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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: Yellowstone Rendezvous

  • Think Snow: The 2026 Yellowstone Ski Festival and Clinics Are Coming

    Think Snow: The 2026 Yellowstone Ski Festival and Clinics Are Coming

    Skiers walking and skiing under a carved wooden arch reading Welcome to the Rendezvous Ski Trails, with a sign saying November passes required
    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 in a blue suit strides along freshly groomed classic tracks through snow-covered pine trees on a sunny day
    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.

    A large group of cross-country skiers and coaches in red jackets gathered in clusters on a snowy field ringed by pine trees
    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.

    Jack Hart will be leading this year’s coaching staff. We place every skier 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.

    Aerial view of a snow-covered ski stadium and biathlon range cut into a pine forest, with groomed trails leading away
    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.

    Children and adults on cross-country skis jumping and stretching with arms raised under a clear blue sky
    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.

    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.

    A pack of cross-country ski racers in bibs pushes off the start line in a stadium lined with pine trees
    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.

    A group of eight cross-country skiers raising their poles and smiling on a snowy trail among pine trees
    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

    Six skiers in matching red jackets and one man in a black jacket pose together on skis in a snowy clearing
    Clinic coaches line up on skis at the Rendezvous Ski Trails. (Courtesy photo)
  • First Tracks at the Yellowstone Ski Festival

    First Tracks at the Yellowstone Ski Festival

    Everyone is invited to West Yellowstone, Montana Nov. 22-26 for the Yellowstone Ski Festival, a week-long celebration of cross-country skiing.  Each year thousands of skiers, from 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.

    The Yellowstone Ski Festival offers a diverse schedule of events, with one to five day Nordic ski clinics offered throughout the week. 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 also host the USSA SuperTour opener, beginning with the “Sprint Showdown,” on Wednesday, Nov. 23. The 10/15 kilometer freestyle race and 5/10 kilometer classic race will happen on Friday and Saturday.  A “Try Biathlon Day” will be held on Nov.22, and Biathlon Sprint on Nov. 23.

    Skiers will have the chance to test skis, boots, bindings, poles and wax at the On Snow Gear Demo.  New this year, the “Passport Program” will enter skiers who demo gear from all participating companies and attended one evening wax clinic into a drawing for a $750 gift certificate to their choice of  local ski shops Freeheel & Wheel, Bud Lilly’s, or Altius Handcrafted Firearms.  Second and third prizes will also be awarded.   The festivities continue after dark at the Indoor Expo, where skiers may visit with company representatives, fine tune ski prep techniques at wax clinics, and enjoy a variety of lectures, presentations and films. The expo will be held at the Yellowstone Ski Festival’s headquarters, the Holiday Inn.

    Bring the whole family; there are plenty of options for kids.  The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center has scheduled daily activities and 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 2011 Yellowstone Ski Festival.  For more information, clinic registration, or to find out about early trail pass discounts, visit www.yellowstoneskifestival.com.

  • An Insider’s Look at the Yellowstone Rendezvous

    An Insider’s Look at the Yellowstone Rendezvous

    March 5th West Yellowstone, Montana

    The famous American Birkebeiner will take place this weekend and that means the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race is just around the corner.  Whether racing in Hayward or watching the Birkie online, do not forget to register for the 32nd annual Rendezvous Race by Monday, February 28.  Procrastinators can push it until noon MST on Thursday March 3rd and pay a late fee.

    For many, the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race is a tradition not to be missed.  The quirks of the race and town are old hat.  First timers have a myriad of questions beyond wax recommendations.  The Organizing Committee offers the following advice to even the playing field before the cannon goes off.

    How to get here:  Plug in the GPS and enter West Yellowstone, Montana (zip code 59758).  It is in the tri-state area consisting of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.  Take Hwy 20 from Idaho Falls (IDA) or Hwy 191 from Bozeman (BZN).  Stop where they intersect.  Shuttles can be arranged through Karst Stage in Bozeman and rental cars are available from either location.

