Winter Recreation 2019

November 3, 2019

2 - Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, November 3, 2019

Create healthy habits and win some great prizes Katelyn Andersen MSU Extension Agent

The holidays are coming and with it comes short, cold days.

Every place we visit seems to offer a unique beverage or treat that packs sugar and calories. As time availability becomes impacted by social events, physical activity seems to move to the bottom of the to-do list.

Learn how WINter Wellness can encourage you to keep active this winter. The 2nd Annual WINter Wellness runs November 20-February 20, 2020 and is a free health incentive program with MSU Ravalli County Extension.

The program may sound familiar as Katelyn Andersen, MSU Extension Agent for Ravalli County, has coordinated other health incentive programs in the valley called Bike, Walk, Roll & WIN during the spring for the last three years. WINter Wellness started last winter in response to participant feedback and a way to increase physical activity throughout the calendar year.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), only half of adults get the physical activity they need to help reduce and prevent chronic diseases. About six in 10 adults live with a chronic disease and four in 10 adults have two or more. Examples of chronic diseases include heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.

Every year, $117 billion in health care costs are associated with inadequate physical activity.

The benefits of physical activity for adults include: lower risk of high blood pressure, lower risk of stroke, improved aerobic fitness, improved mental health, improved cognitive function, reduced arthritis symptoms, and prevent weight gain.

From the longitudinal study and self-reporting from the WINter Wellness, participants reported an increase in physical activity, social ties to the community and mental health.

These statistics are strong reasons to add a little more movement in your life.

Incentive program details Every time an adult, 18 and older, engages in physical activity, they are eligible for a selfreported entry in the program.

The entries are for healthfocused prizes donated by community businesses.

In as little as 22 minutes a day, adults can meet the recommendations of 150-300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity or 75-150 minutes of vigorousintensity a week, preferably spread throughout the week. Plus, muscle-strengthening activities that include all the muscle groups on two or more days a week. Brisk walking (2.5 miles/hour or faster), active forms of yoga, line dancing, and yard work are examples of moderate-intensity. Running and hiking uphill are examples of vigorous-intensity.

The physical activity eligible

for WINter Wellness could occur at home with led by a DVD or app, outside on the ski hill, at the gym with a kickboxing class, or even yoga. The minimum amount of minutes to enter is a 10-minute episode of physical activity.

If you have young family members, such as children or grandchildren, keep in mind that they need more physical activity than adults. Youth (age 6 to 17 years old) should do 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily and should include aerobic (playing basketball, walking the dog), muscle-strengthening (chores or jobs that require lifting or moving objects), bone-strengthening (Pilates or running), and stretching/flexibility (simple stretching or yoga).

Health education opportunities In addition to self-reporting entries, Ravalli County residents can attend free health classes offered by MSU Extension in partnership with community businesses and individuals, which currently include: *Principals of Mindfulness with Michelle Grocke, Ph.D., 7 PM on Wednesday, December 4 at the Hamilton Performing Arts

Center, Hamilton. *Bitterroot Sound Healing Session with Bella Marie, 6:30- 8 PM on Tuesday, December 17 at the Center for Spiritual Living, Hamilton.

These classes are free and open to the public; no pre-registration is required to attend.

Check out the prizes.

MSU Extension-Ravalli County appreciates the support of many local partners who help build connections in the wider community and also enhance the health of the individuals that live, work and play in Ravalli County.

In addition to better health, businesses and individuals have contributed prizes: Sixvisit yoga pass from Aspen Leaf Yoga; Bee Happy Honey Basket from Bee Happy Honey; $50 gift card to Chamber businesses from Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce; $25 credit for adult education class from Bitterroot College Continuing Education Program; one-hour sound healing session from Bitterroot Sound Healing – Bella Marie; $25 Gift Certificate (6 winners) from Bouilla; deluxe cabin for one night from Camp Sula; Grogory Targhee 32L Backpack from Corvallis Physical Therapy; one cranial sacral therapy session from Cranial Sacral Therapy, LLC - Jody Mohoff, CST-D; half season CSA share from Cultivating Connections; two tickets to Crab Fest 2020 and Wine Fest 2020 from Hamilton Downtown Association; $30 credit for adult education class from Heart of the Valley Adult Education; two tickets to opening of Clue from Hamilton Players; one hour of personal training from Health by Heidi; essential oil infused winter wellness goodie basket from Healthy Connections; vintage postcard for every participant from Hidden Treasurers; 1/2

Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, November 3, 2019 - 3 hour massage (two winners) from Judy Banks, LMT; private x-country ski lesson from Ken and Patrice Loucks; two adult ski lift tickets from Lost Trail Ski Area; health goodie basket from New Horizons Physical Therapy; Trailbuddy trekking poles and ALPS Mountaineering 3-Person tent from Ravalli County Federal Credit Union; certificate for a child bike helmet (2 winners!) from Ravalli County Public Health Department; one introductory heart math session from Step Stone - Becki Koon; punch card for five yoga sessions from Tipi Rock Yoga & Massage Therapy; $25 gift certificate to Runner’s Edge; and two hours of personal training from Wendy Davis Training.

Everyone has different reasons for getting physically active. To learn more about the free WINter Wellness health incentive program, check out the website ravalli.msuextension.org/healthandwellness.html or visit the Extension Office, 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton or 375-6611.

Questions or comments can be directed to MSU/ Ravalli Co. Extension, 215 S. 4th Street Ste G, Hamilton, MT 59840, 375-6611. If you are interested in attending or hosting an educational workshop on this topic, please contact the office.

Katelyn Andersen, M.S., is an Associate Professor for Montana State University Extension. She serves as the 4-H/Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for Ravalli County.

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4 - Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, November 3, 2019

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Get away with family or friends and enjoy an experience from yesteryear. Rent a rustic cabin nestled deep in the forest or hike through the snow to find that perfect Christmas tree.

Always be prepared for cold weather and snow. The Bitterroot National Forest is mountainous terrain and snowy conditions can start as early as October and last until April or May. Refer to the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation for current advisories and resources to help assess the risk in avalanche terrain https:// missoulaavalanche.org/.

Christmas Tree Permits Cutting your own Christmas tree is a special holiday outing available to those who live near National Forest Lands. There’s an abundant choice of trees and species on the Bitterroot National Forest.

In order to remove a Christmas tree from the National Forest, you need to have a Christmas tree permit.

They may be purchased for $5 beginning Tuesday, November 12th at any Forest Service office or at area retailers. Permits are for personal use only and limited to three per family.

Downhill Skiing Lost Trail Powder Mountain, located near Sula, Montana, operates under a Special Use Permit on the Bitterroot National Forest. With over 300 inches of snow annually, Lost Trail consistently enjoys the greatest snow depth of any Montana ski resort.

Lost Trail offers opportunities for both the alpine skier and snowboard enthusiast. For more information or snow condi-

tions contact Lost Trail Powder Mountain ski area at 406-8213211 or www.losttrail.com Nearby Cross Country Ski Trails Chief Joseph Pass Cross Country Ski Trails are located off of Hwy 43 on Chief Joseph Pass on the BeaverheadDeerlodge National Forest.

These trails are maintained by volunteers from the Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club. The ski club grooms 24 kilometers of cross country trails for classic skiing (trails are not groomed for skating). For more information or snow conditions visit www.bitterrootxcskiclub.net.

Como Trails Cross Country Ski Area offers about 20 miles of trail located on roads 550, 550A, and 13201 out of the boat ramp parking lot at Como Lake. The multi-use Como Ski Trails will be groomed by the Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club again this winter.

Snowmobile Activities Snowmobiling continues to increase in popularity as more people discover the enjoyment of motorized winter recreation.

The fabulous winter scenery of the Bitterroot National Forest is accessible to people of all ages who enjoy the pleasure of snowmobile travel.

Please remember that snowmobiling is not allowed in any designated Wilderness Areas.

The Forest travel plan designates 2,246 miles of forest roads and trails open to motorized use. It also permits motorized over-snow use (snowmobiles) on 543,840 acres, approximately one-third of the Forest.

