Thanks to a donation from the Split Rock Foundation, the Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) and Run Dog Run have created a much-needed in-town groomed trail for cross-country skiing with your dog. The nearly 1-km Lindley Park Dog Loop utilizes terrain between Buttonwood Avenue and the library.

While dogs and skiers are both permitted on groomed ski trails in Hyalite and Bozeman Creek, they aren’t allowed on in-town trails at Sunset Hills, Highland Glen, or Bridger Creek Golf Course. This new addition creates an easily accessible loop just a block off Main Street for dogs and their human ski partners.

"We are very excited to partner with Run Dog Run and a private donor to create a dog-friendly ski loop in town,” says Kyle Marvinney, trails manager for BSF. “There has been lots of interest in having more dog-friendly skiing around Bozeman, and it is great to see that become a reality through the cooperation of the City of Bozeman Parks and Rec department, Run Dog Run, and the Split Rock Charitable Foundation.”

Terry Cunningham, executive director of Run Dog Run and a Gallatin Valley Trails Ambassador, notes, “We were delighted to learn of the creation of this unique opportunity for off-leash, in-town skiing for Bozeman area dog owners. It fills a real need. “

Cunningham adds, “We urge dog owners to use this facility and respect the fact that Highland Glen and the rest of Lindley Park are dog-restricted during the winter months.”

With this new addition, BSF will be grooming at seven Community Nordic Trails venues in Bozeman. “The loop in Lindley Park provides an efficient solution to providing dog-friendly skiing from the BSF trails perspective and has so far been very well received," says Marvinney. Anticipating mostly week-day traffic on this new trail, he says they plan to groom the loop two to three days a week, mostly on weekdays.

Run Dog Run purchased, installed, and will maintain two dog waste stations on the trail. Both BSF and Run Dog Run invested in trail signage to promote good trail etiquette.

WHERE:
Skiers should park in the Lindley Park parking lot on Buttonwood Avenue. (Please avoid parking at the library.) For safety, this is a one-way loop meant for ski/dog traffic only. Ski in a counter-clockwise direction.

SKIIING WITH YOUR DOG 101
Dog owners: a dog ski trail like this comes with some responsibility. In order for this to work in the long run, please:

Only friendly, well-socialized dogs who are under voice control are allowed on the ski trail.
Dog owners are responsible for picking up dog waste – off-leash doesn’t mean off-duty.
Keep your dog on leash between the parking lot and the trail for the safety of everyone.

SKIING ON GROOMED TRAILS IN BOZEMAN
DOGS ALLOWED: at Lindley Park Dog Loop, Sourdough/Bozeman Creek, and Hyalite
NO DOGS AT: Highland Glen, Bridger Creek Golf Course, Sunset Hills (between Lindley Center & the hospital)

Trail maps and grooming reports available at www.bridgerskifoundation.org/trails.

TRAIL PASSES
Like these groomed trails? The grooming and maintenance is funded by your voluntary trail passes and donations. Trail users (including Fido) are urged to donate or buy a pass in order to ensure grooming for years to come. Purchase a pass online at www.bridgerskifoundation.org or at Chalet Sports, Roundhouse Ski & Sports Center, or Bangtail Bikes & Ski.

 
ABOUT BRIDGER SKI FOUNDATION
Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) is a nonprofit community ski organization based in Bozeman, Montana. They provide and fund educational and competitive programs for all ages, year round, in Nordic, Alpine, Freestyle, Freeskiing, and snowboarding. They also groom an incredible network of community Nordic ski trails for the public in Bozeman. www.bridgerskifoundation.org

ABOUT RUN DOG RUN
Run Dog Run is a Bozeman-based nonprofit that advocates for, funds and constructs additional off-leash recreation facilities in the Bozeman area - and they promote responsible dog ownership practices. www.rdrbozeman.com