Jackson Hole Winter Activities- Cross-Country Skiing in the Tetons

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Jackson Hole Winter Activities- Cross-Country Skiing in the Tetons

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A skier glides along the trail in Grand Teton National Park.

One of my favorite Jackson Hole winter activities is cross-country skiing. It is such a fun, freeing way to experience the valley. It is a more subtle thrill than shredding the powder at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or speeding down the slope at Snow King Resort, but it is exhilarating nonetheless. Away from the crowds that can come with resort skiing, the silence and solitude of winter in Jackson Hole becomes the focus. You might get lucky and spot moose, bald eagles or other wildlife, but you are guaranteed to be rewarded with fantastic scenery.

There are numerous trails to try on Nordic skis, each affording a different experience, and the Inn on the Creek is a great home base for a cross-country ski adventure.  We are conveniently located to access many of the hot spots, and we are just a few blocks from several local outfitters, where complete ski set ups can be rented for about $20. After a comfy night’s sleep and a hot, hearty breakfast here at the Inn, you’ll be all set for a day of sight-skiing!

XC-Skis-Jackson-Hole-Winter-Activities

Skinny skis making tracks in the snow.

For folks who want to try cross-country skiing for the first time, or for those looking for a cardio workout between runs at Teton Village, Teton Pines Nordic Center is a great option. Located on the village road, about 20 minutes from the Inn, Teton Pines has ten miles of groomed trails, with rentals and lessons available on-site. The center’s friendly and knowledgeable staff will have you kick-gliding away in no time!

XC-Skiing-Jackson-Hole-Winter-Activities

A skier pauses to take in the view on the Cache Creek trail.

A five minute car ride from the Inn is Cache Creek Trailhead, where many local residents go for a quick workout or dog walk. I love Cache Creek because the trail goes slowly and steadily uphill, which means on the way back down you are literally dashing through the snow. While gravity is doing the work, you can enjoy being surrounded by a lovely evergreen forest and the babbling (partially frozen) Cache Creek, with views of the southern Teton Range in the distance. This is the place to go if you have a hankering to see moose, but also enjoy frolicking with golden retrievers.

Viewing the Tetons during XC skiing, a Jackson Hole Winter Activity

Wind blows snow off the mountain peaks during a cross country ski in Grand Teton National Park

My favorite spot for Nordic skiing is Grand Teton National Park. One of the two roads through the park is closed all winter, providing a wide, smooth surface for sailing across the landscape on cross-country or skate skis. A bluebird day in the Tetons absolutely cannot be beat for beauty. Get off the beaten path and head toward Taggart Lake or the Snake River for more opportunities to see wildlife.

After enjoying a day of cross-country skiing (or any of the other numerous Jackson Hole winter activities), we’ll be waiting with warm cookies to welcome you back to the Inn on the Creek. Consider booking your winter get-away today.

 

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