Sending well wishes to all those near and far during these trying times. Staying close to home is key right now, however we want to share what’s going on in JH as inspiration for locals as well as those from afar. We are a community fully committed to working together to respect health guidelines, keeping social distances, and helping others as much as possible. Stay safe and stay strong!
Last Chance to Enter the JH Nordic “Buff” Contest
Final reminder to submit your best photo for the JH Nordic Neck Gaiter “buff” contest!
The deadline for contest entry is April 30th, 2020. Email your photos to info@jhnordic.com or show them off on social media tagging #jhnordicbuff and @jhnordic to be considered. You must be the owner of the image being submitted.
Goggles for Docs
Most of us have extra goggles – old and maybe new – at home. What a great way to put them to use by donating to the Goggles for Docs program.
Convenient drop off locations are:
Keely’s Camp: 440 Snow King Loop in the Pitchfork Townhomes.
Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club: 100 Snow King Ave by the sliding glass doors ski club entrance.
Teton Gravity Research headquarters: 1260 North West St, Wilson, WY. There will be a clearly marked box outside the door.
Aspens Market: Wilson, WY
April Skiing Still Looking Good!
Outstanding spring nordic skiing on Togwotee Pass – Rosie Ridge – starting at the top of Four Mile Road.
Rosie’s Ridge, Togwotee Pass – Even after rain in the valleys on Thursday, at higher elevations, the snow pack is in good condition on gentle slopes above 7600 ft for xc skiing.
Be careful to socially distance, prepared with bear spray, food, water, sun cream, extra layers for warmth/wind, and a day pack to carry it all. A few local friends gathered responsibly to try out a popular late season trail , Rosie’s Ridge, with spectacular Teton views and nice smooth skiing.
Timing is everything, as overnight temps are well below freezing to ensure a firm, cold snow surface.
We skied on classic mid-width (65mm) skis. With an earlier start, skate skis would also work, but watch the softening of snow on the return of you skate ski for the snow will rapidly soften with the sun, and can be a serious challenge for any skinny skis.
| We want to remind skiers of the evolving snowpack and to be careful when moving under, across, and over steep slopes due to snow collapse possibilities. Recent rain and mostly above-freezing temperatures have saturated the snowpack below 8,000 feet. Light freezing overnight has formed surface crusts over a warm, wet snowpack. As soon as these crusts break down, the wet snow avalanche hazard will become elevated. On steep snow-cover slopes, where the snowpack is unconsolidated, wet slides are possible. |
Stay Safe Out on the Trails
When spring nordic skiing takes you off the beaten path, remember to: bring a buddy, bear spray, food and water, and a warm layer when venturing into the back country forests. A minor fall can turn into a major accident, even on cross-country skis. We are grateful for our community of Nordic ski friends, TCSAR, Turpin Meadow Ranch, and GTNP Park rescue unit for assistance in a recent incident on a national forest trail.
BTNF and Friends of Pathways Updates
The BTNF is proposing changes to the leash law requirements in the Cache Creek, Nelson Drive and Teton Pass area and is seeking public comment. You can find the complete proposal below on the Friends of Pathways website. Submit comments by May 15th to Tim Farris, Trails/Wilderness Supervisor at timothy.farris@usda.gov. Read the full proposal.
Trail Updates: Most valley trails are still snow-covered and are NOT READY for riding or hiking. Riding and hiking through or around mud causes permanent damage and creates more work for already strapped trail crews and budgets. Critical wildlife winter range closures remain in effect until the end of April.
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