    Where to stay:  West Yellowstone is by nature a tourist town with an array of hotels, motels, cabins, condos, and houses for rent.  A complete list of available properties can be found at www.westyellowstonechamber.com.  Race sponsors and supporters of ski events include: the Holiday Inn, Gray Wolf Inn, Brandin’ Iron Inn, Comfort Inn, Desert Inn, Moose Creek Inn, and the Alpine Motel.  These properties and others located in the town of West Yellowstone are within walking distance to the trailhead and race start area.  Parking near the race start area on March 5th will be congested and expect to walk anyway.

    Trail conditions:  The Yellowstone Rendezvous Race takes place on the Rendezvous Ski Trails.  The trail system is a fee area for the United States Forest Service ($8/day or $40/season) and is managed collectively by the USFS, the Chamber of Commerce, and the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation.  Approximately 80% of trail fees collected each season are returned directly to the grooming and trail maintenance program.  Grooming is provided by Yellowstone Track Systems, makers of the Ginzugroomer and suppliers/consultants to the Salt Lake City and Vancouver Olympic games.

    There is currently over three feet of packed powder on the Rendezvous Ski Trails.  The race course will continue to be groomed to ensure quality conditions for the race start.  The Rendezvous Ski Trails will remain open on Friday, March 4th.  Please be courteous to other skiers and do not ski behind the groomer in the late evening/early morning to allow the trails to set up for the race.  The trailhead webcam died in late summer 2010.  A replacement is in the works but may not be available by the race.

    Snowmobiles: Due to the remote nature of the outer trails, snowmobiles are necessary to the event and used to assist skiers for medical reasons.  Be polite to the volunteers.  They are trying to move past as quickly and safely as possible.  West Yellowstone has rerouted the South Plateau Trail to no longer cross the ski trails, so the only snowmobiles seen on the course are there to help.

    Pre-Race:  Register early and save money.  Race registration closes promptly at noon MST on Thursday, March 3, 2011.  No exceptions.  Race packet and bib pick-up is open on Friday night from 5-9pm at the Holiday Inn (315 Yellowstone Ave.).  Bring a photo ID and expect a fee to change k’s on Friday night.  Collect the commemorative t-shirt, talk shop with wax gurus, and get a good night’s sleep.  Skiers arriving on Saturday morning can pick-up race bibs at the Race Start/Timing Headquarters located in the Povah Community Center (10 S. Geyser St.) from 7-8am.

    Race Start:  The race start takes place on the old Union Pacific railroad bed.  Don’t worry, the train tracks are gone and there is several feet of snow between race skis and the ground.  Six start times are needed to accommodate the different waves and distances.  It is the racer’s responsibility to start in the correct wave.  If in doubt, just ask.  Skiers will be disqualified by starting in the wrong wave.  Porta-potties are located at the start area.  There are houses in the vicinity with young children.  Do not make their parents explain anatomy and manners on race day-use the provided facilities.  All racers are responsible for their own warm-up gear and personal items.  When the time is right, jostle to the start line and wait for the cannon.  That’s right, cannon.  An authentic black powder cannon is set off by local mountain men to start each wave.  Clear the puff of smoke and hit the course.

    Mid-Race:   Five feed stations are located along the course and staffed by locals.  Many of the volunteers have faithfully supported the event year after year.  Each station has water, drink mix, fruit, energy bars, snacks, spare ski poles, and space aliens.  Vote for your favorite group and they will be handsomely rewarded.  Look for photographers from Montana Stars.  Individual photos from the race are available through their website, www.montanastars.com.Local grocery stores have provided $100 each for the first 50k male and female to ski under the Rendezvous Trail Arch on their second lap.  The 50k cut-off time is 12:00pm for the beginning of the second lap, 12:30pm at the first feed station. The race course will close at 3:00pm SHARP.

    Post-race:  Congratulations! After crossing the finish line, head directly to the Ambulance/Fire Station for the final feed.  West Yellowstone Boy Scouts are on-hand to serve warm soup, drinks, and other snacks as skiers recover from the marathon.  More ports-potties are available at the final feed.

    Awards:  The Awards Ceremony takes place at 7pm at the Holiday Inn. A complimentary dessert bar will be served.  Medals are awarded to the top three finishers in each age group. In addition to the medals, all racers present at the ceremony are eligible to win a large number of raffle prizes including skis, boots, bindings, clothing and training aids.  Bring the ticket found in each race packet.  Prize Money will be awarded to the top three men and women in the 50k, 25k, and 25k classic divisions.  Winners must be present to collect prize money.

