Kootenai Nordic: A legacy of cross country skiing in Libby

For nearly 45 years, the Kootenai Nordic ski team has provided young athletes in Libby with a pathway to develop their skills in cross-country skiing. 

While this season has brought well-earned recognition to two standout skiers - Colter Anderson and Reed Scott - both qualified for the Junior National Championships in Utah, the heart of Kootenai Nordic remains a dedicated group of athletes and coaches striving to build a strong skiing community in northwest Montana.

A Small but Mighty Team

Kootenai Nordic operates with a fluctuating number of young athletes, depending on interest and commitment levels. According to head coach Ben Scott, who himself skied for the program in the 1980s, the goal has always been to develop a program that not only fosters competition but also ensures that kids have a positive experience on the snow.

“We usually have around 15-20 kids on our roster,” Scott said. “Some are more focused on competing, while others just enjoy being part of the team. Our goal is to get as many kids out on skis as possible and build a lifelong love of the sport.”

Despite the challenges of being in a remote area far from major race hubs, Kootenai Nordic has continued to produce competitive skiers. The team frequently travels long distances to participate in qualifying races, with some trips requiring drives of up to 13 hours.

Training in Libby’s Backyard

One of the advantages Kootenai Nordic athletes have is their proximity to high-quality trails. Unlike other teams that must drive long distances just to train a few times a week, Libby skiers can get on snow daily since it's right next to the town.

“Some programs, like the one at Mt. Spokane, can only ski two days a week because they have to travel so far. We can ski six days a week if we want,” Scott said. “Our course is as good, if not better, than many of the regional courses.”

This access allows Kootenai Nordic skiers to develop the endurance and technical skills needed to compete at a high level. Training regimens vary depending on the athlete, with younger skiers often excelling in sprint events while older skiers develop the stamina for longer races. 

Scott pointed to the example of Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, the world’s best sprinter, who has evolved into a top competitor in 50K races as his training volume increased.

Colter Anderson and Reed Scott Headed to Junior Nationals

Kootenai Nordic will have two skiers representing the team at the Junior National Championships. Colter Anderson and Reed Scott have qualified as part of the Pacific Northwest Division’s U16 men’s team. They will compete at Soldier Hollow, Utah—an Olympic-caliber venue that hosted the Nordic races in the 2002 Winter Olympics and will do so again in 2034.

Earning a spot at Junior Nationals is no small feat. To qualify, Colter and Reed competed in a series of races across the Pacific Northwest, including events in Mt. Spokane, Methow Valley, Bend and Soldier Hollow. The top nine U16 boys from the region were selected for the team, with Colter and Reed making the cut.

“This event brings together the top 450 junior skiers from across the country,” Scott explained. “It’s the highest level of competition for their age group.”

More Than Just Competition

While making it to Junior Nationals is a significant achievement, the true success of Kootenai Nordic is measured by the experiences and growth of all its athletes. Scott emphasized that the program is about more than just producing elite competitors.

“Yes, Colter and Reed have worked incredibly hard, but all of our kids put in effort to become better skiers and better people,” Scott said. “Some of our athletes are more focused on running or other sports, but they still contribute to the team and push themselves to improve.”

Kootenai Nordic has also worked to make skiing accessible for more young athletes. Scott encourages parents who are looking for a different kind of sport for their children to consider cross country skiing by contacting him at 406-291-8091.

“Not every kid wants to play basketball or downhill ski,” Scott said. “Cross-country skiing is a great lifelong sport and we’d love to get more kids involved.”

With a strong group of dedicated athletes, a passionate coach, and a great training environment, Kootenai Nordic continues to build on its legacy. 

As Colter Anderson and Reed Scott prepare to take on the best in the country at Junior Nationals, they represent not just their own hard work but the spirit of an entire team and community that supports them every step of the way.