After moving to Bozeman 15 years ago, it was a welcome surprise to see beautifully groomed cross-country ski trails magically appear across the valley. I was even more amazed to learn that these trails were free for everyone to use. In fact, it seemed the whole town swapped out their running shoes for skinny skis.
Our winter environment is unique. Bozeman’s Nordic skiing scene has a national reputation, and while you’ll see former and aspiring Olympians on the trails, the tracks are filled with all ages and abilities. The motto here is to “keep the people skiing.”
Indeed, more and more people are skiing (and running, hiking, and snowshoeing) on the trails. There is plenty of space for everyone but knowing some basic winter trail guidelines can help keep our trail system a welcoming place for all.
It doesn’t matter who is speeding along, shuffling, or just learning to stay upright around here, we use the Ski Kind principles:
SKI KIND
Bring your best self to the trail and spread the joy of skiing. Share your knowledge and help others.
SKI NO TRACE
Leave only tracks. Don’t leave poop (yours or your pups’) or trash near the trail.
SKI INCLUSIVE
Share the trail with all speeds and abilities. Yield, slow down, and give a friendly hello to make everyone feel welcome.
SKI AWARE
Know what type of trail you’re skiing and the rules for that location. Be aware of terrain, grooming equipment, and other trail users.
SKI SUPPORTIVE
Give back to the trails you ski. Volunteer. Donate to local trail organizations.
SKI SAFE
Technically, downhill skiers have the right of way, but you still need to think of other trail users as yield signs. Before passing, slow down, announce yourself, give space, and use extra caution on corners.
SideBar on Outside Kind
The Outside Kind Alliance is facilitated by One Montana and includes GVLT, BSF, Friends of Hyalite, and other local organizations that have joined forces to protect the people and places we love. Outside Kind is about everyone having a great recreational experience, understanding how to enjoy the outdoors while sharing it with others, and treading lightly on the resource. Visit outsidekind.org to learn more.
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WHERE TO GO
It turns out the Nordic trails don’t magically appear, The Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) grooms more than 70 km of trails in and around Bozeman. Dan Cantrell is the head groomer and follows the tracks of many community legends before him. If you see him navigating the Piston Bully (featured in photo) be sure to give him a friendly wave!
In-town, BSF has a new snowmaking system at Sunset Hills, next to the hospital; cross the road for nearly 10km of rolling terrain in Highland Glen.
Beginners often seek out the flatter trails of the Bridger Creek Golf Course or the Gallatin Regional Park.
Just outside of town, Sourdough Canyon is a mecca for skiers, dog walkers, and runners. If you’re looking to find solitude, Hyalite (see photo) boasts an extensive network of trails.
Peter Bennett, who helps run Friends of Hyalite and partners with both the Forest Service and Winter Wildlands Alliance is part of the Outside Kind group and a big fan of the Ski Kind Campaign. “We have seen visitation in this precious outdoor resource increase significantly in the last two years,” says Peter. “Friends of Hyalite strongly encourages outdoor recreationalists to follow the guidelines of Outside Kind, whether you ski, hike or participate in any other outdoor activities.”
Support your groomers by purchasing a $50 voluntary Community Nordic Trails Season Pass at bridgerskifoundation.org.