Holiday Update and Team Gear Order

Hello skiers-

• Our small but mighty contingent of Uhuru and Isak represented Ellensburg well in the Junior Qualifier races in Bend last weekend.  Congratulations to them!

• We are not going to have any practices over break.  Skiing has been good at Cabin Creek if you are able to get there.  We will start our elementary skiers on January 3rd and Middle/High School Jan 4th.

• If you want to order a team jacket or race suit, visit here.  They are very nice.  Our order closes Jan 9th, and the gear will arrive about 2 weeks after. We have a couple youth suits that people can borrow for the season if they want as well.  

• Looking ahead, one of the race series we participate in is the Washington Nordic Cup.  The emphasis of this series is on participation and fun.  Cost and pressure are low.  Fun is high.  Check out the website at https://www.wncup.org  The first race is Dec 27th in the Methow valley.  A few Ellensburgers are planning to attend- contact me if you are thinking of joining.

• Looking further ahead, we will have three weekend trips: Mt. Spokane Jan 12-14, Soldier Hollow (Utah) Jan 25-28, and Methow Valley Feb 9-11.  Each trip is $100-$150 for gas, food and lodging.  If families want to come, that is great, but we might need to secure more lodging. Talk over with your family and please email me with the trips and numbers of people you are interested in.

Happy Holidays to all!

Weekly Update Dec 12, 14, 15-17

If you are looking for general information and registration, scroll down.

Tuesday: SKATING Cabin Creek.  Meet EHS 3:15, Return 7PM.  We will drive to Cabin Creek.  There is enough room in the Hashimoto vehicle.  Bring a headlamp.

Thursday Roller Skiing at EHS meet 3:30-4:30.  Bring ski boots, running shoes, and poles. I have several pairs of roller skis for folks to try.

Friday-Sunday Bend trip.  Please email ASAP if you want to join.

Weekly Update Dec 5, 7,10

We are starting our Middle School/High School Group this week.  The schedule is:

Tuesday EHS Commons 3:15-4:30.  Bring ski poles, wear running shoes and dress for outside.  We will run to Craig's Hill and do some ski bounding exercises.

Thursday: EHS 3:15-7PM.  Skate Ski at Cabin Creek. Bring a headlamp and snacks.  I have room for 7.

Sunday 10AM-noon Cabin Creek.  Technique TBD depends on snow conditions.  We would like to classic ski, but there might not be enough snow for it.  Carpool from Ellensburg and Thorp possible.  If you park at Cabin Creek you need a snow park permit with special groomed trails sticker.

Mount Bachelor Dec 15-17.  We have a rental house with room in it.  If more folks want to come send me an email.  Mount Bachelor is one of the premier cross country ski areas in North America!

March 1 and March 4-5

This is the winter that keeps on giving!  We had a great time in Plain on Saturday and at Cabin Creek today.  This is the last week of practice.

Plain 5k

Little Lake Kachess

Wednesday- Skating at Elk Heights. 3:20 Meet at EHS.  Ski 3:50-5:15, return to EHS 5:45

Saturday Washington Cup Finals 11AM SKATING Cabin Creek.  (Arrive at 10AM to register and organize for an 11AM start).  This will be a fun event.  Carey and Jeff have been among the organizers of the series, so please come out for the season finale (Hint- there are a lot of great prizes.)

Sunday Ozbaldy 10k SKATING race at Cabin Creek 9AM start.  Arrive 8AM to register and organize for 9AM start).  Registration link here.

Several families have talked about renting a house for the weekend March 9-11, perhaps in Plain or Methow Valley.  Contact Carey if you are interested.  cgazis@geology.cwu.edu

Uhuru and Jeff leave for Junior Nationals in Lake Placid on Friday.  Wish Uhuru and the rest of the Pacific Northwest Skiers luck!

Feb 22 and beyond...

Well earned Apres Ski hot chocolate!

Julia tearing up the hill in the classic race.

