Hi folks!
Emily and Matt from Anaconda Bicycles here! We have so much to say about one of winter's most fun activities—cross-country skiing! Our bike shop recently introduced XC ski rentals for the winter months, giving us the opportunity to learn and share the basics of this activity.
This sport has a few categories: race-style, touring, and backcountry. What do we love? Touring! It’s approachable for all skill levels, and you don’t need to be an expert to have fun. This blog specifically focuses on getting out on groomed trails rather than backcountry excursions. It’s also important to note that you may have heard the term “Nordic skiing”—this encompasses both cross-country skiing and skate skiing, which is also a very fun sport.
We all know that Anaconda, MT has unlimited recreational opportunities, but what about in the winter if you’re not already a powder-seeking downhill skier? When we first moved to Anaconda in 2019, we hadn’t yet spent much time at our favorite local ski hill, Discovery, and we needed to scratch that itch for adventure during the cold months.
Our introduction to cross-country skiing started with a family outing where we borrowed a set of skis. We had a blast figuring out how to move smoothly and stay upright—there were definitely plenty of laughs! That was the beginning of our journey into this fun sport. We continued to rent a few more times before committing to purchasing a full setup. It cost us about $450 for a full entry-level package, including boots, skis, and poles—much more affordable than a downhill setup.
We chose 65mm wide skis, specifically the Rossignol Evo OTsx. This ski is slightly wider for added stability while still fitting in the groomed tracks commonly found on XC ski trails. With a partial metal edge, these skis also work well for venturing off the trails a bit if conditions allow or for the days that it has freshly snowed and you are gliding over fresh powder on groomed trails. Because of this, we rent these skis as a package at Anaconda Bicycles.
By no means did we become experts, but we've gone through the journey of finding what works for us. We’ve learned that going downhill on cross-country skis is the most thrilling 9 mph you’ll ever experience! We've also learned that falling is okay—and there are tricks to getting back up. This sport can be a lot of fun. It’s an opportunity to pack a backpack full of snacks, chat with friends, and turn a cold winter weekend into an adventure.
One of the great things about cross-country skiing is that you stay warm! Since you’re always moving, it’s much warmer than sitting on a sometimes-frigid chairlift. Plus, you get to explore. There’s something freeing about being in the woods, surrounded by snow, with only the trees and the tracks of animals as company.
Basic Cross-Country Skiing Technology
There are two types of recreational cross-country skis: scales and skins.
Scales – Commonly called waxless skis (though misleading—they still need occasional waxing). These skis have built-in scales in the "kick zone" that grip the snow to propel you forward. This is the most common type of recreational cross-country ski.
Skins – These skis have an embedded felt piece in the "kick zone" that provides traction. They perform more like race skis and are commonly used by racers for training.
Maintenance Tips
Basic maintenance for waxless skis is easy! It’s recommended to hot wax your skis occasionally—once a year is a good minimum, and we can do this for you at Anaconda Bicycles if you want to skip the mess at home. For best performance, you can apply a glide wax (rub-on wax) from tip to tail. We’ve found that applying it every other outing works well, though some people do much less. It depends on how much glide you want.
In warmer weather, when the snow becomes sticky, glide wax helps prevent it from clumping on the bottom of your skis.
Where to Go: Groomed Trails Near Anaconda
Echo Lake Trails – Near Discovery Basin, these trails are groomed frequently by the Echo Lake Trails Associaiton, and they cost nothing to use. This area allows dogs and is a great place to socialize and see other folks out and about, especially on weekends.
Mt. Haggin Nordic Ski Trails – A beautiful groomed trail network maintained by the Mile High Nordic Ski Education Foundation. These trails offer a more remote experience with large loops and fewer people. No dogs allowed, and they are also free to the public
Homestake Lodge (outside of Butte) – Your one-stop shop for everything Nordic! The trails here are groomed regularly and cater to both classic and skate skiers. The lodge offers delicious homemade food, lessons, and rentals. There is a small day use fee to use these trails and season passes are also available,
Old Works Golf Course – Now grooming short loops when conditions allow. This is a great spot for beginners to try cross-country skiing, followed by an appetizer or drink at Jack’s Grill.
Snowmobile Packed Roads – A popular XC destination is Storm Lake Road during the winter months. This road is closed to traffic but heavily traveled by snowmobiles. Because of this, the road is packed down and XC skiable. We recently ventured all the way to Storm Lake via this route!
What to Bring Cross-Country Skiing
You only need to bring a few essentials on your XC ski adventure:
First off, bring your layers! We recommend leaving your downhill ski gear at home (you’ll get hot) and sticking to athletic style pants and a jacket. We commonly wear water-resistant pants, sometimes with a base layer underneath, depending on the temperature. For the top half, our go-to attire is a base layer, a fleece, and a windbreaker. It’s important to remember that no matter how cold you feel at the start, you will warm up! Other clothing essentials include gloves, a beanie, and sunglasses.
Water, snacks, and lunch are imperative—especially if you’re as food-motivated as we are. No gourmet restaurant can beat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in the woods! Be sure to stay hydrated and replenish calories if you're heading out on a longer adventure.
You can carry your extra layers, snacks, sunscreen, and hand warmers in a small backpack. We also sometimes use a fanny pack with a water bottle holder. Shameless plug…we carry these at Anaconda Bicycles!
Where to stay in Anaconda
For those seeking a true outdoor adventure vibe, stay at Pintler's Portal Hostel. Voted Montana's Best Hostel in 2023 and 2024, the Portal is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who crave the thrill of nature, a sense of camaraderie, and affordable, clean accommodations.
The Map Wall in the hostel's Spike Camp is an adventure planner’s dream, displaying a robust series of maps showcasing trails—both known and lesser known. The hostel even has its own Book of Trails providing trail detail, ensuring memorable journeys.
After a day of outdoor thrills, the hostel provides a cozy atmosphere, complete with two fireplaces, a robust self-serve kitchen, and plenty of space for you and other explorers to relax, connect, and celebrate your adventures.
Located just 1.5 blocks from Anaconda Bicycles, the hostel’s prime downtown location is ideal for getting outside and exploring town. Plus, book a stay at Pintler's Portal Hostel and enjoy a 20% discount on our cross-country ski rentals!
Why Try Cross-Country Skiing?
Cross-country skiing is a sport that’s accessible to almost everyone. You don’t have to be young or in peak shape to enjoy it—it’s a fantastic way to have fun, explore the outdoors, socialize, and beat the winter blues. It’s also more affordable than other winter sports.
As bike shop owners, we love introducing people to outdoor recreation. Our ski rentals are perfect for those looking to try something new or just get out and enjoy winter. We’re happy to help guide you on this journey!
See you on the trails!
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