Soggy Bottoms: Why Crosscut's Single-Track Trails Open Later Than Other Trails
Give Big: Anna's Story
Anna’s Story
“In the ski arena, Hazel shuffles, Jackson tumbles, and Emme plods around with a huge smile on her face. Isaiah is eating snow by the handful, and Lily is in fits of giggles that knock her over. None of these kids have been on skis before. They’re all nervous to go down the first hill, asking me what I will do if someone gets hurt. At this point in their six years of living, they have likely been told that skiing is challenging and that science is complicated. Our ski education program is more than just teaching children how to ski. It's about igniting their curiosity, nurturing their sense of wonder, and instilling confidence in their abilities.
Give Big: Chandler's Story
Chandler’s Story
“I have been involved with Crosscut's Ski Education Program for 6 years and it is hands-down the best job ever! It is a privilege to work with thousands of Montana students each year as we guide them through a fun day on skis while exploring the wonders of nature.
Cross country skiing is approachable for people of all ages and experience levels and is a great way to access our magical winter landscape during the snowy months. Each day we get to watch students follow their curiosities outdoors while also encountering and overcoming challenges in a safe environment.
Despite being located in a recreation-focused mountain town, we work with a lot of first-time skiers that don’t otherwise have the opportunity to learn how to ski and spend time in the mountains. It’s important that we keep our program affordable to ensure accessibility to a wide variety of schools and students. Donations from our community help make this possible!
By supporting our Ski Education program, you're helping to guarantee that we can continue providing students with their "best day ever" for years to come!”
-Chandler Bowen, Outdoor Education Manager
Give Big 2024
In our 2023-24 season, Crosscut’s Ski Education Program served 2,626 students through our School, Homeschool, and Global Snowsports Programs. We worked with 33 schools across three counties and welcomed homeschool, remote learning, hybrid student groups, and traditional classroom students.
Each one of our participants had the opportunity to explore Crosscut's trails on skis or snowshoes while building connections with nature and each other.
When you GIVE BIG, you help us provide year-round and meaningful opportunities for young outdoor learners through ski education, biathlon, summer camps, and mountain bike camps! To keep these programs affordable and accessible, we need your support during Give Big Gallatin Valley happening May 2-3! Help us foster healthy lifestyles, empower youth, and put smiles on faces for generations to come.
Celebrating 30 Years of Stewardship
In March, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the conservation easement with GVLT. In celebration of this milestone, we invite the conservation community to join us for a free day on Saturday, March 2. Come cross-country ski, snowshoe, or fatbike on our spectacular 45km trail system — please book your free day pass ahead of time.
Dog Skiing is Still Closed — What Gives?!
Open Call for Local Artists to Create Mural Design
Crosscut closes deal to buy Trapper’s Cabin Ranch south of Big Sky
By Melissa Loveridge; Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Crosscut Mountain Sports Center last week closed on a deal to buy the historic 640-acre Trapper’s Cabin Ranch south of Big Sky, with plans to create year-round outdoor programs serving groups including veterans and at-risk youth while maintaining trails and facilities on the land.
“Our current offerings (in Bridger Canyon) make for these great after-work skis or Saturday morning family mountain biking,” said Jenn Adams, the communications director at Crosscut. “One of our visions with Trapper’s Canyon Ranch is to take the adventure between people and nature to the next level, to provide a little bit more of an immersive Montana experience.”
Crosscut, a nonprofit that owns and maintains a trail system and Nordic ski area in Bridger Canyon, closed on the deal with the longtime owners of the property, the Martin family, on April 30. The Martins have owned the property since purchasing it from Dr. Caroline McGill, a co-founder of the Museum of the Rockies, in the 1960s.