Nordic skiing for the Family

WRITTEN BY MAYA GOTZSCHE AND HEIDI MAKOUTZ | PHOTOS TOWNSEND COLLECTIVE

With shorter days and colder temperatures, it’s easy to feel daunted by the pressure of getting your family outdoors. But not to fear...Nordic skiing provides an excellent opportunity for the entire family to spend time out in the snow, get the blood pumping and enjoy quality time together. Nordic skiing can be a financially accessible sport, and is an incredibly versatile activity that has something for every age, ability and experience level; whether it’s tromping through the woods looking for animal tracks or flying down freshly-groomed trails.

Programming Opportunities

Interested in getting your family on skinny skis but not sure where to start? No problem! Bozeman offers a lot of opportunities to get you gliding more efficiently. Below are some highlights of what two local nonprofits, Crosscut and Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF), are offering for the 2021-22 season.

Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, adjacent to Bridger Bowl, offers school programs as well as learn to ski clinics, private lessons and biathlon teams for ages 10 through adult.

Crosscut is continuing midweek education programs for K-8 remote learners and homeschoolers again this year. The monthlong sessions meet once per week for students to build ski skills and learn about the local environment. Each week, students will get the chance to explore new trails at Crosscut while engaging in place-based learning experiences, from snow science to learning about Indigenous Peoples. This program aims to spark a lifelong interest in skiing, and foster a connection between students and the natural world. The sessions will run from January through March, with options for either half- or full-day sessions.

For adventurers ages 15 and up, Crosscut offers classic and skate learn-to-ski series, held during four successive sessions on Saturdays in January or February. Beginner classic group lessons are held every Sunday and private lessons for ages 10 and up are offered mid-December through mid-March, every day of the week but Monday and Wednesday. These classes aim to help every skier gain confidence in the inspiring surroundings beneath the Bridgers. For more information on these programs check out the Crosscut website.

BSF also provides Nordic programs for the entire family, working with skiers ages 5 to adult to inspire a lifelong love of skiing, athletic excellence and personal growth. Whether you have never been on skis before, are looking to improve your technique or join a race team, BSF provides high quality instruction. They also hold fun, family-friendly events throughout the season. BSF’s programming can involve every member of your family in the Nordic ski community, as well as give everyone a strong understanding of the fundamentals to go skiing on their own. Explore their website for more details.

Both Crosscut and BSF offer private lessons if you are looking for individualized instruction. Professional and credentialed instructors will help you progress on your ski trajectory and tap into your growth mindset for gliding on the snow.

Trails for Everyone

Ready to get out there with your family? There are few towns that can boast of groomed ski trails within walking distance from Main Street. Check out the trails right in town at Sunset Hills and Highland Glen, or venture farther to Sourdough and Hyalite Canyons. All of these trails and more are groomed by BSF (70+km in the valley). You can also explore more than 45 kilometers of beautiful trails at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. Grooming reports can be found on each organization’s website.

» Be sure to pick up a trail map (from a local ski shop or from the BSF or Crosscut websites) and select a “green” beginner trail for your first few times out. Friends of Hyalite also makes a great winter trails map available for purchase at local ski shops for $5.

Before Hitting the Trails

»Before heading out, make sure the whole family is dressed appropriately for the weather. It’s helpful to wear a lot of layers so you can adjust if you get hot or cold. Bring a backpack to store any layers you might shed and to carry water, snacks, your trail map and an extra pair of mittens and socks.

» Whether you are renting or purchasing your own gear, check to make sure boots and bindings have a secure connection, and your poles are the right height (a little taller than armpit height for classic, and close to your upper lip for skate). We recommend starting out with wax-less “fishscale” classic skis when you are first learning.

Nordic skiing is an excellent, safe activity as we continue to navigate the COVID pandemic. Hope to see you out on the trails enjoying some family fun this winter!

Maya Gotzsche is the Ski Education Program Manager at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. Heidi Makoutz is the Bike and Ski School Program Manager at Crosscut, and the Adult Programs Head Coach for Bridger Ski Foundation.