Winter in Grand Teton

 

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Winter is a wonderful time to experience Grand Teton National Park. As the snow drapes a wintry blanket across the Teton Range, a peace settles over the landscape, offering a sharp contrast to the busy summer season. Winter recreation activities abound, as the park becomes a popular destination for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and photographers who wish to capture the beauty of a Teton winterscape. If you are planning a visit during the winter season, make sure you check current weather forecasts and road conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Road Information

Winter driving may be challenging; park roads are often covered with ice or hard-packed snow; winter storms create white-out driving conditions. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with winter or all-season tires and carry tire chains when driving over mountain passes. For updated road information in the park call: 307-739-3682. For Wyoming Department of Transportation information, visit their website: http://www.wyoroad.info/ or call 1-888-WYO-ROAD (only available in Wyoming) or 307-772-0824 or 511 on your cell phone.

The park's main roadways, Highway US 89/191 and Highway US 26/287, are plowed and open for winter travel from the town of Jackson to Flagg Ranch just south of Yellowstone National Park. These travel routes offer outstanding mountain vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities. Park roads are often snow-covered and icy. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and carry a winter safety kit in your vehicle for emergencies. In addition, wildlife can linger near park roads, so be alert, and drive slowly for their safety and yours.

Much of the Teton Park Road (also called the inner park road) is closed to vehicles during winter. The unplowed section of the road from Taggart Lake Trailhead parking area to Signal Mountain Lodge-a distance of 15 miles-is open to non-motorized use only (skiers and snowshoers). A variety of other trails throughout the park offer winter visitors many ways to experience a snowy Teton wonderland. As a safety precaution, outdoor enthusiasts should carry-at a minimum-water, high energy snacks and extra winter clothing during any backcountry excursion. Please see our Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing web page or stop by the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center in Jackson, Wyoming to speak with a park representative about suggested trails and safety tips, or to pick up a ski and snowshoe information.

Teton Park Road (Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge): closed to vehicles, open to skiing and snowshoeing access.

Highway 26/89/191 (outer park road): open year-round from Jackson to Flagg Ranch or Togwotee Pass and Dubois, WY.

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Weather and Avalanche Information

Winters are long and cold in Jackson Hole. The first heavy snows fall by November 1 and continue through April; snow and frost are possible any month.

If you are planning to travel in the backcountry during the winter, be sure to check the local avalanche forecast. Avoid known avalanche paths. All skiers and climbers travelling in avalanche terrain should be equipped with, and know how to use, an avalanche beacon, probe pole and shovel. For current conditions call 307-733-2664 for the U.S. Forest Service avalanche report or go to: http://www.jhavalanche.org/index.php

Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold and is aggravated by wind, exhaustion and wet clothing. Warning signs include: uncontrollable shivering, incoherent speech, lethargy and exhaustion. Remove the victim from the elements as soon as possible. If in doubt, seek immediate medical attention.

For weather information, links to weather forecasts and avalanche reports as well as average temperatures and precipitation, visit our weather page.

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WINTER ACTIVITIES

Ranger-guided Snowshoe Walks
Are you curious about winter ecology or snow science? Have you ever wanted to experience the park in the winter? A snowshoe walk with a park naturalist is the perfect way to introduce yourself to winter in the Tetons and to experience the fun of traveling on snowshoes. Naturalists provide guided snowshoe walks from the Taggart Lake Trailhead when snow conditions permit, usually the day after Christmas to mid-March. Call the park at 307-739-3399 Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm to make reservations. Reservations are accepted beginning December 1st of every year. Snowshoes are available for a rental fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children, 8 years or older. More>>

Safety in the Backcountry
Hikers and climbers are reminded that your safety is your responsibility. You must rely on your own good judgment, adequate preparation and constant awareness. Backcountry users should be in good physical condition and stick to routes that are within your ability and comfort levels. Hypothermia and frostbite can set in quickly, and are difficult to care for while in the backcountry. Take preventative measures to avoid the dangers of cold weather; look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite in members of your group. Traveling alone can be especially dangerous; always give friends or family a detailed itinerary and stick to that plan. Permits are required for all overnight backcountry trips, are free of charge and available at the administration building at park headquarters in Moose Monday through Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm. On weekends and federal holidays, persons wanting a backcountry permit should call park dispatch at 307-739-3301. Watch our video podcast for more information about winter safety.

Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are two of the best ways to experience the exhilaration of winter travel. Winter is an excellent time to see wildlife and/or signs of wildlife in the snow. From November 1 to May 1, the Teton Park Road from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge is open for non-motorized use only. You can ski or snowshoe on this road, which is intermittently groomed to provide a packed surface for snowshoeing and crosscountry touring. Other places to enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing include Colter Bay, Antelope Flats Road, Taggart Lake and Flagg Ranch. If you plan to ski or snowshoe the Moose-Wilson Road, park at the Granite Canyon Trailhead or at the junction to the Death Canyon Road.

Proper preparation and planning ensures a great winter experience in Grand Teton National Park. Download the Cross-country Skiing brochure (Adobe PDF) for a listing of trails, safety information and other detailed information or visit our Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing page.

Snowmobiling
Please inquire at a visitor center for updated information about snowmobiling in the Greater Yellowstone area. Visit the Yellowstone National Park Web site for winter use planning documents and to review Best Available Technology (BAT) snowmobiles permitted in both parks. See the snowmobiling brochure for Grand Teton National Park for more information.

Guided Tours
The following businesses are licensed by the National Park Service to provide tours and services in the park during the winter season:

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: http://www.jacksonhole.com/
NOLS/RMB: http://www.nols.edu/
Rendezvous Ski Tours: http://www.skithetetons.com/
The Hole Hiking Experience: http://www.holehike.com/
Exum Mountain Guides: http://exumguides.com/
Jackson Hole Mountain Guides: http://jhmg.com/
Eco Tour Adventures: http://www.jhecotouradventures.com/

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VISITOR CENTER HOURS & WINTER LODGING FACILITIES

Park visitor centers and ranger stations close during the winter season and re-open in March-May. Please see the facilities page for more information on visitor center seasons of operation.

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center
Closed during the winter. Open mid March through early November.
Visitor Information. Call 307-739-3399, 10 am - 4 pm. Monday - Saturday.

Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center
Open all year (closed Christmas and Thanksgiving). Located in Jackson, Wyoming.

Winter Lodging Facilities

Triangle X Ranch: late December to Late March, 307-733-2183, http://trianglex.com/

Dornans Spur Ranch: open year-round, 307-733-2522, http://www.dornans.com

For lodging facilities in the Jackson Hole area visit the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce at: http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/

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REGULATIONS

• Harassing wildlife is prohibited. Winter conditions stress all animals. Approaching too closely increases stress and may reduce their chance of surviving the harsh winter weather. Retrace your steps or detour to avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Pets are restricted to plowed roadways and turnouts. Pets are also allowed on the unplowed portion of the Teton Park Road and the Moose-Wilson Road. Pets must be leashed at all times (6' max).
• Please use the Mutt Mitts provided at the trailheads to properly dispose of your pet's waste.
• Overnight backcountry campers must obtain a free camping permit. Permits are available at the administration building at park headquarters in Moose Monday through Friday 8:00-4:30 pm. On weekends and federal holidays persons wanting a backcountry permit should call park dispatch at 307-739-3301.

Areas Closed to Protect Wildlife

Winter closures include the Snake River bottom from Moose north to Moran Junction, Buffalo Fork of the Snake River in the park, Kelly Hill, Uhl Hill and Wolff Ridge (December 15 through March 31). Closures for the protection of bighorn sheep include: Static Peak, Prospectors Mountain and Mount Hunt including peaks 10,988, 10,905, and 10,495; all areas above 9,900 feet (3000 m) and southfacing slopes on Mount Hunt above 8,580 feet (2600 m) (December 1 through March 31); the Banana Couloir is open.

For more information on enjoying winter in the Tetons, download the winter issue of the park newspaper (Adobe PDF document). The newspaper includes a map of winter closure areas.

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