This Month
- Winter Activities: Discover Early Season Winter Activities – XC, Fat Biking, Grand Targhee
- Get Ready for Winter: TVTAP Begins Winter Trails Prep
- Winter Closures: Teton Park Road Closes November 1st
- In the News: Eagle Scout rebuilds bridge at Trail Creek Nordic Center
- New! Mountain Neighbor Handbook
- Photo Gallery: Fall Trail Photos, Winter Throwback
Winter Activities
Early Season Favorite Cross-country Ski/Fat Bike Trails
Above 8000 feet for early cross-country skiing and fat biking is where it’s at! The Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone area offers a wide array of cross country ski and fat biking opportunities. Undoubtedly, there is an adventure available for all skill and thrill levels. From the jaw dropping views at Teton and Towgotee Passes to the more laid-back terrain surrounding Taggart Lake. When the winter nordic ski season starts, there is no end to the wonder you can experience in our own backyard.
As the snow begins to fall at elevation, JHNordic is watching the snow line carefully to see when and where there might be enough snow base for our cross-country ski or fat bike winter excursions. In addition, we advise you to look for ski/fat bike trails above 8000 ft (or snow-line).
To begin preparing for your season, be sure to include a schedule of dynamic/balance stretching and cardio workouts to avoid excess strain on cold ligaments, which would leave you prone to injury. Be sure to bring your bear spray, as well, since bears are not quite in hibernation and could be anywhere. Find our staff picks for the early season favorite ski/fat bike trails below.
Grand Targhee Planned Opening Soon
Grand Targhee is planning to open for the season on November 18th! Nordic trail grooming will be snow dependent (but looking good right now per a recent update today from local skiers). Targhee boasts 15km of groomed classic cross-country trails and skate skiing lanes that wind through wooded glades, aspen groves, and scenic meadows. Nordic Trail Users must purchase one of the following to ride the Winter Sports Trail System: a Full Mountain Lift Ticket, Winter Season Pass, Nordic Trail Ticket or a Nordic Season Pass.
Explore More Winter
Jackson Hole is more than downhill skiing, it’s a landscape with endless possibilities. When you visit Jackson Hole in the winter you will see there is much more to explore when recreating these limitless winter trails. Try Nordic skiing, snowshoeing or fat biking. Visit jhnordic.com and explore the winter trails, events, clinics, rentals, and the Nordic community.
Perfect time to get into Fat Biking
Game Creek Trail, Bridger Teton US Forest.
Not quite enough snow to XC ski, but perfect to Fat Bike!
We love our biker sharing the trail!
Winter Closures
Teton Park Road Closed November 1st (Taggart to Signal)
Winter is coming and so are seasonal facility and service closures in Grand Teton National Park. The Teton Park Road will closed to cars beginning Nov. 1. For more operating hours and seasonal closures, visit https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/hours.htm.
Grooming will likely begin in mid December, subject to snow coverage. Moose-Wilson road from south GTNP entrance is currently closed to vehicles, cyclists, walkers, runners until further notice. The road should be open this winter for xc skiing, snowshoes and pedestrians.
Get Ready for Winter
TVTAP Winter Trails Prep is On
Before you see that nice, fresh corduroy on Winter Trails, there’s a whole list of things that need to get checked off. Program Director, Nick Beatty has been busy tuning up snowmobiles, mowing venues, setting routes and signing up volunteer groomers.
In the News
A worthy project — Scout’s honor
Boy Scout Zach Baker’s Eagle Scout project rebuilds bridge at Trail Creek Nordic Center.
The Beaver Dam Bridge at the Trail Creek Nordic Center near Wilson got a recent upgrade, thanks to Jackson Hole Middle School student Zach Baker.
A Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 268, as well as a member of the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club’s Nordic Junior ski team, Zach decided that replacing the decking on the old bridge was the perfect melding of two of his passions for his Eagle Scout project.
New!
The Mountain Neighbor Handbook
The 40+ contributors to The Mountain Neighbor Handbook: A Local’s Guide to Stewardship in the Tetons compiled this new resource as an introduction and an invitation to environmental stewardship. Chapters focused on everything from wildlife and habitat to energy and waste help readers navigate the realities of living in this wild place.
Led by Teton Conservation District, Teton County, Town of Jackson, and the Jackson Hole Land Trust, the free handbook can be found online at mountainneighbor.org. Hardcopies are being distributed by project partners and mailed to welcome new residents to Teton County.
“As property values increase and tourism booms, we need to remind ourselves that the intact ecosystem exists because of generations of strategic conservation,” says Carlin Girard, executive director of Teton Conservation District. “Looking forward, stewardship of our private lands is an unfulfilled opportunity within our conservation legacy. This handbook offers tools to support the region’s ecosystem in our homes and backyards.”
Photo Gallery
Mark your calendar so you don’t miss out on all the wonderful events coming up! Explore the highlighted events below or find more events on our website at https://jhnordic.com/events/
JH Ski Club Masters Nordic Ski Clinics
Thursdays -from Mid December to late February
Join us this winter season to increase your ski speed, stamina, and strength. Work on your technique and form with professional tips and exercises from USSA certified coaches. Stay and ski all day with your clinic ski pass at Teton Pines Nordic Center or Trail Creek Nordic Center (we will ski at both locations through out the winter to provide a variety of terrain and technique).
More information to come.
Betty Woolsey Classic Race
December 26, 2022
Trail Creek Nordic Center
Come work off your Christmas feast in style! This community event offers distances for every age and ability, 10 AM start time with a mass start classic format.
Racers can choose from 0.5k, 3k, 5k, and 10k options.
JH Nordic Alliance 5th Annual Free Ski, Fat Bike, & Snowshoe Day
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Sunday, January 8th, 2023
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.
Sponsored by the JH Nordic Alliance members.
Family. Friends, visitors, dogs (on leash) welcome.
Bring your own skis and bikes recommended to use between free demos and tours .
We’d love to hear about your outdoor adventures, what your doing to stay healthy, safe, respectful of community health guidelines – send pictures or post on FB and Insta – #JHNordic
