Cross Country Skiing in Jackson Hole, Teton Valley & Grand Teton National Park

FAQ — Cross Country Skiing in Jackson Hole, Teton Valley & Beyond

Where can I cross country ski in Jackson Hole?

It depends on whether you want groomed track or a skier-set trail. For groomed classic and skate skiing, the most popular options are the Teton Park Road in Grand Teton National Park (groomed from Taggart Lake Trailhead toward Signal Mountain), Cache Creek, and the Nordic centers — Teton Pines, Shooting Star, Trail Creek and Turpin Meadow Ranch. For ungroomed, skier-tracked touring, try Antelope Flats, Mormon Row or Two Ocean Lake in Grand Teton National Park, or Old Pass Road to Crater Lake near Wilson. All 100+ trails — groomed and ungroomed — are in the searchable trail database, which filters by grooming status.

Are there groomed cross country ski trails in Grand Teton National Park?

Yes. The Teton Park Road is groomed for skate and classic skiing from late December through March, weather permitting, from Taggart Lake Trailhead toward Signal Mountain. Popular destinations include Taggart Lake, Bradley Lake and Jenny Lake. Current grooming status is on the JH Nordic real-time grooming map.

What is the difference between skate skiing and classic skiing?

Classic (or "diagonal stride") skiing keeps the skis parallel in pre-set tracks and is closer in motion to walking — easier for beginners. Skate skiing uses a V-shaped push similar to ice skating, needs a wider groomed lane, and is faster and more aerobic. Most Nordic centers in Jackson Hole groom for both.

Do I need a trail pass to cross country ski in Jackson Hole?

It depends on the trail. Public trails in Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest and Teton County pathways are free to ski (a park entrance pass applies in GTNP, and it does not fund grooming). That grooming is paid for by donations and voluntary trail passes — learn how to support trail grooming. Private Nordic centers — Teton Pines, Shooting Star, Trail Creek, Turpin Meadow Ranch, Grand Targhee — charge a daily trail fee.

Where can I rent cross country ski gear in Jackson?

Rentals are available in town at Skinny Skis and at Nordic centers including Teton Pines, Shooting Star, Grand Targhee and Turpin Meadow Ranch. Our Gear, Guided Tours & Lessons page lists current shops and instructors.

When is the cross country ski season in Jackson Hole?

Valley trails typically run from mid-December through March, following snowpack. Higher-elevation trails — Togwotee Pass and Grand Targhee, and further afield West Yellowstone — often open before Thanksgiving and can ski into April. The Daily Trail Report tracks conditions every morning of the season.

Can I bring my dog cross country skiing in Jackson Hole?

Yes — many trails are dog-friendly, but rules vary. In Grand Teton National Park, dogs are allowed on the Teton Park Road on a 6-foot leash — they must stay on the groomed portion, which follows the summer road, and out of the backcountry. Several Nordic centers, including Grand Targhee and Shooting Star's dedicated dog trail, welcome dogs. In Teton Canyon, Cache Creek, Emily's Pond, the Stilson Loop and many other trails dogs may be off leash once you're 200 yards past the parking area and trailhead. Filter by "dogs allowed" in the trail database and check each trail page for leash rules.

Are there fat biking and snowshoeing trails too?

Yes. The JH Nordic Alliance covers all human-powered winter trail activities. The trail database filters by fat biking, snowshoeing, skate, classic and dog-friendly. Turpin Meadow Ranch, Grand Targhee, Southern Valley Trails/Yeti's and Cache Creek groom or pack dedicated fat bike lanes.

We are a Winter Trails Alliance

We are a collaboration of Nordic and winter trails enthusiasts—individuals, organizations, businesses and public land agencies—who love skiing and playing outside in winter. The Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance exists to connect people to Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park and Teton Valley’s extensive Nordic and winter trails and resources. We began with Nordic and we embrace fat biking, snowshoeing, and other human-powered, sustainable winter trails activities. Our goal is to inform, educate, and inspire our winter trails enthusiasts—both community and visitors—to get outside and enjoy winter trails responsibly.

Join Us!

Built over a decade, our community and resource get richer every time someone sends in a trail report, shares a picture, or asks a curious question. Got something? send it here...

Volunteer

From board members to roving ambassadors to greeters at our annual free ski, fat bike and snowshoe event at Turpin Meadow Ranch, we'd love to have your help. Prerequisites are straightforward: a passion for being out under your own power on winter trails and a desire to help other people experience delight, because we all need more delight. Reach out to [email protected]. Read more about how to get involved with the winter trails community.

Donate

From the very beginning, our goal has been to help everyone get outside and experience more winter. All of our resources and events are offered free of charge to the public. However, there are costs and substantial workload to provide information on miles and miles of trails, maintain this robust online resource and sustain a winter trails community. If you have the ability to contribute funds, we would love your support.

Top hero image of skiers and bottom image on bridge, photo credit ©Jay Photography.