Winter is a unique time of the year to experience Grand Teton National Park, and the park will begin its popular ranger-led snowshoe hikes on December 26th. These 2-hour excursions offer the chance to learn about winter ecology while experiencing a classic, winter transportation mode—wooden snowshoes.

A trek into the park's winter wonderland begins each day at 2 p.m. from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, located 12 miles north of Jackson in Moose, Wyoming. The Center is open all year from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except December 25th.

All skill levels are invited to participate on the guided snowshoe hikes. A donation of $5 for adults and $2 for kids aged 8-12 is requested. Reservations are required for the guided hikes, and they can be made by calling 307/739-3399. This unique and fun activity will offered daily from December 26th through March, 2009.

Winter can be a great season for a visit to Grand Teton, but such trips do require proper planning and equipment to ensure that the visit is safe, and memorable for all the right reasons. The park website includes a winter trip planner with links to Road Information, Weather and Avalanche Information, Winter Activities, Visitor Center Hours, Lodging Facilities and Regulations.

You can also download a copy of the winter edition of the park newspaper, plus driving directions, brochures, and other helpful information from the plan your visit page on the park's website.

A park publication offers a good summary of the appeal of a winter visit to the Tetons:

As the snow drapes its wintry blanket across the Teton peaks, a peaceful quiet settles onto the landscape, offering a sharp contrast to the busy summer season. Winter recreation activities abound, as the park becomes a popular destination for cross-country skiers, snowshoers and photographers who wish to capture the beauty of a Teton winterscape.

These ranger-led snowshoe trips would be a great way to sample the spectacular scenery in one of the country's iconic national parks.