Cross-country and snowshoeing     Area Code 406

Nationally acclaimed Lone Mountain Ranch (800-514-4644; 995-4644) offers more than 65 km. of international-caliber Nordic skiing for all levels, with groomed and skating lanes. The trail system winds through open meadows and forested canyons. The Ranch teams with Alpenguide Tours of West Yellowstone to offer a variety of backcountry skiing, including snowcoach tours into the interior of Yellowstone, America's most beloved national park, to view its winter wonders. Tours also are available into the Spanish Peaks. Deluxe, cozy cabins with fireplace and full bath can be rented for a week, including all meals, trail pass and evening programs. The Ranch has a Nordic shop with apparel, equipment and mementos. Lessons are available.

You can rent snowshoes from the Lone Mountain Ranch, Grizzly Outfitters (995-2939) and Big Sky Ski Rental (995-5841) in the Mountain Village Plaza's Snowcrest building. Big Sky has a marked and separated snowshoe trail up a portion of Lone Mountain called Moose Tracks—it starts at the base of Andesite and Lone Mountains.