Issuu

D E C E M B E R 2 02 0

Merry Christmas

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Jeff Lethert | jeff.lethert@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

A December to Remember AS ALWAYS, DECEMBER COMES IN OVERFLOWING WITH TIME COMMITMENTS. From beginning to end, it’s an exciting and occasionally hectic road to The New Year. In many ways, our December issue reflects as much. There are local and unique gifts to find, charitable donations to give, new hobbies to start, adventures to begin, wine to pair, and family to see. There are traditions to abide by and new ones to begin.

Ann Lethert | ann.lethert@lifestylepubs.com ACCO UNT MANAGER

Steve Lethert | steve.lethert@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stephanie Hower CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Oluanai Photography

But December is also filled with opportunities to slow down and find joy and peace, and to remember what the season is all about. The holidays can be crazy, they can be messy, and they can come and go before we have time to reflect on everything that took place over this past year. As we reflect back, we see an abundance of blessings from all of you. Over the past four years you have welcomed us into your homes and supported our vision of sharing the “good news” of billings to the community. We are humbled and grateful for the love and support we have received.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

As we close out 2020, we also close out our chapter of owning Billings Lifestyle. Next month we will all celebrate The New Year and new beginnings. We are excited

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

to pass the torch on to the new owners and we wish both them and you many more

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

issues of Billings Lifestyle to come.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

So, pick up a glass, and join us in a toast...to you, Billings! May God bless you and your families this holiday season. Merry Christmas!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Jeff Lethert, Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

Proverbs 3:5-6 Billings Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Billings areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Billings Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 08 Eat, Drink, and Be Merry Patrick Merry, Lead Winemaker of Merry Cellars, developed a taste for Wine Country and Culture at an early age

14 A Mission of Joy and Hope Toys for Tots embodies the best of Christmas spiritÂ

18 Bags Built to Last Red Oxx Manufacturing is dedicated to Quality, Precision, and Durability in their stylish array of bags and travel accessories

08 14

24 The Gift of Dance Add some pizazz to the next holiday fete with dance lessons

24 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Hops & Vine

Giving Back

Trend Setter

24 Healthy Lifestyle 28 DIY 34 Parting Thoughts

Sending to

your day! @neecees_mt facebook.com/neecees

February is National Childrenâ€™s Dental Health Month FREE SEALANTS FOR CHILDREN (for new pediatric patients only, with comprehensive exam and cleaning) Some restrictions may apply. OFFER EXPIRES FEBRUARY 28, 2020.

(406) 248-2669 Legacy-Smiles.com Michael Stuart, DDS

2700 Grand Avenue, Suite D, Billings, MT 59102

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

HOPS & VINE

PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY POPCHOCK

ARTICLE STEPHANIE HOWER

eat, drink,

and be merry PATRICK MERRY, LEAD WINEMAKER OF MERRY CELLARS, DEVELOPED A TASTE FOR WINE COUNTRY AND CULTURE AT AN EARLY AGE. 8

Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

AS A YOUNG BOY GROWING UP IN BILLINGS,

“By early 2004, I had convinced my parents to

FAMILY TRIPS TO CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY

help start a commercial (bonded) winery,” he recalls.

MADE AN EARLY AND PRONOUNCED IMPRES-

“Apparently, they liked the small batches from the

SION UPON PATRICK MERRY. Awed by the sweep-

basement. This is the point where, when giving in

ing beauty and unique cultural atmosphere in places

person tours at the winery and discussing my back-

such as Napa and Sonoma, he credits these vacations

ground, I really must point out that having two vin-

with inspiring him to one day found his own winery.

tages (2002 & 2003) under my belt absolutely did not

“The aromas of old wine cellars, the architecture and vistas... absolutely beautiful and a contrast to

qualify me to open a winery! But, sometimes you get lucky and naiveté works in your favor.”

the landscape I was used to in Montana,” he says.

