Backcountry Skiing – Spots to Go from Beginner to Advanced
Idaho Falls Ski Club – Brian Edgerton (2/2/2017)
Local skiers have numerous choices for backcountry ski/snowshoe day trips. Before you go, check weather, trail conditions, and access fees on the Web. Pack gear for safety and comfort. Essential gear includes weather resistant, layered clothing, daypack with trail snacks, plenty of water, collapsible shovel, emergency blanket, small tarp for shelter, compass/GPS, extra mittens/gloves, cell phone (powered only when needed), and fire starter. Inform friends where you’re going and when you’ll return. Whenever possible, go with buddies so you have recovery backup.
See the Idaho Falls Ski Club webpage with Nordic Area maps link at https://ifskiclub.com/trails-maps- guides/ for location and trail map information for local backcountry areas. Here’s a short list of backcountry spots for cross-country skiing/shoeing:
Kelly Canyon Nordic Area: Park near the Kelly Mountain Ski Area ($5.00/car fee) and ski up the forest road for access to 17 miles of mostly groomed trails. Watch for trail markers and print the trail map from the Ski Club website before going. There’s a warming and overnight hut (reservations required) on the Kelly Mountain trail. Park 'n Ski Trails in Island Park: Scenic, rolling groomed trails including Brimstone, Buffalo River, and Fall River Ridge near Bear Gulch/Mesa Falls. Harriman State Park: Scenic groomed trails, historic warming cabin and yurts with numerous wildlife viewing opportunities! Caldera Rim Trails – This trail system is north of Ashton half way up Highway 20 on the Ashton Hill. 7N Ranch – On the way to Kelly Canyon, just before you cross the Snake River Bridge. Grand Targhee Resort Nordic Trail System – http://www.grandtarghee.com/activities-events/winter- activities/. Rick’s Basin and Quaky Ridge are some of the most beautiful Nordic terrain in the region. This area offers 15km of groomed classic cross country trails and skate skiing lanes that wind through wooded glades and scenic meadows. Lots of snow late into the season! Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Trail Systems - http://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/city/city- departments/parks-recreation/programs/cross-country-skiing.html. Groomed cross country ski and fat bike trails at Tautphaus and Sunnyside Parks and the Soccer Complex west of town. Freeman Park has groomed cross country trails for skiers. Mark your calendar for the upcoming Snow Shoe Treasure Hunts at the Kelly Canyon Nordic Area on February 8th and 25th and for teenagers only February 11th, 15th and March 3rd – see http://read.uberflip.com/i/727698-fall-winter-2016-parks-rec . Teton Valley Trails and Pathways – http://tvtap.org/nordic-grooming/. Five well groomed trails for skiers and dogs in the Driggs area. Teton Lakes Golf Course in Rexburg: Convenient access with groomed, easy trails. Teton Springs – Near Victor. Swan Valley Nordic Trail - The 3.5 mile, mostly flat trail starts about one mile downriver (west) from the new Snake River Bridge. There’s a plowed parking area at the restroom and the trail is marked starting at the forest service sign. Contact: Ron Frazell 208-499-2677.
Mink Creek Nordic Center – Near Pocatello.
For the more adventurous, there are also numerous backcountry touring and downhill gems in the nearby Tetons and Gros Vente gathered from local lore. Safety preparedness is essential for these day trips. Check out avalanche conditions at, http://www.jhavalanche.org/index.php. The best local weather information can be found at http://www.mountainweather.com/jackson-hole/jackson-hole-forecast/.
Ski Club News:
The ever-popular Big Sky Trip is set for March 10 – 12. Read about the trip and sign up on the ski club website by February 12 .
Sign up by February 19 for the trip to Pomerelle set for February 25. This trip includes the bus ride, lift ticket and lesson.
If you missed sign-up for the lessons at Targhee this upcoming weekend, you can still sign-up for the last Instructional Weekend, March 10 – 12. Sign-up by March 6 for great deals on lessons.