FasterSkier

Author: West Yellowstone

  • West Yellowstone Ski Swap Nov. 15

     

    WEST YELLOWSTONE SKI SWAP

    November 15, 2014

    The West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation will hold their annual ski swap on November 15.  Used non-motorized gear and winter clothing are available at great prices.  Anyone can drop off items on Friday Nov 14 from 6-8pm at the Rendezvous trailhead building.  The sale starts at 8am on Saturday and lasts until noon.  Come early for the best selection!  Be tempted by the delicious aromas of the West Yellowstone Nordic Team’s bake sale and take home a treat.  Sellers must pick up their unsold items or a check from 12-1pm.  30% of each sale goes to support WYSEF events.

    Donate your blades to the “S’more  & Skating” project.  Bring unwanted ice-skates to the swap and they will be added to the mix available for public use at the West Yellowstone ice rink.  Join community groups throughout the winter for free marshmallow roasting and ice skating in West Yellowstone.

    For more information, contact Moira Dow at:  director@rendezvousskitrails.com or 617-697-6126

     

  • Yellowstone Ski Festival Preseason Discount Trail Passes Available

    yellowstone ski festival

    *Order by October 31, 2014 for the best rate  

    Prepaid trail passes are now available for the Yellowstone Ski Festival. Passes are valid from November 1-30. Passes can be purchased through the mail or online.

    For coaches, clubs, and teams:

    Discounted passes for the month of November are available now. Regularly $50 each, these passes can be purchased by college, high school and club coaches for $40 each. Passes must be paid for by check and postmarked no later than October 31, 2014 to qualify for the special rate.

    To qualify for this incentive, coaches must send the attached form containing the following information:

    1)      A complete list of athletes attending the Yellowstone Ski Festival

    2)      The exact name of the lodging establishment you will be staying in while in West Yellowstone

    3)      Your arrival date

    4)      Contact info including email and phone number

    5)      One check for all your ski passes, postmarked no later than October 31, 2014 to:

    The West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce

    ATTN: Yellowstone Ski Festival Coordinator

    PO Box 458

    West Yellowstone, MT 59758

     

    Trail passes will be delivered to the front desk of your hotel prior to your arrival. There will be one package of passes delivered and coaches are responsible for distributing the passes to their teams. Please let your team members know that they will have to get their pass directly from you.

    Prepaid passes for the Rendezvous Ski Trails are non-refundable.

    For individual skiers:

    Discounted passes for the month of November are available now. Regularly $50 each, these passes can be purchased by skiers and families for $40 each. Passes must be paid for by check and postmarked no later than October 31, 2014 to qualify for this special rate.

    To qualify for this incentive, skiers must send the following:

    1)  A complete list of skiers in your group attending the Yellowstone Ski Festival

    2)   One check for their ski passes postmarked no later than October 31, 2014 to:

    The West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce

    ATTN: Yellowstone Ski Festival Coordinator

    PO Box 458

    West Yellowstone, MT 59758

    For groups of 5 or more, trail passes will be delivered to your place of lodging, if within the town of West Yellowstone.  Passes will be at the lodging facility no later than Sunday, November 23.

    All other passes will be available for pick up at the Rendezvous Trailhead area starting Monday, November 24 at 8 am.  If you will be arriving before these times, please email info@yellowstoneskifestival.com to make arrangements.

    Prepaid passes for the Rendezvous Ski Trails are non-refundable.

    Passes may be purchased online (for a small processing fee) at http://yellowstoneskifestival.athlete360.com/

    For more information on the Yellowstone Ski Festival, please visit www.yellowstoneskifestival.com

  • 2014 Yellowstone Ski Festival Race Invitation

    ussa supertour logo

    USSA SuperTour Opener, West Yellowstone, Montana

     November 28-29, 2014

    Age classes: Juniors, Seniors, Masters.  Open to all skiers.

    Race Formats:  1.3k Freestyle Sprint; 10/15k Freestyle Distance

    Seeding:  USSA rules.

    Friday  November 28 USSA SuperTour Freestyle Sprint 9:00am start

    $35.00 per skier through 5pm, Thursday, November 20.  Multiple race discounts available.

    Late Registration:

    $45.00 per skier from 5pm, Thursday, November 20 until 12 NOON Wednesday, November 26- Online Only.  No paper registrations for late entries.

    Online registration available HERE with a small fee.  Checks payable to West Yellowstone Chamber, USSA waiver required.

    This race is open to ALL skiers.  Competitive racers have the chance to earn points and citizen racers can test their skills against the sport’s top athletes.

    1.3K course, Men and Women.  Freestyle technique.

    9 AM Qualifiers.  15 second intervals with 5 minute break between mens and womens races.  Top 30 men and women senior/master proceed to quarterfinals; top 12 junior female and male racers proceed to “A” and “B” finals.

    11 AM Rounds (5 minutes between starts)

    • Women Quarter Finals (5 heats of 6 racers; top 2 + lucky loser proceed to semi-finals)
    • Men Quarter Finals (5 heats of 6 racers; top 2 + lucky loser proceed to semi-finals)
    • Women Semi Finals (2 heats of 6 racers)
    • Men Semi Finals (2 heats of 6 racers)
    • Women “A” Finals
    • Men “A” Finals
    • Junior Women “B” and “A” Finals
    • Junior Men “B” and “A” Finals

     

    Prize money will be awarded to the top six men and women in accordance with USSA SuperTour guidelines.  Medals will be awarded to the top three athletes in each class.