These areas are designated on a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and Over-Snow

Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, November 3, 2019 - 5 east of Hamilton, located near Vehicle Use Map (OSVUM) now available free of charge at Sula. The Guard Station features all Bitterroot National Forest a 16’ x 24’ one room log cabin. offices. The maps identify The cabin is equipped with a which areas are open to motorwood burning stove for heatized use, the types of vehicles ing and a four-burner propane allowed and any seasonal stove/oven for cooking. During restrictions that apply. the winter months, the road is The Bitterroot Ridge Runners plowed to the cabin, but there is Snowmobile Club grooms the always the possibility that the snowmobile trails up Skalkaho, road isn’t plowed on occasion – Skalkaho-Rye Creek road, and we recommend contacting the Lost Horse road. For more inforDarby Station for updates on the mation about area snowmobile road prior to arrival. clubs visit www.ridgerunners.

Twogood Cabin is a rustic org or https://www.snowmocabin located on Porcupine bilemt.org/ Creek, five air miles southwest of Sula. The structure was built Cabin Rentals as a range line cabin in 1952 The historic Wood’s Cabin at and utilized as such into the Lake Como is available for the 1970’s. This one room log cabin public to rent during fall and measures 15’x19’ with a steep winter months. The cabin built pitched roof. in 1928 is located on the north The cabin is equipped with a shore of Lake Como. It features large windows and a deck over- wood burning stove for heatlooking the lake and nearby ing, two two-burner propane mountains. cooktops and 2 propane lanterns Wood’s Cabin has 3 bed(propane not provided). During rooms, kitchen, dining room, the winter months the road and large living room. It sleeps is usually plowed just beyond up to 12 people and rents for $60 Warm Springs Campground. per night.

From here winter visitors must There is no drinking water x-country ski or snowshoe available in the winter months approximately 9 mi. to the cabin and the woodshed at the cabin on an un-groomed trail. will be stocked with firewood.

For more information about Also, the road to the cabin is these cabins or to make reservanot plowed, so you may have tions please visit www.recreto park at the boat launch and walk across the dam to reach the ation.gov or call toll free 1-877444-6777. cabin. Lake Como is a beautiful Please contact any of the setting in the wintertime and is Bitterroot National Forest popular with cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and ice fisher- offices for current updates or road conditions: Stevensville men.

Ranger District—406-777-5461; The East Fork Guard Station was built prior to 1914 and used Hamilton Supervisor’s Office—406-363-7100; Darby as a guard station in the sumRanger District—406-821-3913; mertime by the fireguards.

West Fork Ranger The East Fork Guard Station is approximately 50 miles southDistrict—406-821-3269

6 - Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, November 3, 2019

Mike Hoyt

For over 30 years, the Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club, a valley-based all-volunteer non-profit, has designed, maintained, and groomed the trail system at Chief Joseph Pass that includes the Gordon Reese Cabin warming station.

Chief Joseph Pass offers something for everyone ing, and 19 miles of multiuse trails groomed for skate skiers.

The trails are groomed Thursday For over 30 years, the Bitterroot through Sunday as weather and Cross-Country Ski Club, a valley- conditions require and/or permit. based all-volunteer non-profit, Those who wish to snowshoe are has designed, maintained, and welcome on the multi-use trails as groomed the trail system at Chief are those who ride Fat Tire bikes.

Joseph Pass.

The multi-use trails are dogThese trails typically have the friendly and used each winter for earliest and best snow conditions what has become, thanks to the for cross-country skiing anywhere Bitterroot Mushers, one of the in the area. Although donations are West’s premier dog-sled races. always appreciated, trail use is free Several years ago, the Club to everyone! entered into an agreement with Located near Lost Trail Pass at Lost Trail Powder Mountain downthe southern end of the Bitterroot hill ski area to use their PistenBully Valley, the Chief Joseph Ski Trail snowcat machines to groom these System provides almost 30 miles trails. of groomed trails, 10-plus miles of The vastly improved trail conditrails designed and groomed spetions have attracted skiers from cifically for classic-style track-ski- far and wide in numbers that now

MIKE HOYT

Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club

Mike Hoyt

The multiple-use trails at Chief Joseph are open to skiers, fat-tire bike riders, snowmobiles, dog-sledders and folks looking for a place to get their dogs outside in the wintertime.

exceed 12,000 user-days per winter.

The Gordon Reese Cabin, built by the Club’s volunteers is still one

of the best and unique warming huts for hundreds of miles in any direction. The hut is available for overnight rental through the Forest

Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, November 3, 2019 - 7 Service’s rental program.

