Cross country ski trails right here in Hot Springs County

Cross country skiing enthusiasts in Hot Springs County no longer have to travel 75 miles or more to enjoy your favorite winter pastime.

Lloyd Lafave and Tom Anderson put their heads together and created trails for cross country skiing at the Thermopolis Golf Course.

Lafave came here last year with plans to retire and noticed some skiing going on at the golf course but knew he could improve it with a little grooming. An avid snowmobiler and cross country skier himself, he started checking around to get permission to go ahead with his plan.

Enter Anderson, who is a golf board member and cross country skier himself. He managed to get permission from the club to go ahead, but to make certain no damage was done to the course.

The pair packed a trail about a mile and a half long around the perimeter of the course first, and then with the help of bedsprings tied to the back of a snowmobile, dragged it along trail creating perfect conditions for cross country.

Along with the groomed trail, folks may ski inside the perimeter as long as they are careful not to do any damage to the golf course.

Lafave held the first event at the new trail last Saturday, a Nordic night ski.

About a dozen people gathered for the event, waiting for the moon to come out before gliding soundlessly along the path. Once finished, the enjoyed a fire and s’mores before calling it a night.

The closest cross country skiing available is at Willow Park, 75 miles away, followed by Antelope Butte, 100 miles away.