November 19, 2007 (West Yellowstone, Montana) – With just days to go before the start of the 2007 Yellowstone Ski Festival the question on everyone’s mind is “How is the snow?” In an effort to keep everyone current, we will do our best to update everyone regularly over the next 2-3 days.

Here is the situation as of 7:30 PM, Monday, November 19: There is still no significant snow on the Rendezvous Ski Trails. There is a winter storm warning in effect until noon tomorrow and forecasters are predicting accumulations of 6 to 10 inches of snow. It is currently snowing lightly. We will make an overall assessment of the snow situation in the morning. If we have 6 inches on the ski trails then we will roll that and ski in town. If we don’t get that much then look for more skiing on the plateau. A REMINDER: The road to the plateau is a sloppy, icy mess and US Forest Service Law Enforcement personnel called me Sunday afternoon because they received several complaints about people driving too fast. For your safety and the safety of others, please slow down! One other thing for those of you headed to the plateau: please do not park in the area near the second gate. Instead, use this area as a drop zone and turnaround and park down the road.

The weather forecast for West Yellowstone (zip code 59758) reads as follows:

– Monday: Partly cloudy early then becoming cloudy with periods of snow this afternoon. High 38F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulating 2 to 4 inches.
– Monday Night: Cloudy with snow. Low around 15F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. 4 to 6 inches of snow expected.
– Tuesday: Periods of snow. Cold. High 23F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulating 4 to 6 inches.
– Tuesday Night: Snow showers. Low 3F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 60%. Some snow accumulation possible.
– Wednesday: Snow showers possible. Highs in the low 20s and lows 2 to -2F.
– Thursday: A few clouds. Highs in the mid 20s and lows in the mid single digits.
– Friday: Sunshine. Highs in the mid 20s and lows in the upper single digits.

The inconvenient truth about the Super Tour Races
As of now, we are planning on holding the Super Tour races. The organizing committee will meet Tuesday morning, November 20th and make a decision as to whether or not we will proceed with or cancel the races. The committee’s decision will be posted on this web page by approximately 12:00 noon, MST, Tuesday, November 20th. For tentative schedule click here.

The Fall Camp Nordic Ski Clinic Update
The 5 day clinic will proceed as planned for those still interested in participating. Although snow conditions are currently marginal, there are coaches in West Yellowstone ready to teach. Additionally, the current forecast looks good. The on snow portion of the clinics will take place on the plateau. A decision as to whether we will hold the 3 day clinic will be made by approximately 12:00 noon, MST, Tuesday, November 20th. If you have questions, please call Drew Barney at 406-646-9379.

We will do what we can to keep this report up to date. Please keep in mind that we only need about 4 inches of snow to start grooming and that rarely a year goes by when we aren’t lacking in snow a few days before the Ski Festival starts. Think Snow!

Yellowstone Ski Festival
Whether you are a beginning skier or an experienced racer, West Yellowstone is THE place to start your ski season. Last year, 3,200 skiers from around the United States and Canada were in West Yellowstone for the Yellowstone Ski Festival. Where else can you participate in ski clinics coached by former Olympic athletes and lifelong Nordic skiers, try out and purchase the latest ski gear and accessories, and share the Rendezvous Trails with so many great skiers? The Yellowstone Ski Festival offers all of that and more!

We hope that we will see you at the 2007 Yellowstone Ski Festival now. This year’s Festival will include all of the activities that took place last year and we are always looking for new ways to improve and diversify the week.

On a final note, we hope that you will support our local sponsors and the equipment manufacturers who come to West Yellowstone for Thanksgiving. Without their support, the Yellowstone Ski Festival would not happen – please show them your appreciation!