EBS Staff
For more than 30 years, cross-country skiers from across North America and around the world have traveled to the Yellowstone Ski Festival to begin their Nordic ski season on the Rendezvous ski trails in West Yellowstone.
The Yellowstone Ski Festival takes place Nov. 22-26 and features a full daily lineup of Nordic skiing clinics as well as biathlon races, an on-snow gear demo, an indoor ski show, and a variety of presentations, classes and social mixers. The intention of the festival is to jump-start the Nordic ski season with instruction, exercise, and immersion in the cross-country ski culture.
Both the beginning skier and experienced racer will have the opportunity to participate in ski clinics coached by former Olympic athletes and lifelong Nordic skiers; test and purchase the latest ski gear and accessories; and enjoy the Rendezvous trails with skiers of all skill levels.
Attendees will also be able to sign up for Yellowstone Ski Festival’s XC Ski Camp, where a professional coaching staff will provide techniques, tips, tools, drills and feedback to promote efficiency and strength throughout the upcoming ski season. The coaching staff comprised of elite cross-country ski professionals combined with the Rendezvous trail system makes West Yellowstone an ideal place to transition from dryland training to on-snow skiing.
All ability levels can sign up for single or multi-day clinics focusing on topics like waxing, tuning, skate skiing, classic cross-country skiing and touring.
Throughout the week, there are lectures by wildlife artists and keynote speaker Ruff Patterson, former coach of the U.S. Ski Team; historical presentations, film screenings and local whiskey and beer tastings; and daily naturalist programs for children and adults at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.
Whether “first tracks” means just you and the corduroy, or it’s your first time on skis this season—or your first time on skis, period—you are likely to garner practical tips and tools and get amped for the winter at the Yellowstone Ski Festival.
Some classes and races require pre-registration. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit skirunbikemt.com/yellowstone-ski-festival.
