Everything You Need To Know About Fat Biking This Winter
Fat biking is expected to be much more popular this winter due to the COVID-19 pandemic that not only increased outdoor recreation activity in the summer and fall, but also has caused the ski areas in Jackson to limit their lift capacity. People are likely to spread out throughout Jackson Hole and Teton Valley to participate in a greater variety of activities, including fat biking. Since social distancing is done easily on bikes, fat biking will be a great way to participate in some safe, healthy, winter fun this year.
With help from Chris Owen at Friends of Pathways and David Hunger from Teton Mountain Bike Tours, we have put together information on operation updates, gear recommendations, and responsible recreation for fat biking this winter. Enjoy the trails, and remember to #RecreateResponsibly
Weekend Highlight
Your update on all things JH Nordic from this week, in one place.
Turpin Meadow Ranch – NOW OPEN
Turpin Meadow Ranch Opens its groomed trails, historic main Lodge, and overnight cabins TODAY, Saturday Dec 19th
Here’s what you need to know!
We can’t wait to escape up to Turpin Meadow Ranch for a day or overnight of Nordic skate and classic skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing on 12 miles of groomed trails.
Changes and Updates for Winter Season 2021
As a result of Turpin Meadow Ranch’s commitment to keeping all of our guests and staff safe, and to provide an excellent opportunity for guests to winter recreate, we have implemented a few changes to enhance our operation:
1. Trail and Season Pass available Online
Guests can now purchase their Trails Passes online in advance and we strongly encourage them to do so. This will aid in reduced time for guests to check-in at the lodge and minimize the number of guests in the lobby at any one time. (Guests will still need to check-in before hitting the trails but it will be a concise, and simple process.) This includes the daily pass and season pass for Adults and Youth. Buy Day Passes Here | Buy Season Passes Here
2. Online Advance Acknowledgment of Risk
In addition to being able to purchase trial passes online. Guest will receive a confirmation email with a link to sign in advance of their “Acknowledgement of Risk”, again speeding up the check-in process upon
arrival. Sign the document online.
3. Rental Equipment
Rental equipment will be on a first come first serve basis. As a result, rental equipment will not be available for reservations. Guests can call ahead and see what may be available before they arrive. 307.543.2000
4. Reservations Required for Lunch & Dinner
Guests will need to call in advance or day-of to make a lunch or dinner reservation. We will have limited seating this season so we encourage everyone to book a reservation early. Reservations will be every 30
minutes starting at 11:30 am through 2:30 pm for Lunch. Dinner will be 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Monday through Sunday. Guests can call 307.543.2000 to make a reservation in the Lodge.
5. COVID-19 Protocol
Guest will be required to wear a face-covering when entering the lodge. This includes when guests are using the restroom facilities, check-in upon arrival, shopping in the retail area, and entering the restaurant. Face coverings can be removed when actively dining but must be worn to move about the restaurant or when departing. Guests should practice proper social distancing when in the lodge and restaurant, and not enter the facility if they are displaying any COVID like symptoms. Only one (1) guest per party will need to check-in at the front desk prior to using the trail system if they have purchased trail passes and signed their “Acknowledgment of Risk” in advance. Turpin Meadow Ranch will adhere to all the current and future recommendations put in place by the Teton County Health Department and we ask that our guests do the same.
6. LIVE Trail & Weather Conditions
View the LIVE stream Ranch Cam to see current conditions and
weather in real-time.
See you at Turpin Meadow Ranch this winter!
Parks & Rec Update
The Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation Department’s normal grooming schedule starts today, Saturday 12/19/20! With the new snow we are currently receiving we hope to be able to hit everything with the PistenBully from here on out.
Staff got approval this week from the Board of County Commissioners to keep the pathway along Highway 22, from Emily’s Pond entrance to Town city limits, clear for as long as possible into the winter. This resulted from a collaboration with Teton County Community Pathways, support from our Elected Officials and Yellow Iron Excavation.
In addition, staff will clear the Indian Trails pathway from the north end of Tribal Trail Rd to Highway 22 as resources and time allows.
Thanks to everyone for doing your part to keep the community safe, to #RecreateResponsibly, and for your patience as we work on the groomer and let the snow keep piling up.
Banff Film Festival Goes Virtual
| Skinny Skis has been Jackson’s local host for the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour for over 20 years and for the first year ever the festival has been made available online! While the format is new we are still your local host so please use the links below to rent through us. We will be back to the full, in person, screenings in future years as sharing these amazing mountain stories with our community has been a privilege over these many years. So please enjoy the 2021 edition of the Banff Mountain Film Festival from the comfort and safety of your own home this season as presented by your friends over at Skinny Skis by tapping the links below. Thank you for your support and enjoy the show! |
Trip Report: Moose Wilson Road
Searching for Nordic skiing options close to Teton Village? We have two excellent options for you along Moose-Wilson Road.
1: Perfect corduroy groomed trail from Lake Creek bridge (south of Teton village) north to Grand Teton National Park entrance along the pathway – grooming courtesy of Teton Village Association and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort – corduroy so good you can skate or classic. Dog friendly.
2: Skier track along the closed Road into the winter wonderland forests of Grand Teton National Park – with multiple side options such as the LSR Preserve or Phelps Lake. Be advised to keep your dogs on leash, and to recreate only on the road (no side trips).
Trail Creek Nordic
Last Updated: 12/18
Major Dump? No Problem!
Snowfall totals for our most recent precipitation event have moved into the foot plus range here at Trail Creek, but the Pisten Bully has been out and about, making miles of great corduroy out of our latest big dump. While conditions are still a bit soft today, if you are lucky enough to make it out, you should have nothing but smiles on your face.
