HELP US WIN! and you may win too!

MVSTA has entered a hockey video contest sponsored by USA Hockey and Reebok. The grand prize is $2500 worth of hockey gear which would enable us to have hockey equipment available at the ice rink for people who would like to try the sport. PLEASE help us by voting for our video once a day through all of January. Let's show USA Hockey more of what our community can do! Each vote you cast enters you for the chance to win $300 in hockey gear.
It's easy, here's how to do it:

1. Become a Reebok Hockey Insider:
http://www.reebokhockey.com/reebok-insider/join/

2. Vote for "Winthrop Outdoor Ice Rink" every day in January:
http://www.reebokhockey.com/hwaa/all-moves/138

Do more than watch the Olympics....

Learn how to ice skate! Join instructor Ann Sprague for a 4 week learn to ice skate program at the Winthrop Ice Rink. Lessons start Saturday January 9th. Lessons will be 1/2 hour followed by practice time from 2-4pm. Cost is $50 per person for the 4 week class which includes US Figure Skating Association registration,basic insurance and instruction. Rental skates are available. Ann is an outstanding instructor! Don't miss this opportunity to do more than just watch one of the most popular Winter Olympic sports. For more information call Ann at 509-997-2661.

The trails are for all

It is great to see so many people out enjoying the skiing. Conditions are fabulous in many places. This group got a ride up Rendezvous pass with the groomers and skied back down. Heartwarming!

Question Answered

Santa stopped by MVSTA today! He assured us that we have been good. We all asked Santa for more snow. Santa shared that the whole nation has asked for snow and he can only spread it around so fast but rest assured we will get more snow! Thanks Santa!
Happy Holidays to all.

Hail Our Local Champion: Casey Smith

Local skier Casey Smith won today at the biathlon Jr World's Trial race at Mt Itasca Minnesota. In three qualifying races Casey scored a 1st,2nd and 5th. Casey has qualified to go to Sweden for the biathlon Jr World Championships at the end of January. Congratulations Casey! We could not be prouder!

Announcing: Fall Bike Film Festival

We interrupt this snowstorm to announce our first ever bicycle film festival in conjunction with our 24th Annual Methow Valley Fall Bike Festival! Is a video camera on your Christmas list? We want your films! See our website for the full details. The top "Directors Choice" film will win $500, "People's Choice" $250, and a family ski pass for the top "Methow Valley Film". Write your script over the winter and submit your film this summer!

Dear Santa, all we want for Christmas is....

ICE RINK OPENS TOMORROW!

The Winthrop Ice Rink opens tomorrow, Saturday December 5th! The ice is in fantastic shape. Tim and Dave have been spraying water for a week. This work is done overnight so the ice will set at the coldest possible temperature. A HUGE thanks to these two for working overnight for a week straight. Be sure to check the ice rink schedule before heading down.

Podium Dances

Ok, so we don't have snow in the lower Valley floor, YET! which means we have been goofing around on our new podium. (who doesn't love a podium?) BUT it looks like Tim and Dave will have the ice ready by this weekend so we can get out the sticks, pucks and skates. AND our very favorite, hardly every wrong, meteorologist Bill Biddle just wrote this December forecast in the Methow Valley News. Here's his prediction:
"So where’s the snow that the valley is famous for in December? Patience, dear readers, patience. The snow is waiting for the waning of the full moon, which will be happening during the first weekend. And, as the calendar would have it, the waxing of a blue moon during the final weekend (immediately after Christmas) will usher in another snowstorm, but this one will be much more vigorous than the snow of the first weekend. But Weatherwatch readers can take solace in the verve and vigor of the snow and cold of this December. Early winter this year has had a potpourri of snow/cold and rain/warm events. This will continue throughout the whole winter, but the first blast of truly cold air will come over the first weekend accompanied by a snowstorm, then another snowstorm, and yet another snowstorm. By mid-month two feet plus will blanket the valley. And cold – brrrrr!"
Bill, if you are correct we will be saving the #1 podium spot for you!

James DeSalvo Finishes 11th in the Seattle Marathon

Congratulations to our very own Trail Manager, James DeSalvo for finishing 11th in the Seattle Marathon, 1st in his age group!

James ran the race in 2:50:20. Official results can be found here.

Congratultions James, we couldn't be prouder!

