Cross Country Skiing
Hundreds of Nordic skiers come to West Yellowstone each year. Located in Yellowstone country, Montana, West Yellowstone is an official training site of the United States Nordic and Biathlon Ski Teams. From the Yellowstone Ski Festival in November to the Rendezvous Ski Race in March, West Yellowstone offers something for everyone. Nordic skiers of all abilities will find our early snowfalls, gentle terrain and limitless trails the perfect setting for a memorable ski vacation. Enjoy the grandeur of Yellowstone National Park and millions of acres of pristine national forest lands while skiing groomed trails or touring ungroomed backcountry. more info
Rendezvous Ski Trails
Over 30 kilometers of premier trails in Gallatin National Forest. They are professionally groomed from early November
through April with both diagonal stride tracks and a twelve-foot skating lane.
Approach Trail (To trailhead)
1.2 km. Flat terrain. South edge of West Yellowstone at Geyser and Obsidian Streets. Setting out from the parking lot, the
starting point for this trail is clearly marked by a log arch.
Kids Loop
0.9 km. Flat terrain. Located along the Approach Trail, these short, fun loops connect to a play hill.
Rendezvous Loop
6 km. Begins at trailhead. Includes shorter, easier cutoffs- Washburn at 0.9 km, Spencer at 1.4 km., Folsom at 1.6 km.,
and Grizzly at 2.2 km. A good choice for windy, snowy days, these gently rising trails lead through pine forests to the more difficult final loop. Have lunch in the
warming hut at Biathlon Range. (Intersection #18)
Volunteer Loop
2.3 km. Begins at trailhead. This twisting, turning, dynamic trail has continuous rolling hills and boasts spectacular
views of Mt. Holmes in the Gallatin Range in Yellowstone National Park. Returns to Rendezvous Loop at first cutoff where you may return to trailhead (1 km.) or continue
outward bound on Rendezvous.
Dead Dog Loop
5.9 km. Begins at Intersection #11 at top of U.S. Highway 191 Hill. This more challenging loop takes you through forest
and meadow with rewarding views of the Gallatin Mountain Range and Yellowstone National Park. Rejoins Rendezvous at Intersection #10 at base of Highway 191.
Windy Ridge Loop
8.3 km. Ungroomed. Experienced skiers only. Begins at Intersection #13. Allow ample time to experience the exciting down
hills and beautiful scenery of this long, difficult trail. Water and food should be carried. Rejoins Dead Dog at Intersection #12 where you may return to Rendezvous on
the shot two-way section or continue on Dead Dog.
Northwest Corner Ski Trails
Ski into Yellowstone National Park from trailheads north of West Yellowstone along U.S Highway 191 and return in your own
tracks.
Meadow Trail
Begins near Biathlon Cabin. This trail skirts Rendezvous wood and gently climbs rolling hills through meadows,
affording expansive views of the Madison Mountains and the Lions Head area. Returns to the Biathlon Cabin for a short 0.2-km. ski back to the trailhead.
Telemark Meadows
Mile post 18. West Side of US Highway 191. A well-kept secret. As you gain elevation, test your telemark skills on these
gentle to steep slopes while enjoying views of the Madison and Gallatin Mountains.
Bighorn Pass Trail
Mile post 20. Small parking area at trailhead. This trail cuts east across flats into woods and along the Gallatin River.
Watch for moose, elk, eagles, and coyotes.
Fawn Pass Trail
Mile post 22. Large parking area at trailhead. This popular ski trail crosses the Gallatin River and gently gains
elevation through woods and meadows. Great wintering area for elk. Connects with Bighorn Pass Trail at 8 km.
Specimen Creek Trail
Mile post 27. This enjoyable trek follows Specimen Creek as it gradually rises through forest and meadows. Look for elk,
moose and standing petrified trees on exposed ridges above you.
Riverside Ski Trail
No skating, please. Partially machine groomed with a flat, double tracked, machine groomed approach trail. Begins just
inside Yellowstone-most skiers begin ion the east edge of West Yellowstone at Boundary and Madison Streets. Look for the orange trail sign between the snow piles. Treat
yourself to the splendor of the Madison River and impressive views of Mt. Holmes and the Gallatin Mountain Range. Exceptional wildlife viewing of bison, elk, and possibly
moose can be found along the Madison River.
Upriver Loop
2.5 km. Take this short cutoff trail up the first hill by the river.
Downriver Loop
5.9 km. This trail will take you through more varied landscape, from lodgepole forest to the flats along the river.
Youll find a cutoff trail up the steep bench about half way around the loop.
*Both loops require a traverse up and across a short, steep hill. Touring equipment is recommended to complete the loops.
Or, you can return along the machine-groomed trails.
Harriman State Park
Groomed and ungroomed trails. The Ranch Loop is easy, Thurman and Silver Lake loops are moderate and the Ridge loop is
difficult with a few steep hills. The entire outer loop system is about 8 miles. All trails allow a skier to experience a variety of terrains open flats gradual
climbs through trees, ridge overlooks, and sloping downhill. Heading north, after one mile, the trail takes you to several old buildings, once headquarters for the
Railroad Ranch. One now serves as a warming hut. Free Site.
For Your Safety
If you ski without a guide, make sure you have a thorough knowledge of the area, the weather, you equipment and your
stamina. Carry extra dry clothing, food, water, maps, matches, first-aid and ski repair kits for a safe trip.
- content from the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce
West Yellowstone, MT Weather
Currently Outside 28FChilly. |
Other pages you might find helpful:
Montana Wilderness Association
The Montana Wilderness Association website is a great source of information on winter travel, safety, and recreation in Montana.
National Cross Country Ski Education Foundation
Find out more about cross country skiing and nordic events.
