Discovering Nordic Skiing in Sheridan’s Bighorn Mountains
My husband and I moved to Sheridan four years ago from Cheyenne. We love the outdoors, but we were really tired of the wind in Cheyenne, which prevented us from doing the things we loved.So we packed up and headed for Sheridan, where it is less windy and absolutely beautiful. During our first winter here, some friends of ours wanted to take us cross-country skiing at Sibley Lake. We didn’t know where that was, and we weren’t cross-country skiers. However, I love trying new things that involve being outdoors, so we rented some skis and went up the mountain.
It was a beautiful December day in the Bighorns with the snow sparkling in the sunshine. What a delight! This wasn’t my only delight for the day. I was amazed at the beauty of the Sibley Lake trails and the quality of the trails. I fell in love immediately with this newfound sport and with the nordic trails at Sibley. As we skied along Prune Creek Loop, I once again was awed by the beauty of the Bighorn mountains and how this incredible playground is in my backyard. Then I had another surprise waiting for me, as we came around a corner and discovered the warming hut! Several families were gathered and having lunch. Kids were cooking hot dogs directly on the stoves’ surfaces. Everyone was laughing, enjoying the day and each other’s company.
What started out as a fun day with friends evolved into a love of nordic skiing and of the Bighorn Mountains. My husband and I decided to become more involved with Black Mountain Nordic as a way to support the organization. We started out by making a donation to support the snow grooming efforts and by helping with trail maintenance in the fall. Eventually, I was asked to become a Black Mountain Nordic board member. I was excited to join the board and continue to help a great organization that does so much for our community.
I am looking forward to the first big snow dump and getting back on the trails at Sibley and Cutler this winter! I hope to see you out on the trails!
Shannon Pederson
Black Mountain Nordic Board Member
