Bridger-Teton National Forest

It’s time for the snow dance. We’ve had an unseasonably warm November, and as December begins, snow is still thin. All three local ski resorts—Grand Targhee Resort, Snow King Mountain, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort—have delayed their openings. Hard for the skiers, but even harder for nature. As temperatures finally drop, we’ll need about 6–8 inches of snow to insulate the ground so plants, insects, and non-hibernating animals don’t freeze. Days continue to shorten as the solstice on December 21, 2025 approaches. At the darkest time of year, we’ll have only about 10 hours of daylight.

November is a quiet month in Jackson Hole — the “shoulder season” between the vibrant days of summer and the deep snows of winter. The landscape is in transition, and the trails often turn muddy and slick. During this in-between time, locals trade mountain trails for the pathway system, Old Pass Road, and the region’s gravel roads, waiting for enough snow to return to our beloved winter sports. Many residents leave the valley altogether, hoping to come back to white peaks and a fresh season of skiing and snowshoeing.

As we transition into October, all the wonders of fall present themselves—magnificent foliage and clear, crisp air. It’s my favorite season. The colors are vibrant. Warm days and cool nights brighten the leaves, making this season truly spectacular. It’s peak mating time for the elk, and the bugling continues. There’s an energy in the air that nudges us to prepare and nest, much like the red squirrels in the backyard. Soups become more appealing than salads as we edge closer to winter. Animal movements follow the shifting weather as migration begins. The days vary, with the potential for warm, dry stretches we often call Indian Summer.

As September begins, two large fires near Jackson Hole are contributing to the haze in the valley. The Dollar Lake and Willow Creek fires are burning close to Jackson—both about 80 miles away and mostly uncontained. It’s been a super dry summer, so fire danger remains high across all public lands in Jackson Hole. For more information: Wyoming Fire Report »

It’s mid-summer—berries are ripening, the days are long, and there’s always the chance of an afternoon shower. We could use the rain, so every drop is welcome. Teton Interagency Fire managers have elevated the fire danger rating to “very high” for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. Please use extreme caution.