Despite the Equinox, it’s still winter here (sort of, it was 50F today). Last Friday, the boys and I paid a late season visit to my favorite Nordic Center–Homestake Lodge.
There’s 37 km of groomed trails through aspens and huge rocks, winding around marshes, and up and down hills. We didn’t bring Diesel this time, but there are dog trails and lighted trails for night skiing. What the boys and I really take advantage of is the lodge.
Homestake is the perfect place to ski with kids. You can stretch out in the lodge after a long drive (almost two hours for us), and change into ski clothes. Of course, we immediately dive into our snacks upon arrival.
Then, we headed out the door for a little ski. Thanks to my six years of parent training, I had no expectations for our ski. Well, very few expectations. We skied a bit, took a snack break, and skied a bit more. We may have been out there for a full hour. The boys really loved gliding down the hills while I held then up between my skis.
Back in the lodge, they boys played with toys while I caught up with Mandy and Chris, Homestake’s owners. Mandy and I worked together at the Bozeman Recreation Department many years ago. I love getting to see her each year on my annual Homestake pilgrimage.
Plan Your Own Trip
What: Homestake Lodge–Cross-country ski center and lodge
Why: Cross-country skiing on 37 km of groomed trails. Dog trails, lighted trails, lessons, rental and retail shop, clinics, races. Soup, sandwiches, beer, wine, and cookies for purchase on winter weekends. Hostel style rooms, a yurt, and cabins to rent for overnighters. Great people, beautiful location.
Where: East of Butte, west of Whitehall, at the top of the Continental Divide. Get directions here. It’s easy to find, but your GPS will lie to you.
More Homestake Fun
Women’s weekend at Homestake, 2012
Cross-country skiing at Homestake, 2011
Camping at Homestake, summer 2009
Cross-country skiing at Homestake, 2008
