Nordic center open for skiing

Bigfork's Community Nordic Center trails are groomed and ready for skiing. The center is located at the junction of Foothill and Jewel Basin Roads.

Skiing is free and open to the public. The trails are open to skiers and snowshoers. Volunteer coordinators ask people to keep their dogs at home.

The center plans its annual open house on Jan. 30. Food, beverages and information about the center will be available.

Maps, trail conditions, waxing tips and other helpful information may be found at the Web site www.bigforknordic.org.

People using the trails should have a State Land Recreation Use Permit. Permits may be purchased anywhere hunting licenses are sold.

The center leases the trails from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for $1,300 a year. Additional costs include signage, snowmobile maintenance, gas and oil, and liability insurance

Local skiers, businesses or individuals interested in donating to the center may send checks to BCNC, 9236 Montana 35, Bigfork, MT 59911.

Glacier Nordic Club, the Montana Wilderness Association and the state agency operate the Nordic center.

The ski area features about 7 kilometers of groomed Nordic ski trails suitable for track and skate skiing as well as snowshoeing.