    Details of the sprint race will be covered at the 1st coaches’ meeting, 5:30 PM Wednesday, November 26 at Race Headquarters (Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center)

     

     

    Saturday November 29  USSA SuperTour Freestyle Race.  10:00am start

    $35.00 per skier through 5pm, Thursday, November 20.  Multiple race discounts available.

    Late Registration:

    $45.00 per skier from 5pm, Thursday, November 20 until 12 NOON Wednesday, November 26- Online Only.  No paper registrations for late entries.

    Online registration available HERE with a small fee.  Checks payable to West Yellowstone Chamber, USSA waiver required.

    Men 15k, Women 10k, regardless of age.

    30 second intervals.

    Details of the race will be covered at the 2nd coaches’ meeting, 5:30 PM Friday, November 28 at Race Headquarters (Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center)

    Prize money will be awarded to the top 6 men and women in accordance with USSA SuperTour Guidelines.  Medals will be awarded to the top three men and women in each class.

    Multiple Race Discount:

    $60 for both races (through 5pm, Thursday, November 20)

    From 5pm Thursday, November 20 until 12 NOON Wednesday, November 26 – Online Only

    Late fee $10 per race.  (Example:  $45.00 per skier (one race) or $80.00 per skier (2 races)).  No paper registrations for late entries.  Online registration available with a small fee.  Checks payable to West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce, USSA waiver required.

    Organizing Committee:

    Yellowstone Ski Festival Director:  Moira Dow, info@yellowstoneskifestival.com

    Chief of Competition:  Travis Hansen, travisdhansen@me.com

    Timing Contractor:  Millisecond Timing, mac@millisecond.com

    Chief of Course:  Peggy Lynn, plynnski@gmail.com

    Chief of Stadium:  David Robinson, david@lavacreekadventures.com

    Chief of Grooming: Doug Edgerton

    Chief of Range: Marc Sheppard, altiusguns@earthlink.net

    Race Secretary:  Magen Crowley, macnmt@gmail.com

    Technical Delegate:  TBD

    Asst Technical Delegate:  TBD

    USSA Nordic Program Manager: Joey Caterinichio, jcaterinichio@ussa.org

    Volunteer Coordinator:  Mindy Morris, contact directly if you are interested in helping at the races.  Mail4minz@gmail.com

     

    Racers MUST be present at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday night and have a current FIS standing to be eligible for prize money.  Unclaimed prize money will be used for grooming and maintenance on the Rendezvous Ski Trails and to support the West Yellowstone Nordic Ski Team.  Any racer earning $600 or more in prize money must fill out a 1099 tax form before receiving payment.

    Collegiate Athletes

    In all sports except tennis, a student-athlete or prospective student-athlete may accept prize money as long as the amount of the prize is less than or equal to his or her expenses for participating in the competition, such as meals or lodging. The prize money may not pay for expenses of parents or coaches.

    Change of Venue:  In the event that there is not enough snow on the Rendezvous Ski Trails to hold the races, the event will be moved to the secondary race location on the South Plateau.  The decision to move the venue will by made by the Jury no later than Tuesday, November 25 at noon.  The race formats will be 1.5K Freestyle Sprint Prologue for Friday, November 28 and 9K Freestyle Distance for Saturday, November 29.  Both races will be point to point.  More information will be provided online and at the coaches’ meetings if there is a change in venue.

    Cancellation:  If the SuperTour Races are cancelled by the Jury on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at noon (for Sprint) and/or Friday, November 28, 2014 at noon (for Freestyle Distance races) due to lack of snow or other natural cause, a partial refund will be issued once non-refundable expenses are calculated.  If races are held and a racer does not compete, no refund will be issued.

    The Rendezvous Ski Trails will remain open to trail pass holders during all races.  Courses will be marked and accessible only to race personnel, registered athletes, and coaches during the event.

     

    altius logo

    Altius Handcrafted Firearms Biathlon Sprint & Novice Race

    $20.00 per skier through 5pm, Thursday, November 20

    $25.00 per skier through 4 pm. Tuesday, November 25- Online Only.  No paper registrations for late entries. 

    Online registration available  (small fee charged).  Checks payable to WYSEF, (WYSEF and USBA waiver required.)

     

    Registration closes on Tuesday November 25 at 4PM for all biathlon races.

    Sprint Race

    Format:  This event will be organized following standard IBU rules for the Sprint Race. The Start will be individual at 30 sec intervals.

    Distance: 10km for Men/Junior Men and 7.5km for Women/Junior Women/Youth Men & Women.

    Awards Schedule:  Prizes provided by Altius Handcrafted Firearms will be awarded to the top 3 in each category.

    Novice Race

    This event is open to all interested skiers*.  No previous biathlon or shooting experience is necessary. A safety clinic will be held just prior to the start of the race.

    *All new biathletes are required to participate in the FREE “Try Biathlon” clinic at the range on Tuesday Nov. 25 from 10:30am to noon.

