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From the FasterSkier archive — posts syndicated from athletes’ and coaches’ own blogs between 2004 and 2012, kept online as published. Current coverage is at fasterskier.com.

Tag: WYSEF

Think Snow: The 2026 Yellowstone Ski Festival and Clinics Are Coming
Skiers head under the arch at the Rendezvous Ski Trails, where a November pass is required for festival week. (Courtesy photo)

Hello, XC skiers!

Excitement is building in West Yellowstone after our first snow. It won’t be long before we’re back out on the trails, enjoying the fresh air, great skiing and the start of another season. Now is the time to make your plans for the 2026 Yellowstone Ski Festival, Nov. 21 through 28 on the Rendezvous Ski Trails.

Our trail crew has been working hard to get the trails ready, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to regular grooming and miles of outstanding skiing. From first tracks in the morning to an easy ski with friends in the afternoon, there’s nothing better than getting out on the snow and enjoying everything West Yellowstone has to offer.

A skier strides through fresh classic tracks on the Rendezvous Ski Trails during the 2014 festival. (Photo: Lander Karath)

Eight Days on Early Snow

Thanksgiving week in West Yellowstone has belonged to skiers for a long time. Competitive athletes, first-timers and whole families come from all over to get on snow while most of the country is still waiting for winter. There is skiing every day of the festival, clinics for every level, biathlon on the range and a race to close out the week.

The tradition reaches back to 1979, when the U.S. Ski Team began bringing coaches to West Yellowstone each November to train them. FasterSkier told that story last fall in a look inside the festival and its clinics, and it is worth a read before you come.

A November trail pass is required for all of November and during the festival, and it is good through Nov. 30. From Dec. 1 through March 31, season and day passes are sold by the U.S. Forest Service at the Hebgen Lake Ranger Station, at Freeheel and Wheel, and at the Rendezvous Trailhead.

Clinic skiers sort into ability groups with coaches in red jackets at the Rendezvous Ski Trails. (Courtesy photo)

Clinics With Top Coaches

Looking to improve your skiing this season? Our clinics feature top coaches who can help you build skills, clean up your technique and get even more enjoyment out of your time on skis.

This year’s staff of 16 coaches includes Jack Hart and Todd Eastman. Every skier is placed in a group of similar ability, six to eight skiers per coach, and the coaches rotate through the groups each half day so you hear more than one voice over the week. Advanced groups also work on speed, endurance, strength, agility and race tactics.

The three-day Skate and Classic XC Fundamentals for Performance and the two-day Skate and Classic Tune Up both begin Tuesday, Nov. 24, with classic in the morning and skate in the afternoon. One-day technique clinics follow later in the week: skate on Thursday, Nov. 26 or Saturday, Nov. 28, and classic on Friday, Nov. 27.

Don’t wait to sign up. Any clinic with fewer than six skiers registered by Nov. 19 will be canceled. Find clinic details here and register here.

The stadium and biathlon range at the Rendezvous Ski Trails, seen from above. (Photo: WYSEF)

Biathlon, a Race and Après-Ski

Biathlon newcomers get a proper start. A Try-It clinic on Tuesday runs two sessions of up to 50 skiers each, and anyone planning to race the novice biathlon for the first time needs to attend it. The biathlon sprint and novice races follow on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the stadium and range.

Friday afternoon brings après-ski at the Rendezvous Trailhead. On Saturday, Nov. 28, the week wraps up with a fun 5 km and 10 km freestyle mass start, open to all ages and abilities and capped at 200 skiers. Watch for race registration to open in the coming weeks.

Wax clinics, a mindful movement class and an evening speaker round out the week. Everything depends on snow: low snow means modified courses, and no snow means races and clinics are canceled, with clinic fees refunded less a small administrative fee. The full festival schedule is online and will be updated as November gets closer.

Young skiers warm up together in the sun at the Rendezvous Ski Trails. (Photo: WYSEF)

Places to Stay and Visit

When booking your stay, please consider our festival sponsors. They support our ski community, and we appreciate your support of their businesses.
- Brandin’ Iron Inn: brandiniron.com
- Golden Stone Inn: goldenstoneinn.com
While you’re in town, stop by Freeheel and Wheel for the latest ski gear, great coffee and a chance to catch up with fellow skiers before heading out on the trails.

