skiing

Methow trails draw crowds, but solitude's near

Ron Judd — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

METHOW VALLEY — The sign at the new trailhead parking lot in Winthrop says it all: "NO TRAIL SWEEP."

No, it doesn't mean you're prohibited from cleaning up after yourself. In the parlance of cross-country skiing, it is a message both simple and liberating:

You're on your own, pardner. Got it?

Crystal's backcountry just got closer

Greg Johnston — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

When you look down from the top of Crystal Mountain's new Northway chairlift, everything that sprawls below is diamonds -- as in double-black diamond steeps.

To your left is a daunting, almost vertical drop into Northway Bowl; same thing directly in front of you and on your near right. Farther out you see a cliff band that separates North Bowl from Morning Glory Bowl and more steeps, and down below pretty glade runs twist and snake through big green forest -- 1,000 acres of terrain in all.

It's all downhill from here: Ski season arrives

Monica Fischer — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:26:07 -0800

Dude. We're totally stoked.

Thanks to a prewinter blast Monday that delivered nearly a foot and a half of snow, the Mount Baker Ski Area will open Thursday. Chairs 3 through 8 in the White Salmon Base Area will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Trail profiles: Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:48:16 -0700

For their own safety, first-time snowriders are shepherded to a specific area near the base of the resort. The terrain is not, however, the typical, flat, parking-lot variety to which many other ski areas relegate beginners. The trails are wide and gentle but with just enough of a pitch to challenge novice snowriders. They are real confidence builders. The Red, Buttercup, and Daisy chairs provide access to these trails and are located to the left of the lodge as you look up the mountain.

Trail profiles: Mount Baker

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:48:16 -0700

The Baker lift circuit stretches out over two peaks within spitting distance of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. Chairs 1, 2, 3 and 6 provide access to the 5,000-foot Panorama Dome, while 4, 5, 7, and 8 service the 5,540-foot Shuksan Arm. Baker operates two major parking lots, each servicing one of the two peaks. From each lot, the top is just two chair rides away. Shifting from one peak to the next is just a couple of chair lifts as well.

More about Stevens Pass

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:48:16 -0700

Established way back in 1937 in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie and Wenatchee National Forests, Stevens humbly began with a Ford V-8 engine, an assortment of wheels and shafts, and a hunk of rope. Total investment for the two young founders from Seattle - Don Adams and Bruce Kehr - was less than $600. Tickets sold for 5 cents per ride, and gross ticket sales were $88 for the first season. Because Highway 2 was closed during the winter at the town of Scenic, determined skiers would hike the last six miles or buy an 18-cent, one-way train ticket.

Trail profiles: Cooper Spur Ski and Rec Area

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:48:15 -0700

Most of Cooper Spur's seven trails are rated intermediate to lower advanced. Round About is the steepest run and tends to get bumped up after a busy weekend. The rest of the trails are groomed on a regular basis and cover short rolling slopes that are all below the treeline.

Novice skiers and boarders spend their time in the rope tow area. The slope is nearly flat and right outside of the lodge.

Snowboarding highlights

More lodging and dining: Crystal Mountain

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:48:06 -0700

Lodging on-site

Alta Crystal Resort offers a 1920's lodge, chalets with fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens, log cabins, hot tub, and heated pool; call for current rates and packages; 1-800-277-6475 or (360) 663-2500 or www.altacrystalresort.com

Crystal Mountain Hotels offers three hotels, the Alpine Inn, Quicksilver Lodge, and the Village Inn, with ski to your door convenience, large stone fireplace, balconies, and continental breakfast; call for current rates and packages; 1-888-SKI-6400 or (360) 663-2262 or www.crystalhotels.com

More about Crystal Mountain

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:48:05 -0700

Boyne's most noticeable contribution thus far is the installation of the Northwest's first six-passenger high-speed chairlifts - the Forest Queen and Chinook Express. Forest Queen - a state-of-the-art Doppelmyer lift - replaced

Trail profiles: Crystal Mountain

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:48:05 -0700

From the top of "Rex" - the local name for the Rainier Express lift - skiers and snowboarders can access terrain for all ability levels, including the local-favorite Green Valley area. This medium-sized bowl faces northeast and shelters skiers from harsher weather. The bowl frequently has the best snow on the mountain - without having to hike into the