XC Ski Outing in Teton Pass in Early November!
Eight inches of fresh, light snow gave us a perfect early season base to xc ski to Mt Elly . We encountered another BC nordic skier, and a couple of AT skiers and dad with his little boy, two sleds and dog. Beautiful sunshine and friends made it a happy moment to be back on Nordic skis!
Trip Report: Early Winter Season hike to Phelps Lake
We explored the winter trail to Phelps Lake in southern Grand Teton National Park last weekend, starting from the Granite Canyon parking area.
The paved Moose-Wilson Road was fairly snow-free, but once we turned off onto the winter ski trail (old JY Ranch access road), the trail was snow-covered most of the remaining mile to the Lake. Good to have snowboots and poles or micro-spikes to avoid slipping on the icy layer under the tail (or walk on the side in 3-4 inch snow for better grip). Another 4 inches of snow, and this section of trail will be skiable.
Phelps Lake is a beautiful destination any time of year. Bring a snack and water/warm drink. Extend the hike by going all the way around the Lake.
Teton Valley Grooming Updates
Southern Valley and Teton Canyon
Conditions are great for shuffle skiing, snowshoe and fat tire. Go ahead and help pack down the track while we wait for the USFS to close the gate to the road. Wheeled vehicles still have access to the road until Friday, Nov 22nd 8:00am.
TVTAP has all of the equipment staged for grooming. We hope to start grooming and track packing on Friday when the gate closes.
No need to contact TVTAP employees via email, phone or text. They are probably busy and can’t give you the current grooming report.
Southern Valley Singletrack
All trails are open and are rider packed. TVTAP is not currently grooming and will wait for sufficient snow depth in order to not damage any equipment. Keep the dream alive and enjoy keeping what snow we do have packed down. It’s nice out there.
Stay tuned for updated grooming reports on the TVTAP webpage and on Nordic Pulse.
Upcoming – 25th Annual Avalanche Awareness Night
December 5, 2024
5:30pm – 7:00pm
Center for the Arts, Jackson
As we expand our xc skiing and snowshoeing beyond the groomed tracks and high use trails, and even on some of the high use trails like coal creek, it is important to know enough about avalanche terrain so you don’t end up under it. This year, the annual avalanche awareness night will feature a panel of first-person avalanche accounts, a keynote presentation by Jamie Weeks, and a stacked raffle – Avy night is your chance to celebrate our community’s incredible backcountry culture, refresh your decision-making skills, & maybe even win some great new swag.
In partnership with the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Awareness Foundation and Skinny Skis.
First Groomed Trails Open at Grand Targhee
Grand Targhee’s groomed nordic trails opened November 22nd. If you head out to Targhee, let us know how the conditions are. You can email trailconditions@jhnordic.com to share with the nordic community and be featured in our next email. We’d love to hear from you!
Shooting Star Nordic Update
It is starting to feel like winter in JH and we are looking forward to another season of Nordic adventures. Friendly reminder that we need approximately 18” to begin grooming with the snowmobile and 24”+ for the snowcat. Once enough snow has fallen, we will then need several days to pack and prep trails prior to opening. Outlook is calling for colder temperatures and daily light snow during the final week of November, which should help with preventing accumulations from melting. At this time, trails will remain closed for the foreseeable future, through at least all of November and likely into the first week(s) of December (snow pending). Next update will be Friday, November 29th. Fingers, crossed for a snowy 2024-2025 winter and please inform me if you would like anyone else included or deleted from these emails. Thanks.
November Nature News
Mourning the Loss of 399
Provided by The Hole Hiking Experience
I would imagine most of you have heard about the death of the infamous matriarch grizzly of the Tetons, 399. She inspired us, shared her beauty, and demonstrated her intelligence with us for 28 years. May her legacy be one of awareness and protection for all species. May she rest in peace.
Temperatures were above average with minimal moisture in October creating smoky days from the Pack Trail fire on Togwotee Pass. The bit of moisture we did receive in October was wet and cold, reducing the strength of the fire. With the recent moisture and snowfall, the fire is now 95% contained at nearly 90,000 acres.
The clear days of October created perfect weather for outdoor play. Chilly mornings and sunny afternoons made for great biking, hiking, fishing and boating. Fortunately, the start of November has brought wintry weather to the region. Wildlife continue to be active and on the move to lower elevations.
As we live with and enjoy nature, I want to remind us to tread lightly. I recently hiked a popular trail near the town of Jackson known as Josie’s Ridge. All the new spur trails are disappointing. We should all stay on the main trail to reduce impact and erosion. The non-profit organization, Tread Lightly, has 7 Principles of Leave No Trace that we can follow to be better stewards of the Earth. Remembering to stay on designated routes and avoid creating new routes is imperative to preserve our trails, access, and limit impact.
Tour Suggestion
Base recreation decisions on minimizing impact on muddy trails. As snow accumulates in the mountains, be wary of hidden obstacles beneath shallow layers of snow. Our community pathways are a great choice for exercise during this transitional time. Many Park roads close November 1 to allow us to explore the roadways without traffic. The Moose-Wilson Road and the inner Park road near Taggert Lake are good options.
Note: Summer tours have ended. Winter tours begin on November 25th. Join us this winter for snowshoeing tours or winter wildlife tours to see and learn about the magnificent nature Jackson Hole has to offer in the colder months. The office will remain open. Book tours online or give us a call!
The winter calendar is starting with save-the-dates, https://jhnordic.com/events/.
JHSC Nordic Masters Clinics
The Recreational Nordic Masters program is a series of Nordic clinics for adults taught by JHSC coaches and is open to all levels from beginners to racers. There will be 8 clinics offered this year, 4 Skate and 4 Classic, on Thursdays from December 12th to February 6th. In a low-key atmosphere, with a focus on fun and socializing, clinics will include drills, games, and distance skiing at JHSC operated Trail Creek Nordic Training Facility and Teton Pines Nordic Center. Participants may register for the Skate only series, the Classic only series, or both (recommended, and the best value!)
Teton Ridge Classic
January 11, 2025
Mike Harris Trail System, Victor ID
Stay tuned for more details on course lengths, start times, and how to get signed up.
Moose Creek Ranch has been a great partner and amazing hosts of our after-race party. They are offering racers 15% off lodging during the race valid from Jan 10-12th. Use discount code TRC15.
Annual Free Ski, Fat Bike, Snowshoe Day
January 12, 2025
Turpin Meadow Ranch | 9:30am – 3pm
Join us for a fun, free community day and favorite winter tradition among the winter trails community!
The event includes a free trail pass, skate & classic XC ski demo gear, fat bike demos, Nordic ski lessons, backcountry Nordic ski & snowshoe tours, a Kids Corral (2-5 yr olds) and more! Sponsored by the JH Nordic Alliance and partners. Bring your own skis and bikes recommended to use between free demos and tours.