The Club meets on the second Thursday of each month (November through March) in Hamilton. Meetings are always open to the public and usually include an interesting presentation such as next February’s (2020) appearance by Skip Horner, a world-renowned adventure guide.

In coordination with area schools, the Club hosts ski lessons for kids. This winter will see the addition of ski lesson programs for adults. Check the Club’s Facebook page for updates on ski lessons, all of which are free.

The Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club coordinates with several other valley non-profits including the Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists, the Bitterroot Mushers, and the Bitterroot Ridgerunners to provide excellent wintertime recreation for valley residents and visitors.

Trail maps are available for free from several area locations including sporting goods stores.

The Como Cross-Country Ski Trails These trails, now under the wing of the Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club, provide a great, close-totown, dog-friendly, skiing opportunity when conditions permit.

Last winter the Club added FatTire Bikes and groomed bike routes to the trail user list. It was a big hit with the increasing numbers of Bitterroot wintertime bikers.

These trails are usually groomed once a week, depending upon weather, snow, and daily temperatures—warm spells or lack of snow diminishes grooming opportunities. Check the Bitterroot CrossCountry Ski Club’s Facebook page for current snow and grooming conditions. Grooming is performed by the Club’s all-volunteer crew with the Club’s snowmobile equipment.

Parking is one half mile above the boat ramp up Forest Road 550

PROVIDED PHOTO

The Como Trail system is a popular location for cross-country skiiing, showshoeing and fat-tire bike riding.

at its intersection with Forest Road 550A. Forest Road 550 is closed beyond this point to wheeled, motorized traffic from Dec. 1st to March 31st.

Skiing on Groomed Snowmobile Trails A growing number of skiers are using the many miles of trails, in three different areas, groomed for snowmobile use by the Bitterroot Ridgerunners Club. All routes are groomed weekly but dependent upon weather and temperatures.

These trails are dog-friendly, but you need to be aware that you’re sharing the trails with fast-moving machines, so pay attention to where your dogs are at all times.

Skalkaho Pass is groomed from the gate, 14 miles up Highway 38, on the Bitterroot side to the gate just above the Sapphire Mine on the Phillipsburg side. In addition, all of Skalkaho Basin to above

Dam Lake and Sand Basin road to the Bowles creek intersection is groomed.

The Skalkaho/Rye road (Forest Road 75) from Skalkaho road to Rye Creek Road, 8 miles up from Highway 93 is groomed less often because of possible danger from huge, wind-driven snow drifts and possible avalanche.

Lost Horse Canyon is a very

popular route for both snowmobile riders and backcountry skiers who snowmobile to the back of the canyon to gain access to deep powder runs.

Montana State law requires any route groomed under special use permit to be closed to wheeled motor vehicles once grooming starts, whether it’s a ski trail or snowmobile route. No exceptions!

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8 - Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, November 3, 2019

It’s almost Christmas bird count time in the Bitterroot John Ormiston Bitterroot Audubon

Christmas time for birders means it’s time to clean the binoculars and spotting scopes, find the warm field clothes and be sure to find the bird guide.

It’s Christmas Bird Count time in the Bitterroot and nationwide.

For the 120th time citizen scientists will go to the field to count as many as possible of the birds occupying a 7.5 mile radius, 178 square mile circle. Compilers will report the results of nearly 2,000 count circles across the U.S. and another 500 in Canada, Mexico and Central America.

Bitterroot Audubon sponsors three annual counts around Hamilton, Stevensville and in the Big Hole Valley.

The 33rd Hamilton CBC occurs on Dec. 14, the 57th Stevensville count on Dec. 28 and the 10th Big Hole count in the first week of January depending on the weather.

The Stevi count, started in 1963, is one of the two oldest in Montana. Yellowstone Audubon in Billings initiated their count the same year or in 1964.

We welcome the participation of anyone interested in learning more about winter birds in the Bitterroot. We especially like beginning birders who will always be paired with more experienced folks who know the area and the birds.

The groups gather at about 7:30 a.m. with the intent of getting to the field by daylight about 8.

Hamilton counters gather at The Teller Education Barn (for the 33rd time) and Stevensville birders meet at the Stevi Ranger Station.

Big Hole counters meet at the

THOMAS PLANK, thomas.plank@helenair.com

Bob Martinka looks through his binoculars during the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count in 2017.

