Yellowstone Ski Festival only two months away

Fri, Sep  17, 2010 - By Sara Hoovler

Join thousands of skinny skis in West Yellowstone, Montana for a week-long celebration of cross-country skiing. Olympic athletes to first timers descend on this small, mountain town to make their first tracks of the season over the Thanksgiving holiday on perfectly groomed corduroy. With the fourth Thursday in November falling late in the month, another successful snow packed festival is anticipated.

The Yellowstone Ski Festival presents a program as diverse as the terrain. Nordic ski clinics from 1 to 5 days are offered throughout the week including a brand new, NeverEver one-day lesson for beginners. Classic and skate specific options, as well as multi-day combination clinics provide an opportunity for all skiers to kick start their season on the Rendezvous Ski Trails. West Yellowstone will host three days of SuperTour races, the only USSA event in the states before the New Year. Beat the clock and top athletes in the first ever “Sprint Showdown” on Wednesday November 24, and the return of a 10/15km Freestyle race and 5/10k Classic race over the weekend.

The Yellowstone Ski Festival is all about first tracks. Each trail pass allows skiers into the Try-It to Buy-It On-Snow Gear Demo area. Test drive the latest and greatest in skis, boots, bindings, poles, and wax. The festivities continue after dark at the Indoor Expo located at the Holiday Inn, Yellowstone Ski Festival Headquarters. Visit with company representatives, fine tune your technique at a wax clinic, and enjoy the variety of presentations, lectures, and films.

Bring the whole family; there are plenty of options for kids. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center has scheduled daily activities and the Montana Outdoor Science School returns. Reserve space now for your K through 6th grader in half day and full day classes. Family-friendly evening presentations include the Backcountry Film Festival, a Birds of Prey exhibit featuring live raptors, a hands-on lecture from the National Park Service, and a good, old-fashioned S’more party. Let the Yellowstone Ski Festival become a new Thanksgiving tradition.

Think Snow and make plans now to attend the 2010 Yellowstone Ski Festival. For more information, visit www.yellowstoneskifestival.com.