If the snow is slow to arrive, there are still great ways to get outside: roller ski or bike the road into Yellowstone National Park, or head out on the nine miles of paved Shortline Trail. Destination Yellowstone has more on what to do around town.

Racers push off the start in the stadium at the Rendezvous Ski Trails. (Courtesy photo)

Back in March for the Rendezvous

The season in West Yellowstone ends the way it starts, with a crowd on the trails. The Yellowstone Rendezvous Race, part of the American Ski Marathon Series, brings more than 600 skiers to town and is set for Saturday, March 6, 2027. Registration opens in November.

Festival skiers raise their poles on the Rendezvous Ski Trails during Thanksgiving week in 2018. (Courtesy photo)

See You on the Trails

The Yellowstone Ski Festival is a great way to kick off winter, catch up with old friends, meet new ones and get some real Nordic skiing in before December. Whether you’re joining a clinic, taking first tracks on fresh corduroy or just heading out for a relaxing ski, we can’t wait to see you. Start planning your trip, book your room and get ready for another great season in West Yellowstone.

For the latest festival information, visit skirunbikemt.com. Follow @RendezvousSkiTrails on Facebook and @Rendezvousskitrails1 on Instagram for updates and trail news.

Think snow, get excited, and we’ll see you in November!

The Yellowstone Ski Festival Committee

Clinic coaches line up on skis at the Rendezvous Ski Trails. (Courtesy photo)
October 20, 2026
2014 Yellowstone Ski Festival Race Invitation
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 1^st 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 2^nd 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 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

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.
October 13, 2014
West Yellowstone Nordic Needs Head Coach
West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation

Head Coach – West Yellowstone Nordic Ski Team

Position: Head Coach – Nordic Ski Team

Accountable To: WYSEF Board of Directors in consultation with the West Yellowstone School District

Primary Objective of Position: Under limited supervision, acts as the Head Coach for the West Yellowstone Nordic Ski Team

Job Characteristics:

Nature of Work:

Regular Contact with ski team members and their parents. Frequent contact with WYSEF Board of Directors, WYSEF Program Director, West Yellowstone Booster Club, local and regional ski community.

Supervision Received:

Position is primarily supervised by the WYSEF Board of Directors in consultation with the West Yellowstone School District; must be able to pass a background check

Essential Function:

Essential functions, as described by the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

This position requires the ability to walk, run, bend at the waist, kneel, reach over head, carry equipment up and down stairs, squat, talk, hear, and see. The Nordic Ski Team Head Coach must routinely Nordic ski, and regularly work outside in winter conditions. Hazards are generally controllable; position requires knowledge and proper use of safety equipment, clothing, and procedures. Must be able to supervise children (and their parents) under occasionally stressful situations.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

Off-Season (5/1-9/30):
- Plan upcoming season’s race schedule
- Coordinate upcoming season’s travel arrangements and associated costs
- Coordinate fundraising efforts for upcoming season’s expenses, including grant writing
- Plan for any new equipment upgrades and expenditures
- Attend Inter Mountain Division annual meeting in May in Park City, UT
- Help develop year-long training plans for athletes for summer training and upcoming season’s goals
Pre-season (10/1-11/30):
- Begin pre-season dry-land training by October 1
- Hold a minimum of two dry-land training practices per week including activities such as Ultimate Frisbee, mountain bike rides, roller-ski workouts, etc
- Organize Ski Team participation (ski team members, coach, and parents) in the annual Trail Clean Up Day at the Rendezvous Ski Trails
- Organize Ski Team participation (ski team members, coach, and parents) in the annual WYSEF Ski Swap
Yellowstone Ski Festival (Thanksgiving Week):
- Coordinate with WYSEF to send three Ski Team members on a scholarship to participate in the Ski Festival clinics
- Hold practices for remaining Ski Team members on snow
- Organize Ski Team volunteers participation (ski team members, coach, and parents) in the Ski Festival Races
- Enter qualified team members in Ski Festival Races
Regular Season (12/1-4/1):
- Hold regularly scheduled practices daily from 4:00PM-6:00PM at the Rendezvous Ski Trails
- Coordinate travel schedules with team members and parents
- Travel with Ski Team to away races
- Coordinate with WYSEF Board Members to schedule assistant coaches three nights per week
- Review and update athlete training plans and goals with Ski Team members
General
- Help produce a Policies and Procedures handbook for ski team members and their parents outlining expectations for behavior, participation, and conduct
- Attend all regularly scheduled WYSEF Board Meetings, and/or provide written reports
- Participate in WYSEF events and functions throughout the year
- Coordinate Ski Team parent involvement in WYSEF events
- Attend regular USSA Intermountain/Northern Division planning meetings and report back to the WYSEF Board with updates
- Attend ongoing coaching education/training when available
- Recruit new athletes to the Ski Team
- Maintain a high level of standard for the West Yellowstone student athletes
Education and Experience:

