Please visit our new website at link below.

https://eburgski.weebly.com

Ellensburg Ski Team 2019-2020

Welcome to the Ellensburg Ski Team 2019-2020

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.

We are in our 11th year of bringing skiing to youth in Kittitas County.  We want to encourage all youth to participate, regardless of finances.  Our programs are run by volunteers and funded through donations.  We are a 501c3 organization.

Our practice locations and therefore times vary due to snow conditions.  Our locations for skiing include Rotary Park, Manastash Snopark, Elk Heights Snowpark, Mineral Springs Snopark, Blewett Pass Snopark, and Cabin Creek Snopark.  We will practice at the closest location that has skiing.

Programs: 

Elementary School: Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday Emphasis is on fun and learning proper technique.  Participants who are under 7 are welcome but must have a parent present to participate.  Ski location will depend on snow conditions: Rotary Park, Elk Heights, Manastash or Blewett.

Middle School/High School: Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday Carpool from and back to EHS.  Ski location will depend on snow conditions: Rotary Park, Elk Heights, Manastash or Blewett.  Experienced skiers may help instruct the elementary group as well, and older skiers who are beginners are welcome to come Mondays and Wednesdays.  There are two options for this age group:

• Recreational: This is for the less experienced skiers.  Emphasis is on learning proper technique and fun.  Participates in weekday sessions, Sunday sessions, and possibly  in Washington Cup races.  Note that recreational skiers are welcome to participate in race trips.
• Race: This option is for experienced skiers looking to optimize their performance.  Participates in weekday sessions, Sunday sessions, participates in JNQ races and additional sessions as snow allows.  Emphasis is on fun, proper technique, and training.

All Ages Weekend Session: Sunday 10AM-Noon Cabin Creek.    Carpooling is encouraged, and we usually have several vehicles leaving from Ellensburg at 9AM returning at 1PM.  Some skiers might wish to stay and ski in the afternoon.

Registration Link

Cost (none!)

There is no charge for participants in the Ellensburg Ski Team Programs.  Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the Ellensburg Ski Team to offset expenses for grooming, insurance and transportation.  Mail your donation to Ellensburg Ski Team, 402 N. Chestnut, Ellensburg, WA 98926.  Note that similar programs in the area charge about $200 for an Elementary Program, and up to $2500 for the race program.  All of our coaches are volunteers.

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. Elementary participants will mostly classic ski.  If cost is an issue, please contact us for assistance- we have scholarship

Team gear: We have jackets and race suits manufactured in the USA by podiumwear.  Click here to go to the team storefront.  The password is "eburg"

Races 

We participate in 2 race series.  Participation is entirely up to the individual.  Some skiers participate in dozens of races, while others do none (and many do an intermediate amount.)

Washington Cup is a series of 5 races that are low/no cost and perfect for all ages and skill levels.  There are 5 Washington Cup races around the northwest:  See website wncup.org
Dec 28th Methow
Jan 11th Leavenworth
Jan 26th Cabin Creek
Feb 9th Plain
Feb 29th Cabin Creek

Junior National Qualifiers (JNQs) are a series of 8 races that are for the more dedicated and experienced skiers.  Note that many recreational skiers come on these trips to enjoy new ski areas.  These races occur on 4 weekends:
Jan 9-12 Bend (Oregon)
Jan 17-19 Spokane
Jan 31-Feb 2 Methow
Feb 12-16 Soldier Hollow (Utah)

Junior Nationals are March 6-15.

Communication

Please sign up for the remind account.  Weekly updates will be posted on the eburgski.blogspot.com.  We will send messages via remind when the weekly update is posted- you will see these as text messages or can receive them as emails. To receive text messages text "@e4fbb8" to "81010" or www.remind.com/join/e4fbb8

Questions: email jeffhashimoto@gmail.com

Feb 26-Mar 4

Hello Skiers-

What a great week of skiing!  Congratulations to the racers who participated in the Washington Cup Race at Tall Timber.   Uhuru, Isak, Garrett, Wyatt, Liam, Carol, Ethan, Oisin, and Marie Sabine had great races and a lot of fun!  

