West Yellowstone is Open for Winter!

Courtesy of West Yellowstone TBID

Sitting at the west entrance to the park, the charming and authentic community of West Yellowstone has truly earned its designation as one of the “11 Coolest Winter Places in America” (Budget Travel). The new year means new snow; with 150 inches of annual snowfall, there is more than enough for everything from snowball fights to backcountry excursions.

Winter in Yellowstone National Park is truly magical. Whether you travel through the park in a heated snowcoach, ride a snowmobile along a groomed trail, or go Nordic skiing through the forest —–  you will be surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Shouldn’t 2021 be the year you take a winter vacation to Yellowstone? Start planning now to make sure you experience one of these upcoming events.

Note: Events are subject to change and modification to abide by county and state covid regulations.

January 2, 2021: Spam Cup #2 Nordic Ski Race
Skiers of all ages and abilities are invited to compete in Freestyle 1k, 5k, or 10k races for the coveted custom-designed Spam trophy and bragging rights for a month! Taking place along the Rendezvous Ski Trails, day-of registration will be available at the Rendezvous Trailhead Building.

January 2, 2021: Free Ski & Try Biathlon Day
In honor of National Winter Trails Day, the Custer Gallatin National Forest will waive trail fees on the Rendezvous Trail System on January 8. WYSEF will be hosting free 1-hour cross-country ski tutorials at 10am. Freeheel & Wheel is offering free 2-hour equipment rentals. Altius Custom Firearms and WYSEF are hosting the Try-It Biathlon Demo at 12pm. Learn what it takes to ski & shoot! Pre-registration is not required.

January 8-10, 2021: NAIFC Ice Fishing Tournament Qualifier
The qualifier – an ice fishing tournament – takes place on Sunday and is open to any two-person team. Teams range from locals to national level pros to teams just wanting to learn more about ice fishing. There is a registration fee for the tournament. Top teams earn prizes and cash payouts. The tournament is located on Hebgen Lake just outside of West Yellowstone. Kirkwood Marina is the location for the tournament starting point and Kid’s Ice Fishing Camp.

February 20, 2021: Biathlon Cup – Nordic Ski
A biathlon is a race in which contestants ski around a cross-country trail system with the total distance broken up by either two or four shooting rounds, half in prone position and the other half standing. All cross-country skiing techniques are permitted, and the biathlete carries the smallbore rifle. Novices are welcome and must attend the Novice Clinic.

February 20, 2021: Taste of the Trails
Taste of the Trails is designed to encourage skiers of all ages and abilities to try cross-country skiing in a simple and festive format. A 5km (3.1 mile) course will take skiers and snowshoers around the Rendezvous Ski Trails. Four feed stations are staffed by volunteers and will offer snacks and beverages to participating skiers. Skiers can casually stride from spot to spot, revel in the winter landscapes, refuel with friends, and explore the trails in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere.

 

March 6, 2021: Rendezvous Ski Race
Are you ready to put a winter’s worth of training to the test while you enjoy the beauty of the Yellowstone region? You are invited to participate in the 38th annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race on March 4th, 2017 in West Yellowstone, Montana. 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 Rendezvous Race is the culmination of cross country ski racing in our region and, as the name implies, it is a reunion of old timers and new comers alike who have trained and skied on our trail system for years or who are skiing here for the first time. Run on the beautifully groomed, rolling terrain of the Rendezvous Ski Trails, there is no better way to celebrate the end of the winter season than to ski in the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race!

March 24-28, 2021: US Biathlon National Championship
More information coming soon.

West Yellowstone is the ideal hub for all your Yellowstone National Park adventures and offers a full range of lodging options from personal cabins and family-owned motels to large full-service properties. You are sure to find the perfect home away from home as you experience winter in Yellowstone. Book your lodging now for the best selection and availability.