Cross-country Ski - Erling Stordahl

The Erling Stordahl trails include about 4 miles of groomed trail, some of it with set track, accessed from the Crystal Springs SnoPark.  These trails were developed by the Sons of Norway (Trollhaugen Lodge) and Ski for Light.  Erling Stordahl was a blind Norwegian folk musician.  Some of the trails have double sets of track, so that skiers who are blind or have other disabilities can ski side-by-side with a companion.   We may also be on some other trails shared with dog sleds or snowmobiles.  The exact route will be determined by snow conditions, recent grooming, and the abilities and wishes of the participants. 

Preference in registration will be given to recent Olympia XC ski students until one week before close of registration. Please note that this is not an instructional trip, nor intended for complete novices, although some informal tips may be offered.  We will be on easy (green circle) to less challenging side of moderate (blue square) groomed trails.  This trip will give recent basic XC ski course students an opportunity to practice skills used on their field trip, and will count as a Mountaineers-led trip toward graduation requirements.  For other participants, it should be a nice day out on a pleasant trail system.  You should be able to do an efficient diagonal stride (i.e., kick and glide) on the flats and moderate uphills, and control your speed on moderate downhills with a snowplow, and be able to make turns with the trail on moderate downhills.  A herringbone may be needed for a short climb.     We will not be skate-skiing.  Set tracks are cut at 75mm width.  Your skis should be 70mm or less at widest point to ski in the track.  Touring skis with or without metal edges are fine.  Some of the trails are open, and sun protection will be needed.

We will stop every 45 minutes or more often as needed for hydration and snack breaks, clothing and equipment adjustment, party separations (porta-potties in parking lot; back to nature elsewhere), and at junctions and intersections as needed to maintain group cohesion.  Pack a lunch, a foam sitting pad and maybe a thermos for a trailside lunch.

Please contact the leader or assistant leader with any questions, especially about gear, clothing, or whether this trip is right for your level of ability and conditioning.

Here is a link to a map of some of the route:

https://www.snowrec.org/_files/ugd/660f6d_af3e717976e94e0abf1ec9d53e46db8f.pdf

North Bend Safeway parking lot, 460 SW Mt. Si Blvd, 98045, by the tall "Safeway - O'Reilly Auto Parts" sign.   Finalize carpooling, then to Crystal Springs.  All vehicles crossing Snoqualmie Pass in snow season must carry tire chains.  See WSDOT  requirements: https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/tiresandchains.   SnoPark special groomed permit required for Crystal Springs.  It can be bought online at:  https://parks.wa.gov/passes-permits/permits/sno-park-permits

Details will be emailed to registrants a few days before trip.

For info on good practices and how to contact other participants for carpooling, please see this Mountaineers article on "Carpooling and Mountaineers Activities/Courses": https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/how-to-opt-in-for-carpooling