This Month at a Glance
- In Defense of Trekking Poles
- October Nature News
- Nordic Masters Ski Clinics
- JHSC October Nordic Update
- TCSD is Seeking Head Coach for the Nordic Team
- Sign Up for Updates from JHNordic
- Review our Events for 23/24 Winter season
- TVTAP’s 25th Anniversary on Sat, Oct 7th
- Jackson Hole & Snowboard Club’s Annual Ski Swap
On the Blog: In Defense of Trekking Poles
Opinions among hikers are split.
On the topic of trekking poles, recreators are divided. Dedicated hikers passionately endorse their effectiveness, attributing them with a distinct advantage in rugged terrains. While many mountain enthusiasts opt for a hands-free approach, relying solely on their natural agility when traversing challenging landscapes.
However, the debate surrounding trekking poles need not be contentious. It’s important to acknowledge that these poles play a pivotal role in granting access to trails for individuals who might otherwise face limitations. Notably, what was once primarily a popular tool for European hikers has gradually gained traction in the United States.
Remarkably, this equipment found favor among a diverse spectrum of recreational enthusiasts, each possessing varying levels of ability. The rationale behind this widespread adoption is quite straightforward: the array of benefits that hiking poles bring to the table.
October Nature News: The Wonders of Autumn in Jackson Hole
Provided by The Hole Hiking Experience
I think autumn is my favorite time of year in Jackson Hole. The weather can be spectacular and the shaded areas whisper winter with a chill in the air. Snow begins to fall in the high country but you can still access most hikes since it has yet to accumulate. Hiking is more comfortable with cooler temps and no bugs. The aspen and cottonwood trees are turning yellow and in the Snake River Canyon you can see vibrant red maples.
Fall colors seem a bit less vibrant than usual this year, but are still spectacular. Many folks have commented on how the leaves didn’t change color, they just turned brown and fell off. This is due to all the rain and moisture we had this summer. Aspen, and other poplars, are prone to a leaf fungus when it’s wet. As we end one of the coolest and wettest summers on record, it is not surprising that we are seeing this Aspen leaf blight. It usually does not kill the trees, but does weaken their defenses.
Animals are quite active this time of year, engaging in mating rituals and preparing for winter. The red squirrels in my neighborhood are busy gathering cones into middens which are their food supplies throughout the winter. The bull elk bugle and can be heard throughout the valley at the break of day or as the sun sets. A great places to listen is along the Moose-Wilson Road or Lupine Meadows. The meadows are filled with autumn colors and the views are majestic.
Enjoy this magical time of year as town begins to quiet and all beings prepare for winter.
Nordic Masters Clinics are Back!
Hosted by Masters Coach Rob Murphy and Jackson Hole Ski Club Nordic team coaches, these fun, informative, practiced based clinics are back for Season 6!
There will be 10 clinics, starting with 2 clinics in December, then running every Thursday in January and February from 11am-12:30pm, (please arrive at 10:45am ready to ski). The Nordic Masters clinics will focus on skate skiing and classic cross country skiing every other week.
Joining all 10 clinics is your best approach to developing your full Nordic skiing technique, balance, stride, stamina, and overall fitness while having fun in a small group.
JHSC October Nordic Update
October’s schedule is jam packed with events that are all aimed at getting ready for the Winter! Thank you to everybody who came to Team Night at Skinny Skis last week, that was a great first step towards preparedness and making sure that everyone has the appropriate gear for the season. It was amazing to see how many families are invested in making sure that their athletes are equipped so they can grow and learn in their skiing in the months ahead!
TCSD is Seeking Head Coach for the Nordic Team
They are looking for 2-3 coaches. Typically workouts are after school from 3-6pm. There’s about 6 races in their season – there would be lots of parent support too!
What are your Nordic Fundays?
Sign-up for your Daily Trail Reports OR pick your own dates to receive accurate and real-time grooming updates on Jackson Hole/Teton Valley winter trails right in your inbox. The goal is to treat public land in such a way that our grandchildren’s grandchildren will still be able to access and recreate on the same trails one day.
TVTAP’s 25th Anniversary
October 7, 2023
3:30pm for group bike ride; 4:30pm-lawn games & music,
6:00pm-dinner, 6:30pm-State of Trails presentation
Moose Creek Ranch, Victor
Come to the Moose Creek Ranch on Saturday, October 7 to eat, drink, hang with your fellow nordie nerds, bikers and hikers and celebrate a QUARTER CENTURY of Trails & Pathways! The Dinner is currently SOLD OUT, but you can still join us for an open bar, lawn games, bike ride and a lovely fall evening at Moose Creek Ranch.
2023 Annual Ski Swap
October 28, 2023 (Drop off Oct. 27)
7am | Heritage Arena
Turn your gear into cash AND snag deep discounts on new & used gear: Nordic, alpine, freeski, snowboard, backcountry & more.
Drop off gear Friday Oct 27th from 12pm to 6pm – Heritage Arena, Jackson.
Buy new & used gear -Saturday 7am – 4pm at Heritage Arena, Jackson.
See https://jhskiclub.org/skiswap for all details.
Save your Thursdays this Winter!
JHSC Nordic Recreational Masters Clinics
Thursdays, Dec 14, 2023 – Feb 22, 2024
11am – 12pm | Alternating between Teton Pines and Trail Creek
The Nordic Master Clinics are back! Learn/refresh your technique on classic and/or skate skis with certified coaches in small groups. Sign-up from 5-10 clinics, no drop-ins please.
Save the Date
JHNordic Alliance 6th Annual Free Ski, Fat Bike & Snowshoe Day
Saturday, January 7th, 2024
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Fun, Free Community Day – with Raffle benefiting local Nordic Alliance non-profit
Free trail pass, free skate & classic XC ski demo gear, free fat bike demos, free Nordic ski lessons, free BackCountry Nordic Ski & Snowshoe tours, Kids Corral (2-5 yr olds), Bridger-Teton USFS wildlife and wilderness info, Kates Bars, Lunch, snacks, hot & cold drinks.
We’d love to hear about your outdoor adventures. What are you doing to stay healthy, safe, respectful of community health guidelines – send pictures or post on FB and Insta – #JHNordic
