Bonus Week: March 2nd, 5th, 6th

Hello Skiers-

It was a fabulous week, and we sure lucked out with the weather Sunday!!

With the spring fling relays this weekend, we are going to do a bonus week this week.  (I know I initially told some people different, but we're going to do it!)

Wednesday: Cabin Creek Skating 4:00-5:30.  I will have room and will leave EHS at 3:20 for those that need a ride.

Thursday: Cooper Lake for older ones (or possibly Mineral Springs or Taneum depends on grooming) Skating Leave EHS 3:20

Saturday: Spring Fling Relays at Cabin Creek: Skating.  Arrive 9AM, races start at 10AM.  This is a new event hosted by US and Momentum Northwest.  There will be some unusual elements- inspired by the youth olympic ski cross- see video link if you haven't watched yet.   Sign up here (it's free!).  The signup lists U14- I will update if we are having an option for the younger kids.

Sunday: Ozbaldy Race: 10k for junior skiers (recommended only for U14 and up).  Sign up here.

Feb 24 and 28

Congratulations to Jente Loppet Racers.  There was great skiing by all, as you can see from the pictures below.  Also, scroll down for the schedule.

Wednesday: CLASSIC Cabin Creek 4:15-5:30. Carpool from EHS at 3:20 if you want.  We are changing venues because the groomer isn't going to get out anywhere closer.
Tentatively Taneum SKATING, although I am waiting for confirmation from the groomer.  3:45-5:15. 

Thursday: Mineral Springs for older skiers.  RSVP if interested.

Sunday: Cabin Creek 10AM-noon.  SKATING or CLASSIC (Skier's choice).

WATCH THIS VIDEO!

Youth Olympic Games Skating Race.

Feb 17 and 21

Isak V2s the big hill Sunday at Mt. Spokane

Julia tearing up the hill at Mt. Spokane Saturday

Congratulations to the Mt. Spokane Racers.  Julia, Gavin, Isak, and Uhuru raced in challenging conditions on a hilly course with the best racers in the northwest.  All racers found skiers at their level and raced courageously.   Uhuru was named to the PNSA (Pacific Northwest Ski Association) team to compete at the Junior Nationals in Wisconsin March 4-13th.  And Isak was only 21 seconds behind one of the qualifying boys on Sunday!  Congratulations to all!

This week we will ski:

Wednesday: TANEUM SNOPARK  SKATING.  Depart EHS 3:20, ski 4-5:15, return to EHS 5:45   Driving directions: Drive to Exit 101, turn South on Thorp Highway, then in 1/2 mile turn R on Thorp Cemetary Road.  Drive road until it ends at a snowpark, about 8 miles.

Sunday: Jente Loppet at Hyak SnoPark 9:15.  This is a great race that is for women only.  Except that they have a co-ed race for 17 and under (2.5k).  This event is quite a bit more low key than the JNQ weekends, so is a great way to "get your feet wet" with racing.  Older skiers who want to go farther can opt for the 5k or 10k versions.  Information and registration is here- it is cheaper to preregister.

Please arrive at 9:15 to get race numbers- we'll warmup together on the course leaving the snopark at 9:30.  After the race there is scenic skiing along the Iron Horse trail.  We'll do some games and sightseeing.  For those who don't want to race but want to do the ski after, meet at 11:30 at the snowpark.  We'll ski until about 1 or 1:30.  (Racers will probably go in for awards at some point.)

Thursday- Mineral Springs for older skiers. Please RSVP.  We'll return by 6.

Looking ahead...March 5 and 6th is the Spring Fling Relays and Ozbaldy 10k/50k.  This is a weekend of fun put on by us and Seattle's Momentum Northwest.  The idea is to host a fun event for youth from all over the region.  We expect skiers from Leavenworth, Plain, Momentum, and Ellensburg.  We want to provide a fun weekend that will welcome all skiers and get them psyched for skiing.  And to give out some prizes!  Information is here.

Enjoying great skiing at Elk Heights Wednesday

Cate skating at Elk Heights Wednesday.

Feb 10th and Spokane Weekend

Congratulations to the Stampede Racers: Uhuru 1st overall (including boys) Saturday 2k, 2nd female 5k Sunday.  Isak Larson 3rd male and 3rd overall Sunday.  Gavin 3rd place U14 5k.  Audrey 1st U18 female 15k Sunday.  Great skiing!

Chase with a big smile skiing up Ozbaldy Saturday

Wednesday Elk Heights Skating 3:45-5:00. Meet at EHS at 3:20 for rides (or Elk Heights at 3:45).  Rides return to EHS at 5:30.  We will shuttle kids past the road section to the start of the grooming.  Groomer worked on Elk Heights Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.
We're going to try something different- we scouted it out  last week and it was excellent.  It's a snowmobile snopark, but it is not heavily used on weekdays.  Drive Manastash Road until it ends at a snowpark- 13 miles from town.  There are lots of folks driving- so parents please email me if your child needs a ride.  Rides will return to town between 5:30-5:45.

Spokane Weekend.  Gavin, Isak, Julia and Uhuru are racing in Spokane.  Wish them well.  No practice with Carey and Jeff this weekend, but we encourage the rest of you to take advantage of the great snow and ski your hearts out this three day weekend.

For older skiers: Thursday Afternoon: Mineral Springs.  Please RSVP.

Looking ahead: February 21st is the Jente Loppet.  They have races for women and all youth under 18 (with options for 2, 4, and 8 km).  It's a fun course at the Hyak sno-park.  Lots of Ellensburg skiers have done the race and enjoyed it in past years.