Happy Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving is really no different than any other....we are thankful for skiing! And for those of you who aren't near the snow this holiday, this Sun Mountain Lodge video is for you. Enjoy your holiday and go ahead and have seconds, you'll ski it off!

We are Skiing!

We are skiing! Great snow has fallen on the North Cascades. Generous Jay sent James up to groom Klipchuck Campground today. The skiing is great. Get up there and enjoy it. The forecast is calling for more snow and colder temperatures. Stay tuned to the MVSTA Grooming Report for updates on the latest trail conditions.

Come see us in Seattle

We are taking our show on the road. Come say "hi" as we visit Seattle to promote the Methow Valley SuperTour, Olympic Festival and our vibrant Methow Valley ski community. We will be at the Seattle REI store and the Seattle Ski Show Saturday and Sunday November 21st and 22nd and again at the Seattle REI store Friday and Saturday November 27th and 28th. Stop by to learn more about our ski trails and winter events and register to win 2, three day ski trail passes!

The US Women's Ski Team to compete at the SuperTour

The US Women's Nordic Ski Team plans to be at the SuperTour!

First Confirmed Olympic Athlete at the SuperTour

MVSTA is excited to announce that Olympian Philip Boit of Kenya will be competing at the Methow Valley SuperTour. Philip is a good friend to many in the Methow Valley as he trained here in 2008. Philip currently is competing in Finland and hopes to be training in the Methow Valley during the weeks leading up to the SuperTour race. You can read a inspirational story about Philip here.

Nordic Chill Game

As we watch more snow fall on the North Cascades here's a game to help you stay focused and "on track" for the coming season.
(credit to the Nordic Ski Racer blog for first posting this game!)

Nordic Chill Compete in 4 winter sports events in this challenging game.

Play this free game now!!

Just days until the deals

The Sports Swap is just days away! You do not want to miss these great deals! Sellers drop off your gear Friday night between 4:30-7pm or Saturday morning from 7:30am-9:30am. Doors open at 10am and sale runs quickly until noon. It's a fun frenzy. Remember Saturday is also the last day for discounted season passes. We will be selling passes at the swap or stop by the MVSTA office this week.

What a Wild Night

Here is a priceless photo of the fun we had at the Wenatchee Wild game.
The MVSTA team headed down to promote the Methow Olympic Festival. The Wenatchee Wild will be making an appearance at the Methow Olympic Festival. We learned last night that the Wild will probably hit our ice in full gear. We better tighten up the boards! By the way the Wild won last night's game 6-4.

Take a Seat

Take a seat, enjoy the ride, the snow has arrived.

We are Wild about the Wenatchee Wild

Our favorite hockey team, the Wenatchee Wild are having a great season! We are excited to attend their next home game October 30th when the Wild take on Wichita Falls at 7:05pm. MVSTA will be at the game promoting Methow Valley winter events and helping our friends at E3NCW announce their Olympic Army. Join us for the fun!
The Wenatchee Wild will also be making an appearance at the Winthrop Ice Rink Saturday,February 13th. Go Wild!

1st the Funding, then the Fun!

Thank you! to everyone who responded to our September post regarding Washington Trails Association's need for matching funds for a National Forest Foundation Grant that will be used to improve trail conditions in the Methow Valley. WTA is pleased to announce that they made their $10,000 goal. Work has already begun on Methow Valley trails. A Volunteer Vacation crew recently returned from the Billy Goat Trail in the Pasayten where they spent a week rebuilding a bridge, building a turnpike and improving the tread. Volunteers also just completed a new single stringer log bridge on the Lone Fir Interpretive Trail. As every non-profit knows,these milestones can only happen with your generous financial support. Thank you for supporting our friends at the Washington Trails Association in this mission. All of the Methow Valley will benefit from this support.

1st Dog Pass of the Season

Congratulations to "HENRY" for purchasing the first dog trail pass of the season.New this year, your best friend can also sport a MVSTA ski trail pass. Show your support for MVSTA dog trails by purchasing a $35 annual Doggie Ski Pass. We will not pull you off the dog trails if your pooch decides to ski for free however the snow and grooming gods will cooperate just a little bit more when your beloved canine is donning the MVSTA Doggie Ski Pass. Contact the MVSTA office to purchase your dog pass. Thank you HENRY!

