Trip report by Susan McClung for Callaghan/Whistler, April 9 and 10: Two members, Jerry and Susan McClung, went to the Callaghan Valley/Whistler Oympic Park and had 2 sunny, blue sky days of skiing with almost perfect conditions on Saturday morning, then still excellent Spring conditions in the late afternoon and on Sunday. These world class systems of trails are 2.5 hours north of Bellingham. Jerry judged there was about 3 feet of snow at the base camp level, with 4 feet not all that much higher. There were people of all ages enjoying the skiing. Next weekend is the the last of the season for the Whistler Olympic Park Trails; the Callaghan Country trails are open until May 2nd.
Trip report by Kurt Duey for Hollyburn, April 10:Seven members; Don Hicks, Mary Lou Stern, Ron Sawyer, Cathy Cameron, Kurt Duey, Shelia Hardy, and Ed Halacz went to Hollyburn on Saturday at 1000. It was sunny and pleasent with 50 degrees and several feet of groomed snow. Many families where out and all ages were in evidence at this popular trail system. It is 1.5 hours from Bellingham, just N.W. of Vancouver. Next weekend is the last of the season at Hollyburn. Try to get out in the morning as the snow will be more firm then.
Hollyburn, Thursday 3/18/10
by Don Hicks
Three of us, Cathy Cameron, Dick Etter, and I went to Hollyburn on Thursday March 18, 2010.b The winter weather the week before had resulted in 2-1/2 to 3 feet of snow on the XC area still remaining at this time. There was no bare ground as was extensive on the last trip before the Olympics. The warm weather the previous 3 days with freezing nights had cause the snow to be hard.b But the excellent grooming made it skiable in the morning, if fast.b It was below freezing when we arrived at 10 AM and warmed steadily through out the day reaching a high of +5 Celsius at 3 PM which made the surface much softer and better skiing after lunch.b We all had a great time, except that Dick pulled something in his leg in a fall that limited his afternoon skiing.b It would appear that canceling the club trip on Saturday,March 13th, was premature as it snowed all week after I canceled.b Although it was still snowing on Saturday.b The XC skiing conditions on Sunday were described as "awesome" on their web site
New Year's weekend 2010, Logan Lake
by Susan McClung
Referring to our food and accommodations at Highland House, and to the skiing, Jerry said there was one trouble about everything: He could not find anything to complain about! This is high praise indeed. Everyone thorough enjoyed the comfortable accommodations, the great food, the cheerful host and hostess, and the fine skiing to be had. The community trails at Logan Lake are well signed with a variety of terrain. There is even an illuminated night loop. Nearby trail systems Stake Lake and Kane Valley provided enjoyment in different yet venues. Kudos to Kurt for arranging this outing again this year.
Manning Resort, MLK weekend, 2010
by Jim Rhodes
The skiing was superb We arrived at Lightning Lake before 10, skied up South Gibson, took the requisite trip on the T-bar, skied back down North Gibson. The sun was increasingly shining during the day. It looked like the last grooming had been Sunday. A skiff of new powder was on top of the rather hard base, making for easy skiing. Nobody had been on North Gibson since last track setting, and we were treated to various animal tracks the entire distance.
| Our club members at Strawberry Flats 
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Saturday, Jan 30, White Pass
by Jim Rhodes
In Southwestern WA, there is no snow below about 4000 ft. The White Pass Ski Area's Nordic trails are not all that long. But they were well set, winding through mature forest, with a lake and a viewpoint of the valley. We skied all of the trails, some twice, in 3 hours and saw others more than once. Nobody wears skin suits. By afternoon, heavy snow was plopping out of the trees under overcast skies, above freezing conditions. Still, the skiing was good. While this is'nt a destination resort, it certainly is a great stop going from one place to another.
There are many Sno-Parks from Mt. Rainier to the Columbia River. All are below snow line this year. We checked out North Fork Tieton, about 7 miles east of the pass. It's icky -no snow to speak of and sloppy. It's one of the highest, with many others being about the same elevation as Salmon Ridge.
