South Flower Trail

Trail length: 8.89 miles
Information: Libby R.S. (406) 293-7773
Groomed by: Kootenai Valley X-Club  

South Flower Creek Cross Country Ski Trail is located approximately 4 miles southwest of Libby, Montana, this series of 10-interlacing trails in mixed coniferous timber offers something for everybody! For beginners, there are the Treasure Tour Trails, and Shorty’s Loop. Geared towards intermediate skiers are trails with names like Roller Coaster, D-Spur, and the Connector. And for the more experienced, there are the routes with names like Tongue Dragger, Nose Dive, Jeresek Park and the more obvious Suicide Trail!      

*Please NO DOGS on these trails! Of course there is plenty of room for fun too out there, as the junctions have names like Lookout Junction, Judy’s Junction, and Jabber Junction. So whether out for a family day in Kootenai Country Montana, a group of friends casual ski, or a self challenging intense workout, come check out the views and the ski trails here at South Flower Creek.

Flatiron Trail

Trail length: 1.04 miles
Information: Libby R.S. (406) 293-7773

Flatiron Trail is located about 20-miles northwest from Libby, Montana as the crow flies is the Flatiron Mountain Trail. This is one for the true mountain man or woman! Although relatively short, some sections are a bit steep. As we say out here in Kootenai Country Montana, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, unless your going straight up! We don’t want to exaggerate too much, as the name implies, the top is a flat iron summit with gentle to relatively steep grades.

From the summit, cross country ski buffs are known to have attempted 360-degree flips off this mountain only to end up buried in deep snow. Popping up out of the fine powder like a white weasel, the laughter of friends almost caused an avalanche! On a more serious note, cross country ski folks are always encouraged to check avalanche conditions.

Ross Creek Trail

Trail length: 3.32 miles
Information: Troy District (406) 295-4693
Groomed by: District  

Ross Creek Trail is approximately 3.32 miles of cross country ski trail, it takes off from the access road near Bad Medicine Campground and winds its way up into the entrance to Ross Creek Cedar Grove. This is a challenging ski, but one can do sections at a time. The views are stunning on a sunny, winters day.

Ross Creek drainage melts into the Bull River Valley, arguably one of the most gorgeous valleys in Kootenai Country Montana. A trip on cross country skis can reveal the presence of winter wildlife such as ermine, pine marten, grouse, bobcat and red fox as imprints and signs in the snow. Groups such as Friends of the Scotchman Peaks (www.scotchmanpeaks.org) and Montana Wilderness Association (www.wildmontana.org) offer classes, cross country ski hikes, and snowshoe hikes with Animal Tracking themes.

Alvord Lake Trail

Trail length: 2.50 miles
Information: Troy District (406) 295-4693
Groomed by: Troy X-Country Club

Alvord Lake Trail is a great 2.5-mile loop around a lake route! Located only a few miles outside of Troy, Alvord Lake is a unique Community Forest which has recently come together through the efforts of many local individuals. The site is used for numerous Outdoor Education Programs, and contains mixed type forests, wetlands, and a diversity of wildlife.

As one glides along, the skier will pass through large diameter cedar and hemlocks, marshy areas, great viewpoints and second growth drier forest types. On a trip around Alvord Lake, the wildlife enthusiasts can spot otters, Bald eagles, Great Blue Herons, bobcat tracks and wolf scat. The wildlife in Kootenai Country Montana is impressive, and Alvord Lake is a very special place!