We have t-shirts available this week.  I will have them at all practices.  $15 for Shirts.  We have sizes from youth to adult, so parents can get them too!

We are in our final week this week.  But it will be full of action.

Tuesday: Middle/High School: Long Ski Mineral Springs or Blewett depending on grooming.  Skiers choice of skating or classic.  Bring headlamps.  Meet EHS 3:15, Return 7PM.

Wednesday: Elementary (although all ages are welcome). Cabin Creek Ski and Pizza.  Meet Super 1 3:20, Return 7:15.  SKATING

Thursday: Middle High School Blewett Skating. EHS 3:15 Return 6PM.

Saturday: Washington Cup Finals SKATING.  We are the hosts of this race, so it would be great if everyone could participate.  There is no charge for entry.  Races are 1k, 3k, and 5k SKATING, starting at 10AM.  I have a bunch of prizes that I would love Ellensburg kids to win.  Also, since those who have done 3 or more Washington Cup races are eligible for season awards.  Registration at https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=128430

Sunday: Ozbaldy 10km SKATING.  For the older kids who want to race 10k, register at kongsbergers.org.

Feb 19-25

What a wonderful week of skiing!  It was great working with so many of you parents today!  Big improvements were made by all. Great job!  This is our penultimate week and winter weather is back.  There is a fun event in Plain Saturday that all should consider.

Monday: No activity.  Happy President’s Day

Tuesday: Middle & High School Classic 3:15 EHS Return 6PM Likely Blewett depending on grooming.

Wednesday: Elementary Ski and Pizza Classic.  Super 1 3:20, return 7PM

Thursday: Middle & High School Skating 3:15 EHS Return 6PM Likely Blewett.

Saturday: Washington Nordic Cup Skating #4 in Tall Timber (near Plain).  This is a great event that is welcoming to all skiers, and is free to enter.  It is a great place for a first race.  Registration here.  7:30 Meet EHS to carpool.  Races at 11, 11:30, and noon.  Return around 4PM.  More information on Washington Nordic Cup here.

Sunday: Our last Sunday at Cabin Creek.  Skating.  We will do a kilometer challenge!  Try to ski your farthest distance!  9AM meet EHS or 10AM at Cabin Creek.  Ski as far as you can!

Looking ahead: March 3rd Washington Nordic Cup #5 at Cabin Creek.  March 4th 10k for Juniors as part of Ozbaldy 50k.

Feb 12-18th

Audrey, Linnea, Cassandra, Uhuru & Isak
at the Race of the Methow

Feb 12-18

Congratulations to Uhuru and Isak for qualifying for Junior Nationals. Uhuru and Isak will represent the Pacific Northwest Ski Association at 4 races in Soldier Hollow, Utah in March.  This will be Uhuru’s fourth trip to “JNs” and Isak’s first. They qualified based on their best 5 of 8 qualifying races.  The final 2 races were in the Methow this weekend.

This week we are going to try something different for the elementary: Wednesday only at Cabin Creek. We will drive up from Super 1, ski, eat some pizza, and then bring kids back at 7PM.

Monday: No activity

Tues 3:15 Middle & High School Group Blewett CLASSIC Return to EHS 6:00

Wed Elementary Skating at Cabin Creek Meet at Super 1 at 3:20 Return at 7 (full of pizza)

Thurs 3:15 EHS Middle & High School Group Mineral Springs or Blewett SKATING Return to EHS 5:45PM

Sunday: Cabin Creek Skating 10AM-1PM- we will do a longer session on Sunday.  Meet EHS 9AM return 2PM

Jessica and Heather had a suggestions for a fundraiser- a lesson for adults.  If there is interest we could do that Sunday after the kids.  If you are interested, send me an email.

Looking ahead.  Feb 24th Washington Nordic Cup 4 in Plain.  The race may be farther up the valley- it depends on snow.

Feb 5-11

Isak winning the 5k Stampede

We had a great week of skiing this week, and Gwynnie (2k), Gavin (15k), Garrett (5k), Avega (2k), Ethan (1k), Isak (5k) and Audrey (5k) represented us well in the Stampede races today.  Congratulations to all!