MORE Mtn BIke Festival Photos

Thanks to Kurt Snover here are some more mountain bike festival photos.
Again, be sure to check out Methow Images for more photos as well.
See you next year.

And the Winner is.....

CHRIS WEBB from Black Diamond, Washington is the winner of a custom Curtlo bicycle frame! Chris, pictured above as the first rider on the left, has been coming to Methow Valley Fall Bike Fest for the past 9 years! He has a buddy that won the bike frame a couple of years ago so now there will be 2 custom Curtlo bikes on future group rides. Congratulations Chris! When you get your new bike be sure to send us a photo as we would love to see your new ride!
Thank you again to master frame builder Doug Curtiss for this generous donation to MVSTA.

Fall Bike Festival Day #2

Another incredible Methow Valley Day! Thanks to everyone who came out to the races and made this another great Fall Bike Festival. Here are some photos from today's events and be sure to check out even more photos at Methow Images.
A big thank you too to Doug Curtiss for his generous donation of a custom Curtlo bike frame. Stay tuned to this blog as we profile the winner of the bike frame.
Thank you again for all the fun and we look forward to seeing you all in the Methow Valley again soon.

Fall Bike Festival Day #1

It was a great day for riding! Here are just a few photos from the day's events.
A BIG THANK YOU to the Twisp River Pub for hosting Friday night's cycling film and for hosting today's beer garden. Also Piggy D's BBQ, those pulled pork sandwiches could not have tasted any better! More photos to come after tomorrow's mountain bike races.

Methow Fall Bike Festival is Here!

The Methow Valley Fall Bike Festival is this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Now in it's 23 YEAR!, the bike festival has events for everyone. The weather forecast looks spectacular for the weekend. More information and registration can be found on our website.
Here's a preview of just a few of the events.
Friday: OUTDOOR cycling movie at the Twisp River Pub. Carbo load for the festival with great beer and food and enjoy a free cycling movie outdoor on the fireplace deck.
Saturday: Fuel up a the pancake breakfast at the Barn before joining the guided mountain bike rides or self-supported road rides. Stop into Methow Cycle & Sport for even more riding suggestions. After riding all the cyclists regroup for a party in the Winthrop park with Piggy D's award winning BBQ and the beer tent sponsored by the Twisp River Pub. Kid's rodeo, cycling vendor booths and cycling clinics surround the party. Sunday: Mountain bike races for all ages and abilities at Sun Mountain.
We look forward to seeing you there.

Are you Going to the Olympics?......

and would you love to promote North Central Washington?
and would you like some FREE gear?

Check out this site.
Escape, Explore, Enjoy North Central Washington (E3NCW) is inviting people to help market North Central Washington while they’re at the Winter Olympic Games. E3NCW is going to arm people with a video camera (which you get to keep) to do daily, 60-second “Olympic Experience” blogs each day they’re in Vancouver. E3NCW has teamed up with the Wenatchee World Newspaper to stream the video and blogs on their website as well as the E3NCW website. In addition, E3NCW is sponsoring a night October 30th at the Wenatchee Wild hockey game at Town Toyota Center where they are handing out E3NCW lapel pins, cheer paddles for the Wild and throwing out stocking caps during intermission of the game to those in attendance. They will also be introducing the E3 Army that night. Again if you are headed to the Olympics and want to join this fabulous promotional group contact them at http://www.e3ncw.com/

HELP Methow Valley Trails

Our friends at Washington Trails Association have been awarded a killer grant. YOU can help their efforts even more by providing a dollar for dollar match.

More for the Methow

Washington Trails Association recently received a generous matching grant from the National Forest Foundation. If we raise $10,000 by September 30, we will receive a dollar-for-dollar match, for a total of $20,000. This would allow WTA to double its volunteer commitment to the Methow Valley this year. WTA has scheduled 40 days of log out, bridge construction, and annual maintenance on Methow Valley trails. At press time, WTA volunteers have completed more than 2,000 hours of work to benefit hikers and there’s more to be done. Families, travelers, and campers will soon find a friendlier, more accessible trail at the Lone Fir Campground. For the more adventurous hiker, early season maintenance made a dozen trails more passable, including the well-traveled loop at Maple Pass. Once the Boundary Trail log-out is complete, backpackers crossing the west end of the Pasayten will find the journey much easier, giving them a chance to enjoy the area’s ample scenery.
Your gift today can help provide the tools, training, and support that WTA volunteers need to keep Methow Valley trails open and ready for adventure—this season and beyond. And, your contribution will go twice as far thanks to a dollar-for-dollar match from the National Forest Foundation.
Give now and write “Methow” in the comment box. For more information, contact Rebecca Lavigne at Rebecca@wta.org , or call (206) 625-1367.

