The formal kickoff of the clinic will be early afternoon on Wednesday the 8th, giving people time to travel to the valley, with options for people to arrive early for additional skiing and training.
All skier types and abilities are welcome - Sit Skiers, Standing Skiers, and Visually Impaired (VI) Skiers.
The Venue
Methow Trails grooms nearly 200km of trails across the valley. The trails range in difficulty from flat, gentle loops, to rolling terrain, and steep advanced terrain, and is serviced by over a dozen trailheads. There are multiple lodges and warming huts throughout the trail system which provide options for breaks, food and drink. We will utilize a variety of trails and trailheads during the clinic to suit the needs of the group, with the Mazama and Winthrop Trailheads as likely hubs.
The Activities
The anticipated agenda for the clinic will include two skiing sessions per day - one AM and one PM, locations and skill goals to be determined by skier ability and desire. Coaching and ski buddies will be provided through Methow Valley Nordic, and we aim to integrate new skiers with advanced skiers, so athletes can learn alongside each other.
Brief summary of skills for new skiers: Intro to equipment/snow, stationary skills (balance, stepping), slowing/stopping, falling/recovery, poling/double poling, diagonal stride, edging, downhill and uphill technique.
For advanced skiers: Training and technique tips/progressions, video feedback.
Lodging and Transport
Skiers will be required to find and book their own lodging, and it is recommended to do so sooner than later.
Methow Reservations is a good starting point.
Flights - Seattle (4.5 hrs) and Spokane (3.5 hrs) are the closest major airports. Wenatchee Airport (2 hrs) is closer, but with fewer flight options. Car rental is available at major airports, and driving is required to reach the valley.
The ski locations/trailheads used during the camp require driving from the town of Winthrop. Driving between Winthrop and Mazama in winter is roughly 15-20 minutes.
If you have specific questions or needs for lodging, please reach out, we may be able to help.
Equipment
Skiers should be equipped with their own ski equipment for the clinic (appropriate clothing, skis, boots, and poles). For sit skiers who do not have their own sit ski, we can help orchestrate that equipment. If individuals need to rent skis, equipment is available for rent at several local locations:
Methow Valley Nordic and Methow Trails have several sit skis available for use. We are happy to advise individuals on what they may need to rent, please contact us!
Attendance numbers
Based on interest in the clinic, registration may be limited to a certain number of athletes. This form will be used to gauge interest so that we can determine coaching needs and capacity.
Ski to the Sun Race
Saturday Feb 11th will be the Ski to the Sun Race. Please see
Methow Trails Website for more information. In addition to the information posted, we plan to host a race that is accessible to all skier levels, including a shorter race course for those not interested in a 10-15km event.
Cost
What is included:
- Awesome coaching and Instruction
- Three-day trail pass
- Fun and friendships
- Organized social hour outside of ski time
- Guided skiing to one of the country's best groomed nordic areas!
Skiers will be responsible for:
- Ski equipment
- Lodging
- Meals and snacks
- Transportation
- Ski to the Sun registration (if applicable)
Our goal is to keep direct costs for this camp to a minimum.
Cost is expected to be approximately $100.
COVID Precautions
We are not requiring proof of vaccination for this event, and will be following the current
MVN Covid Policy. We will do our best to meet the safety and comfort needs of specific athletes, please let us know so we can help support.
Please contact us with specific questions at: Methowparanordic@gmail.com
