Cross-country Ski - Methow Valley Winter Trails

9:00 am Winthrop Town Trailhead and Rink (use upper parking lot). Details on how to find the meeting place will be e-mailed to those who register several days before the trip. 

We will carpool from there to the Chickadee Trailhead, ready to ski about 9:30 am.

Snow permitting, we will ski some of the excellent green and blue trails on the Sun Mountain trail system.

As there will be two Mountaineers group skiing this area on Sunday, the plan is to ski a 9 mile loop including Little Wolf, Aqua Loop, Lower Fox and Beaver Pond, but in the reverse direction as the other group. The trails should be well groomed with classic track and skate lane trails. There will be some small hills that will require a good wedge brake and wedge turn to descent and herringbone to ascend some sections.

A good standard of fitness and stamina is required. This trip is not suitable for first time Nordic skiers: even those with Alpine ski experience. Classic waxless skis preferred, but skating is also an option.

A Methow trail pass is required for everyone 18 years and older. This is $ 24.00 for an adult day trail pass available on-line or from sports outlets in Winthrop, Sun Mountain Lodge or Mazama. For details visit:

http://www.methowtrails.org/winter-trails/passes/

Anyone 17 years or under ski for free!

Guests (non members of the Mountaineers) as well as members are invited to sign up in advance for this trip. For visitors either call the Mountaineers Member Services on 206-521-6001 or visitwww.mountaineers.org click on "join" on the top right hand corner, then select GUEST ADULT FREE and follow the steps.  

This trip is part of the Winter Trails Weekend Jan. 6-8 event. Visit the event listing for full details:  www.mountaineers.org/wintertrailsday  This URL also includes lodging suggestions. The Methow Valley is roughly 250 miles and 4 - 5 hours from Seattle. Make a weekend of it an stay in Winthrop or elsewhere in the Methow Valley on Jan. 5 & 6. There will be lots to do!  It is recommended that you secure your lodging at the same time you register for this trip.

 I am also offering a Nordic Ski trip on the Saturday of this weekend as well (please register separately for this trip). There are also opportunities to take lessons, or try new ski activities with the Methow Valley Ski School. The ski school, based in both in Mazama and Sun Mountain Lodge is offering great deals: 25% off private ski lessons . Visit  http://www.methownet.com/skischool/