 There is no better way to explore Montana’s winter wonderland than on a
pair of cross-country skis. The gear is easy to find, inexpensive to rent
and takes little experience to use. With a little planning and not much fuss,
you can immerse yourself in a world of beauty, solitude and adventure.
On cross country skis, try traversing the old trails of Lewis and Clark,
the pioneering adventurers sent by President Jefferson 200years ago to explore
the West. Or you can climb up a glaciated canyon in the Bitterroots to find
old wooden dams built by the first pioneers a century ago. Or you ski across
a ridgeline, gazing deep into the mountainous wilderness of Montana and Idaho.
Montana receives hundreds of inches of snow each winter, blanketing the state
with enough soft, fluffy powder to allow your skis to take you places limited
only by your imagination.
For those new to this sport, try one of the two developed, public cross-country
skiing areas. The ski trails at the top of Lolo Pass are well marked, groomed
with tracks, which makes skiing easier, and designed to provide plenty of
different length trips of varying difficulty. Though you could leave from
here and ski for days, you can also ski for a few hours on trails marked for
beginners or intermediate skiers.
At the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley, literally across the street
from Lost Trail Powder Mountain, is the Chief Joseph ski area, another public
cross-country ski area maintained by the Forest Service. Again, this area
offers plenty of varying length and difficulty trips that all criss-cross
through this wooded area full of big and small critters. And in the middle
of the area sits a log cabin with hot coco and a warm fire waiting for you.
For those looking for more of an adventure, the hiking trails in the Bitterroot
and Sapphire ranges — the two mountain ranges that envelop the Bitterroot
Valley — offer hundreds of miles of trails that climb deep into the wilderness.
Because some of these trails start at lower elevations that the trails at
Lolo and St. Joseph, the bottoms can be a bit icy or thin. Many skiers wait
till after a big snowfall to ski them, or plan on carrying their skies on
a backpack — the skis are very light — up until the snow cover is adequate.
Visit the Forest Service’s we site for more information on ski trails and
conditions.
Cross county skiing adventures also lend themselves well to long weekend
getaways. Several small resorts and bed and breakfasts are located near great
skiing. A decadent meal in a warm cabin is the perfect end to a day of skiing.
Accommodations range from the romantic to family oriented, from luxurious
to discount. Some of the best skiing and après-ski accommodations are located
near Montana’s national parks, Glacier and Yellowstone. Though a bit of a
drive for the day from the Bitterroot Valley, they are worth the trek for
that special weekend away.
Cross-country skiing is a perfect activity for new and experienced skiers
alike. It takes most people just a few hours to become comfortable on the
skis, but you can spend a lifetime exploring. Because this is a winter activity,
you should be mindful of weather conditions, your own physical limitations
and the shorter days. Be prepared with a watch, extra clothes, food and a
map. And be ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!
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