Snow Way You're Ready: Early Season Conditions

NPS GIF

Are you in your feels and getting dizzy watching, waiting for snow to load this winter? Us too!

Unfortunately, not enough snow has fallen to begin grooming the Teton Park Road for winter activities like cross-country skiing yet. We are monitoring conditions, in partnership with Grand Teton National Park Foundation, and will share updates once there’s enough snow to begin grooming. Grooming is made possible through the financial support from Grand Teton National Park Foundation and a Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program grant managed by the State of Wyoming.

“Watching, waiting, commiserating. Say it ain't so, [it] will not [snow]...”

– Blink-182, waiting for it to snow (probably)

If your holiday plans include a visit to Grand Teton, come prepared! Limited services and seasonal road and wildlife closures make a winter visit far different from a summer experience. Plan ahead, recreate responsibly, and help ensure this iconic landscape may be enjoyed by future generations.

Brrrrring what you need

Facilities and services are extremely limited in the park during winter. Weather can change within hours from sunny to snowy. Check the weather and park conditions at go.nps.gov/tetonconditions. Be prepared with warm, waterproof layers and bring food, water, and extra clothing.

Sloooowwww down & drive safely

Slowing down to avoid losing control on slick, icy roads. Maintain a large following distance from other vehicles and give snowplows plenty of space. Migrating elk are common along park roadways this time of year. Be vigilant, maintain slower speeds and give wildlife a brake, and follow posted speed limits. Check park road status at go.nps.gov/tetonroads.

Keep the WILD in wildlife 🦌

Be a steward for bighorn sheep and other wildlife who survive brutal winter conditions. Stress from human disturbances like skiing and snowboarding can push these iconic animals towards starvation. Protect wildlife by observing all seasonal and temporary wildlife closures, avoiding bighorn sheep winter zones, and giving all wildlife plenty of space (at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife). Visit go.nps.gov/tetonclosures for more information about park closures and see the entire Teton Range bighorn sheep winter zones and closure map at tetonsheep.org.

Slip, slidin’ away

Road and trail conditions vary across the park. Many are covered in icy snow. You'll luge it... if you don't have traction devices. As trails in the park become snow packed and steeper sections become slick, wear ice grips, traction devices, or crampons, whatever style keeps you upright on the trail. Ski or hiking poles can also help you navigate tricky terrain. Deep, fresh snow later in the winter requires flotation by wearing snowshoes or skis to keep you above the snow. Conditions can change as you explore meadows, shady forests, or well traveled trails. Know the conditions and be prepared to turn around.

Do your backcountry homework

Know the snow. Fresh powder turns are not worth your life! Those venturing into the mountains should use careful snowpack assessment and good terrain choices. Before heading into the backcountry, ALWAYS check bridgertetonavalanchecenter.org.

It’s okay to ghost us & Leave No Trace

Dispose of trash and pet waste properly and follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out what you bring in.

Enjoy the (somewhat) wintery wonderland of Grand Teton National Park. Learn more by visiting our website at nps.gov/grandteton.