Photo above by Arlo Smith from Maple Pass

Cutthroat Classic Photos

Thank you again for joining us for the Cutthroat Classic. Here are some photos of the race. Click in the slideshow to view in full screen. Remember to also check out methowimages.com for more photos. We hope to see you again next year and thank you for your support of the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association.

PLEASE help us IMAGINE

MVSTA is proud to support the Methow Conservancy, a local, nonprofit organization (like us) dedicated to inspiring people to care for and conserve the land of the Methow Valley. The Conservancy's Imagine the Methow: The Campaign for Conservation is our opportunity to protect the best wildlife habitat, working farms, and scenic views of the Methow Valley forever. The Methow Conservancy's and MVSTA's mission are closely aligned. Check out all the Methow Conservancy has done for recreation here.

Please, do something extraordinary this summer – make a donation of any amount to help the Conservancy inspire 1,000 donations by the end of September! With a challenge grant of $100,000 a donation of any amount leverages $100. Please join us in our support of this beautiful valley and its open spaces. Visit www.imaginethemethow.org to learn more and to make a contribution today.

Self-signing

To whomever is spray painting trail markers on the trails at Sun Mountain. Could you please call us at MVSTA so we can discuss a different way to direct your group. Thank you!

6 Months to the Olympics-METHOW STYLE

The Winter Olympics begins in exactly six months...both in Canada and in the Methow Valley. MVSTA is excited to announce that we have been awarded a Washington State Department of Tourism grant to host the Methow Olympic Festival Feb 12-28th, 2010 for winter sport enthusiasts that want to do more than just watch the Olympics. Coinciding with the Winter Olympic games, the Methow Olympic Festival will have Olympic activities for the whole family, including the dog! Mark your calendars to join us for a opening ceremony torchlight parade,Nordic ski camps hosted by ex-Olympians, ice skating and hockey clinics, dog races, Western ski races, live televised Olympic feeds all day every day, and special taped re-broadcasts of Olympic events with local Olympic commentary. The list goes on and on. Stay tuned to the MVSTA website for the full schedule of events.

Cutthroat Classic Trail Run August 29th

The Cutthroat Classic Trail Run is just a month away. This is one of our most popular trail runs and sells out every year. Register early! You do not want to miss the opportunity to run this incredibly scenic route.
In honor of our good friend Sean McCabe who was recently diagnosed with a rare and very aggressive form of thyroid cancer, MVSTA will be selling Sean’s “Cutthroat Pass” prints at race registration and the awards ceremony. Take home one of these whimsical prints to commemorate your run and to show your support for Sean's young family. Each print was hand signed by Sean.

Small, 12 x 9 $40
Standard, 16 X 12 $75
Large, 20 x 15 $120

RUN THE SUN PHOTOS

Thanks to all the runners that came out. It was a spectacular morning.

Methow Valley Mountain Bike Trail Conditions

The wildflowers are out and the high country snow is melting fast thus mountain bike season in the Methow is in full swing. Here is an update of current mountain bike trail conditions (July 9th) in the Methow Valley.

