No grooming at Stillwater Nordic this winter

For the first winter in a decade, Stillwater Nordic Center will not be grooming its cross-country ski trails. 

Stillwater Mountain Lodge and Nordic Ski Center was started in 2005 by partners Reid and Kirsten Sabin along with Tom and Meagen Healy. Over the last 10 years, they have groomed the trails every day of the winter season, and Stillwater has become known for the varied terrain, meticulous grooming, and the cozy warming hut to welcome skiers.

Although the business has been fulfilling, the partners each have increasing responsibilities outside the business, Kirsten Sabin said in a press statement. They reached the decision to list the business for sale, but planned to continue operating as usual until the business was sold.

But when Ridge Mountain Academy, a campus based gap-year enrichment program, approached the Sabins and Healys, requesting to lease the property for its campus for the school year, they agreed.

“It is great to have the property being used for a program like this,” Kristen said. “Its proximity to the Whitefish Trail, its quiet wooded setting, just 10 minutes from Whitefish, make it a great fit for the academy.”

Kristen said one of the most rewarding aspects of running the Nordic Center came from the relationships with the community.

“We’ve witnessed mom and dad’s pulling babies in sleds, and have watched those same kids develop over the years into lovers of the outdoors and skiing,” she said. “It has been a gift to witness, and to have played a small part in this. We owe the community a huge thanks for the support they’ve given over the last 10 years.”

Stillwater State Forest lands are still available for recreation with a valid state land-use permit, and are accessible from the parking area of the Whitefish Trail- Beaver Lakes trailhead. Skiers are asked to not park at Stillwater/Ridge Academy.

For more information on recreating on state lands contact (406) 444-2074.