Olympic Caliber

Racers enjoyed some new (and slow) snow yesterday during the Methow Olympic Festival Rendezvous Redemption race. After the race the community enjoyed watching another Olympic broadcast of the women's 30k classic with commentary by Leslie Hall and Laura McCabe followed by a spectacular dinner from chef Claudia Webber. Thanks to everyone who supported the McCabes at this fund raiser and a huge MVSTA thank you to Leslie and Laura for all their involvement in the Methow Olympic Festival!

Hail to the Chief

Here's a toast to our Executive Director, Jay Lucas who day after day has gifted us all with incredible grooming. Jay wears many hats at MVSTA but this one that reads "Piston Bully" may describe his work best. Today we got a email from some Canadian visitors that read" God knows you can't control the weather but you sure have managed the grooming and it is outstanding!".

On the Trail today: Feb. 24

Yet another great day today. With an inch of new snow overnight the clouds are parting today and everyone is enjoying sun and freshly groomed tracks! MVSTA enjoyed meeting Brian today on the trail. Brian is from Anacortes Washington and is enjoying his first ski trip to the Methow Valley. Brian shared how impressed he is with the ski trails in the Methow. Turns out Brian ran a large Nordic center in Montana so this is no idle praise. MVSTA has a feeling we will be seeing a lot more of Brian in the winters to come.

On the Trail Today: Feb. 22nd

These two good looking skiers were spotted on the trail today. They are none other than our MVSTA Board President Don Portman and local author Sally Portman. This husband wife team are two of the most influential forces behind the creation of the Methow Valley Sport Trails System and they never pass up great skiing opportunities like today!

On the Trails today: Feb. 20th

Nothing short of spectacular today! As one skier shared today "Where else but the Methow can you do Biathlon and Bull Roping in the same day". For photos on that check out our Facebook page.

On the Trail Today: Feb. 17

This special photo is of a Mother and Son trying out the sport of Biathlon today during the Methow Olympic Festival. It was a bluebird day in the Valley today. Sun and Snow = Perfect!

Get High in the Methow!

Today could arguably be the best day of skiing all year. It's all about elevation and the Methow Valley snow conditions are great. MVSTA didn't get to talk with any skiers today as everyone was skiing so fast! Unfortunately many people have to go home today after the long holiday weekend. Here's a shot of a group's gear awaiting a pick-up by the Rendezvous Hut shuttle. If you are leaving the Valley today, we hope to see you again soon. If you are getting ready to come, you will not be disappointed!

WINTER highlights the DOGGY DASH!

Man and Beast (of all breeds and sizes) were out this morning for the 5th Annual Doggy Dash. "Winter" stole our hearts with his brave performance. Thanks to everyone for coming out!

Methow Olympic Festival Opening Ceremony

What a great night! Thanks to everyone who came out for the Methow Olympic Festival Opening Ceremony. MVSTA would like to especially thank Rob Crandall for his fire juggling, John Falleen for the most incredible fireworks show, Linda Kimbrell for the use of her 2002 Olympic Torch, Larry Schaber for his amazing media center skills, the Community School for feeding us and Skip Smith for the killer outdoor pits! 16 more days of fun with the Festival!
Here are just a few photos from last night.

On the Trail today: Feb. 12

MVSTA didn't actually get a ski in today as we were setting up for the Olympic Festival. As we were setting up, these avid Nordic skiers from California showed up to take photos of our venue. Driving all the way from Santa Cruz these folks have spent the past 5 days skiing in the Methow and when they heard we were having a Olympic Festival they decided to stay one more day. They shared "we have loved absolutely everything from the ski trails to friendliness of the people".

On the Trail Today: Feb. 11th

As the snow is falling lightly in Mazama, MVSTA stopped to talk to this neat family from Arlington. This is their first time out on cross country skis! The group was tearing up the trails (especially the boys who were doing jumps off the snow banks!) With no basketball games this weekend for the kids, the family is enjoying the first weekend of the Methow Valley Olympic Festival!

METHOW OLYMPIC FESTIVAL STARTS FRIDAY

The Methow Olympic Festival starts Friday with the opening ceremony at the Town Trailhead. Bring your skis for a torchlight parade around the oval beginning at 7pm and stay for the fireworks show at 7:30pm. Also at 7:30pm watch the live broadcast of the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Games on a giant 12 foot outdoor screen. Brats and refreshments will be sold by the Methow Community School. The full schedule of Methow Olympic Festival events can be found here.

Let the games begin!