Happy Height of Summer!
Explore your favorite winter trails during the summer months. It’s a great idea to familiarize yourself with a trail now and then follow up with a ski next winter, deepening your connection to place by seeing these places in different seasons.
HIKING
Not sure where to start? Go to JHNordic.com, click on “Trails” in the Nav bar, click on the “hiking” icon. Add other filters for a specific region, difficulty, dog friendly, distance and more:
Suggested Trail: Hermitage Point
This is a popular trail in Grand Teton National Park offering beautiful views and serene surrounds with abundant wildlife spotting opportunities. We recommend bringing bug spray and going during the early morning hours to beat the crowds in the park.
Other options include taking a guided excursion with EcoTour Adventures or The Hole Hiking Experience if you’re apprehensive about exploring unfamiliar territory or looking to get more information on the flora and fauna around you. These tours are highly informative and great for both beginner and seasoned adventurers.
BIKING
Cross-country and downhill biking is on at Grand Targhee and JHMR! Or discover more with a tour from Teton Mountain Bike Tours. No gear? No problem. Grab rentals and gear from Wheel Wranglers and Open Range to start your biking adventures off right.
BE PREPARED
As always, when you’re heading out into the elements, be sure to be prepared with layers and the proper gear. Stop in at Skinny Skis or JD High Country Outfitters to get outfitted by their highly trained staff. They’re also a great resource for maps and local advice!
Last Week of the Tin Cup Challenge
This week you can support the great work of non-profits like Teton Valley Trails and Pathways and Grand Targhee Ski and Snowboarding Foundation who contribute to the winter trails ecosystem on the west side of the Tetons with a gift at the Tin Cup Challenge. Teton Valley Trails and Pathways groomers are the ones working hard all winter in Teton Canyon and on the Alta track, along with many kilometers of other trails in Teton Valley. The cross-country programs are one of the many Grand Targhee Ski and Snowboarding Foundation snow disciplines teaching kids great ski and life skills in our amazing winter playground. Stop by the Driggs City Park Saturday morning, or peruse the Tin Cup website and contribute online through 5 pm July 26.
July Nature News: Grand Tetons Display Rainbow Mosaic of Color
Provided by The Hole Hiking Experience
With over 1,000 species of blooming plants in the region, the rainbow mosaic of color along hiking trails and into the backcountry is breathtaking. Snow continues to dot the higher elevations but is quickly melting off. June was a bit warmer and drier than normal so recent afternoon showers are welcome to help the blossoms and keep the dust of the trails.
Birth of Wakan Gi, the Auspicious White Buffalo
A white buffalo (bison) calf was born in Yellowstone in early June. This is a sacred totem to the Lakota people. The birth signifies hope and a sign that more needs to be done to protect the earth. It was named Wakan Gli. It’s quite an auspicious sign indeed. We all need to listen and continue to care for our precious home and its resources.
TRAIL SUGGESTION
July and August are a great time to explore the subalpine/alpine trails. 90% of the snow has melted in the Tetons making it the best time to hike in the high country. Taking the aerial tram in Teton Village is a wonderful way to easily reach 10,450 feet and access the southern trails in Grand Teton National Park. Marion Lake is an incredible hike from the tram. Death Canyon is a favorite of ours. You can choose to hike at the base or journey up to the alpine meadows. Enjoy, prepare properly and travel lightly.
We are already starting to populate the winter calendar with events, https://jhnordic.com/events/.
Old Bill’s Fun Run
September 7, 2024
Jackson Hole Elementary School | 9am
There is a 5K and 10K timed run and an untimed FUN RUN/walk, as well as a highly competitive Diaper Derby. Winners of each race will receive prize money to donate to their favorite nonprofits. Costumes and showing spirit are highly encouraged.
Old Bill’s 2024 Giving Season is August 9 — September 13.
JH Nordic Alliance has always been a not for profit, non-commercial community endeavor. In 2023 we began the process of gaining IRS determination as a non-profit, which was finalized this spring. This September we are participating in our very first Old Bill’s Fun Run as a 501c3. We hope to see you there!
Boulder Mountain Tour registration open for 2025
520 racers registered in first three days!
The 52nd annual Zions Bank Boulder Mountain Tour is set to take place north of Ketchum on its traditional day, the first Saturday in February, falling Feb. 1, 2025. Registration for next year’s event has now opened.
The online registration deadline is Jan. 24, 2025, but there are several sign-up deadlines that will help skiers save money and guarantee their spot in the popular event.