Congratulations to the Mt. Spokane skiers.  We had a fantastic weekend, with winter in full swing.  We had great skiing (of course), card games, snowball fights, camaraderie...  It was fantastic.  Congratulations to Julia, Gavin, Isak, Audrey and Uhuru for their great race performances.  Julia raced her longest distances ever, a long 3k Saturday and Sunday.  Gavin and Isak had great performances in the 5k skate.  Audrey raced back to back 10ks.  Uhuru raced Sunday only, but was the event winner and qualified for Junior Nationals, to be held in Lake Placid, NY March 3-11.

We are down to the last 2 weeks of our program.  With the longer days, we have been enjoying some great afternoon skis.  This weekend is the first ever event in Plain, WA.  It is free and low key, and should feature a great new course.  The following week, Saturday March 4th, is the Washington Cup Finals at Cabin Creek- also free!  These are great events to wrap up a great season.

Finally, save the date Wednesday March 15th, 6PM Cornerstone Pie for our end of season celebration.

Regular Practices:

Wednesday: Elk Heights SKATING 3:20 Depart EHS, 3:50-5:10 Ski, 5:40 return to EHS

Saturday: Plain Race SKATING: Depart EHS 8:00, Arrive Plain 9:45.  Race 11:00, stay to ski a bit, return to Ellensburg 4:00  More info about Plain here.

Sunday: Cabin Creek CLASSIC 10AM-noon.  Carpool from Fruit Barn 9AM.

Additional Practices

Tuesday: 3:00-3:30 Lincoln for after school games, afterwards Manastash SKATING

Thursday Blewett Pass SKATING- possible rendezvous with Leavenworth skiers.

Friday: 3:00-3:45 Lincoln for after school games

Week of Feb 13-19

The Ellensburg Yellow showed proud at the Stampede Race Today.   Great skis by Isak, Magnus, Gavin, Kenny, and Audrey in the 5k, and Gwynnie and Avega in the 2.5k.  Congratulations!

This week we will try something different: skiing in town at the Lincoln Elementary for the younger (and young of heart) on Monday and Thursday.

Many skiers are headed off to the final Junior National Qualifier in Spokane this weekend.  Carey will stay in town and hold a practice on Sunday.

There are two more great races to put on your calendar: Feb 25th in Plain: Skate race on their new course.  March 4-5 at Cabin Creek: Individual Skate race AND relay Saturday, followed by 10k Sunday.

This week:

MONDAY: 3:00-4:00 SKATING at Lincoln Elementary.  We will set up an obstacle course, and play some games.

WEDNESDAY: CLASSIC at Elk Heights

THURDAY: 3:00-4:00 SKATING at Lincoln Elementary.  Same as Monday.

SUNDAY: SKATING at Cabin Creek.

Additional sessions: Tuesday: Classic.  Location TBD, depends on grooming.

Mt Spokane Trip.  Depart EHS noon in time to preview courses.  Race Saturday & Sunday, return Sunday around 6PM.

Feb 8 & 11

Wow!  It is a winter wonderland out!  Here are some pictures from last week!

We had a fantastic ski weekend in the Methow Valley.  Magnus placed 12th in the U18/20 Sprint, and 8th in the U18 10k classic.  Isak just missed semifinals in the sprint, and won the consolation final.  Isak also placed 16th in the 5k classic.  Gavin placed 5th in the consolation sprint final and 24th in the 5k classic.  Audrey also narrowly missed the semifinals, and won the sprint consolation final.  Uhuru placed 5th in the U18/20 sprint, and 4th in the U18/20 10k, and has wrapped up her qualification for Junior Nationals.  Gwynnie raced a hard fought 2.5k, finishing 19th, only 6 seconds behind the winner of last week's Jente Loppet.

Winter continues!  This week is the Washington Cup Skating race at Cabin Creek.  Jeff and Carey are the hosts of this one.  Our goal is to encourage all athletes have a positive race experience.  The race is free of charge.  More information is here.  (The 14 and under race time needs to be updated- it is 10:50. Also, older skiers who are just starting can race the 2k free of charge.)

