The Yellowstone Ski Festival offers a diverse schedule of events, with ski clinics, races, on-snow gear demos, evening activities and fun for kids.

One to five day Nordic ski clinics with classic and skate specific options, as well as multi-day combination clinics, provide an opportunity for all skiers to kick-start their season. The adaptive and sit-ski clinics are back, due to wonderful participation last year. To learn more about the clinics and to register, visit www.yellowstoneskifestival.com/clinics.

West Yellowstone will also host the USSA SuperTour opener, beginning with the Freestyle Sprints on Friday, November 23. The 10/15 kilometer freestyle distance race will be held on Saturday. A "Try Biathlon Day" on Tuesday Nov. 20, 2012 and Biathlon Sprint held the following day Wednesday November 21, 2012.

Each trail pass allows skiers into the On-Snow Gear Demo area where they can test drive the latest and greatest in skis, boots, bindings, poles and wax. Look for Atomic, Fast Wax, Fischer, Madshus, Rossignol, Salomon, Swix and more.

Owing to great success last year, the "Passport Program" is back and will enter skiers who demo gear from all participating companies and attend one evening wax clinic into a drawing for a $750 gift certificate to their choice of local ski shops -- Freeheel & Wheel, Bud Lilly's or Altius Handcrafted Firearms. Second and third prizes will also be awarded.

The Yellowstone Ski Festival is proud to partner with the Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone. The hotel and conference facility have been the Yellowstone Ski Festival headquarters for many years, and the Holiday Inn and sister hotel Gray Wolf Inn are committed to welcoming cross-country skiers. Reserve your room now and stay where the action is. A full wax room is available to guests. Relax after a long day on the trails in their pool and hot tub. Best of all, both properties are within walking distance to the Rendezvous Ski Trails.

When the sun goes down, head to the Indoor Expo located at the Holiday Inn. Visit with company representatives, fine tune your technique at a wax clinic, and enjoy the variety of presentations, lectures, and films. Don't miss Friday night's keynote speaker, legendary Murray Banks, legendary skier, triathlete, and motivational speaker.

Bring the whole family; there are lots of options for kids. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center has scheduled daily activities and family-friendly evening presentations, including the Backcountry Film Festival, a Birds of Prey exhibit featuring live raptors, a hands-on lecture from the National Park Service, and a good, old-fashioned S'more party. Let the Yellowstone Ski Festival become a new family Thanksgiving tradition.

Think snow(!) and make plans now to attend the 2012 Yellowstone Ski Festival. For more information, clinic registration, or to find out about early trail pass discounts, visit www.yellowstoneskifestival.com.