Cross-country Ski - Iron Horse Trail

 This is a BEGINNER SKI TRIP:

Priority for registration has been given to those who registered for the Dec. 23 Iron Horse trip that has had to be cancelled due to lack of snow.

It is:

- Dependent on the Iron Horse Trail being open and recently groomed (at least once the day prior. It may not have been groomed the day off by the time we start)

- Open to skiers of all levels, but targeting beginner skiers

- Not open to skiers with no experience

- The expected duration is 4 hours including stops along the trail. If conditions are poor we may end earlier

- Due to the nature of the trail and having several leader there will be an opportunity to provide more than one pace to better  match each skiers needs. Depending on conditions the average moving speed  I'm expecting will be 2-2.5 mph

- For Classic skiing only (no skate skiers)

- Some informal ski tips will be offered along the trail, but no formal instruction will be provided.

- The whole route is flat: the ability to balance, pole and diagonal stride is required. But no hill ski skills will be needed.

- Bring classic skis no wider than 70 mm to fit into the set tracks.

- If it has been a while since you’ve used your skis, if you rented or have a new set of equipment and or clothing, please take time before the date of the trip to make sure all of your gear and ski clothing: gloves, hats etc. are to hand and in good order.

- Except for map and compass (not needed for this route) 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 Dec. 23 you will need to purchase a WA State Snopark Pass non-motorized day or season pass with special groomed to park at Hyak.  Snopark:

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

You can buy a day pass or season pass on-line. The day-pass is $25. If you plan to go ski a few times at least during the upcoming winter, a season pass with groomed sticker combo for $120 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 also possible to buy the pass at this snopark.

 CARPOOLING: You are welcome to form carpools with others who register for this trip traveling from destinations close to your route to reach the snopark if you feel comfortable to do so.

CO-LEADER: This trip will be Co-Led by Terry Mees Donna Hahn and Assistant Leader Mike Forsyth.

 MORE INFORMATION: To get up to date with all things xc skiing visit the  Mountaineers XC Ski Resource Guide

 Full trip information including directions to the snopark will be emailed  to those who sign up as soon as registration closes on Dec. 28 at 5pm.  In the interim. any questions can be emailed to Chris Ensor cgensor@gmail.com

Hyak Snopark at 8:30 am. This is found off Exit 54 on I-90.

Full directions will be provided once registration closes on Dec. 28.