With a dry January behind them and scant snow in the forecast, locals in Jackson, Wyoming, are making the most of sunny conditions on the groomed cross-country ski tracks in Grand Teton National Park. Photographer Nick Sulzer documented skiers beneath the iconic Tetons as winter's slow start eases into activity.
The unusually warm and dry start to winter in Jackson, Wyoming, delayed grooming operations on the cross-country ski tracks in Grand Teton National Park until early January. According to the GTNP Foundation, at least 12 inches of snow is required for the grooming equipment to operate effectively. Now that conditions have improved slightly, residents are taking advantage of the mild weather to enjoy the trails.
The groomed tracks accommodate various activities, including classic cross-country skiing, skate skiing, walking, snowshoeing, and skiing with leashed pets. Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer ventured into the park to capture skiers basking in the sunshine under the towering Tetons, highlighting a rare sunny interlude amid the low-snow season.
An incident two weeks prior underscored the tracks' vulnerability: a tourist received a citation for bypassing gates and driving a rental car onto the groomed path, where it became stuck. The vehicle remained on the track for several days, but the grooming machine successfully navigated around it to continue maintenance.
This dry spell follows a January with minimal precipitation, and forecasts suggest little relief soon. Despite the challenges, the park's trails offer a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts eager to embrace whatever winter provides.