Simona Wambeke glides down a hill during a 2010 kids' nordic ski clinic at Pahaska Tepee near the East Gate to Yellowstone National Park.
The Rendezvous Ski Trail system, located on the Custer Gallatin National Forest near West Yellowstone, Mont., is now being groomed thanks to early snow and just in time for the upcoming Yellowstone Ski Festival.
During the month of November, a Yellowstone Ski Festival pass is required for all skiers. Pass prices (per skier) are $12 for one day and $55 for the entire month of November. Passes are available for sale in West Yellowstone at the Visitor Center, FreeHeel & Wheel, Holiday Inn, and at the Rendezvous Trailhead.
There is extensive trail grooming at this time to accommodate all the events and races, according to a statement released by the forest’s public affairs office.
From December 1 to March 31, skiers will need a permit to use the trail system as per the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Permit prices are $8 per day per skier, $40 for an individual season permit, and $75 for a family season permit. Permits will be available in West Yellowstone at Bud Lilly’s, FreeHeel & Wheel, West Yellowstone Visitor Center, and the Hebgen Lake Ranger Station. Only day permits will be available at the Rendezvous Trailhead.
The fees collected from the Rendezvous Ski Trail permits are used to improve and maintain the Rendezvous Ski Trail system and to provide the high quality grooming the public has enjoyed for years. A new warming hut has been set up at the Biathlon Range.
The Boundary ski trail located northeast of town is groomed on a weekly basis and it is free and dogs are welcome.
For more information, please contact the Hebgen Lake Ranger District on Highway 191 or by phone at (406) 823-6961. For more information about grooming and events, visit www.rendezvousskitrails.com .