Cross-country Ski - Stevens Pass Nordic Center

8:00 AM at Houghton P&R, 7024 116th Ave NE, Kirkland. It’s just off exit 17 to the east of 1-405.

South end people can arrange to meet to carpool from Kent Des Moines P&R (I-5 and SR 516) one hour earlier. We can probably also arrange to meet up and carpool with participants living along the Highway 2 corridor in Sultan or meet us at the Nordic Center about 9:30 am.

 Full location and other trip details will be sent to everyone who has signed up as soon a registration closes at 5 pm on March 28

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 easily 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!

We will explore some of the green and blue trails offered by the Stevens Nordic Center.

We will leave from the Cascade Depot and follow Mill Creek to the foot of the Southern Cross and Jupiter chair lifts at the base of the Alpine ski area. I propose we use the undulating Sidetrack Trail on the way out and return on Mainline. I suggest we have lunch close to the base of the Southern Cross chairlift where there are also restrooms.

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, 10.0 mi and 800 ft.  gain trip. There are some moderately steep climbs and descents (some of which can be a bit icy) and several trails have tight turns. A good level of fitness and stamina is required as is the ability to herringbone up and use a strong and sustained wedge/snowplow position for descents. Being able to make left and right turns is also required.

This trip is not suitable for first time Nordic skiers - even those with Alpine experience or those Nordic skiers who find blue hills difficult to negotiate and who prefer to ski quite slowly. I anticipate that our average moving speed will be close to 4 mph (slower uphill and a bit faster down) to complete the trip I have planned within 5:hours with breaks. Any skiers planning to come who are uncertain if they are ready for this level of travel please contact the leader.

Nordic Classic no-wax skis are recommended. It is also possible to skate ski if you can manage the elevation gain. 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 cost is $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 after the closure of registration at 2 pm on March 28.

Please contact Chris Ensor, Trip Leader with any questions: ctrails@comcast.net 206-794-5198