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West Yellowstone Trails

For cross-country skiers the West Yellowstone area is nothing short of a free heeler's Mecca. From manicured groomed track to off-piste deep powder, skiers of all abilities will find an endless array of trails and backcountry adventures. The Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone, the Riverside Trail leaving from West Yellowstone and going into Yellowstone Park, and the new Boundary Trail (dog-friendly) offer three different and unique ski experiences.

The Rendezvous Ski Trails

The Rendezvous Ski Trail System is situated at the southwest corner of West Yellowstone (south end of Geyser Street), the Rendezvous Ski Trail system covers over 35 KM+ of varied terrain from gently rolling hills to more challenging climbs, descents, and turns. The view is always scenic whether winding through tall stands of lodge pole pine or open meadows embraced by nearby Lionhead Mountain. The trail system is unique because of its location at a high altitude adjacent to the Continental Divide that produces early and late season snows. Skiers in the know call it “ultra-reliable” snow because it comes every year.

The trail system is located entirely on U.S. Forest Service land and it is managed through a cooperative partnership between the Forest Service, the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce and the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation (WYSEF). The Rendezvous Ski Trails are groomed on an as needed basis except on Tuesdays for both skate and classis skiing. Generally speaking, that means they are groomed before and during weekends and after snowstorms.

Trail passes are required. From December 1 through March 31, day passes are $5.00 and season passes are $25.00. Passes are available at several locations around town including the Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center, Bud Lilly’s Trout Shop, Freeheel & Wheel and at the trailhead. There is a different fee schedule during the month of November and the Yellowstone Ski Festival. During that time day passes are $10.00, three day passes are $25.00 and month of November passes are $45.00.

The Riverside Trail

The Riverside Trail is accessible right from West Yellowstone from a spur road located along the fence break on Boundary Street (the east end of Madison Avenue at the park boundary). From there the trail follows a power line to the old service road and merges with it shortly before Riverside. The "Upriver" and "Downriver" loops combine for nearly ten kilometers of groomed track up and down the banks of the Madison River along with great views of Mt. Holmes and the Gallatin Mountain Range. Wildlife is abundant along the river and you could encounter bison, elk, deer, moose, coyotes and foxes. Watch for bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and an occasional river otter in the river.

After one mile, you will experience the remnants of the 1988 Yellowstone fires and a realization of just how close the fires came to West Yellowstone. There are also stopping places along the way, great for a picnic break on a beautifully blue winter’s day. Riverside Trail is perfect for new skiers or families with young children as it crosses easy terrain and has no substantial change in elevation.

The Boundary Trail

The Boundary Trail (pet friendly) offers 7.9km of trails that parallel Yellowstone’s western border. This easy trail is groomed to accommodate classic cross-country skiers and snow-shoers alike. The Boundary Trail can be accessed from Boundary Street in West Yellowstone, the truck pull-out on Highway 191/287, and Baker's Hole Campground. (Note: dogs must be under control and owners must pick up after their pets.)

Two major cross-country festivals bookend West Yellowstone’s long winter. Over Thanksgiving, there’s the Yellowstone Ski Festival, a five-day event featuring two days of races, eight different cross-country ski clinics, free equipment demos by major ski manufacturers, and speakers. The first week of March brings the annual West Yellowstone Rendezvous Ski Race and Youth Ski Festival. Hundreds of skiers come from across the nation to participate in a variety of age classes and distances in both classic and freestyle of 5 to 50K lengths. The 50 kilometers is over 31 miles and races make two laps on the outmost trails of the Rendezvous system. Five feed stations are located along the course and staffed with local groups and volunteers.

The Youth Ski Festival follows the day after the Rendezvous Race. All kids aged 13 years and younger are encouraged to participate in events such as a relay race, an obstacle course, musical chairs, and a sprint. Parents are encouraged to cheer on all the little skiers.

Monthly citizen’s races, open to all ages and abilities, offer unique Spam trophies and provide a great opportunity for anyone to try racing.