May Trail Report

May 16, 2026|Elee Deschu||Daily Trail Reports

Hello friends and happy May! So far this month the weather has been prime for all sorts of outdoor pursuits. Hopefully you are spending as much time as possible enjoying the sunshine and blue skies. There is a lightening strike fire on the Bridger-Teton National Forest near Moran in the upper Spread Creek drainage near Sage Brush Flats. This is proof of how dry things are in our region despite an uptick in precipitation in April. According to Mountain Weather, Jackson received above average amounts of snowfall and precipitation for the month of April. Looking ahead there is a cold front on it’s way and even a chance of snow showers early next week. Philosophizing a bit about weather: enjoy every moment outside that you can, you never know when things will change, and in the mountains things can change quickly and sometimes unexpectedly.

At a Glance

• Member spotlight: Welcome to the JH Nordic Board Sue Wolff

• Summer training ideas

• You’re Invited to a party honoring the 2026 JHSC Hall of Fame inductees

Member Spotlight: Sue Wolff

*Sue Wolff representing skiers at the Fat Bike Pursuit 60K this past winter*

The JH Nordic Alliance is pleased to announce our newest board member, Sue Wolff. She answered some questions for us so that the JH Nordic community can get to know here better, and be inspired!

What is your involvement with cross country skiing? I am an avid Nordic skier and a Master’s racer. I also co-started Teton Valley Nordic in an effort to bring together adult Nordic skier enthusiasts on the Idaho side of the Tetons.

What got you involved in the sport? And what keeps your enthusiasm for it alive? I got involved in Nordic skiing about 25 years ago after an injury that prevented me from long distance running. I was looking for an endurance activity that I could do that did not hurt my body and I ended up taking an inexpensive one day skate ski clinic sponsored by Skinny Skis. Instantly I was hooked. I started searching out the best grooming in our area and figured out the timing of when each trail was groomed so that I could follow the groomer to get fresh corduroy at places like Cache Creek, Emily’s Pond, and Grand Teton National Park. Skiing fresh corduroy is magical so I would plan my skis around the local grooming schedule. Soon after learning how to Nordic ski, I started racing as a Master which made me love the sport even more. I find that racing is my meditation and my time to be in the present moment. It is so much fun to try to ski fast and ski your best while being around a bunch of other Nordic geeks who are trying to do the same. I got my husband to start Nordic racing with me as well so now we plan trips that revolve around races and to ski a new area that we have not been to before. Overall, I would say that Nordic skiing has become a significant part of my life.

Many things keep my enthusiasm and interest in Nordic skiing. First, it pushes me both mentally and physically. Second, it takes me to places I probably would not go to. For instance, my husband and I went to Norway to ski the Norwegian Birkebeiner. If it was not for that race, I am not sure if Norway would have been on my bucket list. Third, I am constantly learning something new about Nordic skiing whether it is something about technique, nutrition for a long race, injury prevention, or where the best grooming may be.

What is one of your favorite xc ski trails that you like to visit in the summer to walk/run/hike/bike? I run with poles (otherwise known as ski bounding) and rollerski in the summer. My favorite places to roller ski include the pathway from N Cache to Jenny Lake or up Old Pass Road. My favorite place to run with poles is the Mike Harris trail system or the Aspen trail in Teton Valley.

What’s one Nordic tip that you’ve learned along the way that makes you think “wow… glad I learned that…”? One thing I learned along the way is to try to be an efficient skier which equates to having great glide. Nordic skiing is all about gliding and learning to glide as long as possible has helped me gain more balance and confidence on my skis.

Summer Training Ideas

*Ski Bounding is running with poles, a great way to train for xc skiing if you don’t have roller skis*

It is said that Nordic skiers are created in the summer. In fact, May 1st is considered “New Year’s Day” to a Nordic skier since it is considered to be the first day of training for the upcoming ski year. Summer training for Nordic skiing may include running, running with ski poles or otherwise known as ski bounding, biking, swimming, roller skiing, and strength training.

Truth is, any form of activity may be considered a part of a summer Nordic ski training plan. The main thing is building up endurance and strength during the summer months that can translate to having a good base fitness once the ski season begins.

The summer also may be a time to work on imbalances in your body to help prevent injuries as well as try out new trail food options or fueling systems.

The most important thing in summer training is to have fun and keep in mind that winter will come up soon so start planning the upcoming year whether it be skiing your first race, doing a 50K ski loppet, or getting out on our local trails to follow the groomer.

You’re Invited!

The JHSC Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Induction Celebration will take place a week from today (May 28, 2026) at the Jackson Hole Conference Center. This year, the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club is honoring six individuals (half of whom have strong ties to cross country skiing!) whose stories are deeply connected to the history of skiing, community, and mountain life in Jackson Hole:

Jeff Crabtree, David Gieck, Rody Hagen, Gordon Lange, Muggs Schultz, and Crystal Wright

Tentative Event Schedule

5:30 PM: Welcome Reception

6:30 PM: Dinner

7:00 PM: Plaque Presentation

The JHSC Hall of Fame was established in 2013 to recognize individuals who have made lasting contributions to the ski and snowboard community and history, along with long-term support of the Club. Housed within the JHSC Ski & Snowboard Museum at the Snow King Events Center, the Hall of Fame helps preserve the people, stories, and values that shaped Jackson Hole’s snow sports heritage. Their stories are the living history of Jackson Hole.

RSVP

Gordon Lange — Competitor, Inspiration
Gordon Lange built a career defined by high-level competition and a lasting impact as a coach and mentor. A top NCAA finisher and Olympic hopeful, he went on to coach at the collegiate and national levels, including serving as Head Coach for the U.S. Ski Team at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. His commitment to athlete development and belief in the process continues to influence and inspire generations of skiers.

David Gieck — Competitor, Innovator
David Gieck built a career defined by elite competition and a commitment to developing Nordic and biathlon athletes. A multi-time Junior National podium finisher, he went on to compete on the U.S. National Biathlon Team from 1995 to 2002 and was named first alternate for the 2002 Olympic Team. As a coach, he continued to strengthen JHSC’s pipeline, helping athletes reach higher levels of competition along with continuing to inspire lifelong skiers through the JHSC Masters Nordic Program.

Rody Hagen — Pioneer, Competitor, Innovator
A third-generation Jackson skier, Rody Hagen helped shape Nordic and biathlon skiing during its early development. A Junior National competitor and member of the Junior U.S. Biathlon Team, he competed internationally as the sport emerged and rapidly evolved. As a competitor and innovator, Rody helped expand opportunities for athletes and remains deeply involved as a volunteer and mentor within the Club.