Winter In West

W E S T Y E L L O W S T O N E W I N T E R A C T I V I T E S A N D R E C R E AT I O N G U I D E

WINTER in West 2015-16

KIDS ‘N’

SNOWMOBILE THE BEST PAGE 19

TRAILS

SNOW PAGE 15

SLED DOG

RACES PAGE 8

West YelloWstone

NEWS

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PAGE 6

BIATHLON • CROSS COUNTRY SKIING ICE FISHING • YELLOWSTONE NP

Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

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By MIKE MOORE

a very coveted West Yellowsto award. ne News It shows we’re isitors watched trying to make a differenc in amazem e the wild counterp with this past Wednesdent You have to do arts. morning as Grant, ay something tangible to give enthusiastic grizzly an back to be recognized by clawed, climbed bear, on and that conservation AZA for chewed a large work.”

Toter Over the past 15 container in the habitat (13 of those being years, of the Grizzly and cial), the GWDC offiDiscovery Center Wolf in West in West Yellowstone, Montana Yellowstone. has helped develop , For years, the GWDC and administer the has conducted Interagen countles Grizzly Bear Commit cy bear resistant product s Bear Resistant Producttee’s tests at the center Testing program manufacturers to help . The determine innovativ if their products can stand utilizes e program up to the test. grizzly bears the GWDC to test at On Wednesday a variety of products wide week, the Associatiof this for use on in bear habitat of Zoos and Aquarium in s America, encouragNorth announced via a press the use of bear-resi ing release that GWDC stant equipment on was the recipient public of the and private lands.

2015 North America program evaluates This Conservation Award n the for effectiveness of their grizzly bear a wide conserrange of products vation through the to secure potentialused Resistant Product Bear Testing attractants in order bear program. to minimize easy The annual award and access by grizzly direct recognizes innovatio and black exceptional efforts n and bears. Reducing contact with attractants regional habitat toward minimiz preserva human-bear conflicts es tion, species restoratio and n ultimately saves and support of lives, biodiveraccording to the sity in the wild, release. according The GWDC is to a press release from AZA-accredited an AZA. For GWDC not-forprofit wildlife facility John Heine, the director award dedicated to the a big accomplishment is mission for of giving visitors and the small-scale center in dents in the Yellowst resiWest Yellowstone. area an opportun one “It’s a huge deal ity to in the Zoo world,” he said. “It’s AWARD | continued

West YelloWstone

V

Jeremy Weber/WYNews

Fireworks fill up the night sky above

West Yellowstone during the Fourth

of July celebration last year. Saturday

promises to once again be a fun-filled

Fourth of July celebration promises

all over town.

By MIKE MOORE

West Yellowstone News

T

he annual Fourth of July celebration promises family fun for everyone, as a number of unique events will be held throughout Independence Day tomorrow afternoon.

The fun kicks off

on the Fourth today, Friday, July 3, with resumes of July with the return the Caldera Festival. of the fire department The music festival will benefit barbeque, which be held at the city park will have hamburgers, beginning at noon today cheeseburgers, hotdogs, and will run through root beer homemade seven with the evening and lemonade at the musical acts taking the Chamber of Commerce stage throughout the parking lot from 11:00 event. all the food is Independence Day fun a.m. until

day as activities are planned

a fun-filled day

Also returning this slice, along with whole gone. For $5 attendees year is the third annual pies to help support can get a burger, chips Buffalo Chip Chuck, a YHC programs. The and a drink. fundraiser that is held by will go Early in the afternoon, popular event and supports the Friends from 1 p.m. until all the annual Pie on the of the Library. The event which lt tests the pie is gone,Rooseve a containe Porch fundraiser returns recognize at thep.m. run fromr 3:00 take tood withwill usually doesn’twith 2015 North AmericanGrizzly and Wolf Discovery and will be located p.m., or untilConservation Center in West to 5:00 to earlyproduct testing. arrive so Courtesy photo long Yellowstone.

