Cross-country Ski - Methow Valley Winter Trails

We will meet at Winthrop Town Trailhead by the waxing hut each morning and consolidate vehicles before driving up to a trailhead. Details to follow 24 hours in advance. 

Email for leader permission prior to registering with the following information: How many times you've been on XC skies this season, have ever done any 15+ km days on XC skis, have you ever done any black trails.  This is not a suitable trip for beginners. 

Our goals are to explore new trails, get outside with a fun group, and develop our Nordic ski skills.  Expectations are that participants be proficient on Blue/Intermediate trails and be able to side step, walk or ski up and down short, steep sections  of certain black trails. 

We will go at a slow and steady pace, being careful to avoid generating too much sweat and adjusting clothing as needed.  We will plan to have lunch at a warming hut each day.  We will stop at all trail junctions, road crossings, creek crossings, and at a minimum every hour to regroup. 

Mellow Option 1:  Gunn Ranch Trailhead to Grizzly Hut: up Gunn Ranch (blue 4.9km) to Grizzly Way (blue, 1.1km) to Grizzly Hut (optional black, 0.6km), lunch at the hut, down Grizzly Mountain Loop (blue, 3.2km), down Gunn Ranch (blue, 4.9km). Total: 15.3km, 600' gain. 

Energetic Option 2:  Cub Creek Trailhead:  up Cougar Bait (green, 1.4km), up Cub Creek (blue, 3.2km), up Cow Creek (blue 4.4km), down Little Cub Creek (optional black, 5.1km) or back down Cow Creek and Cub Creek, down Cougar Bait (green, 1.4km). Total: 15.5km (some black) or 18km (all blue), 1300' gain. 

Ambitious Option 3: Suspension Bridge Trailhead: up Goat Creek Cutoff (blue, 0.7km), up Lower Fawn Creek (black, 4.7km), up Upper Fawn Creek (blue, 2.5km), come down same way. Total: 15.8km (some black), 1400' gain. 

Mellow Classic or Skate Option 5:  Brown's Farm Trailhead: Methow Community Trail (green, 4.9km) to Warming Hut, to Suspension Bridge Trailhead (green, 1km), return same way. Total: 11.8km, flat. 

I booked a cabin in Winthrop that is full.  If we did not confirm over text/email that you have a spot in the cabin, then you will need to make your own accommodations in the Methow Valley area. There are several hotels in Winthrop. 

I'm planning to drive up on Friday morning and return Monday afternoon/evening.