MISSION
“Uniting community around backyard adventure—one trail, one adventure, one volunteer at a time.”
HISTORY
For many years we’ve enjoyed skiing the well groomed trails of the Red Lodge Nordic Center at the foot of the spectacular Beartooth Mountains in south central Montana. Many of our children learned to ski here. When we were skied-out and needed a rest, there were always a warm fire, friendly conversation, and cookies in the yurt.
In April of 2002, a bunch of friends, neighbors, ski bums, and others who didn’t have anything else to do in their spare time got together to help. We formed BRTA — Beartooth Recreational Trails Association, not only to keep our favorite cross-country ski area alive, but also to work together on our shared vision of a non-motorized trail network along the foothills of the Beartooths. In 2024 BRTA hired a paid Executive Director to further our mission. Another change was made in 2024, when our name changed from Beartooth Recreational Trails Association to Beartooth Trails.
VOLUNTEERING
We can always use your help!
Beartooth Trails is always seeking volunteers willing to work on special functions, such as summer trail work projects, fundraising events, moonlight skis, ski clinics and children’s programs, help out with grooming, grant writing, fund raising, etc. We’re always excited to spread the word to other skiers, hikers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts about the non-motorized trail possibilities in the area, and what we can do to help out! Any outdoor enthusiasts are asked to join the fun, since everyone will be able to enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained trail system.
GOVERNANCE
Beartooth Trails has a governing Board of 7 to 13 volunteers. We do not have paid memberships, but operate off your donations as well as Nordic Center fees and grants. We love fundraisers! We have two part-time employees: a part-time Executive Director and a Nordic Center Manager; everything else is done by volunteers.