We have some seriously warm weather in the forecast, so plans might change based on snow.  Check your email and/or remind.  

Plan A is the same as last week.  One note: since we are going to Manastash each day, it is ok for Middle & High Schoolers to “tag along” on Mondays and/or Wednesdays if we have room in vehicles.  

Mon Elementary Classic at Manastash Meet at Super 1 at 3:20 Return at 5:30

Tues 3:15 Middle & High School Group Manastash CLASSIC Return to EHS 6:00

Wed Elementary Skating or Classic at Manastash Meet at Super 1 at 3:20 Return at 5:30  

Thurs 3:15 EHS Middle & High School Group Manastash SKATING Return to EHS 5:45PM

Friday-Sunday: Methow Valley trip.  We are planning to meet at EHS at 3:15 PM, and depart as soon as rides are sorted out (people can headlamp ski Friday night if they are inspired).  For those racing, information and registration is here (note that you must register by Thursday evening):

http://methowvalleynordic.com/event/race-of-the-methow-2018/

Sunday 10-noon at Cabin Creek, Skating, for those not going to the Methow Valley. Let Carey know if you’d like to carpool: carey.gazis@gmail.com

Jan 29-Feb 4

Hello Skiers-

An intrepid group made the trek to Mt. Bachelor and had a fantastic weekend.  We experienced the full spectrum of winter, from snow and wind to sun and warm.  Isak, Uhuru and Audrey represented Ellensburg well in the races.  It was a nice day at Cabin Creek as well.  And we skied at Manastash all week- Thursday was the best day of the season so far up there.

Before I get into this week, a future event.  Email Heather Hazlett if you want to come to the Methow Feb 9-11.  She is arranging lodging.   Please email her at hhazlett@rufusenterprises.com

A big hit this weekend was this music video about biathlon.

Mon Elementary Classic at Manastash Meet at Super 1 at 3:20 Return at 5:30

Tues 3:15 Middle & High School Group Manastash CLASSIC Return to EHS 6:00

Wed Elementary Skating or Classic at Manastash Meet at Super 1 at 3:20 Return at 5:30  

Thurs 3:15 EHS Middle & High School Group Manastash SKATING Return to EHS 6PM

Sunday: Kongsberger Stampede at Cabin Creek

This is a fun event that is open to all.  It is part of the Washington Nordic Cup, a series of races that are low key, low cost, and maximize fun.  (wncup.org)  Everyone can race if they want.  The races are freestyle, which means most people will skate.  Classic is ok.

THERE IS NO DAY OF RACE REGISTRATION! PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.  THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR U14* AND YOUNGER, BUT YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER BY 9PM FEB 3RD.

*skiing has 2-year age groups: U20 is 1999 and 1998; U18 is 2000 and 2001;  U16 is 2002 and 2003; U14 is 2004 and 2005; U12 is 2006 and 2007; U10 is 2008 and 2009; U8 is 2010 and 2011; U6 is 2012 and younger.

Registration U16-20: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=124223

Registration U8-U14: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=125412

U6 or anyone doing the 0.5k does not need to register- we are not timing that race - they will just ski around a course and then get a lollipop.

Race Schedule:

10AM Stampede 15k

10:06 approx Stampede 5k (U16-U20)

10:55 2k U12-U14

10:57 1k U8-U10

10:59 Lollipop 0.5k (untimed)

I would recommend arriving about 9:30 to check in and get organized.

Jan 22-28

Elementary Parents expressed an interest in getting to snow. We will give this a try!

Mon Elementary Classic at Manastash Meet at Super 1 at 3:20 Return at 5:30.  Carey will check on conditions in the morning and if it is not good we will modify.  Check your email and Remind.

Tues 3:15 Middle & High School Group Manastash CLASSIC Return to EHS 6:00

Wed Elementary Skating or Classic at Manastash Meet at Super 1 at 3:20 Return at 5:30.  

Thurs 3:15 EHS Middle & High School Group Manastash SKATING Return to EHS 5:45.

