Suits, Jackets, and Snow

​

It is starting to look and feel like winter.  This year we have some new jackets- featuring snowflakes and the Stuart Skyline.  They are custom made by Podiumwear, a company in Minnesota. Check them out and order online here.  The password is "elkheights."  They are awesome!

The way the order works is:  you submit what you want and pay by credit card.  Podiumwear makes the jackets and suits and ships them to me Jan 10th.  You can get them from me when we go skiing. It will make a good "late" holiday gift.  Check the size charts.  My experience with the suits- they run a little small.  I wear a medium in almost everything, but like a large suit top.  

For advanced skiers looking for training, I will drive up to Cabin Creek on Tuesday and/or Wednesday, depending on conditions (both road and grooming- no word on Cabin Creek tomorrow yet... I will bring ski clothes to school and will go if conditions are good and people are interested.)  Please email back if you are interested and which day would work.  You will need to bring (or borrow) a headlamp.  We will return to Ellensburg about 6:30 or 7.

I will be taking Magnus, Isak, and Gavin up to Canada for the weekend, so I will not be around then.  There might be some pretty good skiing at Cabin Creek this weekend!

Lastly, if you have not signed up online, please do so.  I am still sending this to last year's email list, but will stop soon.

-Jeff

Ellensburg Ski Team 2016-2017 Overview

Ellensburg Ski Team 2015-2016

The purpose of the Ellensburg ski team is to introduce youth ages 7-18 to cross country skiing and competitive cross country ski racing.  We instruct both classic style and skating techniques.  Participants are able to compete in youth races in the area.  Skiers can work towards racing at the regional and national level.  We welcome skiers of all levels from beginners to expert.

The “Standard” program is two times per week (Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings).  The “Race” program adds other days.  These distinctions are not rigid- anyone is welcome to come to any practice and any trip. 

“Standard” Schedule

Wednesday afternoons (Jan 4-Feb 22)- wherever there is snow

·      3:30-4:30 at West Ellensburg Park if there is snow in town

·      3:30-5:30 at Elk Heights if there is good snow there

·      3:15-6 or 7PM if we have to drive to Cabin Creek or Salmon la Sac for snow

Weekends: Sundays 10AM-noon at Cabin Creek Jan 8- Feb 22nd, except for special events.

·      Jan 16^th Monday Youth Classic Race @ Cabin Creek Meet at 9:00AM.  If you don't want to race come out and ski and help.  No practice Sunday Jan 15th.

·      Feb 11^th Saturday Youth skate Race @ Cabin Creek Meet at 9:00AM-   If you don't want to race come out and ski and help.  No practice Sunday Feb 12th.
March 4th-5th: Youth Weekend at Cabin Creek- featuring relay races, obstacle courses, food and fun with athletes from around Washington and Oregon!

“Race” Schedule

Additional practices will also be held Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays most weeks.  Dryland training will begin in December.  On snow training (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and weekends) will begin as soon as there is snow.  The race team will occasionally travel to Leavenworth to benefit from a larger training group.  Follow the blog for specifics.  The race group will have the option to travel to Bend, OR, Methow, WA, Spokane, WA, and Truckee, CA for races (participants will need to pay their share of expenses for these trips.)

Cost- there is no charge for participation in the program.  We have discussed changing this policy, but we have decided to keep it free of charge because our primary goal is to introduce people to nordic skiing.  Please recognize that comparable programs around the region charge between $300-$5000.  People (you) often place more value in a program if you are invested financially. There may be a charge for specific races or trips.

Transportation- You will need to arrange transportation for your child.  You will need a Snopark permit with the groomed trails sticker to park at Cabin Creek ($80 for the year).  Participants are encouraged to carpool and there have always been enough seats in the past if parents do not want to drive.

            Please arrive a few minutes early as it takes time to get equipment organized.

Equipment- Participants will need skating and classic skis, boots, and poles.  Packages are available for season rental at a discounted price from Mountain High Sports. Please mark your child’s skis/poles – they tend to look similar.  Race participants should consider waxable classic skis and 2 pairs of poles.  Equipment scholarships are available through the Ellensburg Cross Country Ski Club. E-mail with scholarship requests.

Communication- Weekly updates will be sent out by email and posted on the eburgski.blogspot.com.  Email is our primary form of communication. 

First Time on Snow? Beginners can start on January 4^th or on January 8^th

Sign Up- access the web form here.

Questions: email jeffhashimoto@gmail.com

End of Season Dinner Wednesday April 6th, 6PM

Come celebrate the awesome 2016 Ski Season of the Ellensburg Ski Team!

Cornerstone Pie

April 6th, 6PM

Uhuru at Junior Nationals

Isak at the Spring Fling Relays

Audrey at the Spring Fling Relays

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.

Feb 3rd and 6th

Congratulations to Isak and Uhuru who raced at Soldier Hollow, Utah.  They did awesome!  And congratulations to the adventurous folks who explored the Viking loop for the first time today.

Feb 3rd: Classic West Ellensburg.  We had lots of fun and a quite competitive game of capture the flag last week!  Let's do it again while we still can.

