WINTERSPORTS -- The snow-cat groomer operator will be setting tracks tonight for the first time this season on the cross-country ski trails at Mount Spokane State Park.

"We just finished our second go-round of clearing trees off the trails from the second wind storm," Steve Christensen, state park manager said at noon today. Hundreds of trees were toppled onto the 60-kilometer trail system on Nov. 17 and again last week.

"We have a new groomer operator and the previous operator will be going out with him tonight," he said. "The goal is to get all the trails groomed except Outer Limits, where there's some sort of logging operation going on."  Most trails have already been packed and tracked this season.

Spokane Nordic Ski Association, which has been leading the volunteer effort to clear trails, is switching gears into skiing mode with sign-ups for its annual Nordic Kids cross-country skiing program.

Adult nordic skiing lessons in classic and skating techniques are available through the club by appointment.  The $30 donation for lessons goes to the club's trail maintenance fund.  To sign up

The Mount Spokane nordic trails Snow Line has been activated for the season and is updated most mornings by 7:30 a.m. Call (509) 238-4025.

Washington Sno-Park passes are required on all vehicles using the state park's snowshoe, snowmobile and nordic ski parking areas.  Get them on line or at Fitness Fanatics, Mountain Gear or REI.  A Sno-Park permit with a grooming sticker is required for the Selkirk Lodge parking area at the start of the groomed cross-country ski trail system.