Essex Ski Fest offers fun for the whole family

My mother was a crackerjack downhill skier and she was absolutely wild for it, much to my grandfather’s bemusement.

“You’re not going skiing, are you?” he’d ask, aghast at his then-teenage daughter. “It’s snowing!”

But off she would go indeed, every chance she got. She liked the speed, I think, and schooling the boys on the field of athletics.

When I came along, she put me on skis by the time I was four. My brothers got the same treatment, and – after a long, 20-year campaign – eventually my father caved and downhill skiing became our family activity.

It’s probably a good thing my mother’s not around to learn that I’ve fallen in love with cross country skiing. I suspect she wouldn’t think too much of its somewhat slower, quieter charms.

A lot of people do go in for it though, and if you’d like to become one of them, consider getting an introduction at the Annual Ski Fest in Essex, Mont., on Jan. 6 and 7.

Billed as “a worldwide celebration of cross country skiing,” the event throws free lessons, equipment demonstrations, discounted ski rentals, free trail passes, games and more at you in an effort to “instruct, inform and entertain the new cross country skiing enthusiast.”

“There’s a lot of fun and games for families,” says Sara Hudson, a recent transplant from Atlanta who manages the Izaak Walton Inn, home base for the festival.

You may find Hudson herself out on the trail with you.

“I’m just now learning,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to learn to cross country ski and I love it. I absolutely love it. It’s faster than walking.”

Should you tire of getting around on your own steam, the festival has a few other attractions. Grab a free horse-drawn sleigh ride or help select the winning creation in the ice sculpture competition. And for something new, this year the festival has added an introductory program of skier-oriented yoga.

Constructed in 1939 by the Great Northern Railroad, the Izaak Walton Inn recognizes its roots with a lobby display of many years’ worth of Great Northern memorabilia.

According to the Web site and a sign in the lobby, the inn was named best cross country ski resort in the mountain region in 2003 – although no one there can remember by whom – and Snow Country magazine ranks it among its top 10 cross country ski resorts in the Rockies.

During Ski Fest, you’ll get low-season rates, starting at $114.49 (including tax), based on double occupancy.

Find out more at www.izaakwaltoninn.com or call (406) 888-5700.

Men need not apply

If, despite all that cross country talk, you still want the downhill thrills (and you lack a Y chromosome), AdventureWomen will hook you up with their “Women’s Downhill Ski Week in Montana,” Jan. 28 to Feb. 3.

AdventureWomen, celebrating its 25th anniversary next year, claims to be the oldest adventure travel company for active women over 30. Their 2007 schedule includes trips to Burma and Dubai, whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon, sea kayaking in Baja and horseback riding in California’s redwood forests.

The ski clinic at Bridger Bowl in Bozeman offers instruction for every skill level, from none to advanced. Organizers call it an “emotionally safe environment,” where women instructors will provide video critiques of your ski stylings.

I don’t know about you, but I find that a fairly emotionally risky prospect.

Nevertheless, with 1,200 acres of ski territory from which to choose, you’ll have plenty of places to escape and hide your shame.

In addition to four mornings of instruction, the package comes with guided afternoon skiing, breakfast each morning, one free day so you can test your new abilities, two dinners, five days’ worth of lift tickets, rental equipment and accommodations in two-room suites for $2,295.

Visit www.adventurewomen.com or call (800) 804-8686 to sign up.

Regional events

“Canadian Open Freeskiing Championships, Jan. 6-14, Rossland, B.C. Red Mountain Resort will host more than 100 of the world’s best freeskiers vying for a $10,000 cash purse. (www.redresort.com or 800-663-0105)

“Ag Days and Trade Show, Jan. 12 and 13, Sidney, Mont. Get your fill of livestock judging, “Ag in the Classroom” displays, seminars, farm video tours and more. (www.visitmt.com or 406-433-1206)

“Kiwi Squeeze, Jan. 27, Victoria, B.C. Marley Farm Winery invites you to help make Kiwi Gold, one of their signature fruit wines. (www.marleyfarm.ca or 250-652-8667)