In each issue of the Bulletin, we will turn the spotlight on one of our nine Regional programs. These regional groups were established by people who were inspired to recreate their own SFL experiences in a more local and intimate setting. It is our hope that you will enjoy their stories, and that you will support them in their efforts.
In this issue, we travel northward to Big Sky Country and Montana Regional Ski for Light.
Picture yourself about 7 thousand feet up in the heart of some of this country's most spectacular mountains, skiing along superbly-groomed tracks while you chat with people you've known for years! You might find yourself doing some shopping at a local gift shop in West Yellowstone, or you could be shooting the breeze with locals at a nearby bar.
This is some of what happens at the Montana Regional Ski for Light.
Each year, Montana Ski for Light holds a three-day event; this is usually held in late February; Monday through Wednesday are ski days; Sunday and Thursday are travel days. For the last five years, the event has been held at West Yellowstone. Participants stay at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn and ski at the Rendezvous Ski course, just one block away. The resort has some 50 kilometers of groomed trails and is host to many international ski teams. According to Montana Ski for Light President, Ed Durbin, this resort offers dependable snow and consistently well-groomed trails for beginning and advanced skiers, no matter the weather in the rest of Montana.
This regional was first founded in 1980 by Hans Stokken and Bill Larson, who attended Ski for Light in 1979. The two managed, after that first year, to raise money to continue their regional, but they failed to find skiers. However, the regional was rejuvenated in 1989, after Ski for Light held an event in Bozeman; it has continued without interruption since then.
This is a smaller regional with an emphasis on fun, friendship and flexibility. There have been as few as 9 skiers, and as many as 18, with a maximum possible of 25 skiers. According to Ed Durbin, President of Montana Ski for Light, the smaller number helps to maintain the spirit and intimacy of this regional. It also makes it a little easier to find enough guides. And here is where flexibility helps. Durbin says that guides come when they can; hence, skiers could end up with a new guide each day. Some guides may even be recruited at the last minute, pressed into service for an afternoon when there is a need.
The event follows a general routine, but even that is changed when necessary. Most years, skiers are on their own for two days, then, on the final day, those who wish can participate in the race/rally. However, last year, there was no race/rally, as they couldn't find a timekeeper. But, says Durbin, "We all had a lot of fun skiing!"
Skiers of all ages are welcome; however, skiers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. While the regional primarily serves skiers in Montana and Wyoming, Durbin says out-of-staters are most welcome. In fact, he says, some years, out-of-state participants have outnumbered locals.
If you do wish to explore this regional, Durbin says you can extend your stay to include some downhill skiing at a nearby resort, or other activities such as taking a snow coach to visit the Old Faithful Guiser.
In addition to its winter program, Montana Regional Ski for Light also hosts a Trekk for Light, usually held the second week of August. This is gentler than the Trekk held in Colorado; participants establish a base camp in the Little Belt Mountains; from there, they then go for three day-hikes, with the longest being about 8 miles. The group rents a cabin, and the group enjoys outdoor grilling and cooking and, according to Durbin, the same friendly and intimate atmosphere of the winter event.
This Regional has 4 executive officers and three Board members. Durbin says that like most regionals, most of the work is done by a few people, and he would very much like to see more Montanans get involved with the running of the organization. So, he continues to recruit new skiers and guides, in hopes they will share his enthusiasm. What keeps him coming back year after year are the many friends he has made, and the excuse to play in the great outdoors.
For more information about both events, and to experience his enthusiasm, you may contact Ed Durbin:
Phone: (406) 538-7151
or Email: tedurbin@midrivers.com.
The Big Sky's the limit!