January 6, 2021 – Nature Update
provided by Cathy Shill founder of The Hole Hiking Experience https://www.holehike.com/
“Let my mind become silent,
And my thoughts come to rest.
I want to be
All this is before me.
In self-forgetfulness
I become everything.”
-Joseph Cornell
Happy New Year! What a wonderful time to reconnect to ourselves and nature. The season of winter supports reflection and a slower pace with short days and long nights. The New Year shares the perfect time to align with nature and life around us. We can pause to connect with the world. Nature rejuvenates us if we slow down to let it.
As Henry David Thoreau said, “You cannot perceive beauty but with a serene mind.” With our busy lives, it helps to take a break and spend time outdoors. A few deep breaths will calm our energy and allow space for more peace and ease. The flow of nature is with life, with the current of this moment. We have much to learn from the natural world. Each day holds wonderment and Jackson Hole is the perfect arena to slow down to listen.
The week started with a blanket of fresh snow which quiets the forest. We can choose to go to a busy place like a ski resort or we can choose to go into the woods and breath in the quiet and space. After a storm, everything glistens with freshness like going through a car wash. Storms carry some punch.
Jackson shares endless trails to connect with the natural world. We have been skiing along the Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton Park. It’s a great beginner ski and you can’t beat the beauty. Trails are a bit slower after the holiday rush. I know that we enjoy touring beneath the majestic Teton peaks as much as our clients do! Join us to learn about the natural world, the season of winter, how species adapt to winter and, yes, all about about those Tetons. The Hole Hiking Experience (www.holehike.com) 307.690.4453
Be safe. Be well and here’s to a joyous 2021!
Watch: 399 and Cubs Den for the Winter
by Jackson Hole Ecotour Adventures
What a way to end 2020! Grizzly 399 and her 4 cubs traveled nearly the entire length of Grand Teton National Park last week, returning to a denning area in the northern part of Jackson Hole. The family of bruins has put on some serious weight in the past few months and we’re hopeful they will emerge healthy in the spring.
It’s unusual but not unheard of, for grizzlies to remain active throughout December, watch the video to learn more about Grizzly 399 and the amazing adaptations bears have to hibernate through the winter!
Teton Ridge Classic – Registration Closes Today
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.
Trail Creek Nordic
Last Updated: 1/6
Back in Business!
The Pisten Bully returned with a flourish today, thrashing many kilometers of freshly fallen snow into some great Nordic ski trails. Not only will you find lots of great ski trails, the sun is shining and temps are nearly Nordic perfect, so today would be a great day to put your Nordic gear to work.
It will be busy today as Monday and Wednesday afternoons are now peak participation for our programs. Keep your distance, but it is especially a joy to see the wee ones out on their skis. The great image below of the Lollipoppers was submitted by Coach Kathy, thanks!
Also keep on you radar that Friday and Saturday are race days and that the course will be closed to the public. However, it looks like you should be able to still find plenty of skiing in the further reaches of the woods.
Today’s grooming was fresh classic tracks and multiple Pisten Bully passes on every trail except for Woolsey Woods and the National Forest. The National Forest did receive a single Pisten Bully pass and is on the docket for additional grooming tomorrow. Woolsey Woods will not be groomed until the races are over.
Groomer’s choice for today is to ski the East Fields.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 1/6
Game Creek groomed and in good shape.
Cache Creek and May park are groomed and in good shape. Game will be done around 11:00.
Teton Pines Nordic
Last Updated: 1/6
| Sunny days are here for awhile and the skiing will be great! We groom 16km for skate and classic daily. We offer private lessons daily—please call the shop to schedule. We still have a good selection of gloves and hats but have a smaller selection remaining of pants and jackets by Swix and Daehlie. We have a small selection of skate and classic gear in the shop. Our ski/boot/pole sizes are very limited so please call us before showing up to see if we have what you need! 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. . 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: 1/5
Some much needed snow has and is currently falling. Skiers should expect storm styling skiing today, followed by what appears to be very enjoyable conditions Wednesday-Sunday. If the forecast holds, the trails will hopefully firm up & smooth out each day throughout the week. Get out and enjoy the fresh air! Next update will be on Monday 1/11 or whenever conditions change.
Please See the following Restrictions
- Dog Loops & All Nordic Skiing Trails OPEN
- Sled Hill OPEN
- Classic Tracks SET
- Snow Shoeing Loop OPEN
- Casual Walking Not Permitted
Teton Village Pathway
Last Updated: 1/6
Groomed this morning, from Lake Creek Bridge to end of pathway near GTNP South Entrance. Nice corduroy, skate and classic skiers, fat bikers all out enjoying!
Grand Teton National Park
Last Updated: 1/5
GTNP today. Taggart to Signal Mountain…Enjoy!
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Last Updated: 1/6
We reset both classic and skate lanes on all of our flat trails this morning (Willows, Riverside, Summer Homes) after the quick storm we got yesterday. The 2-3 inches we received laid down nicely. Trails are firm in the morning and softening up in the afternoon. We will reset everything again in the morning. Everything is setting up for great skiing this weekend! Come on out and ski with us and don’t forget to 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.
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/adventures/winter-adventures/
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/the-ranch/live-conditions/
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 1/5
Cross Country/Fat Bike 15k: XC OPEN (Last groomed 1/2/2020), 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: 1/6
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Planning on grooming from 5-10am Thursday morning. Will update report when complete.
Please do not park in the library parking lot.
Driggs
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 1/5
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Rolled this evening. Track is filling in nicely. Should set up well overnight.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 1/6
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Good looking corduroy on the skate track. Snow is soft but should ski well. Classic track set. Dog walk/fat bike single track set. Enjoy the sun and snow.
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 1/6
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Wednesday: Made 4 passes with the roller Tuesday afternoon to pack down the new snow. Cold night should have firmed up somewhat. This morning plan to use Ginzu to reset both skate and classic tracks. Finish by 930am.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 1/6
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Heading out for bonus groom #2 this week.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 1/4
Skate: Set | Classic: Set | Singletrack: Set
Skate and Classic reset this morning. Single track is firming up nicely.
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: 1/6
Singletrack: Set
Groomed: Hillbender, Nemo, Happy Hour, Upper Lady Slipper, Sherman Springs Access. Etiquette: Allow freshly groomed trails plenty of time to set up before using. It’s best not to use trails the same night they are groomed. Enjoy!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 1/6
Grooming Darby 1/6 afternoon. Should be done by 4:00.
South Leigh Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 1/6
Grooming S. Leigh 1/6/2021. Should be done around 12:00
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
