Cross-country Ski - Erling Stordahl

Crystal Springs Snopark off I-90 Exit 62 meeting at 8:30 am. This time has been changed from 9:30am due to the large number of people and cars coming to this and other snoparks

Full directions will be provided once registration closes on Dec. 31.

This trip will be co-led by Chris Ensor and Bev Setzer.

This trip starts from the Crystal Springs Snopark along some of the green and blue Erling Stordahl trails including the undulating hills of Rollercoaster. On the flat we will focus on weight transfer from ski to ski, glide and poling in the tracks This trip will focus on improving our skills  on hills going up and down that require use of herringbone to ascend and wedge to go down including some wedge turns. Some informal instruction and ski tips will be offered along the trail. This trip is not suitable for beginners. You should have had prior practice in xc classic skiing including flat trails and moderate hills. Nordic classic skis 70mm max width required.

If it has been a while since you’ve used your skis, if you hired or have a new set of equipment and or clothing, please take a few moments before the date of the trip to make sure that all of your gear and ski clothing: gloves, hats etc. are to hand and in good order. Also, please double check if you are renting or have upgraded your equipment since last season that your boots fit your ski bindings: try out putting the boots in the bindings at home.

Also, please don’t forget that for all ski trips Mountaineers are expected to bring the 10 essentials:  https://www.mountaineers.org/locations-lodges/olympia-branch/committees/olympia-hiking-backpacking-committee/course-templates/conditioning-hiking-series-olympia/course-materials/ten-essentials/view

In advance of Jan. 2  you will need to purchase a WA State Snopark Pass non-motorized day or season pass with special groomed sticker to park at Crystal Springs Snopark:

https://epermits.parks.wa.gov/Store/SNO/SnoChoice.aspx

You can buy a day pass or season pass on-line. As a day-pass is $20. if you plan to go ski a few times at least during the upcoming winter, a season pass with groomed sticker combo ($40 + $40 = $80 total) will be more economical. As soon as you have ordered it you will be able to print out a temporary pass that's good for about 3 weeks until your season pass arrives in the mail. It is not possible to buy the pass at this snopark.

SKIING DURING COVID:

This ski trip will follow the WA State Phased Approach to Reopening Business and Modifying Physical Distancing and the Mountaineers hiking guidelines for COVID-19 that apply on the date of this trip.

All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before attending an in-person Mountaineers activity during our COVID-19 response. By proceeding with any of the upcoming activities you are already registered to attend, you affirm that you have reviewed The Mountaineers COVID-19 Code of Conduct and the guidance for participants and leaders available on the COVID-19 Response page, and you agree to follow this guidance during each activity. Please remove yourself from any upcoming activity if you are unable or unwilling to follow The Mountaineers guidance at the time of the program.

 CARPOOLING: Also, to help ensure your safety and the safety of our fellow hikers, the leaders asks that you only carpool to the trailhead with other members of your household registered for the same trip.  

PROTOCOL: All participants will need to have a face covering (mask, bandanna or buff), hand sanitizer and a backpack containing the 10 essentials. Wherever possible all group members will maintain the 6ft minimum social distancing protocol and be ready to pull up face covering over mouth and nose when this is not possible passing others on the trail and at the trailhead.

MORE INFORMATION: Full trip information including directions to the snopark will be emailed out to those who sign up as soon as registration closes on Dec. 31.  In the interim. any questions can be emailed to trip Co-Leader Chris Ensor ctrails@comcast.net

Also contact Chris if you would like to receive suggestions on learning to xc ski and choosing equipment videos, where to rent equipment and preseason training information.