W. Yellowstone a mecca for cross-country skiers

West Yellowstone is known as the snowmobiling capital of the world. But the secret is out: the U.S. Olympic cross-country ski team knows the area as its preferred location for training. Cross-country enthusiasts and wannabe skiers should take note. West Yellowstone offers outstanding snow conditions, numerous groomed trails and plenty of winter accommodations.

The area has become a mecca for the sport. It is very possible to ski right from your motel to several groomed trails. For skiers, it doesn’t get much better than that. The season begins somewhere around the middle of November which allows for an extended ski season. The groomed trails are meticulously groomed each morning, carving a classic double ski track and skate skiing track. There are several options for close-by cross-country ski trails. Three nearby ski areas dominate and entice anyone who enjoys being outdoors and skiing around and in Yellowstone National Park. Actually the best conditions for skiing, because of the grooming, are found outside the park.

Rendezvous Ski Trails: This system of trails has its welcome arch and trailhead right on the south end of West Yellowstone. Visitors can leave from their motel room and ski to the trailhead. There are seven trails to choose from with 35 to 50 kilometers of them professionally groomed. They range from 0.9 to 6.5 kilometers. Skiers can choose a trail depending on their skill level and physical condition. A map is on a sign at the trail head and the defined groomed trails make getting lost unlikely. The trail difficulty ranges from kid/beginner to difficult with lots of elevation gain and loss.

A fold-out map and brochure from the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce provides information on each trail. For example, The Rendezvous Loop is 6 km. “This loop is highly recommended for beginner and intermediate skiers. The trail includes several climbs and descents and offer four chances to shorten the loop at cutoff points. … The Rendezvous Loop is a great choice on windy or snowy days as the thick timber offers plenty of protection from the elements.” Other trails are named Deja View, Volunteer, Dead Dog and Windy Ridge.

Yellowstone National Park Access Trails: There are two ski trails that begin within skiing distance from the West Yellowstone motels on the east or the National Park side of town. They are partially groomed and give skiers the chance to break their own trail which can be described as “skier defined.” Named The Upriver and Downriver Loops, there is a chance to see elk, bison and moose grazing along the Madison River as well as great views of the Gallatin Mountains and Mount Holmes in Yellowstone National Park. Skiing at 7,000 feet and making your own trail through deep powder can be a challenge for most anyone.

Yellowstone’s Northwest Corner: Highway 191 is the northern access by car between West Yellowstone and Bozeman. There is a section of that road that enters Yellowstone National Park. There are several pullouts and plowed parking lots with trail heads for cross country skiers to enjoy. There are four main trails: Telemark Meadow, Bighorn Pass, Fawn Pass and Specimen Creek. The Specimen Creek Trail is described as, “This enjoyable trek follows Specimen Creek as it gradually rises through forest and meadow. Look for standing petrified trees on the exposed ridges above.”

Safety should be on any skier’s mind. While skiing in Yellowstone country, make sure that you have a thorough knowledge of the area, the weather forecast, your equipment and your stamina. For a safe trip, carry extra dry clothing, food, water, maps, matches, first aid and ski repair kits.

Beginner as well as seasoned skiers will find the Yellowstone area an exceptional place to go. Here is a dream ski trip where there are, outstanding groomed trails and backcountry skiing, stunning scenery and close by, convenient accommodations. As if that is not enough, Yellowstone with all its natural attractions: animals, geysers, hot springs and more skiing can be found right next door to West Yellowstone. The Yellowstone area is a cross country skier paradise.

Lodging

There are many motels/hotels and accommodations that can be found in the town of West Yellowstone. There is a long list on the town’s Web site. Two that can be recommended are:

Yellowstone Lodge is the newest hotel in town. It offers an indoor pool and spa, free continental breakfast and deluxe oversized rooms.

Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort has recently been remodeled. There is a health/fitness center, indoor pool and spa, casino and, it is close to downtown restaurants.

In winter, the town of West Yellowstone is bursting with activities: skiers heading to or coming back from cross country trails, groups of snowmobiles in single lines traveling down the side streets, snow coaches transporting visitors into Yellowstone National Park and motor vehicles arriving in town. Here is a town prepared for snow and visitors looking for fun snow activities. This a good place to overcome the winter blues.