LOCAL
December weather is typically cold and snowy with average temperatures in the mid-twenties during the day and single digits at night. As the mountains fill with snow, more skiing and snowshoeing terrain becomes available. There are many great apps and tools to use to follow weather cycles and plan your outings. I use National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Mountain Weather, published by local meteorologist Jim Woodmancy, and Teton Valley Weather on Facebook. For ski and avalanche conditions, the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center is a valuable resource.
Winter is a quiet season. All wildlife adapt to the season for survival. Many species migrate or hibernate. Stormy weather limits movement for the animals that remain in the valley. Some species, like the Black-capped Chickadee, can enter a state of torpor during cold nights and stormy periods. This means they slow their metabolic rate and lower their body temperature to conserve energy. It may be best described as controlled hypothermia.
Some of my favorite winter wildlife highlights are the seeing the Mule Deer on the buttes near town, the Trumpeter Swans flying over town, Rough Legged Hawks on fenceposts, Bighorn Sheep on the Elk Refuge, and the chance of spotting wolves.
Winter officially begins on Saturday, December 21 with the Solstice. Enjoy this season and may we fill our hearts with laughter and joy.
Cathy Shill
Founder, The Hole Hiking Experience
REGIONAL
The Kelly Parcel
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) is special and keeps nature wild. Encompassing about 2.2 million acres, it is one of the last remaining nearly intact ecosystems of its size and kind. Most of the GYE is in Wyoming but also includes parts of Idaho and Montana. The Kelly Parcel, state land that is surrounded by Grand Teton Park, part of the GYE, and an important migration corridor, was recently for sale and at risk of being developed. Fortunately for the wildlife, it is being sold to the Park for $100M rather than hitting the open market. Yay, for wildlife! WyoFile journalist, Mike Koshmrl, shares the story.
Learn more:
Dusk at the Kelly Parcel on the doorstep of Grand Teton National Park
SPIRIT
“May you find peace in the promise
of the solstice night,
That each day forward
is blessed with more light”.
– Charley Harper
Learn more about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Join a naturalist guide and connect more deeply with nature. Head to our website to book snowshoeing and wildlife discovery tours.
NATURE AWAITS YOU
Backcountry Tips
- December is a great time to take an avalanche course if you are considering playing in the mountains. A simple Google search will produce local options.
- Winter Wildlife closures are in effect December 1 through April 30, 2025. It’s imperative to reduce disturbance to help the animals survive the winter.
Field Facts
- Many birds return to Jackson Hole for the winter including Pine Grosbeaks, Rough-legged Hawks and Trumpeter Swans, to name a few.
- Once the snowpack is 6–8 inches deep, the ground level will remain around 32 degrees keeping small animals and insects insulated and reducing impact of the frigid ambient air temperature.
Tour Suggestion
Some of my favorite choices at this time of year are to walk/ski up Cache Creek or Game Creek or take the trail to Taggert Lake in Grand Teton Park. Togwotee Pass offers nice early season snow for a fun day excursion. Remember wildlife closures are in effect and make sure to respect them to give the wildlife a break. Have fun and be safe.
“Tread lightly” is an important motto to remember at the start of each season. Until the snow accumulates, keep on designated trails to reduce impact. Consider hiking with poles at lower elevations with icy rocks exposed. Our pathway system offers a lot of walking options throughout the valley. For those skiing in the mountains, make conservative choices to reduce injuries. More snow will come!
