Happy Winter Solstice!
We hope you have plans to celebrate the shortest day of the year this weekend, whether that is an extra long Nordic ski or a festive bonfire, or both. We are taking a moment in the long dark hours to appreciate the dedication of groomers working with extended early season conditions.
December 20th is opening day for Turpin Meadow Ranch’s winter season! The snow decided to dump there just in time.
Everyone is itching for all of the tracks across the region to have enough snow…we offer a friendly reminder to wait until trail systems officially open before skiing on them. In the meantime you can buy season trail passes and shop locally now to give non-profits and businesses a little boost while they too wait for more snow.
Happy skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, dog walking and winter adventuring!
At a Glance
- Opening day at Turpin Meadow Ranch – might be soft but will be snow.
- Grooming is happening at Teton Canyon, Grand Targhee, and Sublette Trails.
- More snow means more places to tour over the weekend! Be thoughtful about staying away from steep slopes and preparing for variable weather.
General Weather – A Little Wild
Mountain Weather is forecasting a wild weather week leading up to Christmas. A mix of rain and snow, and strong winds will make for sporty driving conditions over Teton Pass, along with increased avalanche hazard in the backcountry. Check the mountain weather forecast, road reports, and avalanche forecast for updates on changing conditions.
What’s Groomed This Weekend?
• Teton Canyon – Coverage was thin Friday morning, with more snow and cooler temperatures on the way. Classic track was not set Friday, will be set conditions dependent. Planned grooming Saturday morning – check current conditions and look for the groomer comments for details here. (From the web page, click on Teton Canyon on the map and the most recent groomer updates will show in the box on the right hand side of the page)
• Grand Targhee – The Hamster Loop and modified Snowdrift loop were in good shape for skating Thursday and Friday. Classic track is not set. Grooming is planned for late Friday / early Saturday, and will be conditions dependent on Sunday. Remember you can now purchase a Nordic day or season pass at Habitat in Driggs so you can go straight to the track from the lower parking lot.
• Turpin Meadow Ranch – The groomer has been prepping all week and packing and grooming upwards of 2 feet on Friday, which turned to rain in the evening. Elee the groomer plans to be out very early with the PistenBully, and will post to Nordic Pulse once she is done. Given that Turpin just went from hardly any coverage to well-covered in 24 hours, conditions may be a bit rustic with soft storm snow. Check the grooming map here.
• Sublette Trails – Skiers are reporting good conditions on the trails near White Pine Resort, outside of Pinedale. Trails are groomed for skate and classic. Check for grooming and notes on the Sublette Trails Association winter page.
A Cora, WY, Native is headed to Olympic trials in Vermont this weekend. Photo credit Kevin Voight.
For a little inspirational read, check out WPR’s coverage of Zoe May Noble, who raced for the Pinedale High School Nordic team.
Events – Wydaho Nordic Series
Saturday, Dec 27
While the start of this winter has been difficult to predict, Will Wicherski, JHSC Nordic Program Director, is optimistic Trail Creek can be ready to host the first of the WYDAHO Nordic Series the weekend after Christmas.
This community and family-friendly classic race is a great way to kick off a race season, whether it’s your first race season or your 29th. And you can race in one race, or the whole series or anything in between.
Saturday, Jan 24
Next up in the series, head a little south for the Pinedale STAmpede (in fact you cld head south this weekend to preview the trails since they are some of the longest groomed track available right now).
Race details and registration here.
And as a little perk, Nordic Alliance members receive a 15% discount at Lakeside Lodge (mention SOLSTICE if you are headed there this weekend).
Saturday, Jan 31
And once your legs are getting in the groove, the Teton Ridge Classic is a great race to try a longer distance.
This annual race began at Teton Ridge Ranch, on the northern end of Teton Valley. This long-time annual classic race starts in the meadow just west of Moose Creek Ranch, crosses under the highway and loops around the Southern Valley Trails, south of Victor.
Great hills, great forest, great peopls, a great time on classic skis!
Sunday, Jan 11, 2026
Join us at the Annual Free Ski, Snowshoe & Fat Bike Event at Turpin Meadow Ranch.
The day is a celebration of winter trails, human-powered recreation, community and public lands.
Registration, schedule, shuttle and lesson sign ups coming soon.