Although their first commercial vintage in 2004

“However, it wasn’t until I was of legal drinking age

produced under 500 cases, when Merry Cellars

that I really began to explore the world of wine. I

opened their tasting room to the public in late 2005,

have always appreciated the differences across

the wines were well received by customers.

global growing regions, appellations and individual

“Production tripled in 2005. Staffing the tasting

wineries. In my early 20s, I was tasting and learning

room, attending winemaker’s dinners, pouring sam-

as much as I could. Of course, living in Billings, it

ples for potential buyers and communicating with

was not that easy to visit wineries but I would spend

anyone who would listen took its toll on my doctoral

a lot of time at bottle shops chatting with folks who

studies… I never did finish that,” Patrick admits.

were more than happy to share their experiences and recommendations.

The winery continued on an upward trend. In 2009, they moved production to a new facility that

After completing his undergraduate degree in

allowed them to expand to their current 5,000 cases

computer science at Rocky Mountain College and

per year. Merry Cellars offers a variety of quality

an MBA at Gonzaga University, Patrick moved to

wines, ranging from Chardonnay and Merlot, to

Pullman, WA to pursue a doctorate in computer sci-

Semillon and Cabernet Sauvignon.

ence. He quickly realized he was now in close prox-

“We are known for producing a handful of more

imity to one of the finest winemaking regions in the

unique offerings including Mourvedre, Petit Verdot,

world: Walla Walla Valley.

Roussanne and Malbec,” adds Patrick. “While I

“I thought to myself ‘what better way to learn more

am fond of all of our wines, I particularly enjoy our

about wine than trying to produce it?’ I made a few

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec –

phone calls and, in the fall of 2002, experimented with

hearty, full-bodied and distinctive!”

some small batch fermentations in my basement. At

Visitors are certain to enjoy the expansive

the time, there were no wineries in Pullman or the

tasting room and patio staffed by team members

surrounding communities so I had no opportunities

who are knowledgeable and skilled at ensuring a

to intern/apprentice or volunteer at an actual winery.

great experience.

Instead, I learned by trial and error. But, in the end,

“Hands down, the best part of owning a winery are

what resulted were wines that were crafted the way I

the people you get to meet and interact with,” Patrick

wanted to craft them - not in the shadow of another

states. “Wine is generally a social, celebratory bever-

winemaker or their preferences.”

age and being able to share and discuss our wines

Patrick’s sole formal education in winemaking came from an 18-month Viticulture and Enology program

with guests that are purchasing it to enjoy with their friends and family is a very satisfying experience.”

at Washington State University in which he studied

“When my parents and I started Merry Cellars, my

vineyard operations, wine making, wine microbiology,

goal was to craft exceptional wines that showcase

wine chemistry, laboratory protocols, and more.

the varietal character of the fruit,” he concludes. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

HOPS & VINE (CONTINUED)

Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

merry cellars fa l l /w i n t e r m u l l e d w i n e INGREDIENTS + 10 whole cloves + 1 small oranges, peeled (pith free) and juiced + 1 750-ml bottle dry red wine + 1-1/2 cups fresh apple cider + 4 apples, sliced (Pink Lady or Granny Smith) + 1 cinnamon stick + 1 cardamom pod, cracked + 2 star anise + 2-4 tablespoons of honey, sugar, molasses to sweeten to taste

DIRECTIONS Place cloves, orange peels, cinnamon stick, cardamom and star anise into a pouch made from cheese cloth and tie shut with butcher’s twine. Add wine, spices, apple slices to a small saucepan and heat over low heat for 30 minutes or longer. For larger batches, a crockpot on low works well. Be sure to avoid heating to a simmer or boil as this will boil off all of the alcohol. Remove spices according to taste. Sweeten to taste. Mulled wine can be made well in advance and can be optionally served with an orange twist and/or a cinnamon stick for garnish.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

HOPS & VINE (CONTINUED)

“That is, be true to where the grapes are grown and not overshadow the nuance of the wines with too much oak or over-processing. Even though we have grown ten-fold from where we started, we still employ the labor intensive process of manually punching down the fermenting red wines three times per day and very little of our production is automated. This allows us to really stay connected to the wines during the fermentation and aging process.” More than anything, Patrick and the Merry Cellars team love to have fun with their customers…and remember that you don’t have to be a trained sommelier to enjoy a glass of wine. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously and love to get to know our guests. One thing I absolutely hate is a pretentious tasting room. It’s just wine. Sure, you can debate its merits and the nuance of character but if you like it, that’s the most important thing.”