The races in Utah were cancelled due to lack of snow.  Instead PNSA is holding a Saturday-Sunday race weekend at Mount Bachelor.  Jeff will take an intrepid group of skiers Friday-Sunday.  We have limited spaces to go to- please email me if interested. Cost for food, gas about $50.  Trail pass or race registration extra.  Race registration at: http://mbsef.org/nordic/races

Sun 10AM-noon Cabin Creek SKATING

Feb 9-11 Methow Valley.  If families are willing to commit, we can get a house for this weekend.  It would be great if someone is willing to take a lead on this.  Email if interested in coming or taking the lead.

Remind: If you want to get updates to your phone, sign up for Remind.  Text “@e4fbb8” to the number 81010

Jan 15-21

We had a great weekend in Spokane, and a great ski and treasure hunt at Cabin Creek.  It is looking a lot more like winter out here!

Tuesday Skating 3:15 EHS return 6 PM.  Jeff and Carey are out of town, but Ali will drive.  Skiing will be a either Mineral Springs (freshly groomed Monday) or Manastash.

Wednesday Elementary 3:30-4:45 Rotary Park North Parking Lot.  Bring classic skis, boots, and poles AND shoes.

Thursday  CLASSIC  3:15 EHS return 6 PM.  Likely Manastash.

Sunday Cabin Creek Skating 10AM-noon Carpool from EHS 9AM return 1PM.

Jan 8-14

Uhuru, Audrey, Linnea, Isak on the podium at Leavenworth

We had a great week last week with some great skiing on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as some fun games on Wednesday.  This week we are on our "normal" schedule:

Monday Elementary 3:30-4:45 Rotary Park North Parking Lot.  Bring classic skis, boots, and poles AND shoes.  We may find some snow patches to play on.  We will play some games as well.

Tuesday Skating 3:15 EHS return 6 or 7 PM.  We will drive to Cabin Creek or Blewett pass if there is grooming.  If Blewett is groomed we will get back earlier.

Wednesday Elementary 3:30-4:45 Rotary Park North Parking Lot.  Bring classic skis, boots, and poles AND shoes- same as Monday

Tuesday Skating 3:15 EHS return 6 or 7 PM.  Same as Tuesday.

Friday-Sunday Mt. Spokane Trip.  Meet Friday 3:15 at EHS (people can leave duffel bags with me in the morning).  Saturday Classic Races, Sunday Skate races.  You are welcome to come to ski without racing (there are lots of trails not involved in the races).  Please email me ASAP so we can coordinate drivers and number of seats. 

Sunday Cabin Creek Classic 10AM-noon for all those not going to Mt. Spokane.  Carpool possible from EHS 9AM return 1PM.

Happy New Year!  We are excited to ski with you this week!

Ski team jackets and race suits are available until Jan 9th.  Order online here.  About Jan 25th the gear will be shipped to us and we will hand them out at practice.

Wednesday 3:30-4:45 EHS Room E105 Elementary Group.  Bring skis, boots, poles, as well as outside shoes.  We will do a lesson on ski basics, equipment, clothing, and then an outside game.  (I am a little nervous about all the ice at Rotary so that is why we will meet inside.)

Thursday 3:15-7PM Skate Ski at Cabin Creek for Middle/High School Group.  Bring a headlamp and snacks.

There are two races this weekend.  They are both fun events.  Skirennen is more youth friendly.  Experienced high school racers might want to do the Gunnar Hagen.  Even if you don't race, there will be lots of good skiing at both places both days!

Saturday Skirennen at Leavenworth Golf Course.  This is a fun Washington Cup event.  The races are freestyle (skate or classic) and are for all ages, from under 8 to adult (first race 9:15AM).  More information here.

Sunday Gunnar Hagen Memorial.  This is a classic event (no skating allowed), with a 7.5 km race and no shorter races (the Skirennen will have the shorter races for the weekend.)  First race is at 10AM.  More information here.  (We will not have our normal Sunday all-ages session because of the race.)

Finally looking farther ahead, some of us will travel to Mt. Spokane Jan 12-14th.  There are races there, but people can travel to enjoy skiing in a different area.  We will be staying in Spokane (about 45 minutes from the ski area) in a house all together (Thanks Dr. McCarthy!)  Race registration link is here.

Lots of fun coming up!

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.