Alta: Nature, Cross-Country Skiing and Grand Targhee

When planning a trip to Alta, it is worth distinguishing between the offerings based on their focus. The Alta Nordic Track is intended exclusively for skating and classic cross-country skiing; Grand Targhee also has multi-use trails, a bike park and seasonal lift and nature offerings. Grand Targhee Resort is on the west slope of the Tetons in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. It can only be reached via Teton Valley in Idaho; road conditions may be affected by the season.

Scenery and local landmarks

Alta Park offers views of the west side of the Grand Teton. It is just off Ski Hill Road near Victor and Driggs, Idaho. The park and resort provide different points of reference for planning your trip: Alta Park is primarily about views of the Grand Teton, while Grand Targhee is notable for its location on the west slope of the Tetons. Grand Targhee reports more than 500 inches of snowfall annually; the annual average may be updated.

Cross-country skiing and trails

The Alta Nordic Track consists of several loops totaling approximately 10 kilometers. This length describes the combined distance of the loops, not a single loop. Access is available from the parking lot between Alta School and St. Francis Episcopal Church in Alta, Wyoming, or from the playground/parking lot on Targhee Towne Road. From either parking lot, it is a short walk to the trail.

At Grand Targhee, the multi-use trail network covers more than 50 miles. The two distances refer to different offerings: approximately 10 kilometers for the Alta Nordic Track loops and more than 50 miles for the resort network. For planning, the name is therefore as useful as the distance: here, a cross-country skiing route made up of several loops is contrasted with an offering described as a multi-use trail network. Grand Targhee Bike Park offers riding opportunities for all ability levels; trail availability is seasonal.

Seasonal experiences at Grand Targhee

The Dreamcatcher chairlift takes you to the summit of Fred’s Mountain, where it offers 360-degree panoramic views. Lift operations are seasonal. The Nature Center is located at the top of the lift. It provides information about the trails and hands-on learning with nature books, animal pelts and animal skulls; its opening days are also seasonal.

Hosts guide visitors to the Observation Deck and along the Summit Loop Trail. Along the way, they share the history, geology and stories of the Tetons. Availability of this offering depends on the weather and the season. The offerings have different focuses: the lift takes you to the summit, the Nature Center combines trail information with hands-on learning materials, and the hosts share information along the way. When planning your schedule, take lift operations, the center’s opening days and the availability of the guided offering into account separately.

Discover more destinations: Jackson, Teton Village, Wilson, Moran

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