Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mer hiking trails as cross-country trails during winter, offering terrific solitude and
wildlife-watching opportunities.
Backcountry skiing takes skiers to more difficult terrain than regular Nordic gear can
handle. The equipment - either telemark (single-camber skis with edges and free-heel
bindings) or rondonee (an alpine hybrid system allowing for free-heeled ascents), fitted
with climbing skins for ascents - allows skiers to travel cross-country and down steep
slopes, though telemark is much better suited to cross-country terrain. Newcomers to the
sport should take a lesson (available at most ski resorts) and get in some resort runs before
tackling the backcountry. In addition, backcountry skiers must be well versed in avalanche
safety.
In late November, the West Yellowstone Ski Festival brings Nordic skiers from around
the world and offers demos and clinics.
Dedicated Trails
Land controlled by the NPS, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and private
owners supports hundreds of miles of cross-country trails. In Yellowstone, shuttles offer
ski drops in Mammoth and Old Faithful. Stay off the groomed roads meant for motorized
travel. Otherwise, skiers will find ungroomed backcountry trails with orange markers.
Grand Teton National Park grooms 14 scenic miles of track between Taggart-Bradley
Lakes parking area and Signal Mountain. Trails are usually marked with orange flags. For
trails,
Click here
.
Backcountry skiers must take more precautions. Avalanches are a major
hazard in the canyons and upper areas of the Tetons.
The Best of the Backcountry
» The Rendezvous Trail System (
Click here
)
in West Yellowstone (also the winter train-
ing ground for the US Nordic team).
» A snowcoach takes you to the Old Faithful Snow Lodge (
Click here
)
for skiing around
the kaleidoscope-hued geyser basins, around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and up
Mt Washburn.
» Near West Yellowstone, the Fawn and Bighorn Pass Trails connect to form a loop of
around 10 miles through elk wintering areas.
» Lone Mountain Ranch (
Click here
)
at Big Sky has 46.5 miles of privately groomed
trails.
» Red Lodge Nordic Center (
Click here
)
has 9 miles of trails.
