STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The snow has been slow in coming to Galena Lodge, although the lodge did get an inch Thursday night.

But the rustic cross-country ski lodge is now open for the 2025-26 winter ski season. And its staff is hoping people will come up to perform a few snow dances as they await the blessed moment the groomers can begin setting track.

The Lodge will be open every day during winter from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch featuring such dishes as Banh Mi sandwiches, Smoky Beef Burgers, Gouda Dip Bowls and Ginger Sesame Bowls served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No reservations are needed.

You can book a yurt sleepover and sign up for holiday dinners and ski lessons online at https://www.galenalodge.com/.

Galena Lodge is also taking bookings for the DONS (Dudes on Nordic Skis) and VAMPS classes that will be held in January and February at locations on the North Valley Trails and Quigley Nordic.

Classes can accommodate a wide range of skate and classic skiers from “Never Ever” (skied before0 to “Upper Level” skiers looking to fine tune their ski technique.

If the snow comes, you can get off on the right ski with two weeks of classes being offered beginning the week of Dec. 8.

Questions? Call Galena Lodge at 208-726-4010.