Get Your Nordic On

photo: Qwick Guides: Anaconda & Philipsburg

Nordic skiing, or cross country, typically sees a longer season than its downhilling older brother. Because Nordic trails are typically less rugged and exposed than those on a mountainside, snow more easily accumulates, providing additional weeks (sometimes) of great snow conditions on either side of the alpine skiing season. Now that Ullr has started dropping his wintery goodness over southwest Montana, the Nordic trails may just be where it’s at until the downhill slopes become rock free. If you’re looking for a spot, no fear, the Butte area has some of the state’s most stellar Nordic skiing areas. 

Just on top of Homestake Pass, roughly 5 miles east on I-90, sits Homestake Lodge ski area. Day passes run $15 for the over 20 miles of total trails; some of those are lighted trails for nighttime skiing. Besides, the Lodge has possibly the most inviting post-adventure fireplace in the land. For directions, races, events, and more visit www.homestakelodge.com.

Happy `Tweener Season

This time of year can be frustrating for us outdoor enthusiasts. The weather’s too spotty or unpredictable for hikes or bike rides and there’s just not enough snow yet to start those eagerly anticipated winter sports. Being so unique, it almost deserves its own name—‘tweener season—not really autumn and not yet winter; it’s “tween” the two. But that doesn’t mean you should grab the chips and settle into the futon for a couple weeks of Halo before Disco’s chairlifts start running. Just because the leaves are falling, doesn’t mean your motivation should: ‘Tweener season has everything to do with rallying once the snow falls.

QWick Guides

Those interested in discovering the wealth of outdoor recreation in and around Butte can stop looking. QWick Guides Butte is the first book in a new series of quick reference, locally produced and focused trail guides, as well as, the only guidebook specifically designed for the Butte area. 

Jon Wick, the author and editor of QWick Guides (QWG), came to western Montana in 2004 to teach elementary school in Philipsburg. During this time, he spent the summers as the owner and adventure director of Outdoor Endeavors Adventure Trips based in Wisconsin, and began the Granite High School Outdoor Club to share his appreciation for outdoor recreation. He began living part time in Butte in 2006. Most recently, on a year sabbatical teaching English in South Korea, he discovered a talent for writing, becoming a published author in several notable online magazines, and becoming the managing editor for the travel website, www.theexpeditioner.com.