Sun Mountain Trails are lovely, simply lovely
Twisp River Trail is clear and in good shape
Buck Mountain is clear and in good shape, cows are grazing up there
Virginia Ridge is clear and in good shape
Pearrygin Ridge Trail is clear and in good shape thanks to the efforts of Methow Cycle&Sport, the Forest Service, local smoke jumpers and volunteers that cleared over 100 blowdowns off this trail
Falls Creek-8 Mile Ridge Loop Fall Creek trail to Burch Mountain has 10 blowdowns on the trail but the trail is otherwise in good shape although maybe hard to follow in places. The 8 mile ridge loop trail has well over 50 blowdowns and the trail can be hard to follow. Tree clearing has begun on the lower 1/3 of the trail.
Bear Mountain Figure 8, Lightning Creek, Starvation Mountain and Blue Buck Trails are all in good shape although a bit dusty and sandy in places
Pipestone Canyon This trail is best ridden in the spring and fall to avoid the rattlesnakes. The Pipestone ridge trail or "hard loop" is in horrible condition due to a flash flood of water running down the trail. Pipestone "easy loop" riding Beaver Creek and Lester Road is a much better option.
West Fork of Methow River Trail Again thanks to the efforts of Methow Cycle&Sport, the Forest Service and local volunteers this trail was cleared about 5 miles in. The last 3 miles of this trail are still very brushy but the trail is in good shape. Long pants are highly recommended when riding this trail.
Cutthroat Lake trail is in great shape. Some snow at the very top.
Cedar Creek Trail is in good shape
Rendezvous Trails: ALL the singletrack trails have been cleared and signed in the Rendezvous!!! This wasn't easy after some intense logging in this area. A HUGE thanks to Mark and Margaret Waechter who have spent hours and hours clearing and signing these trails. The doubletrack ski trails in and around the huts are also fine for biking.
Foggy Dew/Angels Staircase These trails are in great shape. As of July 13th only small snow patches are at the top of Angels Staircase.

Sweet, Summer Singletrack

What are you waiting for?

Methow Valley Lands Big Nordic Ski Race

The Wenatchee World did a great article on the SuperTour ski race in last Sunday's paper.

Winthrop's Very Own Olympics

MVSTA is excited to announce that we will be hosting a SuperTour ski race on January 16th and 17th, 2010.

The SuperTour is a United States Ski Association (USSA) sanctioned ski race series and is the highest level of cross country ski competition in North America. The Methow Valley SuperTour is one of thirteen races in the nationwide SuperTour race circuit in which racers compete for cash prizes and series points. The Methow Valley SuperTour will be held Martin Luther King Weekend, one month before the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, Canada. It is expected that the best Nordic ski racers from the United States and Canada will attend.

Youth skiers will also compete this weekend in Junior Olympic Qualifying Races as part of the SuperTour weekend. This is a tremendous opportunity for junior skiers to race right alongside some of the best skiers in the world. We anticipate youth ski teams from across the West will take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Collegiate ski teams, Senior and Master skiers will also be racing this weekend in their respective categories.

The race will be held on Methow Valley ski trails specifically created for competition. The race course is located next to Liberty Bell High School in Winthrop. Racers will compete in a 1.3km skate sprint race on Saturday. On Sunday the men race a 15km classic distance race and the women and juniors a 10K classic distance race. The race course is very spectator-friendly allowing viewing from the stadium bleachers as well as alongside the race course.

MVSTA is honored to host a race of this caliber. Racers and spectators will be treated to the all best the Methow Valley has to offer. More information can be found here.

The Methow Valley SuperTour title sponsors are AeroMech and Nordic Ultratune.

Additional race sponsors are Backcountry Coffee, Central Reservations, The Chewuch Inn, Methow Cycle & Sport, Mazama Ranch House, River’s Edge Resort, Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop Mountain Sports and the Winthrop Red Apple Market.

If your business is interested in sponsoring this race, please contact Kristen at MVSTA: 509-996-3287.

Methow Valley Tour Road Race

Thank you to all the racers for joining us in the beautiful Methow Valley for our 4th Annual Methow Valley Tour. We sure enjoyed hosting you.
Here's some photos from the Road Race. We hope to see you again next year.

Day #1 Methow Valley Tour

Congratulations to all the riders on day #1 of the Methow Valley Tour. Here's some photos from the Time Trail and Hill Climb.

Click on the photo enlarge the photos or to view thumbnails.

Mazama Fun Run was all that and more

Wow! What a day. Thank you everyone for coming out to the Mazama Fun Run and Pancake Extravaganza. Enjoy the photos.

There are a lot of photos. If you click on the slideshow you can then choose by viewing the thumbnails.

