Where to Cross-Country Nordic Ski in Teton Valley

In addition to world-class downhill alpine skiing and snowboarding, Teton Valley is also known for being one of the best places for cross-country Nordic skiing in the U.S. If you’re planning a ski trip and want to try your hand on our miles and miles of groomed trails with stunning views, here is the ultimate guide to Nordic skiing in Teton Valley, Idaho. 

LEARN TO SKI

If you’re a novice and want a quick lesson before hitting the trails, be sure to schedule some time with Teton Nordic Ski School in Driggs, Idaho. This ski school  offers cross-country ski lessons in both the traditional classic style and the more modern skating style of cross-country skiing. All lessons are taught on a track groomed by Teton Valley Trails and Pathways, packed specifically with grooves for classic skiing or a wide area for skate skiing. You can book private lessons for single or group lessons, or join one of the scheduled lessons. Check out their website and sign up ahead of time. 

WHERE TO RENT SKIS

Cross-country ski rentals are available at several locations in Driggs. You can visit Peaked Sports or Yostmark Mountain Equipment in downtown Driggs, or rent cross-country ski gear packages at Grand Targhee Resort. If you’re planning to take lessons, be sure to check in with your instructor for recommendations to ensure you get the right equipment for your trip. 

BEST CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAILS

With hundreds of miles of groomed trails, the hard part will be choosing where exactly you want to go cross-country skiing during your visit. Ski rental places like Peaked or Yostmark can give you guidance for the best spots to fit your skill level, plus we’ve outlined a few here to get you started. 

TETON VALLEY TRAILS & PATHWAYS 

Teton Valley Trails & Pathways (TVTAP) provides an extensive network of groomed trails throughout Teton Valley that fit all levels of cross-country experience. One of their most popular trails in Teton Canyon offers miles and miles of smooth groomed track and stunning views of the Grand Tetons. This is one where you’ll definitely want to take some photos to remember your trip! 

Five groomed Nordic Trails provided by Teton Valley Trails and Pathways include:

• Alta Nordic Trail: Alta Ski Trails are located just behind the Alta School, along Ski Hill Road. Dogs allowed.
• Driggs Nordic Trail: There are three different loops to ski totaling a distance of 6 kilometers. Most of this track is mostly flat, but a few small hills can be found along the North Plateau loop. This trail also provides access to the Driggs sledding hill.
• Sherman Park: Located near downtown Victor, this trail offers excellent classic and skate skiing in the open area throughout the park and over features created for the summer cycle-cross track. On several evenings the stadium lights are turned on from 6-9pm for night skiing. 
• Teton Canyon: Teton Canyon Ski Trail is off to the right just before Ski Hill Road begins to climb toward Grand Targhee. This trail is an out-and-back trail, following a forest service road and offering beautiful views of Teton Canyon.

All TVTAP trails are free to the public, but if you would like to donate to support their efforts, you can purchase a TVTAP trail pass at www.tvtap.org.

TETON RESERVE 

The Teton Reserve Nordic Skiing Trails offer over 7 km of groomed trails, and are located conveniently just 1 mile north of Victor. This is a family-friendly, nearly flat trail, so a good place for easy, gentle skiing. The trails are laid out in a way that you can create your own route, distance, and difficulty level. Parking is at the Teton Reserve Golf Course Clubhouse, which is open during normal business hours and offers snacks, beverages, and restrooms. Maps and more info can be found by clicking HERE. (No dogs or walkers are allowed on the trails but snowshoeing is permitted.) These trails are part of the TVTAP system. 

GRAND TARGHEE RESORT

Grand Targhee Resort hosts a 15 km cross-country Nordic skiing trail accessible at the resort’s base. Skiers will find impeccable grooming on the trails and over 2,500 acres of lift served terrain for Nordic skiers seeking downhill alpine thrills. This immense network of trails are guaranteed to appeal to beginner, intermediate or expert skiers.

TETON SPRINGS BRONZE BUFFALO RANCH

Teton Springs Bronze Buffalo Ranch makes it easy for skiers to experience the grandeur of the Teton & Big Hole Mountains that envelop this amazing resort. Members of Bronze Buffalo Ranch are just steps away from enjoying Nordic cross-country skiing on the resort’s 7 km of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing.

Where to stay when cross-country skiing 

Now that you know all the best places to cross-country ski in Teton Valley, it’s time to start planning your trip! We offer a wide variety of vacation rentals throughout Teton Valley that are in close proximity to the best cross-country ski trails in southeast Idaho. Whether you prefer a townhome, condo, or spacious private home, we are sure to have the ideal property for your stay. Each of our accommodations features top-of-the-line amenities, and they are just minutes from the best restaurants, attractions, and outdoor activities that only the Grand Tetons and Teton Valley can offer.  Click here to check out our rentals, where you can narrow your search by area, amenities, communities, or location.