Short stories of Nordic inspiration: meet a few locals with big passion

We are a community filled with Nordic and winter trails enthusiasts. Whether Nordic skiing is central to our careers or not, getting outside on skis (or fat bikes or snowshoes) is core to some part of who we are.

Community spotlights are a window into the hearts and minds of some of the people in Jackson Hole and Teton Valley who have inspired us along the way.

Early Skate Skiing Adventures, A Life Well-Lived in Jackson Hole

Jessi -JH Nordic: I would love to hear about your own personal history, how you got interested in Nordic skiing, how you ended up in Jackson, becoming instructors, your…

Karen Daubert & Jared Smith: Nordic and backcountry skiing enthusiasts who love crust cruising and engaging in community, nonprofit efforts

Karen Daubert and Jared Smith are not only avid skiers but also engaged Jackson residents involved in different organizations. Though Jared has more personal history in Jackson than…

Nancy Johnstone: First Women’s US Olympic Biathlon Team Member, Founder of Turpin Meadow Ranch and the Alpine House in Jackson Hole

Nancy Johnstone grew up in Stowe, Vermont, starting out as an alpine skier. At college, she decided to start Nordic racing after her coach said she didn’t have…

Renee Seidler: Wildlife advocate, winter enthusiast, Executive Director at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation

With a family full of scientists and a love for animals and the outdoors, Renee Seidler’s passion for wildlife and wildlife biology has been budding since a young…

Erich Wilbrecht: Former Olympian Who Loves Flying On Skis and Listening to the Birds in Jackson Hole

A former Olympic biathlete and an inaugural member of the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club Hall of Fame, Erich Wilbrecht is a Nordic force to be reckoned…

Friends of Pathways: Utilizing Pathways to Promote Healthy & Responsible Recreation and Contribute Conservation Advocacy in Jackson Hole

Chris Owen is the Trails Program Manager at Friends of Pathways and works in partnership with the JH Nordic Alliance through his work grooming for fat biking and…

Scott Lacy: Grassroots-funded professional Nordic racer (and former Jackson Hole Ski Club Nordic coach)

Though Scott Lacy grew up in a family full of alpine skiers, he was drawn to the Nordic community. He found that Nordic skiing was a different type…

Friends of the Bridger-Teton: One of Jackson’s Newest Nonprofits Aiming to Strengthen the Support for the Bridger-Teton National Forest

Friends of the Bridger-Teton is the nonprofit partner that supports the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Though there are many nonprofits in Jackson that work with the national forest, including…

Teton Valley Trails & Pathways (TVTAP): An Essential Part of Our Winter Recreation Landscape in Teton Valley

For the past 22 years, Teton Valley Trails & Pathways (TVTAP) has worked to promote a trails and pathways connected community. In the summer, they focus on building…