JH Nordic Spotlight: Board Member Dave Bergart
How many Nordic-y things are you involved in?
JHNA board member, TRC race director, competitor in international race circuit (racing the Norwaigen birkie this year!), dad of 2 girls on the GTSSF Nordic (and alpine) team.
What are 3 trails you love that would be fun to go see now on a bike or a walk/run before the snow flies, and why?
1. Moose Creek>Taylor loop>Moosecreek – TVTAP did an incredible job this summer re-establishing parts of this trail. Amazing 15 mi hike/run loop. It’s still a bit of an adventure with a knee deep water crossing, but worth it.
2. Entire Mike Harris trail system. So fun on a bike or great to run. I feel so fortunate everytime I’m on these trails. They are on the perfect grade and fun downhills. Huge thanks to the USFS and MBT the Tetons
* Mike Harris parking area is closed during bridge construction. You can still access trails from Trail Creek campground parking or Sherman Springs parking.
3. Pole Canyon>Mike Sell on a bike. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea – there’s a lot of climbing and a few hike-a-bike sections, but it’s wild out there with amazing views.
What’s one Nordic tip you learned along the way that you sometimes think “wow, glad I learned that…”?
To truly become a great classic skier it takes 3 reincarnations.
Dave Bergart is also the race director for the Teton Ridge Classic!
Time to Start Training
Gyms on both sides of the Tetons offer ski fit classes starting around Oct 1. Classes can help you jump start your motivation, make workouts more fun and help you gain balance and agility so that you start (all types of) skiing strong. While you are getting strong, you might also pull out your gear and make sure you have what you need for the upcoming season. There are upcoming ski swaps in Jackson October 26th and Teton Valley November 9, where you may find just what you need…or sell what you don’t! And as always, Skinny Skis and JD High Country Outfitters are ready to talk skis any day of the year if you are looking for an upgrade, a new type of ski or warmer boots (or is it just my feet that seem colder every season that passes?).
Teton County, ID, will vote on new Rec District
Teton County, Idaho, has been working on developing a parks and recreation district. In a nutshell, outside of school sports, much of the impetus and infrastructure for sports and recreation comes from non-profits who are supported through donations, grants and volunteers.
The parks and recreation district, if established, would endeavor to provide an additional and consistent funding source, opening up a lot of possibilities. Specific to our winter trails, the district could do things like purchase new grooming equipment, maintain trailheads/bathrooms, purchase a community shared timing system for races, provide support for coach trainings, etc.
We have included an image of the ballot to share the language for this initiative. Please visit the Rec District FAQs to learn more in preparation for the upcoming vote.
A Successful Old Bill’s
Thanks to our super fun volunteers and all of the visits to our booth at Old Bill’s. Great to see old friends and hear fun stories as well as meet people new to the area who are looking for Nordic and winter trails and resources to help them take advantage of all the amazing skiing to be had here.
September Nature News
Fall delivers cooler temps and excellent wildlife viewing in Jackson Hole
Provided by The Hole Hiking Experience
Fall is here with the Autumnal Equinox this past Sunday, September 22. Mating season will soon begin for many large animals and it’s time to enjoy the sunset and listen to the elk bugle. Bull Elk establish territories and gather females into a harem as the animals come together for mating season. Enjoy this dynamic time of the year and the transition to fall.
By late September, leaves will turn golden on Aspens and Cottonwoods. It’s a wonderful time to fish and float on the river. Walks in Aspen groves are great options. Head to Coal Creek for an uphill adventure or the Aspen Trail in Teton Valley, Idaho, to find beautiful fall colors. Make sure to be prepared for varying weather as the season changes.
Field Facts
- As days continue to shorten, birds will begin to migrate to winter territories. Currently seeing flocks of juncos, bluebirds, blackbirds and starlings.
- Mating season begins so give animals extra space. Bull Moose can be feisty at this time of the year.
Backcountry Tips
- Hunting season has begun so it’s time to wear orange when recreating on National Forest land.
- Grizzlies are frequently seen on the Old Pass Road near Wilson. It’s a perfect habitat with lots of water and food sources. Be alert, carry bear spray and be cautious of your pets.
Upcoming closures and delays on Moose-Wilson, Death Canyon and Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve entrance roads
Drivers and cyclists on the Moose-Wilson Road will experience intermittent delays from September 23 until the winter road closure for movement of construction equipment and supplies. Pilot cars and one-lane travel may be in place for public safety and resource protection.
Death Canyon Road will be closed to all users starting October 1 as Lower Valley Energy relocates overhead electrical lines underground. Hiking, biking and driving on Death Canyon Road will be prohibited until winter. To access Phelps Lake or Death Canyon after the closure, visitors can use the Valley Trail from the Granite Canyon Trailhead.
The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve entrance road, parking area, and trailhead will also be closed starting September 23 for parking lot and accessibility improvements. Preserve hiking trails in the Phelps Lake area will remain open, but only if accessed from the Valley Trail. All trails will reopen for winter recreation. Funding for the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve project comes from Jackson Hole Preserve Inc., one of Grand Teton’s longest standing partners.
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.
Boulder Mountain Tour
February 1, 2025
Sun Valley, ID
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.
