January 15, 2011 - January 16, 2011

February 11, 2011 - February 13, 2011

March 19, 2011 - March 20, 2011

Celebrate one of Montana's best cross-country ski trails January 15-16 at the annual Izaak Walton Ski Fest in Essex, where the snow is reliably excellent . The Izaak Walton Inn grooms a 33-kilometer network of snow trails for skate and classic skiing along this narrow band of civilization between Glacier National Park and the Great Bear Wilderness. Or for a wilder ride, the annual Snow Rodeo, March 19-20, promises more fun for the whole family. Ski Fest features family activities, equipment demos, free ski lessons, discounted ski rentals, free trail passes and games designed to instruct, inform, and entertain the new cross-country skiing enthusiast. This year, the festival features a new snow sculpture contest!

Instructors will be on hand to offer a few intermediate & advanced mini-lessons. Equipment demos will be provided by local outdoor outfitting businesses, Rocky Mountain Outfitter and Sportsman & Ski Haus,

After a day in the snow, a warm fire and fine food awaits winter visitors in the main lodge, a mountain lodge constructed in 1939 by the Great Northern Railroad to house winter snow removal crewsa. For overnight visitors during the festival, special room rates are available with a two-night minimum stay.

Dogs are not permitted on the groomed trail network, but adjacent canine-friendly trails can be found in Dickey Creek on the Flathead National Forest.

Other 2011 winter events include:

February 11-13, 2011 Rocky Mountain Outfitter Family Fun Nordic Ski & Races

March 19 & 20, 2011 Snow Rodeo (2-night minimum stay) A weekend filled with fun, laughter, and prizes. “Rodeo” events will be done on skis and snowshoes. Have fun riding wild broncos, ropin’ goats, barrel racing, and chuck wagon racing on skis or snowshoes. A great family event.

Free ski pass for the festival

All ages

Outdoor Activity

Izaak Walton Inn is right off of Highway 2 on the southern border of Glacier National Park along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River in the tiny community of Essex. The fun, green and most romantic way to journey to Essex is on Amtrak, which stops at the Izaak Walton Inn. It's halfway between Whitefish and Browning on the winter run of Amtrak's Empire Builder.