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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.