Trail Karma

One of the priorities of Spring at MVSTA is getting our trails in shape for summer activities. James along with dedicated MVSTA volunteers work on trail projects each week but with so many trails, more work needs to be done. Unfortunately there are a couple of great trails in the valley that are currently closed due to fallen timber and neglect. It is our goal to get these back open again! Methow Cycle and Sport is helping by hosting three important trail work parties this summer.
This Saturday May 16th is the first trail clearing outing at Pearrygin Creek. Meet at the Winthrop Barn at 7:30am to carpool to the trailhead. On June 6th the focus will be on the West Fork of the Methow Trail; one of the best hiking and biking trails in the valley that is severely overgrown with vegetation. July 11th work continues on the Golden Staircase/Starvation Mountain Trail.
By pitching in to help we can get these trails cleared for an incredible summer of hiking and biking. For more information give Methow Cycle and Sport a call at 509-996-3645.

Methow Valley Tour Hill Climb Preview

If you are passionate about bike racing and riding bikes then you will love the change of Stage Two of the Methow Valley Tour from a criterium to a mass start hill climb. The stage is over beautiful terrain that will confront riders with strategy of personal effort balanced with strategy versus opponents. You know you have visions of battles of rider on rider when you ride your local training hill. Now those visions will play out for six miles up Forest Road 5140.



Now for a little bit about the climb. The stage will roll out flat from the 8 Mile Sno Park for 1.3 miles on good pavement to Road 5140. It is a left hand turn onto the climb with a bit a chicane.


The climb starts straight off from here and travels a little more then a mile on one of its steepest pitches. Big question here - go for it or moderate your effort. As you cross the cattle grate at the top of this section the road goes flat. Big ring time? Work with the riders around you or try to hold any gap gained?

Cross the one lane bridge and the climbing gets serious again. Did you work to hard on the flats? Its going to grind from here until mile four of the climb. Then you get a short flat section before the constant finishing grade up to finish around mile six of the climb.

Non-climber, not fit Terry Buchanan did the climb is just over 38 minutes. The first mile was my slowest mile. I manage to get up with a 39 x 25. The pavement is good. Its going to be very interesting to see how this stage plays out. Points will go 50 deep. Catch the rider in front of you, hold off the rider behind you. Hope to see you out there.

One Sunny Success

Congratulations to the over 300 participants that competed in the 29th Annual Methow Valley Sunflower Relay and Iron Competition. Stan Holman of Carson was the overall men's winner, Marlene Farrell of Leavenworth the overall women's winner and Eric and the Pauls of Winthrop captured the team title. Complete results can be found here. Enjoy the photos and we look forward to seeing you again May 23rd for the Mazama 5 & 10K.

The Meaning of "METHOW"

It is believed that the word "METHOW" has many meanings. Some believe the Native Americans used the word to describe a meeting place, others believe it was their word for sunflower. Put these two definitions together you get the Sunflower Relay.The flowering meeting place to be on May 2nd. The hillsides here are just starting to show a hint of color, the peak of yellow and gold should come right in time for the race. Early registration ends this Thursday 4/23 and ensures you receive one of these beautiful t-shirts designed by Mary Sharman.

Hot off the Press

The new Spring/Summer MVSTA Trails magazine is available.

Check it out for great stories on biking, hiking and running in the Methow Valley as well as a pull out keeper calendar of events.

If you would like a copy mailed to you, please call us at the MVSTA office 509-996-3287.

Takin' it to the streets

The change of season has occurred in the Methow Valley...the switch from skis to bikes. Although the Nordic skiing in the Rendezvous is still good and the backcountry skiing is nice,nice many locals have switched over to road, cyclocross and mountain biking. One of the greatest early season cycling treats is the opportunity to ride up the North Cascades Highway before it is open to cars. Don't miss this opportunity to cycle up one of the most gorgeous mountain passes in America...all without a single car, truck, RV or motorcycle to buzz you. Pick a lane, any lane and go. It is truly one of the highlights of spring. The pass is expected to open May 1st. You can follow the road clearing progress here.

MVSTA Opens Rendezvous Area to All

In a surprise move, the MVSTA board has approved opening the Rendezvous ski trails to include horses, llamas, goats,chickens and small pet rodents. Executive Director Jay Lucas commented on the new rules saying "Due to the widely popular success of dogs on the trail we felt like it was important to recognize these other types of pets. It's not enough to have ultra-fit people and dogs in the Valley, we need to get our chickens in shape too".
Cats were excluded from the mix because dogs and cats just don't mix.

Come On...Really?

Yes Really!