Report on The Logan Lake Trip, February 18,19,20,21. 2011 for President's Day
by Kurt Duey
Logan Lake was once again a success. The group was impressed by the accommodation at the Highland House. I heard many comments about how nice the place was. Folks were quite impressed with the quiet yet convenient location and the dramatic but comfortable living room. The
rooms were a comfortable retreat from the public area. A few had trouble with the heat in their room's, at night, (too much). The hot tub was used several days.
The hosts, Don and Doreen, were friendly and helpful. Meals were plentiful and well served. The evenings found many of us watching the Canadian Olympics on the big screen in the living room; Steve was a welcome member, with his athletic regimen; No doubt, Steve skied the most. Don, Ron and I skied together most days. We had an excellent ski around Hill's Homestead at Kane Valley on Friday. An inch or two had fallen the night before, on a groomed base. The temperature was 27 to 36 degrees so it was slow but manageable; Saturday we skied to the north end of Logan Lake's trails, to Beyond Outer Limits; It was
clear out and again mostly below freezing. While the trails were groomed they hadn't had much use. We only saw a few skiers all day.
Along with the usual moose and deer tracks, I saw wild horse and wolf as well. Sunday we went to Stake Lake to ski; here was a motorcycle race going on at the lake and many local skiers were not there. Needing
some alone time, I skied the outer perimeter of the trails; Once around the trail was enough for me, so I retired to the warming hut to read and wait for Ron and Don. Again I had my third day of good skiing with over six inches of snow; Stake Lake's impeccable skiing always makes the best of the snow available.
Alice, Nancy, Linda and Connie skied together. They seemed to be having a grand time. Rhyma had one of her skis delaminate the first day and had to go to Kamloops to buy a new pair. She and Kathy had to leave early to catch a flight. No one was sick or injured during the trip. Complaints were minimal and many compliments were heard, so I would have to say the trip was a good idea and I have booked similar trips for next year. December 30, 31, 2010 and January 1 & 2, 2011 for a New Year's trip and
RJim Rhodes provided a wealth of reports for the week, March 7-14, 2010, that he and Sue spent skiing in the Okanagan, visiting several locations. The area has numerous places to ski, especially if you stretch it to include places on the way home on Hwy 3. Starting from the north, there are:
Since all of these areas, except Manning, are volunteer-run clubs, their web sites tend to tell the full truth about conditions. We chose to drive Hwy 97C to Kelowna and work south for this trip, as we've been to Vernon in the past. For future reference school spring break is TWO long weeks and started March 8 this year. That causes lodging to be a bit fuller.
Kelowna Nordic
The trails got a small amount of dry snow March 7 on top of a very hard, icy base. The skiing was superb. The area has mostly easy and intermediate trails, so one of any ability can make it to most corners of the area. The trails are very wide, perfectly flat, and extremely well groomed. The scenery varies between newly planted forest and mature trees, with swamps and ponds for added enjoyment. Animal tracks were everywhere. Best of all, the number of people there on weekdays was minimal. 3 other people we know of on Monday and 5 cars on Tuesday, although we didn't see most of those people. They have as many kilometers of snowshoe trails as ski trails, with their own map. Everything is well marked, with accurate maps at each intersection. The grooming on Tuesday left the bottom of the classic track somewhat icy, although they've shared in the new snow this week since we left. In addition to a nice main cabin, there are two clean cabins with wood stoves, dry firewood, and tables strategically placed. This just became one of our favorite spots to ski.
Pay on your honor, stuff $10 in the box, and sign the book inside the lodge.
Lodging isn't convenient, which means a hotel or B & B in Kelowna 35 km away. Big White downhill area is between Kelowna and the Nordic area. It offers condos and hotels. We took a driving tour of Big White and were not impressed with the road up there or the commercial feel.
Telemark
We looked at Telemark on Tuesday, March 9. You couldn't hardly stand up on the ice. The area faces the sun and is lower than Kelowna Nordic, so is essentially done for the season. We chose to ski a second day at Kelowna Nordic rather than ski here. Their web site does have a great links page on it.