    Novice Race is also for any experienced Biathletes with their own rifles, but who do not plan to carry their rifles.

    Distance:  4km for all categories. (3 laps of the ORANGE loop).  Map will be posted at stadium area.

    Awards Schedule:  Prizes provided by Altius Handcrafted Firearms will be awarded to the top 3 Men and Women.

    Biathlon Race Schedule

    Monday, November 24

    10:00AM-2:00PM Race Secretary available at Race HQ (Chamber visitor center) to assist with late online registration, answer race questions, and confirm registration.

     

    Tuesday, November 25

    10:30AM-12Noon “Try It” Biathlon Demonstration.  All novice biathletes must attend in order to participate in Wednesday’s race.  (Rendezvous Ski Trails Biathlon Range)

    3:00PM-5:00PM Race Secretary available at Race HQ (Chamber visitor center) to assist with late online Biathlon registration, answer race questions, and confirm registration.

    4:00 PM  Registration closes for ALL BIATHLON RACES

    4:30 PM Biathlon Coaches Meeting at Race Headquarters (Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center)

    Wednesday, November 26

    9:00-10:00 AM  Biathlon Zero and bib pick-up for biathlon sprint and novice race

    10:00 AM Biathlon Sprint Start, Biathlon Cabin/Rendezvous Trails

    *Biathlon Sprint Awards immediately following race, Biathlon Cabin/Rendezvous Trails

    11:00 AM Novice Biathlon Clinic & Start, Biathlon Cabin/Rendezvous Trails

     

    Details of the race can be confirmed with Marc Sheppard at Altius Handcrafted Firearms,406-646-9222,  altiusguns@earthlink.net

    wysef logo

    NNF/WYSEF Masters Race

    Saturday November 29, 12:00PM Start Time (approximate)

    Open to all skiers – 5k Freestyle

    15 second intervals

    $15.00 per skier through 5pm, Friday, November 28

    Online registration available with a small fee.  Checks payable to WYSEF, WYSEF waiver required

    Details of the race will be covered at the Friday 5:30 PM coaches meeting at Race Headquarters (Chamber Visitor Center)

     

    WYSEF Juniors Race

    Saturday November 29, 1:00PM Start Time (approximate)

    U20 & under – 5k Freestyle

    15 second intervals

    $15.00 per skier through 5pm, Friday, November 28

    Online registration available with a small fee.  Checks payable to WYSEF, WYSEF waiver required

    Details of the race will be covered at the Friday 5:30 PM coaches meeting at Race Headquarters (Chamber Visitor Center)

    The Juniors Race is the brainchild of timing contractor, Ernie Page.  He noticed the Yellowstone Ski Festival was the perfect venue for an early race for Juniors also and he was willing to professionally time an extra race for the kids.  Ernie’s Race is intended to follow the SuperTour race allowing Junior racers a chance to ski on a SuperTour course and pick up valuable race experience.  This event is low-keyed and open to age classes U20 and younger.

    Winners of all races will be announced immediately after the race and medals will be presented at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday night.

  • Registration Open for Yellowstone Ski Festival Clinic

    yellowstone ski festival

    YELLOWSTONE SKI FESTIVAL CLINICS – Registration Open

    November 25 – 29, 2014

    Kick off your ski season at Yellowstone Ski Festival XC Clinics. Great ski conditions, the Rendezvous trail system and the West Yellowstone ski culture make Thanksgiving week in West Yellowstone the best place in America to transition from dry-land training to on-snow skiing.

    • Train with and learn from an amazing team of coaches (check them out here)
    • Develop and solidify good ski technique
    • Learn how to train more effectively
    • Get excellent on-snow base training to start the season

    Whether you are a focused master skier preparing for the race season or a beginner skier wanting to be more efficient on skis, West Yellowstone XC ski clinics is the place for you to be Thanksgiving week. Check out the full list of clinics and register at: http://www.yellowstoneskifestival.com/clinic-options-cost/

    • The new 5-day race focused training clinic is sure to be a popular this year. World Cup skier Matt Liebsch, Olympian Erich Wilbrecht and former US Ski Team coach Miles Minson are just a few of the top tier coaches working with the clinics this year. Reserve a spot today. 

  • Yellowstone Ski Festival Clarifies Policy

    Hundreds of skiers took to the Rendezvous Ski Trails on Tuesday in West Yellowstone, Mont.

    YELLOWSTONE SKI FESTIVAL

    November 25-29, 2014

    It has come to our attention that there are many rumors circulating about a “coaching fee” that will be required for the 2014 and future Yellowstone Ski Festivals.

    First and foremost, there is THERE IS NO CHANGE FOR THE JUNIOR AND SENIOR TRAINING TEAMS.  Organizations and individuals are required to have a special use authorization if they are providing a commercial service on National Forest Lands. Essentially any service for a fee requires a special use permit through an outfitter/guide type authorization or a recreation/special event permit. In the case of Yellowstone Ski Festival/Fall Camp, there is and has been an existing recreation event special use permit with the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce dba Yellowstone Ski Festival. YSF has an operating plan, indemnification insurance for the US Government, and a safety plan in place that is approved by the US Forest Service, and pays all fees associated with the festival to the US Government. This is a long standing permit and one that has worked well for years.

