The Yellowstone Ski Festival is less than three months away and in West Yellowstone, Montana preparations for the event are well underway. Trail maintenance, including mowing, is scheduled to take place during the next two weeks (USFS fire restrictions permitting) and the lineup of exhibitors and participants is starting to take shape. The Yellowstone Ski Festival runs from November 21 — 25, 2006 and includes the Fall Camp Clinics, the Try It and Buy It Gear Demo, the XC Supertour Races and an Indoor Ski Show. For more information about the event visit: www.yellowstoneskifestival.com .
But wait! There are a couple of running and cycling events that are scheduled to take place in West Yellowstone that will help prepare you for the Yellowstone Ski Festival. First up is the 14th Annual Pine Needle Stampede. The Pine Needle Stampede is a great event for families, friends and even the hardcore competitor. Last year’s participants included cross country ski team members from Montana State University as well as local family walking groups. The Stampede is scheduled to take place at 9:00 AM on Saturday, September 2 on the Rendezvous Ski Trails here in West Yellowstone. The race starts at the Rendezvous Trailhead Building and winds through the Rendezvous Ski Trail System.
Participants can choose to race in either an 8K or 10K run or in the 8K race walk. The first three men and women to finish will receive cash prizes. After the main race, there is a free kid’s Fun Run scheduled to start at 10:15 AM. There will also be live music at the Trailhead Building after the race. Registration forms are available online at www.rendezvousskitrails.com/forms/stampede.pdf . You can also stop by Freeheel and Wheel at 40 Yellowstone Avenue in West Yellowstone to pick up a registration form. The registration fee is $20 if postmarked by August 31. Late registration is $25 and will take place between 7:30 — 8:30 AM at the Trailhead Building on the morning of the race. Proceeds from the Pine Needle Stampede are distributed to local non-profit organizations. Previous Pine Needle Stampedes have benefited Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation.
The 9th Annual Fall Cycle Tour is scheduled for October 7, 2006. The tour — from West Yellowstone to Old Faithful and back – is 60 miles long. It’s a terrific way to wind up a summer of riding and, this year, a portion of the proceeds from the ride will be donated to the Yellowstone Park Foundation. Fall is a gorgeous time to be in Yellowstone — the elk are bugling, the aspens have turned to gold and the thermal areas are relatively free of crowds. Come enjoy the finest season that Yellowstone Park has to offer — ride in the Fall Cycle Tour. For more information and to register, visit: www.cycleyellowstone.com/falltour.html .
We’ll see you in West Yellowstone soon!
