Thursday, January 29, 2009

Broomball

Not to be outdone by the hockey players, the Methow Valley Broomball Team hit the ice tonight. It's been reported that their laughter and cheers could be heard all the way to Twisp. To view the video on youtube, click here, or watch the embedded video below.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Winthrop on a Wednesday


Winthrop has a current population of about 400 residents. But you would never guess it was so few now that we have an outdoor ice rink. From dusk to dawn the rink is hopping with ice skaters, hockey players, broomball lovers and even ping pong players. This Wednesday night 26 local men and women stormed the ice creating three separate co-ed teams for hockey play.
Head down to the rink and "check" out the action.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Rendezvous Mountain Tour


Congratulations to all the racers who participated in the MVSTA Rendezvous Mountain Tour. Snow conditions were outstanding and as promised it was one rocket of a race. Salomon Woras and Leslie Hall, both from Winthrop, were the overall Male and Female finishers. Dave Ford of Mazama was the overall classic ski finisher.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

It's more than just the skiing


Methow Valley school kids have the day off tomorrow for "professional day". Undoubtedly many of them will be headed out onto ski trails with their families. Tonight while helping my neighbors wax their skis I was reminded that there is more to the sport than just skiing. Waxing is a great activity for everyone. It allows one the chance to reminisce about all the miles their skis have taken them, plan for future ski adventures and ponder the physics of the whole sport. I can think of no better learning for children on "professional day" then to teach them the art and science of waxing.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

You look Fabulous!

Ski conditions here in the Valley are incredible right now. The snow is fast and fun. MVSTA groomers have just done an amazing job at perfecting the trails. While the valley floor has seen some foggy days, the trails up high have been sunny and picture perfect. Saturday is the Rendezvous Mountain Tour ski race taking place at 10am from Cub Creek over to Mazama. A 30 kilometer rocket of a race.
Enjoy the conditions!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

We "heart" Landowners


This holiday weekend MVSTA and the Methow Conservancy have been celebrating land owners in the valley. 160 families in the valley grant MVSTA access to groom tracks their property which allows us to ski on the over 200 kilometers of MVSTA ski trails. Here is a photo of one of those properties. Mike and Stephanie Brands are full-time residents in the Valley. Not only do they let us ski through their property, Mike and Stephanie continuously cover their driveway with snow so that skiers have no interruption when they reach their driveway. It is a spectacular gift to skiers and one which we here at MVSTA do not want to overlook.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

MLK Weekend Events

Saturday, January 17th
The Methow Conservancy and MVSTA are teaming up for a Conservation & Trails Day.

10am- 2pm: The Methow Conservancy and MVSTA are handing out free hot cider and cocoa along several primary Nordic ski trailheads. Look for the information table, grab a snack and a drink, and enter to win a framed Sean McCabe painting.

9am - 11am: Attend a free guided ski tour to learn about "Conservation and Trails." Meet at the Suspension Bridge trailhead on Goat Creek Rd. at 8:45 a.m. for an easy ski along the Methow River to learn about how conservation helps protect rich habitat for fish, wildlife and people in this area. No registration is required but a MVSTA trail pass is needed to ski on the trails.

7pm: Join community members at the Winthrop Ice Rink indoor upstairs meeting room for a "Homegrown Film Festival." This free event will feature a new film, "Homegrown Ski Areas of North Central Washington," short, fun films from MVSTA events, and much more.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Methow Valley Pursuit Day #2

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Methow Valley Pursuit. Both days were filled with great skiing action! Thank you also to our presenting sponsor Winthrop Mountain Sports. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again at the Rendezvous Mountain Tour January 24th.
Race results from the Pursuit can be found here

Here's some highlights from day #2 of the Pursuit.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Methow Valley Pursuit - Day #1

It was a great day for racing! Racers bonded over wax choices (no pun intended) and then went out and smoked the course. Just as the last racer finished it began to snow. The new snow will make tomorrow's skate race just perfect.

Here's some photos from today's events.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Adult Hockey photos




We had some spirited hockey being played over the holidays, There were many local players in attendance along with the few out of town folks looking to get a good skate in with the gang! I was impressed with the quality of play and was even inspired to put on the goal keeping gear in hopes of shutting out the crowd. I was advised that Carharts would not suffice in the sticks and that only full padding would be advised so alas I will wait for my chance to take the ice.

USA hockey begins at the rink


There were many kids in attendance to pick up gear for USA Hockey, check out the photos!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

I spy with my little eye....


...a mail box on the ski trail?
Why is there a mailbox on Goat Creek trail? Well just like you do with your own personal mail man, it's important to take care of your local groomer! Groomers brave wind, snow, cold and the darkness of night to bring you world-class corduroy. MVSTA groomers are often out perfecting the trails by 3am! That's right 3am! This mailbox is just one way home-owners along Goat Creek trail express their appreciation. When the flag is up, goodies are inside.

Monday, January 5, 2009

The Rink is Hopping

The big opening day was December 20 and it was quick to fill up at the rink. Locals and out of town folks streamed in to skate and have a great time at the skating rink. The ice was quickly created as temperatures plummeted the week prior to the minus 15 level and the opening this season was a few weeks earlier than the 07-08 season. There have been many changes to the place that have enhanced experiences for skaters and those wishing to simply watch! The upstairs viewing room is replete with ping-pong tables and seating to allow those wishing to watch skaters the opportunity to sit in a warm place, new benches were put in to the changing and skate area to make it easy for families and hockey players to gear up prior to hitting the ice, and the sound system is booming with great holiday songs and some taking it back the 70's disco music. There even was an initial attempt to bring the Hokey-Pokey back in style during the rink dedication which took place on Sunday the 28th of December.

Another new addition is the availability of sticks for rent used during Sticks and Pucks time, these are available for $1.00. This has been a big hit with families visiting the valley and with those who have always dreamed of being a hockey player for a day!

An initial offering of drinks available for purchase in the skate office has been introduced with toe and hand warmers also available for purchase to take the chill off while skating or skiing on the Town Trail.

The weather seems to be cooperating with us and we look forward to a great season!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Profile on Scott Waichler, MVSTA Ski Ambassador

I am a volunteer coach with the Methow Valley Nordic Team and a masters racer in my late 40s. This year I will coach my son Colin's group in the Methow Valley Nordic Team in a way that I hope is fun and a real learning experience for the kids. He and I are also taking up biathlon as a special father-son activity (and you thought skis were expensive!). I look forward to my daughter Claire racing more this year, and going on a fun out-of-town race trip with her peers in the Team. Last year, I went all-out in my own training, within the best of my ability and job and family constraints, culminating in the Masters World Cup in March. This year, I am dialing back a bit, but still plan to race beyond the Methow, at Leavenworth and Cabin Creek races. I may go to the BC World Cup in January to finally see the highest level of racing in person. In all my trips, I'll try to spread the word about the great skiing in the Methow Valley!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Wooden Ski Race


One of the best community ski events of the year is the Wooden Ski Race presented by the Methow Valley Nordic Club. Here's a few photos to take you back to the days of pine tar and wool.