Wednesday: SKATING at Elk Heights.  Meet at EHS 3:20, Ski 3:50-5:10, Return to EHS 5:40

Sunday Stampede Race.  5k racers start at 10AM, 2.5k and shorter 10:55. Please print and bring the signed waiver.  

Extra Sessions: Tuesday Manastash 3:20 SKATING, Thursday Elk Heights 3:20 CLASSIC

SPOKANE RACERS: Early registration deadline for Spokane races is Tuesday night.  Link for registration here.

Feb 1 & Feb 5

Hello Skiers-

We had a great ski at Elk Heights Wednesday, and a day at the Jente Loppet Sunday.  Audrey and Isak were 5k champions, with Gavin finishing 3rd.  Gwynnie, Avega, Julia and Ben skied really well in the 2.5k.  They weren't done, as they all skied in the afternoon along Lake Keechelus.   Audrey, Isak, Bryton and Ben made the traverse to Crystal Springs.

This Week:

Tuesday Optional Ski CLASSIC at Manastash.

Wednesday Elk Heights CLASSIC. (Keep alert in case of grooming changes) Meet EHS 3:20, Ski 3:50-5:10, Return to EHS 5:40.  Please Deliver race skis to me this day or Thursday.

Thursday: Optional ski Manastash.  SKATE.

Friday-Sunday: Methow Trip.  Races Saturday and Sunday at Liberty Bell high school.  No race day registration, so sign up online if you want to participate by Thursday.

Sunday:  Scott and Melanie will be doing a SKATE session at Cabin Creek 10AM-noon for those not going to the Methow.  If you are planning to attend PLEASE EMAIL ME SO I CAN TELL THEM HOW MANY TO EXPECT.  Thanks for putting this on Scott and Melanie!

Jan 25 & Jan 29

Well, it is warmer, but the kids will tell you it just makes better snowballs!  The older kids stayed home from California due to a huge storm, and skiing here was pretty good!  The schedule for this week:

Wednesday: SKATING @ Elk Heights (Keep alert in case of grooming changes).  Leave EHS 3:20, Ski 3:50-5:10, Return to EHS 5:40.

Sunday:

We found out late that the Jente Loppet is Sunday.  Many Ellensburg skiers participated in this event last year.  It is a low key and fun race for women, but is open to youth males as well.  Here is the link, including a registration link- signing up online saves $10.  There are lots of pictures of Ellensburg folks on the site- see how many you can find!

The race is freestyle, which means skating or classic.  Most people would skate, but if you think you would be faster classic you can do this too.

The directions on that site are written from the perspective of a Seattle person- don't follow them!  Take exit 54, turn left, go under freeway, turn left at stop sign.  Follow road to snopark in 1/2 mile.

The race starts at 10AM.  I thought it would be great to combine the race with a ski along the lake.  Please come for any part of the day or all:

7:50 Meet at Fruit barn to carpool

9AM Arrive Hyak, registration details, etc.
10AM Race (or just ski)
11AM ish awards
11:30 lunch, snack
12:00 Ski again from Hyak, some skiers might want to make the 8 mile (all flat) ski along the lake to Crystal Springs

2:00 Return to Hyak, drive back to Ellensburg, picking up skiers at Crystal Springs on the way

3:00 Return to Fruit Barn

We hope you will all be able to join, whether you plan to race or not.  Hyak has great terrain for beginners (very flat), and is scenic.

Optional practices:

Tuesday & Thursday after school, skiing at Manastash, Mineral Springs, Taneum or Elk Heights, depending on grooming.  Meet at 3:15 front of EHS if interested, return at 6.

Methow Weekend Feb 4-5.  Race Information Here.  The price goes up Friday night, so register early if you are going.  If additional athletes want to go to Methow, email Jeff.

Jan 18 & 22

Hello Skiers-

What a great week of winter.  We had great skiing at the golf course and then great races at the Gunnar Hagen Youth Race Today.  Below are all the Ellensburg participants, except Kenny (who had an AMAZING ski).  Result are here.