    Through this Special Use Permit, the Rendezvous Ski Trails are treated as a private ski area for the month of November.

    Our permit with the Forest Service doesn’t allow non-licensed concessionaires to offer paid services on the trails. YSF offers its own Masters clinics and is the only licensed concessionaire; therefore unauthorized groups offering paid clinics and/or training are in violation of the permit with the Forest Service. Traditionally, YSF has allowed Junior and Senior teams to train on the trails because their coaching does not conflict with the purpose of the festival.  THERE IS NO CHANGE FOR THE JUNIOR AND SENIOR TRAINING TEAMS.

    There is an infrastructure already in place for group Master level clinics.  YSF Fall Camp directors are open to the concept of including other Masters ski clubs who have plans to visit during November and provide instruction to ski club members. Having groups under the YSF umbrella is best for all involved, keeps clubs legal, and facilitates the best experience for skiers as well. If any Club is interested in providing an organized Masters group instruction during the month of November, please contact the YSF Clinic Director Drew Barney at 406-640-1367.

  • No April Fools Joke, Over a Foot of New Snow in West Yellowstone

    West Yellowstone, over one foot of fresh snow.
    West Yellowstone, over one foot of fresh snow.

    Everywhere else flowers are blooming and thoughts are turning to spring.  But here in West Yellowstone, we got over a FOOT of new, amazing snow in the last couple of days.  The trails are in amazing condition and no longer require trail fees (donations are always welcome though).  We’re still grooming, though it’s intermittently and with the ginzu.  As you can see from the pictures, the skies are blue bird and the smiles are huge!

  • The 35th Annual Rendezvous Race will be held on March 8, 2014

    Youth Ski Festival Sunday, March 9th

    Snow is falling in West Yellowstone, Montana, and skiers of all ages are invited to participate in the 34th annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race on March 8, 2014.  Race organizers have been busy marking the course and making final preparations for the event. If you have been to the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone at any time this season, you’ll know the skiing has been great all winter.

    The Yellowstone Rendezvous Race is part of the American Ski Marathon Series and is a big part of the history of cross-country skiing in West Yellowstone.  This year, the Yellowstone Rendezvous race is happy to welcome Holiday Inn West Yellowstone as the title sponsor! There are six different race divisions offered for skiers of all ages. Marathoners can enter the 50 kilometer freestyle race, which consists of two laps around the perimeter of the Rendezvous Ski Trail system.  Racers can enter the 25 kilometer classic or freestyle events, and the 10 kilometer race is a great choice for those preferring a shorter distance. The 5k and 2k races are geared for kids.

    Register before February 25th to save on entry fees. Race registration deadline is Thursday March 6th at 12 noon. Please visit www.rendezvousrace.com for more information, and find us on Facebook for the latest grooming reports and updates on the race.

    On Sunday, March 9th, the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation will host their annual Youth Ski Festival where kids 13 and under can participate in a variety of ski games including relays, musical chairs and more! Bring the family and experience winter this year.  Day-of registration.  Please visit www.rendezvousskitrials.com for more information.

    As the title sponsor of the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race, Holiday Inn West Yellowstone offers a variety of lodging facilities in West Yellowstone and is your hub for registration, many meetings, events, clinics, and tasty vittles and drinks in The Branch Restaurant & Bar. For more information and to learn about special skier rates, call (406) 646-7365.

  • West Yellowstone Ski Festival

    Light snow is falling outside and the forecast is calling for more.  The Rendezvous Ski Trails are covered and the skiing is looking good.   The trails have already been groomed a couple times and the incoming weather forecast is predicting several more inches to fall Wednesday and into Thursday.

    With the 2013 Yellowstone Ski Festival in sight, the final details are wrapping up.  It is not too late to register for a clinic.  Consider a three or five day Nordic clinic to start the ski season off right.  Or a one or two day to fit your holiday schedule.  Take in an early season race.  There are five different races at this year’s ski festival, including the inaugural NNF/WYSEF Masters Race!  Online registration is available now.  Sign up by Thursday, November 21 to avoid late fees.  Check out the schedule of events.  Enjoy an array of wax clinics, movies, classes, and presentations.  The schedule is updated constantly, so check back often.  The Indoor Expo is packed with all things Nordic and free of charge.  Visit with those in the know from Rossignol, Salomon, Fischer, Toko, Atomic, Fast Wax, Madshus, Swix, Solda, the National Nordic Foundation, Boulder Nordic Sport, SkiFast Ergometer, Bliz, BeFast Headgear, Mt. Borah, Bjorn Daehlie, Noname Apparel, Podiumwear, Woodski, Cirrus Aircraft, Start Wax, and the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation.  Visit these vendors’ booths at night to pick up some demo gear for the next day.  Don’t forget to visit the vendors who will be on-snow at the Rendezvous Ski Trailhead area. Your ski pass allows you full access to demo gear on the trails.  Be sure to schedule some time so you can sample the latest and greatest from all the participating vendors!

    Join us for keynote speaker Dan Simoneau, catch the only Nordic skiwear fashion show, and win great prizes at the annual WYSEF Raffle, all at the Holiday Inn, Yellowstone Ski Festival’s event headquarters.

