David Hunger of Teton Mountain Bike Tours
“I thought they were crazy right off the bat,” David said. “That’s when fat bikes weren’t really popular, but I fell in love with it”.
David Hunger started Teton Mountain Bike Tours in 1991. In the beginning, he focused on mountain biking in the warm months. Before fat bikes came around, David ran winter bike tours on mountain bikes with studded tires, but found that it wasn’t gaining much traction. So, 10 or 12 years ago, he got his first fat bike.
When he first started fat biking, David’s main purpose was to get more people involved and grow fat biking’s popularity, so he offered a lot of free clinics and demo days. Gradually over the years, that idea and fat biking as a sport have gained momentum.
David and Kris Quant were the first people to pioneer grooming for fat biking at Cache Creek. Without the Forest Service’s help, they had to do what they called human-powered grooming on snowshoes with a weighted sled. It has been really important to David to support grooming efforts and give back to organizations that help him do the work he does.
Teton Ridge Classic – Jan 9th
Saturday, January 9th is drawing near, bringing the 18th annual Ridge Classic with it. The Grand Targhee based event benefits both Teton Valley Trails and Pathways and the Teton Valley Ski Education Foundation. The race will start at 10 am, with the 24km, 14km, and 7km races starting at intervals separated by 20 seconds. Individual start times will be emailed to registered participants on Friday before the race.
Race packet pickup 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday night before the race at Streubel Physical Therapy (285 East Little Ave) in Driggs, and from 8:00 – 9:45 AM at the race start on race day. Masks will be required for packet pick up at Streubel PT and at check in on race morning. Curbside pick-up is also available at Streubel PT on Friday night. There is no race day registration. Results will be posted online and at the start/finish area as they become available on race day.
This year we will not be having a post-race lunch and awards ceremony due to COVID precautions. The price of the event has been lowered to reflect this.
There will be 2 self-serve aid stations out on the course with small individual bottled water and individual packets of energy gel/Hammer Gel. There will be no handouts of drink or gels at the aid stations. Aid stations will have volunteers re-suppling drinks and gels on the aid station tables.
For course distances and descriptions, click here. For registration information and other details, click here.
Trip Report: Phelps Lake
Phelps Lake and a side trip to Lake Creek made for an awesome day spent outside! The lake is well frozen, with a thin layer of slush between snow top and ice. Moderate temps and fresh snow provided good glide and some scattered views through the clouds. Coming downhill off the moraine can get fast!
Weekend Highlight
Your update on all things JH Nordic from this week, in one place.
Snake River Sporting Club Nordic Trails Open
Looking for a new groomed trail network with scenic views of the Snake River? The Snake River Sporting Club opened Saturday, Jan 2nd, to the public.
Check out the “Front Nine” and “Back Nine” trails here. After skiing, be sure to explore the hot springs as well. Click here to reserve your spot at the hot springs.
Winter Service Update from Parks and Rec
The Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation Department continues to work with local partners and the community to provide winter outdoor opportunities.
Staff has finally been able to groom everything including South Park Loop for the first time today. It is a bit thin but in good shape.
Due to the New Year’s Holiday Cache Creek will be groomed on Saturday January 2nd.
The High School Complex is a bit thin but was groomed on Thursday. It will be groomed again on Tuesday. Due to the Holiday, South Park Loop Pathway and May Park will not be groomed again until next Wednesday. Please continue to check the website and/or Twitter feed (@TCJPRGrooming) for the most up to date information on conditions.
Nature Update
Provided by Cathy Shill founder of The Hole Hiking Experience www.holehike.com/
“On these vast, calm, measureless mountain days…Days in whose light everything seems equally divine, opening a thousand windows to show us God.” -John Muir
During the winter, periods of sun usually means frigid valley temperatures in Jackson Hole. The warmth of the sun heats the earth and this heat rises trapping the cold, denser air in the Jackson valley. This frigid air remains trapped by the mountains that encircle Jackson Hole until a change in weather. Our preferred weather forecast is by local meteorologist, Jim Woodmency, at Mountain Weather and it’s always good to compare with NOAA or a different resource.
