Bully Pulpit open to skiers

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In an area with less snow in recent years, some of the areas first groomed cross-country skiing trails have opened at the Bully Pulpit Golf Course in Medora.

“It’s really the first time since the golf course was built that there’s been really enough snow to even think about providing them,” said Dave Solga, course manager. “Plus now with the new hotel project in Medora, we’re trying to extend the season in Medora, just offering something to do in the winter as well,” referring to renovations at the Rough Rider Hotel.

Spanning seven miles of scenic routes running along the Little Missouri River and through the golf course, the cross-country ski system is sectioned into six routes, each ranging in distance.

“We think it’s a great way to get out and experience the golf course, the Badlands and the river with a very different landscape than what most of us are used to seeing,” Solga said, according to a press release.

All trails are marked and mapped and travel-size maps are available on www.medora.com.

Open to everyone and cross-country skiers of all levels, usage is free, however people must provide their own equipment.

Snowshoe use is discouraged as they can tear up trail’s smooth surface, Solga said.

With office hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, the course clubhouse is the starting point and skiers can make use of it during that time.

“If they are there during our office hours, there is no question they could come into the club house and warm up, watch TV … use the restroom … ” Solga said.

Dickinson resident Rhonda Herauf, a 25-year-veteran cross-country skier, said the area has been lacking groomed trails for quite some time, mainly due to a lack of snow.

“It’s a nice way to get outside and get some exercise, especially if it’s sunny … you know you’re indoors a lot and your working out inside a lot and it’s just nice to change it up,” Herauf said. “It’s just nice way to break up the winter.”

Kathy Solga, the course’s golf shop manager, has been taking advantage of the trails.

“The ski trails are awesome,” Kathy Solga said in a voicemail. “I went out and saw just a bunch of wildlife, lots of deer. It’s a great way to see the golf course in the winter and the beauty of the snow-covered Badlands.”

All trails are groomed every other day on rotation, according to the release.

Herauf said it will be nice to use the course trails as the snow is already broke and would be excellent conditions for a beginner.

Snowfall, snowstorms, and wind play a key role in grooming schedules and can cause surface changes on recently groomed trails, according to the release.

Interested participants are encouraged to check Web site www.medora.com daily for trail and weather conditions.

Trails are usable any day of the week and participants need not check-in with the clubhouse prior to embarking.

“Right now with the amount of snow that we have, these trails are in fantastic shape,” Dave Solga said.

Tags: outdoors, recreation, skiing, medora, sports