Feb 6th: 10AM Kids skating race at Cabin Creek.  All kids ages 18 and under welcome.  Please arrive 9AM to register.  We are expecting teams from Momentum and Plain to join us.

For those not inclined to race: noon-2PM ski practice- skating.

For the older skiers:

Thursday, after school- Mineral Springs Skating- RSVP- Depart from EHS 3:15, return 6PM.

Sunday, Cabin Creek, Kongsberger Stampede- 5k Skating race.  There are great awards and draw prizes.  See kongsbergers.org for more information.

Jan 27 and Jan 31st

Lydia and Uhuru battling to the finish in the Methow.

Jan 27th Classic in West Ellensburg 3:30-4:45 Let's enjoy classic skiing in town while we still can.  This will be one of the last times we can ski in town!

Jan 31st Skating 10AM-noon at Cabin Creek.

Wish Uhuru and Isak good luck as they travel to Utah to race the Super Qualifier this weekend!

Looking ahead:

Feb 6th Kids skate race at Cabin Creek and/or Practice in the afternoon

Feb 7th Kongsberger Stampede Race- skating race 5k.  This is a great option for the older kids.

Feb 12th-14th Mt Spokane Weekend.  We are staying at Bear Creek Lodge.  There are only 1-2 rooms left, so if you want to stay there, call now (just google them).  There are races, but also many kilometers of great skiing.

Jan 20 and Weekend

The winter keeps coming with even more snow!  Congratulations to our Methow Racers: Gwynnie, Isak, Gavin, Jed and Uhuru.  They did awesome and had a great time. Uhuru has pretty much ensured her spot at Junior Nationals after only the first two weekends of racing!

This week:

Wednesday Elk Heights SKATING: Nick will groom Elk Heights Tuesday in preparation for our Wednesday practice.  Meet at EHS at 3:30 or at Elk Heights at 3:50.  We will ski till 5, play, load and get back to EHS at 5:30.

Thursday Mineral Springs SKATING: for the older kids, we have an option for a 2 hour ski.  Meet at EHS at 3:20 and bring a headlamp.

Sunday, Jan 24- Carey and Jeff will be in the Methow for the pursuit race.  We hope you will go to Cabin Creek, Elk Heights or Lake Easton to keep enjoying this wonderful winter.

Spokane Weekend Feb 12-14: We will go for the Junior Qualifier Race Finale at Mt. Spokane.  One neat feature of this race is the Washington High School Championships- we tally places of high school boys and girls (including 8th graders)- one each from the U16 and U18/20 categories.  We need some more racers to fill out a squad! We are staying at Bear Creek Lodge- Hashimoto's have the suite which can sleep 7- so we can take some extra kids.  Famillies planning to go together should get a room.  Rooms are filling quickly- so if you are interested call ahead.  509-238-9114.  They have a website where you can view the room options.

Jan 13 and Methow

Congratulations to the racers at the Saturday Kids Race and the Sunday 7.5 km race: Julia, Isak, Uhuru, Audrey!

Audrey at the start!

Uhuru sprints for home.  Look at that power!

Isak showing great double pole across the finish.

Schedule for the week:
Wednesday:  3:30-4:45 Classic at West Ellensburg (corner of 2nd and Lincoln).  We will make a call between West Ellensburg and Elk Heights based on conditions. It would be nice to get the skate gear out at Elk Heights and also nice to ski in town.  So it will be great either way.  Check this page Tuesday evening for the latest.

Methow Weekend: We will attend the Race of the Methow Saturday and Sunday.  Information on the race is here.  Note that there is a biathlon race Monday for those interested- novices are welcome.  We can help with waxing before the event.  It would be good to get skis ready before we leave.   If you are interested in going, contact me or Mark Larson- there might be room.

If you are not going to the Methow: Go skiing if you can!  Even though we are not doing an organized practice, it will be a great weekend to enjoy winter.

Tuesday and Thursday: Uhuru and Jeff will ski Elk Heights Tuesday and Mineral Springs Thursday after school.  Please RSVP to Jeff if you want to join.  We have seats for several.  Headlamps will be necessary Thursday.

January 6th and 9th

Winter!  Winter! Winter!  After what seems like years... winter is here.  Oh, wait, it has been years...

The schedule for the week:

Wednesday: West Ellensburg Park 3:30-4:30 Classic.  Let's enjoy the skiing in town while we can!

Saturday: Youth classic race at Cabin Creek 9:15AM and/or noon lesson.  You are welcome to come for the morning, the afternoon, or both.  Our itinerary is:

9:15AM Arrive, register (no charge), ski the course.
10AM  Race start
11AM Awards, hot chocolate and treats in the cabin.
Noon-2PM Ski again!  Classic skiing for all.

Bonus skis: Elk Heights Tuesday and Thursday.  RSVP if you want to train at Elk Heights Tuesday and/or Thursday.  We will probably be leaving EHS at 3:30 and returning about 5:30 on those days.

Sunday Jan 10th:Gunnar Hagen 7.5km race at Cabin Creek.  The more experienced crew might want to join in this one.  Details at Kongsbergers.org.  We can help you get skis waxed.  No practice on Sunda Jan 10th due to race.