Temperatures can plummet well below zero overnight. Being active helps generate heat so snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or fat biking are great options with proper layers and preparation. It is amazing how warm the sun can feel on these cold days. You also can’t beat the views, the blue sky and the beauty of winter. On an afternoon walk, we saw a paraglider taking advantage of the calm air and blue sky to go for a ride. Looks fun!
Deep valley snow has yet to accumulate so animals continue to move. Once snow deepens, they will settle to conserve energy. Always nice to start the day with a drive to look for wildlife giving the sun time to rise and begin to heat the valley. On the back of the Elk Refuge, you can often see the Big Horn Sheep on Miller Butte. It is a winter territory for the sheep and easily seen from the road. Quite important to NOT let them lick your vehicles. The salt on our cars is not good for any wildlife.
We have also enjoyed wildlife sightings on the drive north towards Grand Teton Park on Highway 89/191. Trumpeter swans, eagles, ravens, coyotes, fox, deer, elk and moose have all been seen. Such fun to live in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem where the web of life is connected. Each day has the potential of amazing wildlife and beauty. Squirrel tracks can be seen in the snow in front of the Tetons in this photo. Reading the scene is a fun part of a nature excursion.
Busy holiday time with lots of happy clients. All of us are grateful to share such beauty and inspiration on our tours. You can’t beat time with a naturalist to connect to an area and deepen your understanding. Here’s to 2021 and the New Year ahead. May it bring peace and ease for us all and the connectedness we need to reach our true potential.
The Hole Hiking Experience has been sharing this Ecosystem for over 30 years. Join us to get off the beaten track, find wildlife and the warm parts of Jackson Hole. www.holehike.com 307.690.4453
Trail Creek Nordic
Last Updated: 1/2
A Symphony of Silence!
The wind is calm, the trails blanketed with a sheen of the softest eiderdown powder, and no one is in sight; the trails are calling to you to add the whisper of your cruising skis to the chorus today at Trail Creek.
Since yesterday’s grooming just shy of an inch of snow has fallen although as of report time snowfall is up to at least the moderate level with several more inches plus expected throughout the day. Today’s grooming was multiple skate passes of the Ginzu groomer on pretty much every trail. Classic tracks are still skiing nicely and will probably receive a reset Sunday morning if snowfall continues.
Looking ahead to next week, practices will move into the Max Mode with our littlest skiers, the Teewinots and Lollipoppers joining the melee. The busiest times will be Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 3-5 but as long as everybody is considerate, hopefully all can be accommodated. There will be some closures next weekend as we host another Wyoming High School race.
Groomer’s choice for today is to find your quiet ski!
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 1/2
Stilson is groomed and in good shape; although it’s filling in quickly with new snow. The school fields will not be groomed today since Cache Creek was groomed in its place. It still should ski decently though. Grooming will resume Monday with Cache up to noker mine draw.
Skate skiing and some 4-legged exercise was found on the Wilson Centennial Trail, with groomed laps to be had at Stilson as well. It was groomed on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Teton Pines Nordic
Last Updated: 12/30
Daily grooming, wide corduroy skate ski lanes with well defined classic tracks make for excellent ski conditions. Skate and classic cross country ski/ boots/ pole rentals. All service is outside, so come dressed to ski.
We still have lots of nordic gear in our shop if you need to pick up some last minute gifts for the nordic skiers on your list! We currently have a good selection of sizes in skate gear ( skis/boots/poles) but our classic gear is currently in short supply. We are expecting a small shipment of classic skis around Jan 1. We have a great selection and supply of hats, jackets, pants, socks and gloves by Daehlie, Skida, and Swix. If you want to explore Grand Teton NP and the Jackson Hole area on xc skis, we carry the must have xc ski trail guidebook for our region in the shop: https://www.facebook.com/SkiYellowstone
Please call or email Cody for more details: (307) 733-1733 or tetonpinesxc@gmail.com
Shooting Star
Last Updated: 1/2
The course continues to ski great despite our below normal snowpack. Snowier weather is in the forecast for over the next several days, with the highest totals falling around Monday. Please, be aware that drifting may occur if the winds pick up during the storms. Overall, the trails should be very enjoyable and provide plenty of fun for welcoming in the New Year. Next Update will be on Tuesday. Enjoy!
