Cross-country Ski - Stevens Pass Nordic Center

THIS ACTIVITY IS PART OF THE MOUNTAINEERS PLAIN & LAKE WINATCHEE SKI TOURING WEEKEND 2018.

THIS ACTIVITY IS PART OF THE MOUNTAINEERS PLAIN & LAKE WINATCHEE SKI TOURING WEEKEND, Feb. 8-11 2018. Please visit the Mountaineers website www.mountaineers.org  and click on “Events” and then look under either the Foothills or Seattle Branch calendars. There are other ski trips offered over the weekend and lodging options for the nights of Feb. 9 and 10 in Plain and Leavenworth. See at the end of these notes for lodging options.

This ski trip can also be made as a one-day trip from the Seattle area.

PLEASE DON'T REGISTER UNTIL YOU HAVE REVIEWED THE NOTES BELOW, YOU ARE SURE YOU ARE AVAILABLE AND THE MEETING TIME AND LOCATION WORK FOR YOU.

If you are hoping for a ride you will have a better chance if you set your profile to "Open" and provide carpool information such as the area you live in and locations you can reach by transit to meet a driver.

 BY REGISTERING THIS LEADER CONSIDERS YOU MADE A COMMITMENT TO THE TRIP. It's only good form to cancel in the event of an injury, illness or an emergency. Even if there are people on the wait list it's often difficult to move them up close to the trip date. THANK YOU!

This is proposed as an approx. 3 – 4 hour, 9.5 mile trip with about 800 ft elevation gain and average moving speed of just over 3 mph. We will explore many of the main green and blue trails offered by the Stevens Nordic Center from the Cascade Depot following Mill Creek towards the foot of the Southern Cross and Jupiter chair lifts at the base of the Alpine ski area.

Conditions can vary depending on snow, temperature and how recently the trails have been groomed. Most Nordic trails should have been groomed overnight and most that are open should have classic tracks cut: they do a great job here!

This is an N2 level trip. There are some moderately steep climbs and descents and several trails have tight turns. A good level of fitness and stamina and the ability to herringbone up and use a wedge/snowplow position for descents and make left and right turns is required. This trip is not suitable for first time Nordic skiers - even those with Alpine experience

Nordic Classic no-wax skis are recommended. It is also possible to skate ski. Please consult the leader if you wish to skate or use other types of ski.

Trail Passes:  We will all need a Nordic Trails Day Pass available from the depot. The 2017 cost was $22 including sales tax or $15 for seniors 70 and above.

 No Snopark Pass is required. Free parking is provided at Nordic Center.

Full trip details will be sent to all who register as soon as registration closes on Feb. 7.

Lodging: If you plan to stay Saturdays night in the Plain area Linda Shewey (who is also leading trips this weekend) has a cabin in Plain that participants are welcome to stay in. https://www.comfycabins.com/vacation-rentals/hidden-pines#.WiMa4_krLGg (for picture purposes only)

The cabin has 4 bedrooms and can sleep up to 10 people in 5 separate beds. There is a cozy fireplace, covered hot tub, tv and wifi.  Cost is $40 per person/per night (available Fri/Sat night)payable directly to leader. Please email me if you wish to stay here with your bed preference and number of nights/ guests.  There are many other lodging options available as well, both in Plain (http://www.beavervalleylodge.com ) and in nearby Leavenworth http://leavenworth.org/lodging/

If you come up on Friday or Saturday, those staying the weekend will have the option to have dinner in the cabin and the evening to play games, watch tv and soak in the hot tub.

On Sunday, a hearty pancake breakfast will be served in the morning before departing, or participating in another (shorter) ski trip.

Contact Trip Leader Chris Ensor with any questions: ctrails@comcast.net

10:30 am Stevens Pass Nordic Center, Highway 2.

This location is 5 miles east of the Stevens Pass Alpine Ski Resort on the south side of Highway 2. The Nordic Center is 87 miles east of Seattle and it is west of Plain and Leavenworth.

Carpooling arrangements from both the Seattle area and the Plain/Leavenworth area will be suggested nearer the date.