With the holidays over, everyone’s dying to get out of the house and into the wintry elements, right?! Montana’s chilliest season is the true test for recreationists, with plenty of outdoor activities available to those who can handle the cold. Skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating and climbing, sledding and even one or two brisk winter walks – we’ve got it all under the Big Sky. Here’s a look at just a few events upcoming for enthusiasts immune to the icy January temps.
The annual Hyalite Tour kicks things off Tuesday, January 1st with another casual, family-friendly, FREE cross-country skiing event. It’s a yearly tradition! Load up the skis and meet at Hyalite Reservoir to ski freshly groomed trails and celebrate the new year.
Hosted by Bridger Ski Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and Friends of Hyalite, the fun begins at 10am from the Hyalite Reservoir parking lot. There will be various route options, with maps available. Distance and route is up to you: ski a mile, three, five, or event the 17km loop around the reservoir! NEW this year, Bridger Ski Foundation will offer guided two-hour tours of the trails. Tours depart at 10am and 11am. Meet at the Hyalite Pavilion to join.
Ski as much as you want before heading to the pavilion for some fun and relaxation. Warm up by the fire with a free lunch complete with soup and bread, hot drinks, and s’mores! The annual Hyalite Tour has become a great holiday tradition in recent years. This event is meant for the enjoyment of all ages. Please leave dogs at home – and remember to bring your classic skis!
Ski, ride, or tele in some friendly competition! Bridger Bowl has announced the return of its Community Dual GS Series, six giant slalom races open to all ages and disciplines. Take one run on the blue course and one run on the red course. Best of two timed runs. Upcoming races are set for January 5th, 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th. A bonus race, the Spring Equinox GS, will take place on St. Paddy’s Day – March 17th. A 10am registration deadline precedes course inspection at 11am and race time from noon–2pm. Awards to follow in Jim Bridger Lodge at 4pm with fantastic door prizes. Competitors are granted entry into the March 17th Grand Prize Drawing – a trip for two to Hawaii!
Cost is $15 per event or $80 for the series. Prior to race day, sign up online with a credit card or in the Marketing Office in Jim Bridger Lodge with cash, check or credit card. Race Day Registration also takes place in Jim Bridger Lodge, from 8:30–10am. Signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for those under the age of 18.
Several ice fishing contests have been approved by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for the 2018-19 season with tournaments taking place in regions across the state. Upcoming events in Southwest Montana include the Hebgen Lake NAIFC Qualifier on Sunday, January 20th from 8am–1pm and the Stan Shafer Memorial Ice Fishing Derby at Clark Canyon Reservoir on Saturday, January 26th from 7am–4pm. Please visit http://fwp.mt.gov/fish for further information and a complete list of this season’s statewide contests.
And of course, a day of slopeside recreation is always an option at Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin, or Bridger Bowl. Enjoy a day on the hill before a night on the town! Flip through the issue to learn more about arts and entertainment happening in and around The BoZone this month. – Welcome to 2019, Bozeman! •