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Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

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GIVING BACK

A MISSION OF JOY AND HOPE

TOYS FOR TOTS EMBODIES THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.

Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE STEPHANIE HOWER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY TOYS FOR TOTS

THE WONDER OF THE SEASON IS BEST CAPTURED UPON THE FACE OF A CHILD UNWRAPPING A GIFT CHRISTMAS MORNING. Little faces, aglow with delight, celebrating the holiday with family and eager to discover what surprises await them under the tree. Every child deserves such excitement, and Toys for Tots strives to ensure no children are left without something to unwrap Christmas morning. “The basic mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas,” states Sergeant Joshua Hancock, coordinator for Yellowstone County Toys for Tots. “Through the gift of a new toy, TFT helps bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s less fortunate children.” For decades, the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation has operated campaigns in regions across the nation, and are supported by nearly 800 local Toys for Tots coordinators such as Sergeant Hancock. Now, as one of the active duty Marines involved in the local Yellowstone County campaign, Sgt. Hancock is embarking upon his third year with the foundation. “I began in 2018 as an Assistant Coordinator,” he says, “and took over the coordinator role at the end of the campaign in 2019”. Sgt. Hancock’s 2020 TFT campaign began organizing collection boxes in late September. “Our main focus is obtaining as many toy donations as possible. We have collection boxes all over the region, including Billings, Laurel, and Lockwood. We target high traffic areas where they will attract the most exposure and community support as possible.” Prior years have seen as many as 160 collection locations with TFT boxes. However, Hancock wants to scale back this year and focus on the efficiency of collection boxes rather than just quantity. “By narrowing down our locations, the collections will be easier to manage,” he explains. “We want to ensure each and every donation is properly managed and returned to us by the deadline.” All boxes must be collected by December 12th, so donations should be placed prior to this deadline. The age range for donations includes children 0-18. Donations are appreciated for any child, yet there is a specific group who is often overlooked. “Teens are hard to shop for,” admits Sgt. Hancock. “We typically have far fewer teen items available for families than items for younger children. I think people hear ‘Toys for Tots’ and think we only serve small children.” He encourages those making donations to consider items that teens may enjoy, such as headphones, Bluetooth speakers, art supplies, or even makeup.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

CONTACT INFO

For more information, please visit billings-mt.toysfortots.org or call 406.970.0671

Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

comfort noun:

A McCALL HOMES COMMUNITY

a feeling of ease and enjoyment

Once items have been collected, a distribution event is organized for parents to receive donations. This year, the distribution will take place from December 14th-December 19th. “Parents fill out applications on our website to receive donations. Their applications are reviewed, and if approved, they visit our distribution center on the specified dates and times to ‘shop’ for items. Each parent is verified at the event, to ensure they are one of the selected applicants. Santa’s Helpers (volunteers) then help those parents shop the ‘Toy Store’ based on the children’s ages and genders.” Last year, the Yellowstone Valley Marine Toys for Tots Program campaign provided for over 1,000 families, granting gifts to 3,700 children in the local community. More than 65,000 toys were distributed. If you wish to contribute to the Toys for Tots campaign, you can donate new, unwrapped items at a collection box, contribute a monetary donation, or volunteer. “We are always looking for motivated individuals and companies to assist with sorting, organizing, and set-up of the toy store in the month of November,” adds Sgt. Hancock. “We are also looking for helpers to walk families through the store during distribution December 14th – 19th.”

FI N D YOUR “J UST RI GH T” FLOORP LA N TODAY.

