Ski Clinics & Kids at the Yellowstone Ski Festival

There is snow on the ground in West Yellowstone, and now is a great time to check out the ski clinic options over Thanksgiving week at the Yellowstone Ski Festival.  Great coaches, video technique review, and more.  Whether you are an avid recreationalist, racer, or new to the sport, the goal is to make you a better skier. The YSF clinics provide a solid understanding of technique, and give you tools to gain efficiency and strength throughout your ski season. The YSF Nordic ski clinics started at the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone in the mid-1980s, and over the years the clinics have assembled a strong coaching staff of cross-country ski professionals, which includes retired world-class skiers, coaches and professional instructors.

With one to five day Nordic ski clinics offered throughout the week, with both classic and skate specific options, there is an opportunity for all skiers to kick-start their season. Junior skiers age 12 and older may register for the adult clinics. Parents should review the daily schedules to see which clinic is a good fit for their skier and contact the clinic coaching staff for advice.

Kids Ski Clinics. This year the Yellowstone Ski Festival and Lone Mountain Ranch have partnered to offer two full days of ski-specific kids clinics.  Grades K-2^nd and 3^rd-6^th will have morning and afternoon sessions on Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26.  Having fun on snow is what these clinics are all about.  Kids will learn the fundamentals of cross-country skiing balance and technique, and those with skiing experience will learn tips to ski more efficiently.  Parents can take this time to hit the trails while the little ones participate in half day or full day classes.  Classic and skate options available to 3^rd-6^th graders; K-2^nd is classic only.  Equipment is available to rent.

The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is offering daily 30 minute hands-on activities during the Yellowstone Ski Festival.  Conveniently scheduled just after lunch, the center provides a great opportunity to sneak in education during a ski vacation.  The best part – the Wild Winter Program is all fun and games! www.yellowstoneskifestival.com/kids-clinics/

Kids of ALL AGES.  Family-friendly evening presentations include the Backcountry Film Festival, a Birds of Prey exhibit featuring live raptors, a hands-on demonstration from the National Park Service, wax clinics, dessert auction, and a good, old-fashioned S’more party.

Cross-country skiing starts in West Yellowstone and first tracks for skiers 13 and younger are half price during the Yellowstone Ski Festival. Think Snow and make plans now to attend the 2011 Yellowstone Ski Festival.  For more information, visit www.yellowstoneskifestival.com.