Unfortunately, we have some warmer temps in the forecast... So we will be playing things a bit by ear for Wednesday.  To add to the uncertainty, the groomer told me today that he has one machine down.  I'll update things Wednesday during the day when I know more.

Wednesday PRACTICE CANCELLED DUE TO TREACHEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS: Elk Heights SKATING.  (The location may change, but the times will be fairly close- but throw classic skis in the car just in case.) Meet EHS 3:20, Ski 3:50-5:10, Return to EHS 5:40.

Sunday: Cabin Creek 10AM-noon SKATING.  Let's try to organize carpools for Sunday- meet at Thorp at 9:00?

Tuesday (optional- all ages welcome): We may do a Lincoln after school ski, followed by a bit of agility and technique work at Lincoln SKATING.  We will finish about 4:45.

Thursday-Sunday: Isak, Magnus and Uhuru will be heading to California for a big time race called the "Supertour."  The Supertour is the top race series in the United States, so many national team and Olympians will be there (but they won't be racing the same category.) Wish them luck!

Jan 11 & Jan 16

Wednesday Manastash SnoPark CLASSIC.  Carpool from EHS- meet at 3:15, depart 3:20, Ski 3:50-5:00, Return to EHS 5:30.  It was great up there today!  Dress for cold.

Monday MLK Washington Cup #2 Youth Race- Cabin Creek.  Arrive 10:00 to register and prepare.  Races start at 11:00.  No charge- please bring signed waiver if parent is not coming.  We will have awards after all races finish at 12:30.  These races are meant to be low key, and to encourage skiers of all levels to participate.  Families welcome.  Carey and Jeff are directing this one, so should be a busy day for us.

If you don't want to race, please come up and ski.

OPTIONAL Additional Activities:

Tuesday: Skating after school

Thursday: 3-4PM- help with Lincoln Elementary skiing, 4PM depart for Skating at Elk Heights.

Sunday: Gunnar Hagen 7.5k.  10AM.  This is a mostly adult focused race, but skiers 14 and older can race the 7.5k.  Information here.  This one costs $15.

What a wonderful winter!

Jan 4 & 8

Hello Skiers!

Winter is here!  We are officially starting this week, with "Rec" Skiing Wednesday & Sunday and our racers heading to Bend this weekend.  The groomer is getting Elk Heights ready for us this week, so we are going to head there Wednesday.

Wednesday: CLASSIC*Manastash SnoPark (Updated 1/4, 9AM).  Meet at EHS 3:15 to carpool, will return to EHS 5:30.  Or families can provide their own transportation.  *Directions: Drive Manastash road until the end (about 7 miles from Cove.)  Park on the South side of the road in the designated Snopark area.

For those attending EHS, you can leave skis and clothes in my prep room during the day.  Bring them by before school, or if you are feeling ambitious, throw skis into my roof rack (just make sure you've got the right car..) Ask Uhuru, Audrey, or Isak for help.  I recommend leaving ski clothes and boots inside, so they are warm when you put them on.  We will try to roll out of EHS at 3:20, so we can ski from 3:50-5:00, and return to town at 5:30.

Manastash was BEAUTIFUL this afternoon!

Sunday: CLASSIC* Cabin Creek 10AM-noon.  Possible meet at Thorp (South side of interchange 9AM for carpool).  *Directions: Drive I-90 to Exit 63, park on South side, walk back to north side of freeway to ski area.

OPTIONAL SKI FOR OLDER GROUP: TUESDAY Manastash SKATING Depart EHS 3:20, return 5:30.  Bring headlamp and RSVP.

BEND JNQ: Be sure to register at MBSEF site.  More info about the races here.  We will depart Friday from EHS- possibly in time for a short ski Friday afternoon.

Washington Cup Series: Jeff and Carey have been involved in planning the Washington Cup series of races in collaboration with other teams in the state.    These are "low key" races that are open to anyone.  Check out the site for more information.

NOTE FOR FIRST TIMERS:  Classic skis are the ones with the pattern on the base.

Finally, bundle up- it will be cold this week!