West 3000 South

West 3000 South is a short, out-and-back cross-country ski route in Idaho, about 1.3 miles from the town of Bates. The route is only about 0.24 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 24 feet, so it's a quick outing rather than a long day on the snow. The climb is flat, and the high point is 6,256 feet. The route starts at about 6,255 feet, and the steepest part comes at about 0.07 miles in, with a grade of about 2 percent. Because the route is so short, it works well as a warm-up or a break between longer outings in the area. Winter is the natural season for this ski route. Typical averages from the nearby Driggs weather station, at a similar elevation, show January highs around 33°F and lows near 9°F, while July highs reach about 83°F. The station sits about 136 feet below the route's high point, so temperatures on the route run slightly cooler. Nearby, Henderson Cutoff is a hike about 2.9 miles away, and the Teton River offers river fishing about 3.2 miles off. West 6750 South, another cross-country ski route, is about 3.8 miles away, and Pine Creek Campground is about 7.4 miles away for anyone planning an overnight stay.