Bozeman Montana Cross Country Skiing

The wintery snows of Montana were made to be enjoyed by the cross-country skiing enthusiast.

Overview
Cross-country skiing, otherwise known as Nordic touring, is done on prepared trails, groomed tracks, and moderate terrain. Equipment for this type of skiing is either designed for the classic kick-and-glide technique, with skis running parallel to one another, or for the skating style, with the skis angled in a herringbone pattern for powerful pushes.

Whichever style you pursue, you are bound to get a good work out combined with the opportunity to enjoy the pristine white wilderness that is Montana in the winter.

Where to go Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiers can enjoy groomed trails at local ski centers, easy-access trails right from town, and countless miles of solitude in the surrounding public lands - including the wonders of Yellowstone National Park!

Here are just a few of the options available.

Trails in/near town
Only have a short period of time to do some cross-country skiing? No problem. City trails are available. The trails are not groomed but still offer some spectacular views and enjoyable outings. Many of the trails are part of the city system that links the downtown area to the mountains.

Painted Hills: Trail begins at the parking lot on Kagy about 3/4 mile from the intersection of Highland Boulevard. The southbound trail is a 2.5 mile round trip.

Highland Ridge Trail: Begins either at Lindley Park or from the bottom of Petes Hill, the trail is 2.3 miles and ends at Kagy Boulevard.

Gallagator Trail: At south Church and east Story is a trail that uses the abandoned Gallatin Valley Electric Railroad right-of-way and ends at Morning Star School.

Sourdough Trail: 2.5 mile trail that extends from the Gallagator Trail, South Church and East Story, to Goldenstein Road.

Triple Tree: 5 mile trail approximately 2 miles south of the intersection of Kagy Boulevard and Sourdough.

Lindley Park: In addition to the trails, the city maintains a groomed trail through Lindley Park. A $10 button is needed for this trail and can be purchased at most sporting good shops.

Public Cross Country Ski Trails around Bozeman

Bozeman Creek to Mystic Lake

• Length: 10 mi.
• Trail begins: 5220' elev. at Bozeman Creek parking area.
• Trail ends: 6550' elev. at Mystic Lake Ranger Station
• Access: From Bozeman, follow South 3rd for 4 miles to Nash Road. Go east on Nash Road for I mile to Bozeman Creek Road. The parking area is I mile south on Bozeman Creek Road.
• Difficulty: Moderate

New World Gulch to Mystic Lake

• Length: 5.5 mi.
• Trail begins: 5440' elev. New World Gulch parking area
• Trail ends: 6550' elev. Mystic Lake Ranger Station
• Access: From the Bozeman city limits, go east on 1-90 for 4.5 miles to the Bear Canyon exit. Then head west for .5 mile to Bear Canyon Road. Follow Bear Canyon Road south for 3.5 miles to the New World Gulch parking area.
• Difficulty: Ski Mountaineering Route

Hyalite Ski Loop

• Length: 14 mi.
• Trail begins & ends: 6700' elev. Blackmore Recreation Area
• Access: From Bozeman, take 19th Avenue south for 7.5 miles to Hyalite Canyon Road. Turn south and travel 10.5 miles to Hyalite Reservoir. The ski trail begins on the west side of the reservoir at Blackmore Recreation Area.
• Difficulty: Ski Mountaineering Route

Rentals & Fees
Cross Country Ski rental equipment is available at the local Nordic Ski Centers and also, at various ski rental equipment shops in Bozeman.
Some fees may be incurred if you are skiing at Ski Centers with groomed trails. The majority of public trails both in Bozeman and in the surrounding area are FREE.

Hire a Guide
If your intent is to cross country ski at one of the Nordic Ski Centers, than hiring a guide is not necessary, unless you are looking for some pointers on improving your “glide”.

However, if your intention is to make use of the various cross –country ski trails in the surrounding Gallatin Forest and Gallatin Mountains, hiring a guide would be a wise investment. Many of the trails are not groomed and the potential exists for getting lost or stranded.

Safety Precautions
A backwoods cross-country ski trip should begin and proceed with the same caution you would use for a backwoods hiking trip.

• Take at least two other people with you, and let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
• Bring enough food and drink to last a couple of days along with a map of the area you are skiing and a compass.
• Bring extra warm clothing and a basic survival kit along including a cigarette lighter,. candles, a metal container for melting snow in as well as duct tape.