Nordic ski trail system attracts elite athletes and visitors worldwide for more than 45 years
By Leslie Kilgore EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Alpine skiing isn’t the only sport that brings people from around the world to Big Sky each winter. Lone Mountain Ranch provides visitors and many loyal residents with a 53-mile trail system for Nordic skiing, a trail system that has won significant awards, attracts accomplished athletes and teaches local students of all ages the gift of a lifelong outdoor sport.
Established in 1977, Lone Mountain Ranch began grooming its trails with a rolling groomer pulled by their draft horses to accommodate the growing Nordic ski community. Now, the trails are groomed by a team that works seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. with an impressive assembly of Piston Bully machines.
“There’s a history here through our extensive trail system that supports a lifestyle and passion in addition to downhill skiing,” Lone Mountain Ranch General Manager, Pat McVey said. “LMR’s Nordic skiing program is a special opportunity for our guests and locals to enjoy incredible scenery while skiing.”
With the history and culture of Lone Mountain Ranch so prevalent throughout its trail system, much of the terrain and trails hold stories and memories that reflect Big Sky’s past, which only enhances the experience of exploring through their old growth trees, expansive views and abundant wildlife sightings while skiing.
“The trail that used to be known as Little Bavaria is now called Walking Jim [named] after our original musician at the North Fork Cabin when we started the sleigh ride dinners in the 80’s,” McVey said. “When he passed in 2010, we renamed the trail to Walking Jim in his memory since it was his favorite trail to ski at Lone Mountain Ranch.”
The scenery and trails are considered some of the best in the country, but McVey said they also attract many elite Nordic racers for training and conditioning due to the elevation gain of more than 1,100 vertical feet within the trail system.
“We have a good mix of recreational and competitive ski racers who use our trails throughout the winter,” McVey added.
The Big Sky Ski Education Foundation hosts races on the Big Sky Golf Course and Nordic Center trails throughout the winter for both skate and classic skiing. Community gatherings take place before and after the races at the Nordic Center run by Big Sky Resort. The Big Sky School district and Big Sky Discovery Academy also plan several Nordic ski days for local students.
“Our extent of trails and the Nordic Center run by Big Sky Resort at the golf course is a great partnership,” McVey said. “It only enhances what we can provide to Nordic skiers at all levels.”
While Big Sky Resort sells Lone Mountain trail passes and provides ski lessons on the golf course, Lone Mountain Ranch maintains the 53 miles of trails. Lone Mountain Ranch established easements for all the land before the golf course and most Big Sky homes in the meadow were built. Most of the easements are on land that’s part of the Big Sky Owners Association, and in trade, they provide a discounted rate to homeowners and Big Sky Resort for their ski passes.
“We’re happy that Big Sky Resort has developed the Nordic Center at the golf course. It’s brought a professional level of ski instruction to the public wanting to discover the sport of Nordic skiing,” McVey said. “Lone Mountain Ranch will continue to work with the community and Big Sky Resort to provide a world-class Nordic skiing experience in one of the most beautiful settings that Nordic skiing has to offer anywhere.”
For more information on Nordic Skiing at Lone Mountain Ranch and Nordic ski lessons with Big Sky Resort, visit lonemountainranch.com/nordic-ski-trail-passes and bigskyresort.com/Nordic.