    Enjoy your First Tracks in West Yellowstone. Whether First Tracks truly means the corduroy and you, or it is the first time on skis this season, or the first time on skis period; you are invited to take them at the Yellowstone Ski Festival. Think Snow and make plans now to attend the 2013 Yellowstone Ski Festival. For more information, visit www.yellowstoneskifestival.com and follow westyellxcski on Twitter, or friend Yellowstone Ski Fest on Facebook for up-to-minute news.

  • Ski Clinics & Kids at the Yellowstone Ski Festival

    November 26-30, 2013

     

    There is snow in the air and on the ground in West Yellowstone, and now is a great time to check out the ski clinic options over Thanksgiving week at the Yellowstone Ski Festival.  Great coaches, video technique review, and more.  Whether you are an avid recreationalist, racer, or new to the sport, the goal is to make you a better skier. The YSF clinics provide a solid understanding of technique, and give you tools to gain efficiency and strength throughout your ski season. The YSF Nordic ski clinics started at the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone in the mid-1980s, and over the years the clinics have assembled a strong coaching staff of cross-country ski professionals, which includes retired world-class skiers, coaches and professional instructors.

    The Clinics are designed to develop and solidify good ski technique while getting great base training.  An experienced and highly qualified group of coaches are passionate about skiing and coaching others to improve their skiing.  Whether you are new to skiing or an experienced master ski racer, there is something for everyone.  Choose from 1-day to multiday clinics, beginners to race-focused.  For more information and to register, go to http://www.yellowstoneskifestival.com/clinics-options-cost/

    Again, this year the Yellowstone Ski Festival and Lone Mountain Ranch have partnered to offer two full days of ski-specific kids clinics.  Grades K-2nd and 3rd-6th will have morning and afternoon sessions on Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30.  Having fun on snow is what these clinics are all about.  Kids will learn the fundamentals of cross-country skiing balance and technique, and those with skiing experience will learn tips to ski more efficiently.  Parents can take this time to hit the trails while the little ones participate in half day or full day classes.  Classic and skate options available to 3rd-6th graders; K-2nd is classic only.  Equipment is available to rent.

    Evening events and seminars take place at the Holiday Inn of West Yellowstone, the official sponsor of Yellowstone Ski Festival.  To find out about their special skier rates, Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet, and other great deals, please call (406) 646-7365.

    Cross-country skiing starts in West Yellowstone and first tracks for skiers 13 and younger are half price during the Yellowstone Ski Festival. Think Snow and make plans now to attend the 2013 Yellowstone Ski Festival.  For more information, visit www.yellowstoneskifestival.com.

  • West Yellowstone Ski Swap

    November 16, 2013 

    The West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation will hold their annual ski swap on November 16.  Used non-motorized gear and winter clothing are available at great prices.  Anyone can drop off items on Friday Nov 15 from 6-8pm or Saturday Nov 16 from 7-8am at the Rendezvous trailhead building.  The sale starts at 8am on Saturday and lasts until noon.  Come early for the best selection!  Be tempted by the delicious aromas of the West Yellowstone Nordic Team’s bake sale and take home a treat.  Sellers can pick up their unsold items or a check from 12-1pm.  30% of each sale goes to support WYSEF events.

    Donate your blades to the “S’more  & Skating” project.  Bring unwanted ice-skates to the swap and they will be added to the mix available for public use at the West Yellowstone ice rink.  Join community groups throughout the winter for free marshmallow roasting and ice skating in West Yellowstone.

    For more information, contact Moira Dow at:  info@rendezvousskitrails.com or 617-697-6126

  • Yellowstone Ski Festival Set for Nov. 26-30

    (Press release)

    YELLOWSTONE SKI FESTIVAL

    Nov.26-30, 2013

    Good times at the Yellowstone Ski Festival
    Good times at the Yellowstone Ski Festival

    Make your first tracks of the year Trails in West Yellowstone, Montana for the Yellowstone Ski Festival, November 26-30th, 2013. Each year thousands of skiers, from Olympic athletes to first timers, descend on our small mountain town for a week-long celebration of cross-country skiing. Perfectly groomed corduroy on the Rendezvous Ski Trails, featuring 35 kilometers of trails, new warming cabin, and an updated skiers map. Full information and registration is available at www.yellowstoneskifestival.com.

    The Yellowstone Ski Festival will again offer a  diverse schedule of events, with ski clinics, races, on-snow gear demos, evening activities and the USSA SuperTour opener, beginning with the Freestyle Sprints on Friday, November 29. The 10/15 kilometer freestyle distance race will be held on Saturday. One to five day Nordic ski clinics with classic and skate specific options, as well as multi-day combination clinics, will be offered.

    A half day adaptive ski clinic & a half day adaptive biathlon clinic with the U.S. Paralympics Nordic Coaching staff is also offered on Tuesday, November 26th, 2013. This clinics are free of charge and equipment will be provided. Pre-registration is required.