    25k Freestyle & Classic           50k

    1. 1. $200                            1. $400
    2. 2. $150                            2. $300
    3. 3. $100                            3. $200

    More Fun: Yellowstone National Park is open to over-snow vehicles until March 15.  Yellowstone National Park Lodges, operated by Xanterra provides accommodations, dining, and activities inside America’s first national park.  Go to www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com for a late season ski-cation and help say thank you to the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race’s corporate sponsor.

    West Yellowstone is the home base for winter fun.  There is no other place in the world where you can spend one day racing on 25 kilometers of professionally groomed trails and the next day see bison grazing next to hot springs or bald eagles soaring past geysers.  The skiing options in and around West Yellowstone are not limited to the Rendezvous Ski Trails.  Multiple snowcoach companies offer ski tours around Old Faithful, a skier led track will take you from the western boundary of town to the Madison River just inside the Park, or a short drive will find many trailheads for those interested in a light backcountry tour of Yellowstone National Park or the Gallatin National Forest.

    March 6th.  The West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation hosts ski games on Sunday morning.  Watch skiers 13 and younger slip, slide, kick, and glide at the Youth Ski Festival in events such as musical chairs, obstacle course, and relay races.  Registration is available from 9-9:45am and the games begin at 10am.  It is a great way to wind down a race weekend, burn off energy before a long car ride, and capture once-of-a-kind photo ops.

    March 6th, 6-9pm.  Free fun at the West Yellowstone Ice Rink (located across the street from Westmart,100 S. Faithful Street off Yellowstone Ave).  Warm-up with hot beverages, toast some marshmallows, and make your own S’mores. All the fixings provided. Bring a sled for the Kid’s Sledding Hill or try out West Yellowstone’s ice skating rink. Skates available. Old-fashioned family fun for every age!

    March 19-20.  The Equinox Ski Challenge is a springtime celebration, a season finale and an opportunity for skiers to challenge themselves to new levels.  The goal is to have a lot of fun and also complete as many laps as possible in the 3 Hour, 6 Hour, 12 Hour or 24 Hour divisions.  Skiers can enter as a relay team of up to 8 members or as a soloist.  Kids under 12 are welcome to enter the 24 Minute event.  The weekend includes a Saturday evening potluck with beverages and an all night bonfire at the start/finish line.  How far can you go? www.equinoxskichallenge.com

    More info: Go to www.rendezvousrace.com!  See you on the 5th.

    Photos courtesy of Montana Stars.

  • Yellowstone Rendezvous Race is Coming

    Yellowstone Rendezvous Race is Coming

    2010 Yellowstone Rendezvous

    The 32nd Annual Rendezvous Race will be held on March 5, 2011

    There is just under a month to go until the 32nd annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race.  Final preparations are in place and there is still time to train for the big day.  Join hundreds of Nordic skiers at the start line on March 5th, 2011.  Register before March 1 to avoid late fees and all registrations will be closed promptly at noon on Thursday, March 3.

    Whether you are skiing for prize money or just to cross the finish line, all racers invited to the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race.  True marathoners can enter the 50 kilometer race, which consists of two laps around the perimeter of the Rendezvous Ski Trail system.  Skiers can choose the 25 kilometer event under classic or freestyle technique.  The 10k race is open to skiers not ready for a long race, with the 5k and 2k races geared for kids.

    2010 Yellowstone Rendezvous

    Bring your friends and family and stay a few extra days.  From skiing to 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 on 25 kilometers of professionally groomed trails and the next day see bison grazing next to hot springs or bald eagles soaring past geysers.

    The Rendezvous Ski Trails are in great shape and the entire trail system is groomed with both a skate lane and classic track.   With three feet of groomed packed powder on the ground and more on the way, there is no reason not to expect perfect corduroy for next month’s event.  End your race season with a bang at the 32nd Annual Rendezvous Race.

    There is still time to sign up for the Rendezvous Race.  For more information, go to www.rendezvousrace.com.