Nordic Skiing

Montana's Yellowstone Country is truly a Nordic skier's paradise. The region is criss-crossed by thousands of miles/kilometers of skiable terrain, much of which has established trails. Venues with well developed cross-country skiing trails include West Yellowstone's Rendezvous Ski Trail area, Bozeman's Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, Big Sky's Lone Mountain Ranch, and Red Lodge's Nordic Center are just a handful of the great Nordic trail options around Yellowstone Country Montana. In the winter, Nordic skiing in Yellowstone National Park is one of the best ways to experience the wonder that is Yellowstone in the colder months. Guided cross-country skiing tours in Yellowstone help you navigate the expansive terrain of the park and is a safe way to take in many of the harder-to-reach locations.

When heading out on the Nordic ski trails in Yellowstone Country, keep some of these safety tips in mind for the best experience possible:

Always ski with someone and/or make sure you tell someone where you are going and how long you will be.

Dressing properly is key when out on the trail. If possible, have a backpack with extra layers, hats, gloves, etc. Also be sure you have navigational tools (and not just your cell phone) like maps of the trails and a compass, matches, a flashlight and a whistle.

Be sure to drink plenty of water. Even if the temperatures are low outside, your body is working hard and needs to be hydrated. In the same vein, be sure to bring snacks to keep your energy up.

Be aware of wildlife and keep your distance.

Always stay on marked trails.

Before heading out, checking out the snow conditions and if there are any avalanche warnings to be aware of in your area.

Check the weather report before hitting the trail, too. Winter in the mountains can change drastically and quickly. Be mindful of initial weather reports, but also keep an eye on the sky.

Montana is quite a bit above sea level and elevations in Yellowstone National Park, for example, can be upwards of 10,000 feet (2,133 - 3,048 m). Be mindful of your physical limitations and take breaks as needed.