X-Country Skiing
Serene is about the most plausible choice of words to describe the overall experience of gliding silently across open fields, along mountain sides or through the forested backwoods of Missoula's own back yard. There are trails enough to keep the x-country skier in you busy all winter long, and plenty to bring you back the next year for further exploration. Enjoy.
Lolo National Forest
Pattee Canyon Complex
406.329.3814
National Forest Trail
Take the Pattee Canyon Road 3 miles and the picnic area is on the left and the ski trail parking lot is on the right. Located 3.5 miles southeast of Missoula.
Rattlesnake Recreation Area and Wilderness
406.329.3814
Wilderness Area
4.5 miles north on Rattlesnake Drive in Missoula, to the main parking area and jumping-off point on the west side of Rattlesnake Creek. The road takes off up the old Rattlesnake FR 99, now closed to all motorized recreational travel.
Bitterroot National Forest
Saddle Mountain - Lost Trail Pass Ski Trail
406.821.3201
National Forest Trail
Take Highway 93, 90 miles south of Missoula. Highway 93 is well maintained.
Saddle Mountain Burn - Lost Trail Pass Ski Trail
406.821.3201
National Forest Trail
Take Highway 93, 90 miles south of Missoula. Highway 93 is well maintained.
Wildfire Trail - Lost Trail Pass Ski Trail
406.821.3201
National Forest Trail
Take Highway 93, 90 miles south of Missoula. Highway 93 is well maintained.
Helena National Forest
MacDonald Pass Trail System
406.449.5490
406.449.5360 (The Base Camp)
National Forest Trail
Travel west from Helena on Highway 12 approximately 14 miles to the parking area on the north side of Highway 12. Parking is provided just off of Highway 12, and the trail starts at the north end of the parking area.
Mount Haggin Nordic Ski Area
406.782.4994
406.782.0316
Mt. Haggin Nordic Ski Area is located 15 miles south of Anaconda on Highway
274, which is the same road to Wisdom.
