Cross Country Skiing
Winter in this land of the long, cold shadows takes on special significance to those who revel in the solitude of the remote out-of-doors. So visitors and residents alike seek special treasures in its waiting backcountry.
Cross-country skiing transports the energetic observer into a world that inspires the imagination. The snow reveals scenes to be reconstructed, stories to tell, and signs that can enlighten and amuse. Follow a mouse's track across the snow to a spot where wing prints interrupt and discontinue the track; trace a moose's trail, and discover where and what the moose eats; reconstruct a moment in the life of a squirrel by "reading" its tracks in the snow. Even while recovering from a face plant, a skier may observe spiders or algae on the snow.
Featured Listings: (add your listing)
Hole Hike Experience - XC Skiing in Jackson Hole
The leading summer guide company can show you a winter paradise via skis. Half & full day tours into Grand Teton National Park & other secluded spots.
(866) 733-4453
Skinny Skis - Specialty Cross Country Ski Shop
We carry all Skate, Classic and Touring Ski equipment as well as apparel. Rentals available in our store. Shopping, waxing and training tips online.
(307) 733-6094
Cross Country Skiing Listings: (add your listing)
Rendezvous Backcountry Tours
Learn about winter in Jackson Hole while gliding through the wonderland of Grand Teton National Park with our knowledgeable naturalists. All abilities welcome.
(877) 754-4887
Turpin Meadow Ranch - Winter Wonderland
Access to Yellowstone and Togwotee. A quiet, remote location with Cabins. On site activities including snowshoeing, x-c skiing and snowmobile trips.
(800) 743-2496
Other Related Listings: (add you listing)
Brooks Lake Lodge near Togwotee Pass
X C Skiing adventures take place in the beautiful wilderness... Why not stay in that eutopia? Click to see our Spa, winter activities & accommodations.
(307) 455-2121
Cross Country Ski Mountain Man Country
A great, free local trail system provided by the Sublette County Recreation Board. The county also has endless backcountry touring.
(307) 367-2242
Dornan's Spur Ranch Cabins in Grand Teton Ntl Park
Enjoy scenic winter nestled beneath the Tetons in Grand Teton National Park X-C skiing from your cabin. Short Drive to Jackson and Mountain Resort.
(307) 733-2415
For geographic, geologic, social, and wildlife protection purposes, federal and private agencies alike have described the area in and around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National parks as the "Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem." Inherent in that name is a special sense of awareness and concern for what is here. Whether one is hiking the trails in the summer or cross-country skiing the backcountry in the winter, a vivid awareness engulfs the alert visitor in this specially designated and protected environment.
Cross-country skiing is commonly perceived as a form of recreation. But it also provides venues for observation, understanding, and protection of those things that need special consideration when subsistence is toughestin cold weather and in deep snow. Many forms of wildlife hibernate or migrate. Some become dormant. Others, especially some larger mammals, remain obvious and active.
In the valley from October through April, elk roam through the National Elk Refuge and in nearby lower elevation ranch and forest lands. Regulations to prevent disturbance and stress of the elk commonly keep skiers away from heavy populations of them. However, most moose do not enjoy much protection from winter intruders, and the adverse effects of winter weigh heavily on them. Naturally, the presence of humans is the most easily controlled adverse impact on moose, so skiers should be aware of their effect on the survivability of moose. If a moose simply turns its head to acknowledge the presence of a skier, it needlessly burns a few calories; running to elude recreationists wastes what may be the narrow margin of energy that could sustain its life at the end of a long, demanding winter.
So observe and revel (the more quietly the better) from a distance with binoculars or a long lens. The species and the ecosystem will remain healthy, and the experience will be nonetheless passionate for the thoughtful skier.
GROOMED TRAILS
Machine-groomed trails may be found throughout Teton County and in perimeter areas of Yellowstone. Excellent opportunities may be found at the Spring Creek Nordic Center on Spring Gulch Road northwest of Jackson. Trails at the Teton Pines Country Club and at Teton Village are favorites for many skiers. Quality experiences can be found on the west side of the Teton Range at Grand Targheeeast of Driggsand on the northeast rim of Jackson Hole at the Cowboy Village near Togwotee Pass. Inquire at these locations about fees and amenities such as ski rentals, lodging, hot tubs, and more.
UNGROOMED TRAILS
Many skier-packed and other untracked areas await skiers throughout the season, which often extends from late November through mid March.
Flagg Ranch is the winter staging area for access to the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Cross-country skis may be rented at Flagg Ranch for use on the deep ungroomed snow in that vicinity. A two-mile trail borders the Snake River from Flagg to the South Gate (of YNP), and affords some easy to moderate cross-country terrain with heart-stirring scenery.
Grand Teton National Park harbors some spectacular trails with a great range of difficulty.
For newcomers and novices, the flat flagged trail from Cottonwood Creek to the south end of Jenny Lake (4.5 miles one way) provides great scenic and "spiritual" opportunities. Park at the Taggart Lake Trailhead, which is accessible throughout the winter. Skiers can turn back at any time due to fatigue, wind, impending darkness or undesirable weather and have equally spectacular scenery with nearly identical trail conditions.
The trail to the Phelps Lake Overlook (approx. 2.7 miles one way) climbs steadily but gently. Of course this means there are steady declines that provide momentum for a fun glide during much of the return trip. The Taggart Lake Trail (3 miles in-and-out or a 4-mile loop) provides even more challenges and diverse but equally spectacular scenery.
Signal Mountain offers unpacked slopes and a snowmobile-packed road route. And all of these trails provide a great day in the backcountry for skiers while minimizing the negative impact on wildlife.
The Oxbow Bend, below Jackson Lake's dam, appeals to skiers but should be avoided because of the high probability of stressing moose in the area. Check at the national park and other area visitor centers for information about winter closures for critical winter wildlife habitats. Penalties can be substantial for violating these closures.
Outside the park boundaries popular areas can be found on Shadow Mountain and up Cache Creek Canyon starting at the southeast border of Jackson. The Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center at the north edge of Jackson has information and maps for most local areas.
TELEMARKING
For the more advanced cross-country skier, telemarking adds another dimension to winter experiences in this area. Many telemarkers buy lift tickets and use the downhill ski areas. Others prefer to climb into the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park and open areas of nearby national forest lands and ski challenging slopes that can be found in numerous areas. Stop at the park visitor center(s) to determine seasonal closures and open areas where skiing is permitted, relatively safe from avalanches and non-impacting to wildlife.
Dress well, take long lenses, and pace yourself to avoid fatigue. Enter the backcountry with enthusiasmbut with a great measure of respect for those who must survive there.
Jackson, WY Weather
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Other pages you might find helpful:
High Plains Cross Country Ski District
Find information on races and trails for cross country skiing in the Jackson Hole area.
Pioneer Country Travel Guide
The Pioneer Country Travel Guide offers extensive info on cross country ski trails in Southeastern Idaho.