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate is very high, and thus provided good skiing even without new snow on Wednesday and Thursday, March 10 and 11. The area stays below freezing, so does not have the icy base that almost everyone else has this year. They received received new snow after Sue and I left, and are fully groomed. Grooming is also extremely well done here. The groomer is out daily, although outlying trails had not been recently groomed at time of our visit. While Nickel Plate claims 70% easy trails, I'd class this trail system more intermediate, especially if you want to see all of the different areas. But, tracks are on good, wide roads. Under good snow conditions, most of the trails can be navigated by a less sure skier. Terrain includes a huge open meadow, any combination of recently logged, new trees, and mature forest, and a fair amount of elevation change. Their snow shoe system is also extensive and appears to be well marked, with several designated loops. They also have ski and snow shoe rental equipment. If you get tired of skiing, there is a large day lodge to curl up and read a book in, and with nice restrooms.
Fee is $14 and US money is fine, along with some combination of debit/credit cards, but not all.
This is a long drive from Penticton, but only 6 km from Apex downhill area. We chose to pay the freight for convenience and stayed at Saddleback B&B at Apex. The room, hosts, and breakfast were all very pleasant. While rates are steeper than in town, it is highly convenient to be less than 10 minutes from skiing.
China Ridge
We drove up to China Ridge on March 11 and would consider it "done"for the season. It started snowing on Thursday, and they weren't sharing in the wealth at all. It is convenient to Princeton and would be a good place to check out on the way to/from elsewhere, given better conditions.
Manning Park
It started snowing Thursday afternoon and continued at least through mid-day on Friday. Parts for the broken down groomer arrived on Thursday, and they resumed grooming Thursday night. We skied Friday morning under wet, falling snow, with additional new snow accumulating. While the forecast was for above freezing temperatures during the day, I'd expect continued good skiing for some time at Manning. This last snow dump should give them a renewed winter season, and of course it is in reach as a day trip. If you choose to stay for a couple days, Manning Resort is running different specials that help take the hit out of the steep lodging prices. They've got a stay 2 nights in the lodge weekdays for the price of 1. We availed ourselves of a police/fire/medical professional special that dropped $50 off the 1 night price and included trail passes.
Report on China Ridge, and Nickelplate, March 9 and 10
Kurt Duey
Don Hicks and I stopped at China Ridge on Tuesday. It was below freezing but the snow had been melting and now, frozen hard, it is slick and dangerous. 2 centimeters of snow on top of it, made it much easier to ski but it was still lumpy and slick. I took a few falls but nothing serious. One was while standing still. What a pro I am! We stayed in Keremeos at the Elk Motel. 220.35 CDN for three nights, two queen beds. It was clean, quiet, and the beds were comfortable. We skied Nickelplate Wednesday. It was divine. They had 4 centimeters of powder over a groomed trail. Very few places like Nickelplate this season. 6000 feet elevation helps. It was partly sunny and at 26 degrees. The track was groomed to a high standard, with the tracks where they belonged. Don met Jim and Sue Rhodes at the warming hut by accident. Surprise!Jim was impressed with the snow also. Sue was reaking a book in the comfortable clubhouse lounge.
It seems as if everything is perfect on these trails. I was told they have about 500 members, all paying $110 CDN for yearly dues. a very impressive club. Thursday had high winds in Keremeos. Clouds were in the high country. A personal computing book showed less wind higher up, so off we went to Nickelplate again. We had our shells and we needed them. Winds around 10 to 20 mph were frigid at 22 degrees. Still I have to say it was another good day, with the snow firmer and minor drifting running onto the trail. We had our warm gear and were comfortable as long as we kept moving. Most of the restaurants in Keremeos were of poor quality with the exception of the Benja Thai Restaurant. Great fresh decor and Thai food as good as Bellingham. Higher prices but well worth it, considering the alternative. While the Elk Motel will do I would like to see this become a club trip. There is a three bed cabin (sleeps maximum of 8) about 50 minutes away from Nickelplate for Located in Cawston, check out Breeze Inn on the web.
Still Smiling Don Hicks reported:
Yes, the trip was awesome (except for the food)!
The breeze was not as bad as Kurt might indicate, it was 10-20 kilometers per Hour, not mph I think, and was often calm in the trees. Also the club's dues were $155 per year!!! Trail passes were only $14. What an excellent place and outstanding grooming on excellent trails.