Coach Rob was the first to break in the classic track today as he was checking out today’s route which was once again the 5 K and 3 K courses for tomorrow’s high school race. The race course map can be viewed here.
Don’t forget that there will be no spectators tomorrow and that the only trails that will be open until the race is over around 4 PM will be the National Forest trails. While unless you are a racer or volunteer you won’t be able to see it, the format is dramatically different than past years with nothing but delayed interval starts and many other measures designed to guarantee safety. Thanks again for your understanding and support of our great program.
Groomer’s choice for today is to ski the course!
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 12/18
Cache creek was groomed with the Pistenbully this morning. It’s in good shape especially the higher you get up. Expect some thin spots with a patch or two of dirty snow. May park will be groomed by 8:30 with only the big loop.
Game Creek is in good shape with a bit of grass still poking through in spots but should ski well. Three creek pathway still has too shallow of a base for the Pistenbully so I will groom it with the snowmobile this afternoon.
Fat Biking: We also groomed Cache, Hagen, Sidewalk, Hagen Highway, and the River trails tonight.
Teton Pines Nordic
Last Updated: 12/16
Skiing conditions are great at the Pines! We are grooming daily with the snowcat and have good coverage for both skate and classic. With lots of snow in the forecast, our conditions will continue to get better and better!
We are looking for volunteers to help out over the holidays. We still need coverage on most days between Dec. 22 and Dec 31. Help in the rental room or outside directing our guests to the check-in window and rental room area. We are operating almostly completely outside this winter to keep everyone safe and healthy. We have warm areas for employees and volunteers so don’t worry about freezing during your shift. We are in need of rental room staff (paid position) for the remainder of the winter. Flexible schedule and hours.
Please call or email Cody for more details: (307) 733-1733 or tetonpinesxc@gmail.com
Shooting Star
Last Updated: 12/18
Classic Tracks are back and set wherever snow conditions allow. Also, the designated snow shoe trail is marked out and now open. Finally, the Sled Hill needs Friday to really freeze in place and will be available for use on Saturday. Reminder to stay only on the groomed trails and do not stray off to prevent injuries & damage on the golf course. Thanks!
Please see the following Restrictions
· Dog Loops & All Nordic Skiing Trails OPEN
· Sled Hill CLOSED UNTIL SATURDAY 12/19
· Classic Tracks Not Set… SET Where Conditions Allow
· Snow Shoeing Loop… OPEN
· Casual Walking Not Permitted
· Early Season Conditions
· Grooming is currently via snowmobile and occasionally Pistenbully
**SKI W/Caution!!… Current Depths and Coverage are Very Deceiving
Next Update Will be 12/21 or whenever conditions dramatically change. Enjoy!
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Last Updated: 12/ 18
Early season conditions persist but all trails were enjoyed on day one by hardy adventurers, will you be the next? The lodge and gift shop are open, be sure to check out all of the new Turpin gear this season (hello last minute gifts!!)!
To help with social distancing and to get you on the trails faster please purchase your trail passes and sign your waivers online in advance. As always, remember to recreate responsibly. Bring a mask as it is required to enter the lodge. Lunch and dinner are both by reservation only.
To keep an eye on live conditions, check out the webcams here.
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 12/17
XC OPEN (Last groomed 12/17/2020, Fat Bike CLOSED.
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
Alta Track
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday
Last Updated: 12/16
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
I rolled three passes everywhere this morning, except the two inner northern loops, Wheel Line and Vertigo. The coverage is nearly complete now, with a minimum of grass showing. Everything except the northern loop had a good base following Tristan’s heroic efforts Monday night and should provide a reasonably decent skating surface. The northern loop had a lot of fresh snow and will take a few more grooms to get firm. The classic track is set everywhere and may be the best option at Alta today. Enjoy!
Please do not park in the library parking lot.
Driggs
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 12/18
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Not Set
Groomed Driggs trails Friday at 5:30 pm. Early season conditions exist. Good conditions for classic skiing. More snow needed to set proper skate track. Let it snow!!
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 12/18
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
The skate and classic tracks have been set. The walking/fat bike singletrack has also been set. Early season condition still exist with weeds and rocks showing mostly on the east side of the park. Most everything on the west side of the park is in great condition. Enjoy the glide and the ride!
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 12/18
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Friday: Plan to reset both skate and classic tracks this morning. Should finish by 10am. Track is still a bit soft, but should ski fairly well.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 12/18
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Will begin grooming at 3:30 pm. First Campground loop, then Yeti loop. Conditions will be soft this evening but will set up well for the weekend.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 12/18
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
It’s on! The skate and classic tracks have been set and you’re now ready for the “full meal deal”. Get on out there and give’r a rip. Some weeds and early season conditions do still exist. We’re getting close though. Be alert and Enjoy The Glide!
No dogs allowed.
5th Street Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/17
Singletrack: Set
Late Thursday – Twas a week before Christmas when all through the 5th St. the ditches were filled and checked off his list, so St. Nick took his sled and gave us a groom. Then I in my post work haze did arise and rode in laps until the demise of my thighs. On Friday go ski out some powder then go grab your bike! It’s the best that it’s been before the Holidays strike!
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/18
Singletrack: Set
All the singletrack trails got rolled out multiple times. Pole Canyon Connector – Lower Lady Slipper – Upper Lady Slipper – Hillbender loop – Nemo and Happy Hour are set. The snow if soft and mid-day temps will be warmish.
Please let out your tire pressure to 3-5psi (1-2 crinkles)and don’t leave a rut. If it’s too soft, please turnaround and come back when the temps are lower and the snow is firm. This usually means early morning and late evening rides with lights. Enjoy the ride!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
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
