With an average of 300 inches of snowfall each year, Bozeman, Montana is known for having some of the best downhill skiing in the country. But it’s not all about racing down the mountain at heart thumping speeds. With a full service cross country ski center, groomed in-town trails and even more backcountry trails, Bozeman has many options for those looking to get out and enjoy the snow on their cross country skis.
WHERE TO GO?
BOHART RANCH
Just down the road from Bridger Bowl is Bohart Ranch, a full service cross country ski center with over 18 miles of scenic trails situated on private and forest service lands. Here you can enjoy solitude and scenery along with the occasional wildlife sighting. Bhohart Ranch is known for impeccably groomed trails providing smooth and consistent skiing. Trails are 15 feet wide with classic tracks and a skate lane. If you want to give cross country skiing a test run, Bohart Ranch offers ski rentals and lessons to get you on your feet. Or should we say skis?
GROOMED TRAILS
Thanks to the Bridger Ski Foundation and the Forest Service, we are lucky to enjoy miles upon miles of groomed skiing on the beautiful trails in and around Bozeman.
Bridger Creek Golf Course – Bridger Creek Golf Course offers a groomed trail with flat and rolling terrain, great for beginners. With over 5 miles of trails and 6 loops, you can enjoy beautiful Bridger Mountain views while skiing.
Lindley Park – The Lindley Park Nordic ski trail offers 2.8 miles of groomed skiing that runs along Highland Boulevard and skirts the edge of Lindley Park. The loop is great for beginners!
Highland Glen Trail – Just next to the Lindley Park ski trail is the Highland Glen Trail. With 3 different loops there are options for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. This trail can be accessed from the Sports Complex parking area off of Highland Boulevard or from the Painted Hills parking area off of Kagy Boulevard.
Bozeman Creek/Sourdough Canyon – This trail is popular year round and is known for its fantastic cross country skiing. Located 5 miles south of town, the Bozeman Creek section of this trail approximately 5 miles (one way) with a moderate uphill climb. The scenery is beautiful with the trail winding next to Bozeman Creek through a beautiful forested area.
Hyalite Canyon – There are several cross country skiing loops in Hyalite Canyon but we will warn you than they do involve a fair amount of elevation gain. Our favorite is the West Shore Trail which takes you along the West edge of the reservoir, eventually leading to Crescent Lake. You can continue on this trail doing the full loop around the reservoir for a total of 10.6 miles! Other options are the Lick Creek loop which is 7.2 miles and the Blackmore Lake loop which is 3.5 miles. These trails are groomed by the Forest Service.
Click here for trail maps provided by the Bridger Ski Foundation
For cross country ski rentals in Bozeman we recommend Roundhouse Sports, Bangtail Bikes & Skis and Bohart Ranch.
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