Winter Sports in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton has some of North America's finest and most varied cross-country skiing. (And don't forget the nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.) Ski the gentle 3-mi Swan Lake-Heron Pond Loop near Colter Bay Visitor Center, the mostly level 10-mi Jenny Lake Trail, or the moderate 4-mi Taggart Lake-Beaver Creek Loop and 5-mi Phelps Lake Overlook Trail. Advanced skiers should head for the Teton Crest Trail. In winter, overnight backcountry travelers must register or make a reservation at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort aerial tram from Teton Village deposits riders at the mountains' crest of the range, from where they can access backcountry on both sides of the range.

Snowmobiling is permitted on Jackson Lake. Since snowmobiles must be towed into the park, sledders pay only the regular park entrance fees. Snowmobilers wishing to proceed north from Flagg Ranch into Yellowstone National Park must be with a commercial tour guide. The speed limit for snowmobiles on Jackson Lake is 45 "mph". The Flagg Ranch Information Station closed beginning with the 2007-08 winter season, and consequently ski and snowshoe trails went unmarked (in fact, any references in brochures or maps to signed or maintained trails should be disregarded until further notice). For a ranger-guided snowshoe walk, call the Craig Thomas Visitor Center.

Outfitters and Expeditions

Jack Dennis Outdoor Shop. Jack Dennis Outdoor Shop sells and rents skis and snowboards, and stocks outdoor gear for any season. 50 E. Broadway Ave., Jackson, WY, 83001. 307/733-3270 or 800/570-3270. www.jackdennisoutdoors.com. Ski rental $28-$52, snowboard and boot rental $29-$49.

Pepi Stiegler Sports. In Teton Village you can buy or rent skis or snowboards at Pepi Stiegler Sports, conveniently located at the base of the Jackson Hole ski mountain. Teton Village, WY, 83025. 307/733-4505. www.pepistieglers.com. Ski or snowboard rental $28-$52. Nov.-Apr.

Togwotee Mountain Lodge. Rent a snowmobile at Togwotee Mountain Lodge and explore the extensive trail network along the Continental Divide. U.S. 26/287, Moran, WY, 83013. 307/543-2847 or 866/278-4245. www.togwoteelodge.com. Snowmobile rentals $184-$259. Nov.-Apr.