlie, Salomon, Alpina, and Sporten. We currently have a very good supply of all sizes in clothing, but our ski/boot size options are a bit limited. We have limited indoor access due to Covid and are set up for touchless and outdoor transactions and rentals. You can purchase ski passes at: www.tetonpinesnordiccenter.com We can also process all transactions over the phone if that’s easier for you. We have indoor shopping with a maximum of 2 people in the shop at a time. We can also bring all our items outdoors if you don’t want to come inside to shop.
If you have your own gear, please use your vehicle as your “basecamp” as we do not have any indoor areas for getting ready. We have restrooms available and our current maximum capacity is 2 people inside at a time. We do not have an area inside for getting ready but do have lots of covered outdoor seating available.Please check in at our intercom/window on the backside of the Teton Pines Clubhouse. Follow the signs from the parking lot.
Shooting Star
Last Updated: 12/7
The trails are hanging in there and skiing well for what little snow we have. Anticipate early season conditions to persist through the weekend and reminder that the track is currently available for Nordic Skiing only. Please see the following restrictions for the upcoming week:
- Dog Loops & All Nordic Skiing Trails OPEN
- Sled Hill CLOSED UNTIL MORE SNOW
- Snow Shoeing CLOSED UNTIL MORE SNOW
- Casual Walking Not Permitted
- Classic Tracks Not Set… NEED MORE SNOW
- Early Season Conditions (Thin/bumpy/bare/narrow areas exist… Cowboy Skiing!!)
- Grooming is currently via Snowmobile and Ginzu Attachment (No Snowcat/Pistenbully until more snow)
Forecast is calling for colder weather and possible snow showers beginning around Friday (12/11). Keep your fingers crossed this next storm cycle brings lots of snow! Next update will be Monday (12/14) or whenever conditions dramatically change.
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 12/10
Cross Country/Fat Bike 15k: XC OPEN (Last groomed 12/1/2020, no classic), Fat Bike OPEN.
Alta Track
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday
Last Updated: 12/2
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Wednesday afternoon: Made a few passes around the track with a drag to try and smooth and firm up. Snow cover is thin, but skiable, a little grass showing here and there, and a couple dirt spots. Main south loops and outer north track, probably about 4 miles set.
Driggs
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 12/8
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
Let it snow!
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 11/12
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set | Singletrack: Not Set
It is good to have snow in the Valley! We are monitoring the forecast and working hard to get the grooming equipment ready for action. We plan to begin the scheduled grooming season by December 1st. There is a chance we might be able to get things groomed ahead of schedule, so stay tuned.
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 12/9
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Plan to reset skate track this morning. Classic remains in fair shape during this spell of cold, dry weather. The skating has been good.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 12/9
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Groomed Tuesday night. I was able to smooth out Yeti nicely. There is a great base there now and ready for new snow!
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 12/10
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
The initial Skate Track has been set in preparation of the incoming storm. No classic track is set however. Please be aware of the thin snowpack and hazards that come with this. As more snow piles up, the track will improve and continued grooming should be the norm as we move towards grooming on the scheduled days. Enjoy the glide. I plan on grooming again early evening on Friday 12/11.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/5
Singletrack: Set
Happy Hour to state line got a fresh groom and cleanup Friday 12/05 at 6pm after a good amount of use during the Global Fat Bike Day. Nemo, Hillbender and Lady slipper continue to ride well though there are some spots with bare ground showing. Be aware of mud and soft snow in the warmer parts of the coming days. Please plan to ride in the early am and late pm when temperatures are colder to avoid making ruts. Enjoy the ride!
5th Street Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 11/12
Singletrack: Not Set
We plan to groom about a one-mile loop in the frisbee golf area behind the 5th Street Skate Park
JH Nordic Recreation Masters Clinics
THURSDAYS, DEC 10TH – MARCH 18TH | TETON PINES
8 clinics every other week from 11am-12:30pm, starting on December 10th -March 18th, alternating skate skiing and classic cross-country.
Betty Woolsey Classic Nordic Race- 2k, 5k, 12k (* Sandbag series)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26th | TRAIL CREEK
Register with the JH Ski Club. A community favorite, honoring Betty Woolsey of Trail Creek Ranch. All ages welcome, interval start. Come dressed to ski and wear a mask!
CANCELLED
JH Nordic Alliance Annual Free Nordic Ski, Fat Bike, Snowshoe Event
Based on our goal to Recreate Responsibly, the JH Nordic Alliance has decided to cancel this season’s Annual Free Winter Trails Nordic, Fat Bike and Snowshoe Event. Stay tuned for January 2022! In the meantime, we encourage you to get out safely, responsibly, wear a mask, keep your groups small, and space out!
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
