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Winter is a unique and amazing time of the year to experience Grand Teton National Park. As the snow drapes its wintry blanket across the Teton peaks, a peaceful quiet settles onto 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. The park's main roadways, Highway 89/191 and Highway 26/287, are plowed and open for winter travel from the town of Jackson to Flagg Ranch near Yellowstone National Park's south boundary. 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 not open to vehicles during the winter months. The unplowed section of the road from Taggart Lake parking area to Signal Mountain—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 stop by the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center (12 miles north of Jackson, Wyoming) to speak with a park ranger about suggested trails and safety tips, or to pick up a ski/snowshoe trail brochure.
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ROAD INFORMATION
Winter driving can be challenging; park roads are often covered with ice or hard-packed snow; winter storms can 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: / or call (888) WYO-ROAD (only available in Wyoming) or (307) 772-0824.
Teton Park Road (Taggart to Signal): closed, 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 & AVALANCHE INFORMATION
Winters are long and cold in Jackson Hole. The first heavy snows fall by November 1 and continue through March; snow and frost are possible during 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: . 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 page.
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WINTER ACTIVITIES
Safety in the Backcountry
Hikers and climbers are reminded that safety is your responsibility, and depends upon your 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 and are free of charge and available at the visitor center in Moose. 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 all the way to Signal Mountain 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. Parking is not available on the north end of this unplowed roadway. 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. For specific information on winter recreation in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (Flagg Ranch area), download the JODR winter bulletin (Adobe PDF). PLEASE NOTE: The Flagg Ranch Information Station will not re-open for the 2007-2008 winter season. We are unable to mark ski and snowshoe trails this winter, so any references to marked or flagged trails must be disregarded in the linked brochures. You must be responsible for route-finding in the backcountry.
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 Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center when snow conditions permit, usually late December to mid-March. Call the Discovery Center at (307) 739-3399 to make reservations. Snowshoes are provided during this free activity. Reservations are accepted beginning December 1st of every year. Snowmobiling
In Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
Memorial Parkway, snowmobiling is allowed on the Continental
Divide Snowmobile Trail (CDST) and the Grassy Lake Road. The frozen surface of Jackson Lake is open to snowmobiles for fishing access only.
Snowmobilers who wish to proceed north from Flagg Ranch into
Yellowstone National Park must be part of a commercially guided
snowmobile tour. Commerical guide services operate out of
Jackson, WY and other Yellowstone gateway communities. Visit the Yellowstone National Park Website for more information on commercially guided tours and snow coach operators.
Entrance fees for snowmobilers are $15 for one day and $20 for seven days for Grand Teton. All snowmobiles in both parks must meet best available technology standards (BAT, see the brochure link below for a list of approved snowmobile models). For regulations and other information see the snowmobiling brochure. , more>> For current trail conditions on the CDST please call: (307) 739-3683.
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:
NOLS/RMB:
Rendezvous Ski Tours:
The Hole Hiking Experience:
Exum Mountain Guides:
Jackson Hole Mountain Guides:
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VISITOR CENTER HOURS & WINTER LODGING FACILITIES
Some park visitor centers and ranger stations close during the winter season and re-open in May. Please see the for more information on visitor center seasons of operation. Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center
Open All Year 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. June 5-Sept. 4) Phone: (307) 739-3399 Located in Moose 12 miles north of Jackson. Closures: December 25 Exhibits: The Discovery Center features wildlife exhibits, a relief model of the park and an introductory video. Available Facilities: Information, an extensive bookstore, maps, activity schedules, guided snowshoe walks, backcountry camping permits, boat permits, restrooms, telephones. A post office is located nearby. Flagg Ranch Information Station
Flagg Ranch Information Station will not re-open for the winter beginning in 2006-7. We apologize for the inconvenience, but are unable to staff the station at this time. Winter Lodging Facilities
Triangle X Ranch: late December to Late March, (307) 733-2183,
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Dornans Spur Ranch: open year-round, (307) 733-2522, For lodging facilities in the Jackson Hole area visit the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce at: .
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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.
• Dog sled and/or dog sledders are permitted only on Grassy Lake Road.
• Overnight backcountry campers must obtain a free camping permit at Moose Visitor Center.
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, Willow Flats, Kelly Hill, Uhl Hill and Wolff Ridge. 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 (3000m) and southfacing slopes on Mount Hunt above 8,580 feet (2600m); Banana Couloir is open. For a map of winter closure areas click here (Adobe PDF document). For more information on enjoying winter in the Tetons, download the winter issue of the park newspaper, the (Adobe PDF document).
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Trip Planning Guide
Resources for planning your trip to Grand Teton.
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News Releases
Find out what's happening at Grand Teton.
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Things to know before you visit
Trip planning suggestions, lodging, safety information, weather, accessibility, and pet safety.
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Outdoor Activities
There is something for everyone at Grand Teton--explore outdoor opportunities in the park.
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