Award from at the Yellowstone The center was Association of supplies run out. recently Zoos and Aquarium take part in the tasty Historic Center at 104 s for the center’s FOURTH | continued on page Each slice of work 20 Yellowstone Avenue. The fundraiser. pie costs $4.00. event sells pie by the

on page 2

NEWS

Call Glennda 406-582-2618 www.WestYellowstoneNews.com

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Table of Contents Winter in Yellowstone by: Mike Moore

Sled dog racing in West Yellowstone by: JEREMY WEBER Skiing and biathlon by: Jeremy Weber

Kids ‘N’ Snow by: mike moore

Hebgen Lake ice fishing tournament by: Jeremy Weber Snowmobiling near West Yellowstone by: mike moore

Winter in West Special Edition: 2015-16 The West Yellowstone area Winter Guide is a special publication of the West Yellowstone News.

Contents copyright 2015 unless otherwise noted.

Cover photo by Jeremy Weber

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Editor Jeremy Weber WYN Reporter Mike Moore Advertising MANAGER Denise Buchner Advertising DEsign Manager Jessica Ferreyra

Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

Jeremy Weber/WYNews

A pair of elk rest along the Madison River inside the park while anglers fish in the background. Yellowstone in the winter offers a unique experience for visitors who may have only seen the park during summer months.

Experience winter at its finest in Yellowstone

By MIKE MOORE

O

West Yellowstone News

ne cannot simply put into words what a Yellowstone National Park experience is like in the winter. What is already an awe-inspiring landscape in the summer months is transformed into a whole different world when the snow starts flying.

A frozen world perched on top of the world’s largest volcano makes for a dramatic landscape, and anyone who hasn’t visited the park in winter truly hasn’t had the full Yellowstone experience.

“Yellowstone is just such a different world in the winter. There are not nearly as many people in the park as in the summertime and the modes of transportation are so different,” park spokesman Amy Bartlett said. “There are lots of things you can see in Yellowstone, but the dramatic nature of the experience in winter makes visiting that time of the year even more special than any other time of the year. It’s a completely different landscape.”

Visitation to Yellowstone’s interior in the winter is accomplished via over snow travel on either a guided snowmobile or snow-coach trip to popular destinations such as Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The North Entrance near Gardiner, Mont. is also open all year, as Cooke City residents utilize the route for access. There are also limited non-guided opportunities, however, Nash says those visiting the area for the first time in winter should

Jeremy Weber/WYNews

Winter in Yellowstone National Park brings a completely different perspective on the world’s first national park.

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

Jeremy Weber/WYNews

Visitors crowd around old Faithful on a cold day in January. Snowmobile and snowcoach tours of the park are available from West Yellowstone during the winter months.

go with a guide.

“Visitors should remember that the only lodging available in the park in the winter are Mammoth and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge,” Bartlett said. “Mammoth is accessible by car but oversnow travel must be arranged to reach Old Faithful.

Park concessioners operate lodging and provide other services such as snow-coach tours, guided ski and snowshoe tours, guided snowmobile tours and wildlife tours. Local concessioners in West

Yellowstone also have several contracts, offering similar guided tour experiences.

Wildlife viewing is also unique in the winter, as visitors can experience wildlife in a different environment. From bison caked in fresh snow to the red fox diving head first in powder for its next meal, there are certainly different experiences to witness that the summer months don’t provide.

“Yellowstone is great place to be in the winter,” Bartlett said.

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Jeremy Weber/WYNews

Winter brings dozens of sled dog races to town as West Yellowstone hosts several sled dog racing events, including the Rodeo Run, Fun Run and the Yellowstone Special Stage Race.

Gone to the dogs: West to host winter sled dog races

By JEREMY WEBER

V

West Yellowstone News

isitors may think the town has gone to the dogs several times this winter as West Yellowstone is set to host several sled dog races.

The fun begins Dec. 17-19 as West Yellowstone hosts the Rodeo Run Sled Dog Race. An event which is free to the public, the Rodeo Run gets underway with the West Yellowstone Christmas Stroll and Parade of Lights followed by “Meet the Mushers” on Thursday, Dec. 17.

Races will begin at 8:15 a.m. on Dec. 19 and 20.

The race features several different divisions and race lengths, including: • Three-dog skijor (4 miles per day) • Four-dog junior (4 miles per day) • Four-dog adult (4 miles per day) • Six-dog Rec (12 miles per day) • Six-dog Pro (12 miles per day) • Eight-dog (22 miles per day) • 12-dog (32 miles per day) The next race comes in the new year as the town hosts the 2015 West Yellowstone Fun Run Jan. 14-16.

