Bozeman Montana's Greater Yellowstone Cross Country Skiing
A good place to start to learn about Bozeman cross country skiing is a book that can be found at area ski shops such as Bangtail Bike and Ski and Northern Lights, Melynda Harrison’s $17 guidebook, “Ski Trails of Southwest Montana,” which features 30 ski and snowshoe trails in the area. Ski rentals, wax and backcountry gear are also available at Bangtail and Northern Lights.
On the southeast edge of town, 5 miles from downtown is the popular Bozeman Creek Trailhead, a five-mile mostly uphill route to “The Bridge,” a popular turn-around for this out-and-back ski. However, intrepid skiers may continue up the trail further, and connect with the Hyalite Trails at Moser Creek. Some people then ski back down or meet a vehicle parked in the Hyalite drainage for a one-way ski.
The Bozeman Creek Trail is also popular with backcountry campers who depart from the groomed route at The Bridge, heading east to Mystic Lake—a challenging ski but a possible loop through New World Gulch and Bear Canyon, where a shuttle vehicle would have to be parked.
The Bridger Creek Golf Course on Bozeman’s northeast edge provides easy terrain perfect for perfecting ski strides. Nearby is Hedvig’s Trail and is a fenced favorite for dog-loving skiers. The small area is hilly and challenging yet open for dogs, snow-shoers, sledders and skiers.
Bohart Ranch Cross-Country Ski Center is north of Bozeman in Bridger Canyon that offers 29 kilometers of groomed tracks, rentals and lessons at just north of the alpine ski area, Bridger Bowl.
West and south of Bozeman are the luxury Nordic ski resort, Lone Mountain Ranch and its 85 kilometers of skiing near Big Sky Ski Resort. Lodging and dining, sleigh ride dinners and ski rentals and lessons are available at Lone Mountain Ranch.
The gem of Southwest Montana for cross-country skiers is the beautiful Hyalite Canyon. The trails surrounding Hyalite Reservoir are now accessible thanks to a consortium of local clubs, volunteers, local government and the U.S. Forest Service.
Hyalite Canyon offers several trails for a total of nearly 30 km of groomed trails. Some groomed routes are maintained on an as-needed basis by the local ski club, Bridger Ski Foundation-Nordic. Other trails, skier tracked, climb a narrow, sub-alpine realm of the Hyalite Peaks, 10,000-footer that punctuates Hyalite’s big sky.
The West Shore Loop begins just south of the pit toilet, wends in and out of the forest with little overall elevation gain/loss. Views include the reservoir. The loop connects with Crescent Trail where skiers may take either route to create the loop.
An added ski at the southern-most portion of the trail is the .75-mile spur that continues on to the cozy Window Rock Cabin and Hyalite Road’s unplowed section. Window Rock Cabin can be rented from the Forest Service for $30 per night, and sleeps four among the rustic conditions.
Maxey Cabin trail is the most popular and is the trail to and beyond to Hyalite Canyon waterfalls, about a 12-kilometer loop. From the Blackmore parking area, recreationalists ski across the Hyalite Dam, heading east. The trail departs to the left/north after the dam and follows the groomed route uphill and back around southbound to parallel the reservoir shore. Part of Wildhorse Trail system, a 25-kilometer set of trails, and the route offers spectacular glimpses of Mt. Blackmore and Elephant Mountain among the rugged peaks.
On the route to Maxey, one unmarked junction at about 1.5 k or 1 mile in can mystify skiers who should stick to the south route to find the cabin. Views include the frozen reservoir and glimpses of jagged peaks among the 34,000-acre Hyalite Drainage.
A dozen or more waterfalls punctuate the reddish rock walls surrounding the ice-bound lake, waterfalls, which attract their own recreation: ice climbing, Hyalite Recreation Area is a destination resort for them.
Upon reaching the historic Maxey Cabin, which is available for rent from the Forest Service at $40 per night, the trail continues south to a parking area, and the short climb to Palisade Falls. The final hundred meters or so may be icy; some ski touring folks choose to walk through the tightly wooded route here.
Regional Ski Touring Centers
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Montana Nordic Centers
Rendezvous
Ski Trails • The Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone MT were intially
developed in the late 70's by the Swanson Family of West Yellowstone
as
a training
location
for the US Ski Team and as a place for their own pursuit of cross
country competition.
Lone Mountain Ranch • A winter ski vacation offers over fifty miles of professionally groomed ski trails for all levels of ability, packed snowshoe trails and alpine skiing at Big Sky Ski Resort just ten minutes away! Lone Mountain Ranch has comfortable, cozy cabins, a beautiful log dining lodge, dependable snow, top quality ranch gourmet meals and that 'extra special' Montana hospitality which makes Lone Mountain Ranch the skiing vacation of a lifetime.
Beehive Basin Ski Trail • (Big Sky Montana) Beehive Basin Ski Trail is a moderate 5 km single-track loop near Big Sky. The trail begins with a few switchbacks, which are a bit steep. The route then flattens out for about 1 mile before turning steeply uphill. Near the end is a very steep hill. The view is spectacular. Near the end of the trail you will find a shallow lake surrounded by vertical cliffs. Avalanche hazard areas are common. Ski route goes into Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Please note bicycling is prohibited in Wilderness Areas. This trail is not groomed. Length: 5 km most difficult trail. Trail Begins: Two miles north of Big Sky Resort, Trail Ends: Beehive Basin
Red Lodge Nordic Center • Red Lodge Nordic Center is nestled at the base of Beartooth Mountains only three miles from downtown Red Lodge. Ski 15 kilometers of machine groomed trails, from open meadow trails to rolling loops through the Aspen trees. Four kilometers of the trail are rated easiest, seven are rated more difficult, and four are rated most difficult. The nordic center is the perfect place for the entire family to have a great day of skiing, snowshoeing, picnicking and picture taking. Trails are groomed weekly and a fee is required to use the trails. Seniors are discounted.
