November 8, 2005 – Contrary to what some people believe, the town of West Yellowstone is open during the winter months, hosting many events. The season kicks off with a ski festival Thanksgiving week and then the west entrance of Yellowstone Park will reopen Dec. 21, for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and more.

“We are excited about the upcoming winter activities and are eager for visitors to join the fun,” said Marysue Costello executive director of West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce. “Many people think we are closed during the winter months, but we have events all season long for winter sports enthusiasts and families.”

Hundreds of Nordic ski enthusiasts of different ages and abilities will gather from all over the world to begin their ski season during the Yellowstone Ski Festival held Thanksgiving week, November 22-26.

“The event, formerly known as ‘Fall Camp,’ has been a favorite in the Nordic world for years,” said Jamie Greene, Yellowstone Ski Festival event coordinator. “Visitors can learn skiing techniques, demo the latest in Nordic ski equipment and have the opportunity to share the ski trails with world class skiers and members of the US Ski Team.”

Clinics, instructed by former Olympic athletes and life-long Nordic skiers, will be offered during the Ski Festival. There will be classes for all ages and abilities.

Races are a big part of the week, too. NORAM Supertour events will be held on both Friday and Saturday, with awards on Saturday evening.

“The Festival atmosphere is electric,” said Greene. “Every type of ski product manufacturer is here. Flags are flying, skiers are cruising and everyone is having a terrific time.”

Children can participate in the West Yellowstone Thanksgiving festivities, too, with a Discovery Day, and cookie making and Thanksgiving craft classes. Discovery Day consists of a tour of the Grizzly Discovery Center, a chance to feed the bears, a screening of an IMAX movie and eating pizza at Wild West Pizzeria. Science school clinics will also be available for children such as Adventures in Winter Ecology, Snowy Clues of Animal Life, and Winter Exploration.

The chamber has added a ‘fun run’ on Thanksgiving Day. The ‘Turkey Trot’ will go directly through the town.

After the ski festival, the west entrance of Yellowstone Park will reopen, December 21. The park welcomes snow coaches, snowmobile tours, cross- country skiers and snowshoers from December 21 through March 12.

“Roadways, groomed to perfection, give winter visitors access to many of the Park’s most famous features,” said Costello. “The annual reopening is a perfect time for people to explore the wonder of Yellowstone National Park during winter. West Yellowstone is a white carpet waiting for people to discover it.”

The west entrance allows up to 400 snowmobiles per day, all strictly monitored for emissions and sound. Every visitor, whether by snowcoach or snowmobile, has the benefit of being accompanied by a Park trained guide who will enhance each person’s experience with the interpretation of history, geology and wildlife.

“We don’t want to forget all the fantastic winter opportunities that abound in the National Forest Lands west of Yellowstone,” added Costello. “It’s like being a kid in a candy store – just trying to figure out what would be the best choice – a guided snowshoe walk, a cruise on the Rendezvous Ski Trails, or a ride on one of a multitude of snowmobile trails? No kidding, we know that our guests run out of energy long before they run out of fun.”

During the winter season West Yellowstone is a full-service community. Great restaurants and bars; hotels and lodges, and retail businesses will all be open during the upcoming winter season.

In addition to the West Yellowstone Ski Festival and the reopening of the west entrance, there are many upcoming activities including: ” The 27th Yellowstone Rendezvous Marathon Ski Race, March 11 ” West Yellowstone Youth Festival, March 12 ” The World Snowmobile Expo 2006, March 16-19

For more information on West Yellowstone’s winter activities please visit www.westyellowstonechamber.com or call (406) 646-7701.