November 11, 2016 (West Yellowstone, MT) – Yellowstone Ski Festival 2016 is just around the corner. At present, there is no snow on the ski trails, but the surfaces have been rolled and ready for when the flakes do start to fly. Forecasts from PowderChasers.com is calling for 6”-10” of snow by the end of next week in Southern Montana.

Yellowstone Ski Festival staff is planning for 3 different scenarios:  A – Skiing on groomed Rendezvous Ski Trails; B – skiing on groomed South Plateau trails; C – no skiing at either location.  While everyone is hopeful for Plan A or Plan B, YSF staff won’t leave you hanging!  Check out] the rough details for the alternate plans below:

Plan B:  In the event that there is not enough snow on the Rendezvous Ski Trails, the ski events will move to the secondary venue of the South Plateau.  The Friday and Saturday races would still take place, each being a 9k point-to-point race.  On Snow Gear Demos will move to the Plateau, as well.  Après Ski events will remain at the Rendezvous Ski Trails trailhead area.  Shuttle buses will run from town to the Plateau trailheads and there will be parking for vehicles.

Plan C:  In the event that there is not enough snow on the South Plateau to hold the races, Yellowstone Ski Festival will host the following events:

Wednesday, Nov. 23 
– Summer Biathlon – A running biathlon for IBU and Novice classes will be held on the Rendezvous Ski Trails.
– Rollerski Sprint – Depending on the state of the roads, a rollerski race will be held in the afternoon at the Bakers Hole Campground, just a couple miles outside of town.  Prize money will be awarded to the top finishers.

Friday:  Trail Run on the Rendezvous Ski Trails
– The distances options will be 10k, 5k, and 2k.  Prize money will be awarded to the top finishers.

Saturday:  Rollerski Distance Race
– Location is still to be determined.  Prize money will be awarded to the top finishers.
– Indoor Expo and all evening activities at the Holiday Inn will take place as scheduled.
– Apres Ski and S’mores will take place at the Trailhead Area as scheduled.
– On Snow Demo is to be determined.

More information, including details about the different scenarios and refund information, is available here.

Yellowstone National Park is currently open for administrative travel only.  During this time, the roads are open and free of charge to all cyclists, pedestrians, and rollerskiers.  There are no services and access can change based on weather.  Freeheel & Wheel is renting bicycles for those interested in enjoying the Park.

All the evening events at the Holiday Inn Festival Headquarters happen – rain, shine, or snow!

Join us for keynote speaker Ruff Patterson, and win great prizes at the annual WYSEF Raffle, all at the Holiday Inn, Yellowstone Ski Festival’s event headquarters.  For a full list of the evening events, visit www.SkiRunBikeMT.com.

Think Snow and make plans now to attend the 2016 Yellowstone Ski Festival. For more information, visit here and follow westyellxcski on Twitter, or friend Yellowstone Ski Fest on Facebook for up-to-minute news.