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

TREND SETTER

B a g s B u i lt to

ARTICLE STEPHANIE HOWER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY RED OXX

LAST

RED OXX MANUFACTURING IS DEDICATED TO QUALITY, PRECISION, AND DURABILITY IN THEIR STYLISH ARRAY OF BAGS AND TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

1 CC Rider Messenger Bag 18

Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

Booty Boss

2 QUALITY,

DURABILITY

“We started making a variety of duffel bags and

ARE THE CORNERSTONES OF RED OXX

PRECISION,

AND

pitched them to safari hunters. Our little gear build-

MANUFACTURING, A BUSINESS BUILT BY CEO

ing company grew, from out of a kitchen to a variety

JIM MARKEL AND HIS FATHER, JIM SENIOR. As

of affordable facilities here on the north side and

former parachute riggers, father and son understand

we’ve been here ever since.”

the importance of these vital elements and continue to develop their products with the utmost care.

After the safari contingent served to launch the company, Red Oxx approached Dog Dyment at

“Back in 1986 my Dad retired from the Military

onebag.com to help develop a “one bag travel” piece.

and moved to Billings,” says Jim Junior, who is also

“I enjoyed the carry light approach to travel,” Jim

a veteran. “He was into body building and noticed

explains. “We expanded our flight travel line from

there wasn’t much in the way of fitness accessories

there. About the same time, as word got around we

available in the gym. He called me up and invited me

could build dependable bags, some Railroad engi-

to Montana after my commission was over and we

neers from the local rail hub stopped by asking for

began by making weightlifting straps.”

a Grip they could rely on. That market has been our

When the market for weightlifting gear moved

bread and butter for many years.”

offshore, the duo found it was difficult to compete. “I made the decision to build bags,” recalls Jim.

PRODUCTS TO SUIT ALL NEEDS

“Once a rifle case zipper broke when I was hunting,

Many of Red Oxx’s bags can serve multiple uses

that was the last straw. I knew I could build a better

and be carried in a variety of ways, making them an

case.” Red Oxx Manufacturing had found its footing

ideal gift during the holiday season.

and began to take off, utilizing the global reach of the burgeoning internet.

“For example, the Booty Boss can be worn around the waist, but it can also be carried over the shoulder, across the chest or by hand,” adds Jim. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

TREND SETTER (CONTINUED) All of their products are made from durable, Cordura

“Can they prove it? Or, are they a ‘shadow brand’

nylon, which is easy to hand wash clean with mild soap

that says ‘designed in the U.S.A.’ but is actually put

and water, and backed by a lifetime warranty.

together off-shore someplace. Another thing to con-

“There’s no fine print or hoops to jump through to

sider is the butterfly effect. Does the company you

get your bag repaired or occasionally replaced. That’s

buy from source their materials or parts also from

why we call it our ‘No Bull’ Lifetime Warranty…We’ve

U.S.A. companies? We try to make certain 98% or

got 35 years of building a service infrastructure that

more of our materials are sourced in America. Your

serves the customer’s needs down to the finest detail.”

dollars affect the families of not only our employees,

When shopping for travel gear, Jim recommends

but those whom we source from as well. They could

considering where the items are manufactured.

be your neighbors or friends of friends.”

“Does the company you’re buying it from state unequivocally their gear is made in the U.S.A.?” he asks.

Lady Bug Cube

4 Maximum Utility Travel Tote 20

Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

The Hound

5 LOVE LIST 6 Each Christmas, the Red Oxx staff put together

So, that’s where the M.U.T.T. designation comes

a compilation of their favorite gear called the “Love

from for our zippered top Maximum Utility Travel

List 6”. Jim shares the new items introduced in 2019

Tote. It’s a ‘super tote’. Everything you wanted in a

which his staff adore.

tote, and then some.”

1. C.C. RIDER “The Red Oxx design team spent a decade creat-

5. THE HOUND

ing the ultimate messenger bag, with the C.C. mean-

“This is a nice handy purse-like shoulder carry

ing ‘Commute and Carry’. It’s also the name of a blues

bag that was sized to assist in carrying those doggy

song. We wanted this bag to reek with ‘Oxx style’; our

walking related items you need out in the field.”

designer wanted lots of pockets that were useful; it had to have structure and laptop protection.”

