Ski Orienteering at Bigfork Community Nordic Center

Join us for Grizzly Orienteering's Ski Orienteering event at Bigfork Community Nordic Center! The event will be held if there is sufficient snow cover to allow for ski trail grooming. Please check back here for updates as the event approaches.

Ski Orienteering, You Say?

Yes! In ski orienteering, participants use specially designed maps to navigate between a series of checkpoints on cross-country skis. Check out this short video showcasing ski orienteering at the international elite level: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1SggdsbHlk.

Use a custom-made map of the Bigfork Community Nordic Center's ski trails and roads to find a series of checkpoints marked in terrain by orange-and-white flags. All checkpoints will be on trails, but you can choose any route you want to get there! You can try to ski hard and race for the fastest time, or go as slowly as you like, enjoying the challenge of picking the best routes and reading the map. If you've never tried Ski Orienteering before, then registration is free for you. 

Date and Time

The event will take place Saturday March 21st between 11:00am-2:00pm. Starting time slots will be between 11am-1pm. Please arrive at your assigned time slot in order to help us run things smoothly and safely.

Location

Bigfork Community Nordic Center (BCNC) is located on Montana State land at the corner of Foothills road & Jewel Basin road.

Please park at the southern access gate off Jewell Basin Road; additional parking is available on Foothill road if that parking lot fills. Start and finishes will happen near the parking area.

In accordance with Montana State Law, skiers using Bigfork Community Nordic Center are required to have a valid “Montana Recreational Use License.” The license can be purchased at https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/statelandsrecreation.

BCNC trails are groomed for skiers. Snowshoers are welcome, but please observe posted trail etiquette signs.

BCNC DOG POLICY: Dog tracks and dog “dirt” damage the groomed trail surface. Pleased respect the intended use of and considerable expense invested in the BCNC Nordic trails. Thank you!

Registration and Fees:

First-timers: $5, First-time groups: $10 (If first-timers wish to purchase memberships after the event, the cost of the event will be subtracted from the membership fee)

Standard event entry fee: $15 per individual; maximum of $30 for group

GrizO Member event entry fee: $8 for members; maximum of $15 for member group

Junior entry fee: $5 for youth aged 12-20

Kid entry fee: Free for kids under 12

Volunteer discount: Free for anyone who volunteers at a given event

Extra map for any additional group member who wants one: $2

Second course: Free

Compass rental: Free

Equipment  We will provide specially created maps with pre-printed courses for each participant. We will also provide loaner compasses. Please return these when you are done. The compasses will be sanitized after each use. 

Please bring your own skis, boots, and poles. Any skiing style is permitted.

Wear clothing that is comfortable for activities in the woods and  off-trail and appropriate for the expected temperatures. Please bring your own snacks and hydration.

Courses You will be able to select from three different maps (courses):  Short, Medium, and Long courses. The distances indicate the shortest, straight-line  distance for visiting all the checkpoints and returning to the finish. You  will certainly cover more distance than that. All checkpoints are on skate ski groomed trails with an optional rustic snowshoe or classic XC extension into the southern ungroomed tract. The route you take between checkpoints can utilize any trails and roads, as well as shortcuts through terrain, if you so choose. We recommend going out individually  or in groups of no more than 2-3 so that everyone is able to get the  hang of map reading and navigation.

Beginner Instruction Beginner instruction will be provided by several experienced orienteers. If this is your first event, take a look at the "Newcomers" section of our website to get an idea of what to expect: https://www.grizzlyorienteering.org/newcomers.

Start and Finish You will need to check in with one of our volunteers at registration  before proceeding to the start. Our volunteers will provide you with the  appropriate map, a loaner compass if needed, and a loaner electronic  timing chip and will keep track of  who is out and doing which course. When you have found all the controls  on your course, return to the finish and check in with a volunteer  there. Even if you decide to quit your course before finding all the  controls, please check in at the finish so we do not go out searching for you.

Electronic "punching"

An e-punch records your race. At each control, you’ll dip the e-punch  into an electronic box, which will beep and flash as confirmation.  After you finish, you’ll download the e-punch at the download tent and  get a receipt that shows which controls you visited and how long you took  between each; these are your “splits.”

Part of the fun of orienteering is comparing your splits with people  who completed the same course, and discussing the routes you took!