Wisdom Restaurant for breakfast and proceed to the field from there.

The Hamilton group honors a 32-year-old tradition by meeting back at The Teller for lunch featuring homemade chili and Oreos, and of course some delectable Christmas goodies. The counts are serious endeavors, but congenial birders interested in sharing their knowledge with beginners make the atmosphere competitive but lots of fun.

The National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count data represents the largest bird database compiled in North America with 119 years of records of bird counts throughout the U.S. Just considering the local data, we can learn something about the fluctuation of local populations and think about the range expansion of exotic or native species.

For instance, California Quail

first appeared in the Stevi count in 2000 when 17 were enumerated.

By 2005 they appeared in both count circles and 74 were seen. In 2010 participants counted 1,049.

Eurasian Collared Doves first appeared in Steve in 2017 when 11 were seen. They were seen in the Hamilton circle in 2008, but there were only 3. In 2018 over 1,200 were seen in the two count areas and 11 were sighted in the Big Hole. The invasive doves rapidly expanded from Florida where they successfully moved across the Atlantic from Bermuda in the 1980s clear to Alaska and into most of the lower 48 states.

You can easily track current and historical data on the National Audubon website at http://netapp. audubon.org/CBCObservation/ CurrentYear/ResultsByCount. aspx.

The Stevi count annually competes with the other 33 counts

circles in Montana for number of species seen.

We’ve averaged 70 species a year with a record high count of 90 in 2012 and over 7,000 birds counted.

The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge provides winter habitat for large flocks of waterfowl, as long as open water occurs. Over 158 species have been recorded in the Stevensville count circle.

Hamilton counters see an average of 67 species with a high count of 78 in 2013. The Hamilton area averages nearly 7,500 birds seen, many of them waterfowl on the Mansion Pond where open water remains available every year.

We’ve recorded 133 species in the Hamilton circle.

Weather in the Big Hole severely limits the number of species and birds seen. The average number of species seen, 19, actually outnumbers the average number of participants by only one. But, it’s a great place for winter raptors and tundra birds that nest in Canada or further north.

Feeder watchers -- folks who identify the species and count the birds out their windows or in their yard -- annually add around 5 species not seen in the field at each of the Stevi and Hamilton counts. If you live within 7.5 miles of either the Hamilton Airport or the Stevensville Ranger Station you could help our citizen science project. Call John Ormiston, 360-9530 (Hamilton); or Dave Lockman (Stevensville), 777- 2929 to participate as a feeder watcher.

Please take the opportunity to enjoy a day out with a great group of people and help the effort to enumerate all the birds in three official National Audubon Christmas Bird Count Circles.

Ways to keep moving through the winter

Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, November 3, 2019 - 9

Ravalli Republic

Local adult education programs offer a variety of courses to help keep the winter blues at bay.

Corvallis School District’s Heart of the Valley Adult Education has many opportunities to help you get moving even when the weather makes it difficult to get outside.

The program offers several fitness classes ranging from yoga to circuit training and everything in-between.

Current classes running through mid-December include Zumba, continuing yoga, advanced circuit training, beginning circuit training, dance fitness gold, sculpt & tone fitness, circuit training (using weights), and

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10 - Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, November 3, 2019

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Registration remains open.

Seniors and Veterans get a 50% discount for these classes. Use the promo code Senior or Veteran (make sure to capitalize the first letter) when checking out online.

The Corvallis program will also be offering a number of these courses during its winter term running from January through March. Program officials are hopeful they will be adding kickboxing, step aerobics, 5k training, and senior stretching class as well. The hope is to offer some of these classes in the mornings starting in February.

All of these classes would be eligible as an exercise that can be logged in to the Ravalli County WINter Wellness program through the MSU Extension office for Ravalli County.

The Corvallis program has donated two $30 gift cards as prizes for that program designed to help motivate citizens to get out and about in the winter months.

If you are interested in joining any of our classes be sure to visit our website: www.heartofthevalleyadulted.org for the most upto-date information.

People living in Hamilton can take advantage of classes offered through the Bitterroot College.

