P (for Plateau)

Yellowstone Ski Festival

Sun, Nov  23, 2008 - By Sara Hoovler

We are excited to announce that we have close to a foot of snow on the South Plateau near West Yellowstone, MT.  We are skiing and looking forward to sharing the trails with you for the Yellowstone Ski Festival.  The South Plateau is higher in elevation than the Rendezvous Ski Trails and contains a series of snow covered Forest Service roads.  When I was there today, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow, the full coverage on the trails, and noticeable drop in temperature from town.  What a difference a few short miles can make!

The Show will go on!  Twenty kilometers of trails were groomed yesterday morning with the piston bully.  We will have some of the best skiing in the country tomorrow morning.  The Yellowstone Ski Festival plans to hold instructional clinics, races, and the on-snow demo on the South Plateau next week.  The indoor show, presentations, clinics, and kids programs will continue as planned.

To get to the South Plateau, please carpool in a 4 wheel drive vehicle.  Head south from the boundary of town on Iris Street.  Once you leave town, Iris Street turns into the South Plateau Road.  Stop and see Tom somewhere between town and the junction with the Rendezvous Ski Trails.  He will be checking for your November trail pass.  To keep the flow of traffic moving, we suggest purchasing your pass ahead of time at Freeheel & Wheel, the Holiday Inn, or the Chamber and having it in hand and ready.  Parking areas will be marked.  Keep in mind the road is tight.  Don’t block the gates, block anyone in, and allow enough room for other vehicles to turn around.  Saturday will be sloppy, but we will have the road plowed/graded by midday Sunday.  We also plan to provide shuttle service from town to the Plateau starting on Tuesday. 

West Yellowstone is know as “Year Round Vacationland”.  We hope to live up to that name for you.  Ski on the groomed trails at the Plateau and dry land train in town.  Roller ski or ride a bike into Yellowstone National Park.  Bike rentals are available at Freeheel and Wheel (406.646.7744).  In the evenings, enjoy the Indoor Show and all of its delights.  Dine in a variety of local eateries and browse the unique items in our shops.  In the morning, head to the hills and get skiing again!

We plan to be on the trails tomorrow morning.  Look for pictures and more information at www.yellowstoneskifestival.com and www.rendezvousskitrails.com/report.html

Thanks for hanging in there with us.  We are looking forward to another successful Yellowstone Ski Festival and to seeing you in West Yellowstone from November 25-29, 2008. 

Think Snow!