Bohart Ranch Cross Country Ski Center

In the Bozeman area, Bohart Ranch Cross Country Ski Center is the hub of groomed trail cross country skiing. It is a day-use center about 16 miles northeast of Bozeman. The 27 km network of groomed and tracked trails is packaged into five distinct areas: Bohart Loops (South and North) nearest to the Base Lodge, Arena and entry to the center; Meadow Loops, Ridge Loops, Bracket Creek Loops and Logger’s Loops. Trails get progressively more difficult and longer as you venture away from the Base Lodge.

Despite its mountain setting (base elevation is 6,050 feet), there is still plenty of easy terrain in the Bohart and Meadow Loops and a good balance of more difficult and most difficult trails distributed between the Ridge, Loggers and Bracket Creek Loops. For a thorough tour of the system, be sure to checkout Logger’s Loops which, as the name implies, was created from a series of old logging roads. All of the trails are on Bohart Ranch property except Logger’s, which is on land leased from the U.S. Forest Service.

The trails all have a great flow and, in many cases, follow the natural contours of the terrain to achieve the necessary climbing. Great views are abundant and a ski up to the Lookout Trail will offer views of the Gallatin and Abrasoka mountains with a backdrop of several dramatic peaks, including the high, pointy Sacajawea; and Ross Peak, one of the most beautiful. In addition to the stunning scenery, the area is well populated by an assortment of wildlife including elk, moose, grouse, bear and wolf.

The trails are very well mapped and easy to navigate with numbered intersections as references. Bohart also has an excellent reputation as an exceptionally well groomed trail system. That reputation, along with the trails themselves have attracted many major events including the U.S. Nationals, Junior Olympic Qualifiers and NCAA championships, which make a return visit in 2008. Prior to the 2002 Olympics, many international athletes came to Bohart to ski and take advantage of an elevation similar to what they would encounter at Soldier Hollow.