Cross-country and snowshoeing

Grand Targhee Nordic Center (800-827-4433; 353-2300) has 15 km of track groomed for touring and skating. The trails wind through varied terrain, offering beautiful vistas of the Greater Yellowstone area as well as meadows and aspen glades. The majority of trails are in the Ricks Basin area to the north of the base area, but the system also includes a beginner track called Hamster Loop. The sandwich board at the lift-ticket kiosk lists the grooming report for the Nordic area.

Grand Targhee has an unusual set-up: Rather than taking care of everything in a Nordic center, you get your rental equipment in the main lodge's rental center, then buy your trail pass and lessons at the Snowsports School building. The ski school teaches telemarking as well as touring and skating techniques.

Snowshoe in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest with Resort Naturalist Andy Steele and learn about winter ecology, animal tracks and native vegetation. He tells stories about the wilderness that only 30 years in the Forest Service could provide. Tours start at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Each two-hour session has a three-person minimum. This tour is free, but all tips go to support a non-profit wilderness organization. Andy's log cabin is right at the ski area base, where you can find him most days. No reservations are necessary, but it would be courteous to let him know when you'd like to trek with him. Snowshoe rentals are available; wear your own boots.