Even though the hillsides look bare there is still great skiing out there.


This photo is Gunn Ranch road on March 25. Because the trails have been so well packed down by the groomers and skiers, the snow melts much slower.

March 20th Trail Conditions

The Sun Mountain trails are still in great shape.! The skiing is fabulous.

A heartwarming thank you

Please pass this photo on to person that is responsible for the dog friendly trails. Gracie has MS and has been mobile for over a year with dog wheel chair shown. She loves the snow and we fabricated skis to replace the wheels. She had a great time cruising the Big Valley trail and socializing with other dogs while we got some skiing in. It was a great day.

Sometimes "WOW" isn't a big enough word

March 15, 2009 and it's still snowing! Conditions are still absolutely incredible! These skiers just spent three nights at Gardner Hut experiencing the best the Methow Valley has to offer: sunshine, new snow and perfectly groomed trails. Enjoy as winter lives on!

Winter Triathlon

Congratulations to all the finishers in the Winter Triathlon. It was fun to see people out biking and running again! Although most finishers commented (again!) how great the ski trails were. Race results can be found here. Clicking on the photo below will take you to the full web album.

Hot Air Rises

There are a lot of great events going on in the Methow Valley this weekend.
The Winter Triathlon, Snowshoe Tours, Balloon Roundup and a photography contest. A complete listing of all events can be found here.

GET OFF THE COUCH !

Put down the Oprah and stop dreaming about cycling. The skiing is still fabulous! With a dusting of snow this morning the trails still rock! There will be time later this spring for beauty makeovers. If you are dying to get the bike out, please join us for the Winter Triathlon March 7th. Now get off the couch and get the skiing while it's good.

GROOMING HAPPENS

Grooming just happens.
Ok, that's not true but it is easy to overlook exactly how we get these fabulous trails. This year the MVSTA groomers have had to work with some of the most challenging snow conditions we have seen in years. Yet day after day (or really night after night as that's when they groom), for weeks since our last big snowfall these guys have created what can only be described as magic! The skate skiing in particular has been outstanding! In the darkness of night they know exactly what machine to groom with, what setting to place the blades, where to turn, what pressure to use and everything else needed to produce a quality product. Thank you James, Lance, Jake, Adam, Steve, Kenny, Joe, Liam, Rob, Mike and Jay for another World Class Ski Year! Grooming Happens Thanks to You!

Get it while its Hot!

The skiing is still FABULOUS. Longer days just means more time for skiing. Head out early, head out often. You can get the latest skiing information via the MVSTA grooming report, by calling the skier hot-line at 800-682-5787 or by listening to K Root 97.5 at 7:30am.

DOGGY DASH SUNDAY

The ?? annual Doggy Dash is this Sunday! Festivities start at 9:30am at the Town Trailhead/Ice Rink. Awards are given for a "best in show" costume of human and dog as well as awards for the fastest skiing duo.

More information can be found at the Methow Valley Nordic Club.

Nordic Ultratune will also be posting "hardy" wax recommendations via the wax report .

NW Admirals Hockey Team visits the Winthrop Ice Rink

The Northwest Admirals Hockey Team was in Winthrop this weekend putting on skills clinics for all ages and playing friendly games with local players. Jim Mueller captured the action, and a few of his pictures are posted below. To view all his photos visit his photo share: "Winthrop Hockey Weekend". Thanks to everyone who made the weekend so much fun.

Race of the Methow Recap

It was a cold morning until the fire juggler showed up and warmed up the skiers. MVSTA would like to thank all the teams that traveled far and wide to participate in the Race of the Methow-J3 Championships. It was an incredible display of skiing and sportsmanship. We look forward to hosting it again in the future. Congratulations to all the skiers.

Race of the Methow

Today was day #1 of the Race of the Methow. 215 skiers skated up and down the tough Liberty Bell course while hundreds of spectators cheered them on. It could not have been a more beautiful day. Enjoy the photos.

Race of the Methow This Weekend Feb. 7&8

The Race of the Methow is this weekend. This is a 2-day ski event for juniors and adults. Ski racers are coming from all over the Pacific Northwest to race on the new ski trails at Liberty Bell High School. The new course is very spectator-friendly so bring the cowbells and watch some future Olympians. Here's a short video for inspiration.

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.

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.

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.

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.