    Adaptive Nordic Biathlon Clinic (9:00 – 11:00 AM) Meet at the Holiday Inn Adaptive Nordic skiers – come learn to shoot with U.S. Paralympic Biathlon Coaching staff with precision air rifles for standing & sitting classes, or via Audio electronic rifle for those visually impaired skiers. Learn to shoot, then challenge.

    yourself to shoot with a heart rate to simulate Biathlon competition

    Adaptive Cross Country Skiing Clinic (1:00 – 3:00 PM) Meet at the Holiday Inn: Adaptive Nordic skiers are encouraged to join U.S. Paralympic Nordic Coaching staff for cross country skiing instruction during the West Yellowstone Ski Festival in all three classes: sitting, standing, and visually impaired. Learn classic & freestyle skiing techniques, along with downhill and turning techniques. Some Sit-ski equipment can be made available with advance notice. Meet at the Holiday Inn.

    The Rendezvous Ski Trail System, home to the Festival, features perfectly groomed The biathlon range will be featured with a “Try Biathlon Day” on Tuesday Nov. 26, 2013 and Biathlon Sprint held the following day Wednesday November 27, 2013.

    The “On Snow Nordic Gear Demo” program allows skiers into the On-Snow Gear Demo area where they can test drive the latest and greatest in skis, boots, bindings, poles and wax. Look for Atomic, Fast Wax, Fischer, Madshus, Rossignol, Salomon, Swix and more. The On-Snow Demo Area will be open from 8:30am to 3:00pm Wednesday through Saturday.

    Look for representatives just past the trailhead building at the corner of the In&Out Trail and Purple Haze. There will be a group of booths and tents set up here and all of the newest equipment will be on display. Any November trail pass to the Rendezvous Ski Trails includes access to the On-Snow Demo area.

    Following a long day of skiing the expertly groomed trails, join your friends for the inaugural aprèsski events held at the On-Snow Demo area on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.  Hot and cold beverages will be provided, as well as a bonfire to keep skiers warm and sledding for the kids.

    The Yellowstone Ski Festival is also about families and helping kids learn to cross country ski in a safe, and fun, learning environment. Lone Mountain Ranch and the Yellowstone Ski  Festival are partnering for two days of kids ski clinics.  Clinics will be offered for two different age groups: grades K-2nd and grades 3-6th.  Pre-registration is required.

    There will be morning and afternoon sessions on Friday, November 29th, and Saturday, November 30th, 2013.   Clinics are being scheduled so parents can also attend the adult clinics. The drop-off time for kids will be 15-30 minutes before the adult clinics begin.

    West Yellowstone offers a full range of lodging options for the Festival from cabins to full service hotels. All properties are located within walking distance to the Rendezvous Ski Trails and a number offer wax rooms for their guests.

    The Holiday Inn and Conference Center is the Yellowstone Ski Festival headquarters. It is also the headquarters for the Indoor Expo where you can 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 lots of options for kids. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center has scheduled daily activities and family-friendly evening presentations,including 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’mores party.  Let the Yellowstone Ski Festival become a new family Thanksgiving tradition.

    Think snow(!) and make plans now to attend the 2013Yellowstone Ski Festival. For more information, clinic registration, or to find out about early trail pass discounts, visit www.yellowstoneskifestival.com.

  • The 34th Annual Rendezvous Race will be held on March 2, 2013

    Start off Your Spring Ski Racing with a Bang!

    There are just over two weeks until the cannon fires for the 34th annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race, on March 2, 2013.  Make plans now to participate in this historic race, and experience some of the best skiing the world has to offer in West Yellowstone, Montana.  Race organizers are already busy marking the course and making final preparations for the event. If you have been to West Yellowstone at any time this season, you’ll know that the Rendezvous Ski Trails are in outstanding shape!

    The Yellowstone Rendezvous Race is part of the American Ski Marathon Series and is a cornerstone of cross-country skiing in West Yellowstone.  Once again, this year the race is proud to have Yellowstone National Park Lodges as its corporate sponsor. There are six different race divisions offered for skiers of all ages.  Marathoners can enter the 50 kilometer freestyle race, which consists of two laps around the perimeter of the Rendezvous Ski Trail system.  Racers can enter the 25 kilometer classic or freestyle events, and the 10 kilometer race is a great choice for those preferring a shorter distance. The 5k and 2k races are geared for kids… bring the whole family!

    Camaraderie at the start line follows racers along the entire course.  To support racers in the 25 or 50k division, costumed volunteers staff feed stations along the trails and the theme this year is “Dr. Seuss”.  Look for the Cat in the Hat, Sam I Am or even the Lorax!  Bragging rights are on the line, as racers get to vote for their favorite feed station and the winners gloat for the rest of the year.

    For most, crossing the finish line is the goal… but the fastest skiers will be rewarded with medals and cash prizes at the awards ceremony on Saturday evening.  All racers are invited to treat themselves to the complimentary desert bar at the Holiday Inn after the race.

    The Yellowstone Rendezvous Race is a fun, festive event in a unique location.  As the name implies, West Yellowstone sits at the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park, which is open to over-snow vehicles until March 15, 2013.  Inside the park, local snow coach companies offer ski tours around Old Faithful, Firehole Drive, Gibbon Falls, and many other spectacular spots. Alternatively, a short drive will find many trailheads for those interested in a light backcountry tour of Yellowstone National Park or the Gallatin National Forest.

    Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay and truly enjoy a winter wonderland that is unlike any other place.  Whether it is skiing or sight-seeing, West Yellowstone is the home base for winter fun.  There is no other place in the world where you can spend one day racing or skiing on 35 kilometers of professionally groomed trails and the next day see bison grazing next to hot springs or bald eagles soaring past geysers.

    There is still time to sign up for the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race.

     

    For more information please visit www.rendezvousrace.com.

     

     

  • Fun Events on the Rendezvous Ski Trails

    All Skiers are Welcome in West Yellowstone

    The West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation (WYSEF) is excited to announce a variety of activities for the upcoming winter season.  Cross country skiers of all abilities and ages are welcome to participate in WYSEF’s races, recreational skis, and classes.  Join us on the weekends for…

    • Saturday January 5 at 11am.  The second SPAM Cup of the season will be held on the Rendezvous Ski Trails.  The SPAM Cup is a series of three citizen’s races held throughout the season, skiers of all ages and abilities are welcome.  This race will be freestyle technique with distances of 2k, 7.5k, and 15k to choose from.  THE START AND REGISTRATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE BIATHLON RANGE.  Please arrive with enough time to ski out there before registration closes at 10:45am.  First place winners for each distance will receive a highly coveted SPAM trophy!
    • Saturday January 5.  Following the second SPAM Cup of the winter will be a chance for skiers to try their hand at biathlon.  Marc Sheppard of Altius Custom Firearms and his biathletes will be at the biathlon range to give instructions to any skiers interested in learning about this sport.  Firearms, ammunition and targets will be provided.  Bring yourself and your steady hand!
    • Saturday January 26.  WYSEF has coordinated with the USFS to offer a FREE ski day on the Rendezvous Ski Trails on Saturday, January 26.  Local Nordic shops, Freeheel & Wheel 406-646-7744 and Bud Lilly’s 406-646-7801, will offer free ski rentals this day also.  WYSEF Board Members and other local experts will offer complimentary ski lessons from 11-2pm.  Altius Handcrafted Firearms will also sponsor the Try It Biathlon Day.  Learn the basics of biathlon and then test yourself after skiing with an elevated heart rate.  Rifles and ammunition will be provided.  Meet at the Rendezvous Trailhead Building and learn how to ski and shoot! If you are interested in teaching beginners to intermediates, please contact Moira.  Last year, the FREE SKI DAY was an overwhelming success.  Join us and help us celebrate Winter Trails Day 2013!
    • Saturday February 9 at 10am.  The third and final SPAM Cup of the season will be held on the Rendezvous Ski Trails.  The SPAM Cup is a series of three citizen’s races held throughout the season, skiers of all ages and abilities are welcome.  Bring both your classic and freestyle skis as this race style, distances and course details are to be determined.  First place winners for each distance will receive a highly coveted SPAM trophy!
    • Saturday February 9 at 2pm.  The 3rd annual Taste of the Trails will be held following the season’s final SPAM Cup.  Enjoy a leisurely 5k ski to four different courses of food, ending with dessert at the trailhead building.  Please check the rendezvousskitrails.com for more information, including where to purchase tickets.
    • Saturday February 25 at 6:00pm.  Join WYSEF Board members for a moonlight ski.  Meet at the Rendezvous Trailhead Building at 6:00pm and see the trails in a whole new light.  A trail pass is required but there is no additional fee for this guided ski.
    • Saturday March 2.  The 34th annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race will be held in West Yellowstone, Montana.  Skiers from across the nation will be on the Rendezvous Ski Trails to compete in this marathon ski race.  Course distances range from 2k for the kids to 50k for those looking for a true long distance event.  All the details can be found online at www.rendezvousrace.com.  Register early for the best rate.
    • Sunday March 3.  The WYSEF Youth Ski Festival is a terrific way to wrap up your family’s Rendezvous Race weekend.  Skiers aged thirteen and younger are encouraged to have fun on skis.  Your child can participate in activities such as musical chairs, relay races, and the obstacle course.  This low key event is perfect for young skiers.  Families will walk away with a smile and some great photo ops!
    • March 23-24.  The Equinox Ski Challenge is a springtime celebration, a season finale, and also among the most challenging ski races in the world.  This event is ingrained with camaraderie, challenge, and commitment to the well-being of the local community.  Skiers of ALL abilities are welcome. The goal is to have a lot of fun and also complete as many laps as you can in the 6 Hour, 12 Hour or 24 Hour divisions.  Skiers can enter as a relay team of up to 8 members or as a soloist. For more information, please go to www.equinoxskichallenge.com.

     

    The Rendezvous Ski Trails are currently open and groomed regularly.  The grooming report and schedule of events can be found at www.rendezvousskitrails.com.  A United States Forest Service ski pass is required to ski on the Rendezvous Ski Trails.  You can pick one up at several locations around town including the Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center, Bud Lilly’s Trout Shop, Freeheel & Wheel, Yellowstone Alpen Guides and at the trailhead; day passes are $8.00 and season passes are $40.00.

     

    For more information or to volunteer at any of the above events, please contact WYSEF Director Moira Dow at info@rendezvousskitrails.com or 617-697-6126.  Happy trails!

