Competitive ski racing returning to Silver Crest
Competitive cross-country ski races will make a comeback at Silver Crest Trails on Feb. 20.
It’s the first time in at least 10 years races have been conducted at Silver Crest, which is located near Kings Hill Pass in the Little Belt Mountains in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.
“We’d like to start that tradition again of having a quality ski race,” said Colin Maas, a board member of Silver Crest Trails Association, which is conducting the race.
The Silver Crest Nordic Challenge will feature a 6-mile skate ski race and a 5-mile class ski race on groomed cross-country ski trails.
Recreational skiers and top performers are encouraged to participate.
Awards will be presented for overall male and female finishers and top finishers in male and female age categories.
“It’s fun to see high performance skiers,” said Chuck Jennings, who also serves on the Silver Crest board.
A .7-mile snowshoe fun run/walk also is planned on designated snowshoe trails.
The Klister Klassic used to be conducted at Silver Crest.
It was run by the Great Falls Cross-Country Ski Club.
“It was an event that attracted a lot of people to the Silver Crest area,” Jennings said.
Many cross-country skiers are interested in the opportunity to compete, Jennings said in explaining why the Silver Crest Nordic Challenge was organized.
Board members say the race also is a chance to showcase Silver Crest while generating interest in the sport.
Silver Crest, which has 15 miles of ski trails, has been underutilized, Maas said.
It’s at least 40 years old.
Until 2010, Silver Crest was maintained by the Great Falls Cross Country Club with cooperation from the Forest Service. In December of 2010, a new group, Silver Crest Trails Association, was formed to assume the responsibilities of maintenance of the ski trails.
A new segment was developed in 2010 called Wu Tang’s Way after a Chinese laundry that operated in Neihart during the heyday of metals mining in the area.
Silver Crest Trails Association also has developed snowshoe trails.
Trails at Silver Crest gave been renamed to highlight the mining history with names such as Sluice Box and Silver Dyke Trail.
What’s next
To register, go to silvercresttrails.wordpress.com, download and print a paper entry form, complete the form and mail to the address listed on the form. It must be postmarked no later than Feb. 16. Or, click the link for online registration. The deadline for online registration is midnight Feb. 19. The races are Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.