Wyoming Nordic Centers
Grand Targhee Nordic Center • (Jackson Hole WY) Wildlife, mountains, pure air, groomed tracks and fresh powder
come together and make for a cross-country mecca. Our comprehensive
Nordic program provides many opportunities to explore the Tetons
including lessons for every level. Our 15 kilometers of professionally
groomed trails wind through wooded glades and scenic meadows.
All trails accommodate both skating and classic cross-country
skiing. The unspoiled beauty of this region is not to be missed!(Jackson Hole WY)
Jackson Hole Pathways and Nordic Ski Trails • (Jackson Hole WY) Parks and Recreation, Teton County/Jackson. Pathways and Nordic
Ski Trails Maps. Home. Parks/Facilities. Pathways Map of Jackson.
Jackson
Hole Nordic Center • (Jackson Hole WY) The Nordic Center at the Saddlehorn Activity Center offers a variety
of activities with of 17K of professionally groomed track. Top
of the line cross-country, telemark and snowshoe rentals are available.
Class and private lessons in cross-country, skate, and telemark
skiing will be offered daily. Snowshoe, cross-country, and telemark
backcountry tours for all abilities are available by reservation.
Dogsledding trips round-out our menu, by offering fun and exciting
travel in front of the Teton Range.
Teton Pines Nordic Center • (Jackson Hole WY) A nationally known golf resort in Jackson Hole with 14 km groomed
trails for classic and skate skiing Nationally known golf resort
with
14
km groomed
trails for classic and skate skiing. Lessons and heli skiing available.
Lessons and heli skiing available.
Idaho Nordic Centers
Grand Targhee Nordic Center • (Teton Valley Idaho) East of Alta Wyoming you can find wildlife, mountains, pure air,
groomed tracks and fresh powder come together and make for a cross-country
mecca.
Our comprehensive
Nordic program provides many opportunities to explore the Tetons
including lessons for every level. Our 15 kilometers of professionally
groomed trails wind through wooded glades and scenic meadows.
All trails accommodate both skating and classic cross-country
skiing. The unspoiled beauty of this region is not to be missed!
Harriman State Park • (Island Park Idaho) Harriman State Park is located 20 miles north of Ashton on Highway
20. There is a total of 21 miles of trails, and 10 of those are
groomed, providing opportunities for all levels of skiing. Harriman
is a wintering ground for the majestic trumpeter swan and is home
to many other animals. A warming shelter and restrooms are provided
at the trailhead. The $3 entrance fee is waived if you have a
Park N' Ski permit on your vehicle.
Fall River Ridge • (Island Park Idaho) The Fall River Ridge Park N' Ski area is located 10 miles east
of Ashton on the Cave Falls Road. The various loops are suitable
for beginner and intermediate use. The terrain consists of rolling
hills dotted with meadows, and stands of lodgepole pine and aspen
trees. A small plowed parking area is provided and is shared by
snowmobilers and skiers. They also share one mile of trail. Nearly
seven miles of trails make up this area, which is groomed periodically
when funding and weather conditions permit.
Bear Gulch/Mesa Falls • (Island Park Idaho) This ski area is located seven miles northeast of Ashton on Mesa
Falls Forest Highway 47. The trail parallels the snowmobile
trail out to the spectacular Lower and Upper Mesa Falls.
The trail then branches away from the snowmobile trail and
travels along the canyon rim, then returns to the trailhead.
This trail is recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers
because of the steep climb in the first mile. The trail is
nearly nine miles long and is groomed periodically when funding
and weather conditions permit.
Brimstone/Buffalo River • (Island Park Idaho) The Brimstone trail is located one-quarter mile north of the Island
Park Ranger Station on Highway 20 near Ponds Lodge Resort. The
terrain varies from gentle grades to downhill runs through tree
groves. The nine miles of trail offer scenic views of the Island
Park Reservoir, Box Canyon, and Buffalo River. The trail provides
opportunities for all levels of skiing ability. The Buffalo River
trail is 2.6 miles long, starting at the Island Park Ranger Station
and winding along the Buffalo River through forests of lodgepole
pine. The trail's gentle grade provides an excellent opportunity
for beginners to polish their skills. Both trails are groomed
periodically when funding and weather conditions permit.
A good place to start to learn about Bozeman cross country skiing is a book that can be found at area ski shops such as Bangtail Bike and Ski and Northern Lights, Melynda Harrison’s $17 guidebook, “Ski Trails of Southwest Montana,” which features 30 ski and snowshoe trails in the area. Ski rentals, wax and backcountry gear are also available at Bangtail and Northern Lights.
West and south of Bozeman are the luxury Nordic ski resort, Lone Mountain Ranch and its 85 kilometers of skiing near Big Sky Ski Resort. Lodging and dining, sleigh ride dinners and ski rentals and lessons are available at Lone Mountain Ranch.
Maxey Cabin trail is the most popular and is the trail to and beyond to Hyalite Canyon waterfalls, about a 12-kilometer loop. From the Blackmore parking area, recreationalists ski across the Hyalite Dam, heading east. The trail departs to the left/north after the dam and follows the groomed route uphill and back around southbound to parallel the reservoir shore. Part of Wildhorse Trail system, a 25-kilometer set of trails, and the route offers spectacular glimpses of Mt. Blackmore and Elephant Mountain among the rugged peaks.
Grand Targhee Nordic Center • 
Grand Targhee Nordic Center •