6. B.A.R.K. DOG LEASH (NOT PICTURED)

2. BOOTY BOSS

munity and pet lovers. I was walking my dog down

“This one is a real treat because it affects the com“Next up is the waist pack mentioned earlier. This

to our factory and I realized there was some leftover

is a fanny pack to end all fanny packs- it’s the boss!

webbing in the closet there that we could offer as a

It’s handsome, like a miniature briefcase.”

dog leash. At the same time, I became aware that our local community pet rescue center was in need of pet

3. LADYBUG

leashes…I put together a campaign for the B.A.R.K.

“This spring we launched a packing cube our

Pet Shelter. Buy a B.A.R.K. Dog Leash and Red Oxx

customer base had been requesting, a dual sided

will donate one…We just delivered the second 100

cube with a clear side and a mesh side. A bestseller

leashes to them and have a goal of 500 total.”

and terrific compliment to our Packing Cube Set.” Red Oxx Manufacturing Factory Showroom 4. MAXIMUM UTILITY TRAVEL TOTE ‘We’re big fans of wordplay here, and being a Veteran I’ve had my share of acronyms in the military.

and Retail Store 310 North 13th St. 888.733.6999 redoxx.com

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

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Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

THE GIFT OF DANCE

ADD SOME PIZAZZ TO THE NEXT HOLIDAY FETE WITH DANCE LESSONS.

READY TO IMPRESS DURING THIS SEASON’S FESTIV-

stimulation, and of course enjoying moving to the great

ITIES? Step up (or start) your dance repertoire with classes

music! But for some it increases confidence, balance, a

from The Beat Ballroom Company. Owner Arica Lipp is pas-

way to make friendships, a hobby, a sport, a way to express

sionate about sharing her love of dance and revels in the

themselves, practice trust, teamwork, respect, deepening a

opportunity to help others shine on the dance floor.

connection with a loved one, and escaping stress.”

“I’ve been preparing my whole life for the moment when

Demonstrating your new skills at a holiday soiree will be

I could open my own studio,” says Arica. “I danced from a

certain to dazzle your friends, family, and co-workers, and

very young age, studied Ballroom Dance Instruction at a

perhaps even inspire them to take classes of their own.

University, competed and won titles, performed on a touring company, and have taught for years.” There are a variety of classes offered, with styles to suit a variety of tastes.

to binge watch a Netflix show or feel overwhelmed trying to entertain your guests. Here is the recipe I suggest: Good

“I offer group and private lessons in Country Western,

food, great music, games and dancing. Two things stop peo-

Ballroom, Latin, and Swing. I teach students as young as six

ple from getting on a dance floor lack of confidence or lack

and up through adults. The majority of my clients are novice

of skills. Both of these can be obtained through a class with

beginners and I love that! I get to see the confidence and

a professional instructor. Invite your partner, spouse, family

skill grow and evolve from the very beginning. It’s also a spe-

members, friends, and coworkers to learn with you! This way

cial treat to help more experienced dancers increase in their

everyone is guaranteed to dance all night long and make it

technique, knowledge, and performance. As a trained pro-

something they’ll never forget and look forward to next year.

fessional I am able to teach all skill levels and age groups.”

It’s also a time when we express our gratitude and love for

The merits of dance surpass just the physical aspects. In addition to being a great form of exercise, dancing promotes emotional and social well-being. “The benefits can be both general to everyone as well as specific to an individual,” explains Arica. “The universal benefits are physical exercise, social interaction, mental

ARTICLE STEPHANIE HOWER PHOTOGRAPHY OLUANAI PHOTOGRAPHY

“The holidays mean celebrating,” adds Arica. “Either at home with loved ones or out with friends. This isn’t the time

Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

our significant other. A certificate for dance lessons in the Christmas stocking is always a popular gift to give.”