The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position include the following:
- Strong Nordic ski teaching and coaching knowledge and skills necessary to teach Classic and Freestyle techniques
- Efficient verbal and written communication skills
- Strong leadership skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and delegate responsibilities when necessary
Performance Criteria:

This position is subject to annual performance reviews by the WYSEF Board of Directors
August 19, 2013
Summer Fun in West Yellowstone: Mountain Bike Biathlon Race

Lining up for the start (photo: WYSEF).

The West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation (WYSEF) invites all mountain bikers and biathetes to register for the Mounatin Bike Biathlon at the Rendezvous Ski Trails on June 26, 2010. The race will consist of five biking laps totaling 12.5 kilometers and four shooting rounds. Everyone is welcome and no shooting experience is required. A safety clinic, practice session, loaner rifles, and ammunition will be available for novices. Experienced biathletes should bring their own rifles and will compete in the match division. All racers must provide their own bicycle and wear a helmet. West Yellowstone is perfect for such a unique sport. The Rendezvous Ski Trails provide superb, non-technical, single-track bike riding in the summer months and the biathlon range has 20 fully functional shooting lanes. Prizes, fresh air, and lots of fun await.

Instruction at the shooting range (photo: WYSEF).

Make it a weekend and stay for the WYSEF/Altius Biathlon Clinic on Sunday, June 27. The clinic will cover race preparation, techniques, race strategy, and includes a running and shooting time trial.

Pre-registration is required. Find more information and registration forms online at www.rendezvousskitrails.com/biathlon

Contact: Sara Hoovler
406-599-4465
info@rendezvousskitrails.com

June 2, 2010
Ski For Free in West Yellowstone & the Backcountry Scientist Project

The West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation (WYSEF) has coordinated with the Hebgen Lake Forest Service District to offer a FREE ski day at the Rendezvous Ski Trails on Saturday, January 30th. Local Nordic shops, Freeheel & Wheel 406-646-7744 and Bud Lilly’s 406-646-7801, will offer ski rentals at no charge on a first come, first served basis this day. WYSEF Board Members and other community experts will offer complimentary ski lessons at 11am. Meet at the Rendezvous Trailhead Building and learn how to skate or classic ski! Guided one hour family snowshoe walks will leave the trailhead building at 11:30am and 1pm, with some snowshoes available. No reservations or trail permit required. Last year, the FREE SKI DAY was a terrific success. Join us on Saturday and help us celebrate Winter Trails Day 2010!

On Sunday, January 31^st the Winter Wildlands Alliance is sponsoring the Backcountry Scientist Project in West Yellowstone, an innovative program that trains and engages backcountry skiers, Nordic skiers, and snowshoers as volunteer citizen scientists and activists in the conservation of rare carnivores. Spend the day learning how to recognize, document, and report rare carnivore tracks. This program is free of charge but registration is limited. Call 307-733-3742 or email fmccarthy@winterwildlands.org to reserve your spot or for more information.

Next Up: Spam Cup Classic & Pursuit Race on the Rendezvous Ski Trails, February 6^th.

January 26, 2010