  • Rendezvous Ski Trails Are Groomed and Looking For Skiers

    West Yellowstone, Montana – Grooming has started in full swing on the Rendezvous Ski Trail System. A little over an inch of new snow fell last night under partly cloudy skies and below freezing temperatures. Rendezvous Loop, Dead Dog, Volunteer, Jerry’s Journey, Doug’s Doodle, and trails for this weekend’s North America Cup #2 Biathlon have been groomed. The biathlon range is boasting some beautiful corduroy and stellar skate skiing. Classic tracks have been set, but still a bit thin in places. Skiers report amazing conditions. For daily grooming reports, visit rendezvousskitrails.com

    Weather reports for the upcoming week show an 80% chance of snow through Wednesday December 12. Temperatures are consistently below freezing and look to stay that way, helping to keep the snowpack solid and stable. With these conditions in the immediate forecast, the base will continue to build and the skiing will be back on track to be another fantastic season.

  • West Yellowstone Distance Race Moves to Plateau

    West Yellowstone Distance Race Moves to Plateau

    Skiers training on the South Plateau this week. The venue is now officially hosting the freestyle distance races on Friday.

    The following is a press release from the West Yellowstone Festival director, Moira Dow, on the status of the upcoming SuperTour opener. Check back on FasterSkier for more information regarding SuperTour options in West Yellowstone and Bozeman, Mont.

     

    Thank you all for attending this year’s Fall Festival, and thank you for your patience while we explore our best options for hosting this seasons scheduled races. With the uncertainties of the weather combined with our desire to host the best possible SuperTour and Junior’s events, we are proceeding as follows:

    FOR SURE: Friday, Nov 23rd we will have a SuperTour freestyle distance race on the Plateau. The course will be point to point, approximately 9K on the Whiskey Trail, starting at the lower access and finishing just below the upper junction with the groomed S. Plateau/Black Bear trails. The coaches meeting for this event is Wednesday night at 5:30 PM, at the WY Chamber of Commerce (Race Headquarters).

    We have moved the Thursday deadline for canceling the Saturday races to Friday at noon. We anticipate that the Plateau will have sufficient snow to host a Saturday race, and if we have enough new snow on the Rendezvous trails by Friday at noon, we will race on our homologated freestyle sprint course with morning qualifiers and afternoon heats.

    THE UNKNOWN: At the end of the Wednesday 5:30 PM coaches meeting, we will discuss our options for Saturday’s race, and by the end of the meeting, based on coach input, we will finalize the decision on one of the following options:

    1. Cancel all Saturday races based on hosting the SuperTour sprints the following week in Bozeman and lack of interest in having a Junior’s race.

    2. Cancel the SuperTour but host a 5K Junior’s race on the Whiskey Trail course.

    3. Host a SuperTour freestyle prologue on the Plateau, but with considerable logistical problems and a decidedly poor alternative to a sprint with heats in Bozeman, with no Junior’s race.

    4. If we host a SuperTour freestyle prologue on the Plateau, also having a Junior’s race following the SuperTour using the same course and technique.

    Please attend the Wednesday 5:30 PM coaches meeting and offer your input! While pondering all of this, also realize that there is a possibility that Bozeman may not have sufficient snow to host the sprints or their scheduled classic events either. It’s been very warm, and who knows what the next week will bring? We’ll hope for the best, but let’s plan for what we know we can do for sure.

    NOTES: Please be considerate of volunteers working today and tomorrow preparing the Whiskey Trail for racing.

    Please also be considerate of the travel restrictions on the Plateau road. They are there to create a safe environment for moving everyone to and from the venue, and to still allow our crews to prepare for races and to groom the trails. While we cannot do much to regulate the public on a public right of way, we can and will sanction coaches for violations of the travel restrictions. This morning 4 team vans were traveling up the Plateau road just after 7AM, beyond a closed gate. Fortunately, they met the groomer at the bottom, because had they met it further up the road, they would’ve had to be able to back down the road in concert at over 10mph, because the groomer driver doesn’t have a high tolerance for that kind of selfishness. I (David) will contact the head coaches of the teams involved in this incident. Please be respectful of all of the things we’re trying to juggle to make this event work for everyone involved!

     

    RACE SCHEDULE: Biathlon had been cancelled, SuperTour and Junior’s races as follows:

    Wednesday, Nov 21: 5:30 PM at the WY Chamber of Commerce race HQ – Friday 9K Supertour Freestyle Coaches meeting. Saturday’s race format will be decided at the end of this meeting

    Friday, Nov 23: 10:00 AM – SuperTour 9K freestyle race start, Whiskey Trail course

    12:00 PM – Deadline for cancelling the Saturday races due to lack of snow, or for moving the races to the Rendezvous trails due to lots of snow (let’s hope).

    5:30 PM – Coaches meeting for Saturday’s races, format TBD at Wednesday’s coaches meeting.

    Saturday, Nov 24: 10:00 AM – Race start

     

    TRANSPORTATION TO THE SOUTH PLATEAU VENUE: More information about transportation to the South Plateau for racers, coaches, and the public for Friday, and possibly Saturday, will be released shortly.