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CityLifestyle.com/Billings

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DIY

bullet journaling 101

Let’s face it—in today’s so-much-to-do-

and-so-little-time cultural mindset, it can be hard to keep track of everything we need to do. Wake up—did you get enough sleep? Brush your teeth. Feed the kids. Feed the dog. Get ready for work. Make your lunch. Those are just six things to think about in the span of 15 minutes after your alarm goes off. With all of these things to keep track of and

our lives moving a mile a minute, anything we

THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE + ACCOMPLISHING YOUR GOALS

can find to streamline our obligations (and our thoughts) can be a lifesaver! Enter: bullet journaling. It’s equal parts calendar, meal tracker, diary, self care and, well, really anything else that you want to keep tabs on! The “mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity system,” coined by creator Ryder Carroll, can help you master the art of intentional living—any way you want to.

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ESTÉE JANSSENS

Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

DIY (CONTINUED)

Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

how-to how - to

page styles t ypes of pages in a bullet jour nal + Mood tracker

+ Spending log

+ Activity tracker

+ Bucket list

+ Exercise tracker

+ Reading list

+ Ideas list

+ Yearly goals

+ Chore list

+ Happiness log

+ Budget tracker

+ Sleep tracker

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Billings

DIY (CONTINUED)

what you need There’s so much you can do here with just a notebook (you’ll probably want one with a dotted grid) and a pen! If you want to add some creative flair, consider incorporating markers, stickers and washi tape.

start simple When you start searching for bullet journaling on Pinterest, it can get really overwhelming really fast. Decide what is most important for you to keep track of and start with that! If you try to do too much at once, you’ll be less likely to stick with it.

make it your own The most important thing to remember is that it is for you and not anyone else. Use your favorite colors, doodle things that help

symbols s ymbol char t

A bullet journal really becomes what you make it. Use symbols that speak to you! Here are some basics to start with:

Task

Event Note

Complete

Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

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PARTING THOUGHTS SPENDING THE WINTER NESTLED UP COZY BY THE FIRE MIGHT SOUND TEMPTING, BUT THE BREATHTAKING, WINTER LANDSCAPE IS BECKONING

B E G I N N E R ' S G U I D E TO C R O S S C O U N T RY S K I I N G ARTICLE STEPHANIE HOWER

V I S I T YO U R LO C A L S K I S H O P. CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

The experts at your local shop will figure out what kind

IS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE

of cross-country skiing interests you and guide your pur-

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T

chases. Do you want to trek through the woods? Are you

ENJOY

DOWNHILL

AND

mostly interested in getting exercise? Do you have your

REVEL

QUIET

eye on a local groomed trail? Talking over your goals will

STILLNESS OF THE BACK

THE

aid them in determining your needs. Think about where

COUNTRY. Learn the basics

you want to ski and how you want to ski there.

and get moving in just a few simple

steps.

With

some

practice and a bit of research, anyone can make the long winter months more enticing with this snowy sport.

G E T G O O D G E A R . This means skis, bindings, boots, poles and clothing. Modern ski gear is good quality, even at the entry level. You should be able to buy a package with all you need

Ready to hit the trails? Red

for a reasonable price.

Lodge Nordic Center is nestled at the base of Beartooth Mountains on Aspen Ridge Ranch, three miles from down-

GET OUTSIDE

G E T L E S S O N S .

town Red Lodge. Ski from

Your local shop can point you to ski instructors.

December through March on

Your local ski club may offer free technique sessions.

15 km of machine groomed

A good instructor will give you enough information in

trails, from open meadows

one afternoon to chew on for a whole winter. You can

to rolling loops through the

improve more in one week with an instructor than you

Aspen trees. A perfect place

could in several winters by yourself.

for the entire family to have a great day of skiing, picnicking and picture taking.

WEAR THE R I G H T C LOT H I N G ! It’s not just about the skis. If you get sweaty and cold, you will not be enjoying yourself. Choose proper garments to ensure comfort and functionality.

Billings Lifestyle | December 2020

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BUILDING HOME POSSIBILITIES

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