“Bitterroot College is thrilled

to be offering classes beginning in January to keep folks moving: Judo/Jujitsu 101, Cardio Kickboxing, Strong by Zumba, Adult Basketball, Adult Indoor Soccer, Adult Volleyball, Beginning and Intermediate Pickleball and Yoga,” said Lea Guthrie, Bitterroot College Continuing Education Program Director.

For more information visit https://www.umt.edu/bitterroot-college/offer/conted/ default.php The Ravalli County Fairgrounds is a great place for those hoping to get their steps in during the winter months.

The fairgrounds open the First Interstate Event Center to people looking for a warm, climate-controlled place to walk.

The only requirement is that participants sign a “hold harmless form” and shoes need to be clean and dry. Children need to be supervised. Walkers, clean strollers and wheelchairs are allowed. People can bring their service dogs, but no other pets are allowed.

The fee is $10 a month or $75 for the year.

If there are other events scheduled for the center, participants will be notified via posted notices.

Recreation opportunities at Lake Como, Skalkaho Pass and Lost Horse

Ravalli Republic, Winter Recreation, November 3, 2019 - 11

Ravalli Republic

Once the snow starts to pile up, Tony Neaves and others go to work grooming miles of road and trail at Lake Como, Skalkaho Pass, Lost Horse and the Skalkaho/Rye Road.

Close to Hamilton, Lake Como’s trail network offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even fat tire biking thanks to the support of the Bitterroot Cross-County Ski Club.

Depending on the weather, grooming usually occurs once a week.

“If we’re having a real warm spell of a low-snow winter, we will not always try to keep it groomed,” Neaves aid. “It’s best to check the club’s Facebook page for current snow conditions.’

All grooming is done by the club’s volunteer crew with the club’s snowmobile equipment.

Parking is a half-mile above the boat ramp up the 550 road at the 550A and 550 intersection. The road above that point is closed from Dec. 1 to March 31st to wheeled motorized traffic.

Due to the low elevation at the base of the lower trails, folks should know that the lower section can become icy, but the conditions up higher tend to hold up well all winter.

“We ask that Fat Bike riders be aware of snow and temperature conditions and ride with their tires at 2-4 psi to avoid leaving ruts,” Neaves said. “If the bike is sinking more than an inch, we ask that you not ride on the ski trails that day or get there early before the snowpack warms up. Bike ruts are hard to remove with snowmobile pulled grooming equipment.”

Dogs are welcome but the club asks that people keep their dogs under control and pick up after them. The dog waste became an issue last year especially in the parking area and on the main trail.

“Dog sled teams are not recommended to use the trails due to the problem of the dogs leaving their waste behind while on the run,” Neaves said. “Our grooming equipment just smears it all over the trail, the equipment and everyone’s skis!”

The Ridgerunners Snowmobile Club grooms and maintains a vast road system for winter recreation.

The SnowCat that performs the grooming task is provided by the State of Montana and FWP programs. The money to operate it is raised through snowmobile user fees and gas tax refunds.

The club maintains Skalkaho Pass from the gate 14 miles up Highway 38 on the Bitterroot side to the gate just up from the Sapphire Mine on the Phillipsburg side, plus all of Skalkaho Basin to above Dam Lake and Sand Basin road to the Bowles Creek intersection.

The club also grooms the Skalkaho/Rye road FS 75 from the Skalkaho road to Rye road eight miles up from Highway 93.

This road is groomed less often and due to changes in the forest from the 2000 fires has become more difficult to keep open due to heavy drifting in the now treeless areas up higher, Neaves said.

Lost Horse Canyon is the latest trail added to the grooming list in the Bitterroot.

It is a very popular route for both snowmobile riders and backcountry skiers who snowmobile to the back of the canyon to gain access to deep powder runs.

The grooming schedule is flexible, again depending on weather and temperatures, but all routes are groomed weekly.

“We highly recommend skiers and Fat Bike riders who use the grooming to join the Ridgerunners club to help support their efforts,” Neaves said.

Montana State law requires any route groomed under a special use permit to be closed to wheeled motor vehicles once grooming starts, whether it’s a ski trail or snowmobile route. There are no exceptions.

Neaves said this has been quite a problem for both clubs at Rye Road, Lost Horse and Como in years past.Factuam pro iam nostis vid iamding uliumendius, quamquere auceribus, norunc in

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232 West Main, Hamilton, MT • 406 363-3300 • ravallirepublic.com