Above 8000 feet for early cross-country skiing and fat biking is where it’s at!

The Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone area offers a wide array of cross country ski and fat biking opportunities. Undoubtedly, there is an adventure available for all skill and thrill levels. From the jaw dropping views at Teton and Towgothee Passes to the more laid-back terrain surrounding Taggart Lake. When the winter nordic ski season starts, there is no end to the wonder you can experience in our own backyard.

As the snow begins to fall at elevation, JHNordic is watching the snow line carefully to see when and where there might be enough snow base for our cross-country ski or fat bike winter excursions. In addition, we advise you to look for ski/fat bike trails above 8000 ft (or snow-line).

To begin preparing for your season, be sure to include a schedule of dynamic/balance stretching and cardio workouts to avoid excess strain on cold ligaments, which would leave you prone to injury. Be sure to bring your bear spray, as well, since bears are not quite in hibernation and could be anywhere. Find our staff picks for the early season favorite ski/fat bike trails below.

Early Season Nordic & Fat Bike Trails

Early Season Cross-country classic or BC Nordic and fat bike faves
(snow dependent for Nordic XC and BC skis) include:

Image of a nordic skiier holding their skis on Teton Pass

Teton Pass south to Mt Elly

Ski with spectacular views of surrounding mountains, including Mt. Glory to the north and central Jackson to the east
Image of a nordic skiier en route from Togwotee Pass to Brooks Lake

Togwotee Pass to Brooks Lake

A beautiful ski through the Bridger-Teton National Forest with stunning views of the Pinnacles
Image of nordic skiiers on Rosie's Ridge at Togwotee Pass

Rosie’s Ridge, Towogtee Pass

Wide Teton views off western ridge of Togwotee, follows a Forest service road for both ski/fat bike trails
Early Season favorite ski and fat bike trails - image of solo nordic skiier at Grand Targhee

Grand Targhee Nordic and Fat Bike trails – Resort opens Nov 18

Four loops of intermediate to advanced groomed trail for nordic ski/fat bike trails
Early Season favorite ski and fat bike trails - image of West Yellowstone nordic skiier

West Yellowstone Rendezvous Trails – Nordic only

35-50K of groomed trails for nordic skiing, opening the week prior to Thanksgiving
Early Season favorite ski and fat bike trails - image of fatbiker riding down a path

More Fat bike trails

Fat bikes ride well on dirt, gravel AND snow, making these trails perfect for the early season (fat bikes -not nordic skis!)

Recreate Responsibly on Jackson Hole Winter Trails

The winter season offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing. Elk, deer, moose, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and trumpeter swans are all animals you may come across during winter recreation. Learn more about wildlife on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and what you can do to help critters survive harsh conditions.

#recreateresponsibly

Recreate Responsibly - Respect wildlife, give them space as they navigate harsh winter conditions

Explore JH Nordic

1

LATEST JACKSON HOLE TRAIL REPORT

  • Grooming has started, skiing is great!
    Welcome to the 2024 – 2025 daily report a winter trails & grooming snapshot to inspire you to go outside today! With early conditions, we are not starting daily updates yet…but we did want to share a little skiing good news while we wait for more snow. Happy skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, dog walking and winter adventuring! At a Glance General Weather – A little more sunshine Mountain Weather is forecasting some pretty blue skies,… Read More