Please See the following Restrictions
- Dog Loops & All Nordic Skiing Trails OPEN
- Sled Hill OPEN
- Classic Tracks SET
- Snow Shoeing Loop OPEN SEE ABOVE RULES
- Casual Walking Not Permitted
Teton Village Pathway
Last Updated: 12/23
Teton village pathway – from Lake Creek Bridge north to the end of bike path/GTNP south entrance groomed today. Thanks to JHMR for the grooming and Teton Village Association for making it happen!
Grand Teton National Park
Last Updated: 12/29
Grand Teton Park Foundation has provided the following modifications to the grooming schedule for Teton Park Road over the holidays:
Sunday 1/3 — Grooming 4x to South Jenny
Tuesday 1/5 Grooming to Signal Mountain AND 4x to South Jenny
[Back to regular schedule after 1/5]
Remember that dogs must be on leash, and are only allowed on the groomed trail in the section of GTNP. Please consider making a donation to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation for funding winter grooming -one of our most iconic trails. For bonus points, note “Nordic grooming” on your donation so we can track the involvement from our invested community members!
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Last Updated: 1/2
A light dusting of snow and cold temps this morning made for a great groom! The skate lane set up very nicely and is fast. Come on out and bring your dog! 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 (see link below). 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 help with social distancing and to get you on the trails faster please purchase your trail passes and sign your waivers online in advance. To keep an eye on live conditions, check out the webcams here.
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 1/2
Cross Country/Fat Bike 15k: XC OPEN (Last groomed 1/2/2021), Fat Bike OPEN.
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: 12/31
Skate: Not Set | Classic: Set
Just finished up the Thursday morning groom of the Alta Track (9am). Cleaned up the skate track and reset some of the classic track where it was possible. About a half inch of snow had fallen on the track since my start and it is continuing to snow. Happy New Year!
Please do not park in the library parking lot.
Driggs
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 1/1
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Took multiple passes Friday evening with drag and blade. Smoothing out track anticipating new snow. The Main Driggs track is still early conditions, but in good shape for Skate or Classic skiing. With more snow coming we will be able to set classic track soon. Enjoy skiing in town.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 1/1
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Hot off the press for 2021 🎊🥳, Sherman Park with the fresh groom. The skate and classic track have been reset and are in fantastic condition. Start racking up your 2021 miles with smiles. The singletrack has been reset. Enjoy the ride & glide.
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 1/2
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Saturday: The track has become fast and firm over the past few days, good for all sorts of mixed use. This morning, plan to smooth skate track and will only be able to improve classic if there is a bit of new snow, as it remains in decent shape from Friday’s reset. Should finish by 9am.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 12/30
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Will begin grooming tomorrow morning, around 630. Should have it cleaned up for a Happy New Year!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 1/1
Skate: Set | Classic: Set | Singletrack: Set
Teton Springs skate and classic tracks were groomed and set on Friday evening and the two singletrack trails have been reset. Enjoy the ride and glide!
No dogs allowed.
5th Street Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 1/1
Singletrack: Set
Friday night – Happy New Year! 5th St. is ridden in and is rolling well. A little slippery if you get off the track but fun and fast if you stay on course. Go ride!
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/27
Singletrack: Set
The entire Southern Valley singletrack system has a fresh haircut. We groomed everything: Happy Hour, Nemo, Hillbenders, Upper and lower Lady Slipper and Pole Canyon to the trailhead. Enjoy the ride!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 12/30
Some grooming has already occurred in Darby Canyon. We plan to begin grooming on a more regular schedule starting January 6th.
JH Nordic Recreation Masters Clinics
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7th | TETON PINES
The third of eight in the clinic series featuring classic XC ski. Sessions run bi-weekly from 11:00am – 12:30pm through March 18th, alternating between skate skiing and classic cross-country.
Teton Ridge Classic
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9TH | GRAND TARGHEE
The 18th annual Ridge Classic benefits both Teton Valley Trails and Pathways and Teton Valley Ski Education Foundation. The race will start at 10 am. The 24, 14, and 7 km races will be intervals starts separated by 20 seconds. Individual start times will be emailed to registered participants on Friday before the race.
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