The race will feature an Open Class with a 35-mile per day race as well as a Six-dog Class with a 12-mile

Jeremy Weber/WYNews

A racer makes his way through town during last year’s International Pedigree State Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR).

per day course.

Races will start at 9 a.m. each day at a location to be determined. The race trail will be marked ahead of time so that teams may train for the races.

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

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Jeremy Weber/WYNews

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A racer at the start of the IPSSSDR last year. The race will not come through West Yellowstone this year.

The season winds down with the final race of the winter Feb. 29 - March 4 as West Yellowstone hosts the second Yellowstone Special Stage Race. A four-stage race, the event features stages in the hills and in the flats and distances of 20 miles, 27 miles, 22 miles and 30 miles. The stages will begin at 9 a.m. each morning with the races on March 1 and 3 beginning and ending at the Old Airport off of Iris Street. The March 2 race will begin and end a the north end of Dunraven Street and the race on March 4 will begin and end at the power sub-station approximately 1 mile west of West Yellowstone on highway 20.

The event will also feature the “Musher Olympics” at 3 p.m. March 1-3 during which the the mushers and spectators can compete in a number of fun events.

For more information, visit www.wysleddograces.com.

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Jeremy Weber/WYNews

A young racer approaches the finish line during the annual Yellowstone Ski Festival in November. This year’s event will take place Nov. 24-28.

Skiing, biathlon return to West this winter

By JEREMY WEBER

W

West Yellowstone News

est Yellowstone will once again become a winter sport destination over the next few months as the area is set to host several cross country ski races as well as biathlon events.

The Rendezvous Ski Trails on the south side of town combines expert grooming and reliable snow to provide the perfect place for skiers of all ages and experience levels. With the trailhead situated at the south end of Geyser street, the Rendezvous Ski Trails provide more than 35 kilometers of gently rolling, beautifully groomed trails that wind through tall stands of lodgepole pine and open meadows.

Situated at just over 6800 feet, the Rendezvous Ski Trails provide perfect conditions for high altitude training or recreation at any time of the year. The altitude and location adjacent to the Continental Divide also mean that snow comes early and stays late.

Trail passes are required when using the Rendezvous Ski Trails between Nov.1 and March 31. During the month of November, there is a special trail fee schedule in place. From Dec. 1 through March 31, the cost share agreement between the USFS, the Chamber of Commerce and the Ski Education Foundation is in effect and season passes can be purchased at the trailhead, the USFS, the Chamber of Commerce and from several local merchants.

For more than 30 years, cross country skiers from across North

America and around the world have traveled to the Rendezvous Ski Trails for the Yellowstone Ski Festival to begin their Nordic ski season. The Yellowstone Ski Festival takes place during Thanksgiving week and is set for Nov. 24-28 in 2015 The event’s highlights include a series of Nordic skiing clinics, SuperTour races, biathlon races, the On Snow Gear Demo, an indoor ski show, and a variety of presentations, clinics, and classes.

Jeremy Weber/WYNews

West Yellowstone plays host to several biathlon races during the winter.

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

Mike Moore/WYNews

Racers leave the starting line during the annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race in March. The 35th annual race will take place on March 5 in 2016.

The festival’s events continue with several ski races sponsored by the U.S. Ski and Snowboarding Association (USSA).

The USSA SuperTour Freestyle Sprint race will begin at 9 a.m. on Nov. 28. The 1.3 kilometer race is open to all skiers.

Competetive skiers have the chance to earn points and novice racers can test their skills against the sport’s top athletes.

The USSA SuperTour Freestyle Race will take place Nov. 29 at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit www. skirunbikemt.com/yellowstone-ski-festival.html.

The event’s annual biathlon race (once again sponsored by West Yellowstone’s Altius Handcrafted Firearms and the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation) is scheduled to take place Nov. 25 and will feature races for men, women and junior divisions. The race is also open to seasoned biathletes and novice racers.

The event is open to all interested skiers and no previous biathlon or shooting experience is necessary. All new biathletes are required to participate in the free “Try Biathlon” clinic at the biathlon range from 10:30 a.m. until noon Nov. 24.

