Weekly Update Jan 27, 2014

We just got back from 3 days of fantastic skiing at Mount Bachelor.  Magnus and Uhuru raced the Junior National Qualifiers, turning in impressive races on the hilly courses at 6300ft elevation.  Salma, Tess, Jib, Apollo and Nils also made the trip and enjoyed the skiing.  Jib gets the most improved award- she was flying (and smiling) down the big hills by the end.

Did we mention the snow was great, and it was warm and SUNNY!?  Jealous?  That's what I'm going for- next time we make a trip like that you won't want to miss it!

And we have SNOW in the forecast for Tuesday evening.  A few inches could really help things out at Cabin Creek.

WEDNESDAY SKATING at cabin creek.  Meet at EHS at 3:20 to carpool.  Return 640.

SUNDAY 10AM-NOON Cabin Creek.  Classic.

Upcoming events and changes (get out that Family Calendar and mark it up!)

February 8th (Saturday) Jente Loppet.  2.5k race for all 18 and under boys and girls.  5k and 10k females only.  Information at http://www.snoqualmienordic.org/jente-loppet---2014

Presidents day weekend: The Junior National Qualifier has been moved from Cabin Creek to Spokane.  We'll probably have some folks heading over Fri-Sun and also Sat (after all state music) evening to ski Sunday.  Depending on snow it might be worth staying to ski Monday.  More later. 

Feb 22nd Hog Loppet- not a race, but a grand tour from the top of Mission Ridge to Blewett Pass (about 30k, but a net downhill- but not all downhill).  The event is $55, but the price goes up to $75 on Friday.  The Hashimoto's will probably do it.  Check it out at http://www.skileavenworth.com/events/hog-loppet 

Feb 28th-March1st Ski Weekend.  I had rented a place in Winthrop, but got worried because of the lack of snow there.  I am working on an alternate location where we can walk out the door to ski (perhaps White Pass).

Weekly Update January 20th

We had some great skiing this week!  Despite low snow, conditions at Cabin Creek were surprisingly good.  It was great to get above the fog and see the sun on Mt. Amabilis.  It was inspiring to me to see everyone's enthusiasm in making the climb.  This week we'll ski Wednesday.  Jeff is taking some people to Mt. Bachelor this weekend, while Carey is representing skiers at a Washington Winter Recreation (Sno-Park) meeting.  We encourage those who are able to meet Sunday, even though neither of us will be there.

Wednesday: SKATING.  Meet EHS @ 3:20, ski till dark, return 6:30.  We had plenty of seats last week, so parents you don't need to drive unless you want to.

Sunday:  Sunday- if people meet at 10AM then a bunch of kids can ski and enjoy the snow.  Again, Carey and Jeff will be away.  If anyone wants to bring snacks, I'm sure they'd be appreciated.

Mt. Bachelor: we could fit another person or two if interested.  Leaving after school Friday, Returning Monday afternoon (no school that day).

Weekly Update Jan 12 2014

Hill Bounding in Reed Park Wednesday

"Bound like a deer!"

Tumwater was great- a real highlight was the obstacle course.  And of course Jib and Katja's first cross country ski.  We had an enjoyable hill bounding/capture the flag game as well Wednesday.

Wednesday:  Meet EHS front parking lot 3:20-return 6:30 for skiing at Cabin Creek.  Skate or Classic (skiers choice).  The road is groomed for skating, but it's pretty thin and there are no tracks.  If conditions deteriorate, we'll opt for another dryland session.  We'll try to hit the road quickly so we can maximize our use of daylight.

Weekend: Gunnar Hagen Race will likely be canceled or changed to radically different format (like a 1+ hour hillclimb!)  Probably not the best for juniors.  We had planned a youth race Monday but will likely change this as well.  One idea is to go to White Pass Monday- they're open and report good conditions.  We'll have to play this by ear!  We'll do something Monday.

Weekly Update for January 5-12

Do your snow dances!

Ski events this week: Wednesday dryland training & Sat/Sun Leavenworth Races

Wednesday Jan 8th @ Ellensburg High School Room E105 3:30-4:30.  Bring poles and wear running shoes.  We'll go up to Reed Park and work on some dryland drills.  ALL AGES WELCOME- We'll split into older/younger groups.

Saturday/Sunday There is no snow at Cabin Creek, except up on Mt. Amabalis.  Mt. Amabalis is pretty steep.  There is no snow in Leavenworth, although there is skiing 15 minutes towards Stevens Pass at Tumwater Campground.  Leavenworth is holding races Saturday at Tumwater for those born 2002 or later.  Leavenworth is holding races Saturday and Sunday at Stevens Pass Nordic area for those born 2001 or earlier.  Details on the races are here.  Let us know if you are planning to race these races- we can help with wax and support.  Jeff will be at Stevens Pass both days.

WE ARE ON FOR SUNDAY:  Carey is going to teach a lesson from 10AM-noon at Tumwater campground.  The terrain is beginner friendly and a great place to get used to skis.  It's about 90 minutes from Ellensburg.

Again, do your snow dances!

Adult Clinic December 21st

Come enjoy the first day of winter and improve your skiing skills.  We did this clinic at the end of the year before but are moving it to December.  That way you'll have something to work on all year.

Time: 10AM - noon, December 21st @ Cabin Creek (meet at Stadium) Snow permitting...

Technique: Skate or Classic

Ability Levels: All

Youth are welcome to ski also.

Cost: Free (although donations to Ellensburg Ski Team are welcome)

Ellensburg Ski Team 2014 Overview

Ellensburg Ski Team 2013-2014

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.

Schedule

Wednesday afternoons (Jan 8-Feb 26)- 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 for snow

Monday and Thursday afternoons (optional session for advanced skiers- snow or dryland)

·      3:30-5:30 meet at West Ellensburg Park or Ellensburg High School

Weekends: Standard is Sundays 10AM-noon at Cabin Creek but there are many special events

^•      Jan 11^th - 12^th  Races in Leavenworth (http://www.skileavenworth.com/events/bavarian-cup) - not recommended if its your first time on skis this year. Non-racing option - Lesson at 1 pm on Sunday at Leavenworth Ski Hill

·      Jan 19^th Gunnar Hagen 10k (for older/advanced skiers)

·      Jan 20^th MLK Day (Monday) 11AM  youth race at Cabin Creek (freestyle, classic or skate technique)

·      Jan 26^th 10AM-noon @ Cabin Creek

·      Feb 2^nd 10AM-noon @ Cabin Creek

·      Feb 9^th 10AM-noon at Cabin Creek

·      Feb 15^th  Classic Race at Cabin Creek 9AM (ages 12 and up) and 10:30 (younger than 12)

·      Feb 22^nd (Saturday) Hog Loppet- a 30k ski tour from Mission Ridge to Blewett Pass.

·      Feb 28^th - March 2^nd Methow Valley Trip.  Cost $120 includes lodging, food, transportation.

·      Jente Loppet – date and time TBA race at Hyak (freestyle).  Lesson for all (racers and nonracers) following race

Cost- there is no charge for participation in the program.  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.

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 8^th or on January 12^th (1 pm at Leavenworth Ski Hill). 

Sign Up- access the web form at http://goo.gl/dfiUwk

Questions: email jeffhashimoto@gmail.com