Well Groomed

Fat skis and powder days might reign king in the Tetons, but don’t discount the white stuff served up corduroy style and enjoyed on a skinnier variety of skis.

From north to south, Teton Valley is home to six different maintained cross-country tracks with a variety of trails for Nordic and skate skiing, and even fat biking, that stretch nearly 60 kilometers, or about 37 miles.

In the wee hours of a cold winter morning, volunteers with Teton Valley Trails and Pathways expertly groom each trail on set days, weather pending, for skiers to enjoy free of charge. Each season, the groomers spent around 1,300 hours perfecting the corduroy and setting the classic tracks; A remarkable feet and an amenity for winter lovers that’s second to none.

Nordic skis can take recreationists to places not easily traveled in the winter. Strap on a pair and cruise deep into the forest in Teton Canyon, with towering mountains straight ahead. Take a lunchbreak and glide atop packed snow Sherman Park in Victor or the Driggs Nordic Trail off Fifth Street. Simply put, cross-country skiing is like gliding on snow either for fitness, exploration, recreation, or all of the above. Get out this winter and explore any and all of the pristine tracks, and if you make it in the pre-dawn hours and see a groomer hard at work, give them a “Thanks!”

The Tracks

Alta Nordic Trail

Located on private land in Alta, Wyoming, the Alta Nordic Trail features wide-open rolling hills and incredible Teton Mountain views. 10 KM

Sherman Park Trail

Tucked away east of Highway 33 in Victor, Sherman Park’s Nordic Trails is a perfect quick loop for an afternoon workout. 4 KM

Teton Canyon Trail

A favorite for a lengthy and scenic jaunt, allow for enough time to do the full out and back. 13 KM Out and Back

Driggs Nordic Trail

Situated behind Teton High School, the Driggs Nordic Trail is in-town and easily accessed. 7 KM

Teton Springs Trails

This trail sits atop the Teton Springs golf course with lovely, scenic views and rolling hills. No dogs allowed at this course, so leave the pooch at home. 7 KM Nordic and 7KM Single Track

Southern Valley Trails

Accessed from the Mike Harris Trailhead just south of Victor, the Southern Valley Trail system is the newest addition to the cross-country trails and gently rolls through lodgepole pine forest. 5 KM Yeti’s Loop and 6 KM Single Track

Winter Trail Etiquette

Many of the trails are multi-use for fat biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Be mindful of signage. For dog-friendly trails, remember to pick up waste and keep dogs on a leash or under voice command at all times. Look for signage for leash laws. For more information, visit tvtap.org.