What to do in the Shoulder Season in Jackson Hole

Grand Teton Shoulder Season
Grand Teton Shoulder Season

 

Warm and sunny one minute, snowing the next; must be spring in the valley! Keep up that strength you’ve built over the winter, and keep getting out, even when it’s not perfect powder skiing, or chalky trail conditions. Summer will be here soon, and your body will thank you for keeping up the exercise.

Here are a few activities to keep you moving:

 

Corn Skiing
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Long a favorite of the Jackson Hole local. Backcountry skiing in the spring can be great, but it’s all about timing. The key is to hike up early, during firm conditions, and time it so the descent is on softening snow. Time it well, so you aren’t punching through too much, or skiing on a crust that develops after the sun moves. Beware of wet avalanches, which become more prevalent during spring, and are very dangerous.

 

Climbing
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The Teton Boulder Park at the base of Snow King is a great place to get a quick bouldering session in. Walls are steep here, so you can really get a workout on problems and traverses. The Hoback Shield and Rodeo Wall are both south of Jackson, and have good sport climbing. The best climbs at the Shield are 5.9 and up, for Rodeo wall 9+/10a and up.

Rock Springs Buttress, just south of Jackson Hole Ski Resort can be good, but expect a snowy approach. Lander is 3 hours away, and has many sport climbs.

 

Road Running
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Pathways around Jackson Hole are melting out, and some are ready to go right now. Pathways in South Park, through Jackson, and out to Wilson are clear and ready for running, walking, or biking. The section of the pathway along the National Elk Refuge from Jackson to Gros Ventre Junction is closed from November 1 to April 30 due to elk migration.

The Grand Teton park road is now open to cyclists and pedestrians after spring plowing is completed.

 

Road Biking
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The Grand Teton park road is now open to cyclists and pedestrians after spring plowing is completed.
Combine biking and some backcountry corn skiing for a unique day out!

There’s plenty of road riding in the valley, get more info here.

 

Train for uphills
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High School Butte has about 300’ of vertical to work out on, Snow King has about 1,500’.
The very popular Josie’s Ridge Trail is open starting in May. Keep working on those legs for summer alpine season.

Please be aware of winter wildlife closures, many are in effect through April.
More info here at the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance website.

 

Road trip!
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Excellent destinations for backpacking, rock climbing, running, paddling, and just about any other outdoor activity can be found within several hours of Jackson. Throw some food and gear in the car and hit the road!