For more information, visit www.

yellowstoneskifestival.com/biathlon/.

The winter fun continues in 2016 with the 35th annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race March 5.

There are six different races to choose from depending on your age and ability: 2K, 5K, 10K, 25K classic, 25K and 50K. The six races are run concurrently and skiers of all ages and abilities participate every year.

The 2016 Yellowstone Rendezvous Race will once again be part of the American Ski Marathon Series - North America’s longest-running and largest citizen’s racing and touring series.

For more information, visit www. rendezvousrace.com.

In addition, there will be several SPAM Cup and Biathlon Cup races this winter as well as other WYSEF events. The schedule for those events is as follows: • Biathlon Cup 1 - Dec 12 • Free Ski/Try Biathlon Day - Jan 2 • SPAM Cup #1 - Jan 9 • SPAM Cup #2 - Jan 23 • Biathlon Cup #2 - Jan 24 • SPAM Cup #3 - Feb 20 • Taste of the Trails - Feb TBD • Biathlon Cup #3 - Feb TBD • Youth Ski Festival - March 5 • Tour de SPAM - March 18-20 11

Jeremy Weber/WYNews

West Yellowstone will host several SPAM Cup races this winter.

Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

Winter Fun In West

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Photos by Jeremy Weber Mike Moore Katie Schumacher

Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

Ice fishing is just one of many activities that will be hosted by the Kids ‘N’ Snow program this winter.

Mike Moore/WYNews

Kids ’N’ Snow brings family fun to West

By MIKE MOORE

E

West Yellowstone News

ach month of the winter, Kids ‘N’ Snow brings families from all over the Northwest and beyond to enjoy fun-packed weekends that feature a wealth of free and fun activities in the snow.

Kids ‘N’ Snow kicks off for the winter season Dec. 17-20, and will offer special weekends every month of the winter through the beginning of March. The weekends are usually also tied to other big events also occurring in town the same weekend, such as sled dog races, ski races and the national ice fishing tournament at Hebgen Lake.

“It adds to the other activities in town; it gives people a reason to stop,” West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce marketing director Wendy Swenson said. “It’s a good way to get people out and try these new things in a safe environment. We want people to come and enjoy it. There is plenty to do for a day or even a whole weekend.”

Swenson suggests staying the entire weekend so families can experience all of the events.

“It’s hard to do it all in one day,” she said.

Weekend offerings from Kids ‘N’ Snow vary from over-snow samplers into Yellowstone National Park on a snow coach, s’mores and skating at the city park, hockey games, snowmobile rides on an Arctic Cat M120, ice fishing camps and more.

Swenson says the weekends can be a good way for visitors who have little experience in winter events to try them out and see if they like them.

Mike Moore/WYNews

Smores and skating in Pioneer Park is one of the many fun events hosted

by Kids ‘N’ Snow each winter. Kids ‘N’ Snow weekends are scheduled for Dec. 17-20, Jan. 16-17, Feb. 6-7 and March 5-6.

“It’s not intimidating and everything is at a beginner level,” she said.

Since all events are free except the snow coach ride into Yellowstone, where a park pass is required, Swenson says the weekends are a cost-effective family trip to a winter wonderland.

Kids ‘N’ Snow weekends for this winter are: Dec. 17-20, Jan. 16-17, Feb. 6-7 and March 5-6.

More information and a full listing of events can be found at www.kidsnsnow.org.

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

Hebgen to host ice fishing tourney

By JEREMY WEBER West Yellowstone News

H

ebgen Lake is set to once again become the ice fishing capitol of Montana Jan. 16-18 as dozens of fisherman from around the country battle it out for $21,000 in prize money at the annual North American Ice Fishing Circuit (NAIFC) Qualifying Tournament.

According to local professional ice fisherman Steve Stoddard, the tournament drew more than 80 teams from 10 states last year and should be even bigger this year.

“Ice fishing is just something we are trying to get going here in West,” Stoddard said. “With all of the different things we have to do around here in the summer, this will provide something to do for the people that stay here in the winter.”

The three-day event gets underway Friday, Jan. 15 with an evening seminar where fishermen can learn from locals and professionals about Hebgen Lake and the sport of ice fishing.

A social hour and introductory information for people new to ice fishing will start at 5 p.m. with the Pro-Staff speakers starting at 7 p.m. at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn. The seminar will be followed by dinner discussions in nearby restaurant/tavern locations with Pro-Staff members and local tournament fishermen.

The free Seminar and group discussions, which are open to the public, are geared toward educating fishers to the world of tournament ice fishing and the best products in the industry.

The Rocky Mountain Ice Fishing Product Fair, featuring national manufacturers and regional suppliers, will once again be set up at the Holiday Inn Conference Center for both Friday and Saturday nights.

The fun continues near Kirkwood Marina Saturday morning as Pro-Staff and representatives from ice fishing product companies demonstrate the latest techniques and equipment on Hebgen Lake.

Saturday afternoon is all about the kids as a Kids Ice Camp will be held at Kirkwood Resort and Marina with sessions beginning at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. There will be a hot dog lunch at 12:30 p.m.

Each youth who participates will be given equipment for future ice fishing adventures. Parents must accompany their kids during this event.

Registration for the tournament runs from 4:30-6:45 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone, where the social hour begins at 5:00 p.m., including a complimentary dinner for all registered team members.

The rules meeting, which is mandatory for at least one member of each team, starts at 7 p.m. At the rules meeting, the exact starting time for the contest the following morning will be announced.

The fishing gets underway early Sunday morning as teams take to the ice shortly after sunrise. Teams go out on the ice on Hebgen Lake from Kirkwood Resort and Marina in the order of their registration.

Fishing continues until 1:05 p.m., when all teams must be off the ice for the weigh-in.

The weigh-in starts at 2 p.m. at the Hi Country Tavern & Grill overlooking Hebgen Lake. Tournament winners will be announced and awarded their cash prizes immediately following the weigh-in.

Cash bar and food will be served, along with a fish cleaning contest and other fun.

For more information, visit www.westyellowstoneicefishing.com.

To register for the tournament, visit www.NAIFC.com.

Mike Moore/WYNews

Steve Stoddard takes to the ice for some fishing on a frigid day in January.

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

Area Snowmobile Trails

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

file photo

A snowmobiler heads down the Madison Arm Loop outside West Yellowstone. The trail is one of many in the area that visiting snowmobilers can explore.

Ride West Yellowstone’s world-class trails

By MIKE MOORE

W

West Yellowstone News

est Yellowstone has often been referred to as the “Snowmobile Capital of the World,” and after riding around the small mountain town’s extensive trail system that extends into Idaho, one can see why.

Snow comes early in Yellowstone country, providing reliable snow from early December through the beginning of April most years.

West Yellowstone averages 143 inches of snow per year, and has a world-class trail system consisting of 400 miles of groomed trails that extend into Island Park, Idaho.

All streets in town are snow packed all winter long, other than U.S. Highway 191 and U.S. Highway 20. This allows riders to easily navigate town to access trails.

One of the most traveled snowmobile trails in the world, the Mount Two Top trail, is easily accessible from the West end of town at the Old Airport. The trail is groomed often, providing areas of riding for both novices and seasoned riders.

If it’s a clear day, riders can gain a 360-degree view of the surrounding area, including the Grand Teton Range to the south and the Centennial Range to the west from the summit. Another Two Top highlight are the snow ghosts that remain until the weather gets well Mike Moore/WYNews

snowmobile | continued on page 21

Snowmobilers take a rest along the Madison River inside the park.

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

A view of the Centennial Range and Island Park, Idaho are easily visible on a clear day from the summit of Mount Two Top.

snowmobile

from page 19

above freezing.

If traveling to Two Top, it is highly advised to venture up the mountain on clear days, as inclement weather often strands riders in whiteout conditions, requiring local Search and Rescue efforts to ensue.

Mike Moore/WYNews

The trail is one big loop, and riders can easily access Idaho trails from the Reas Pass junction. After crossing into Idaho, riders can visit the popular Big Springs area, or grab a warm lunch at the Meadow Creek Lodge, an establishment only accessible by oversnow vehicles in the winter months.

Stunning scenery, enjoyable riding and exploring the backcountry in the winter can make for an enjoyable visit to Yellowstone country.

So, come on down and enjoy one of the finest winter wonderlands around.

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

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Winter in West {*} Guide 2015-16

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