WINTER SPORTS — The  Methow Valley Sport Trails Association is opening portions of its 120-mile groomed nordic trail system to bicycles this year.

 Skiers headed out on a few of the nationally celebrated nordic trails that had enough snow for grooming this week.

When more snow falls, several trails will be opened to “fat bike” enthusiasts who rely on mountain bikes with oversized low-pressure tires to keep from sinking into the snow and offer more traction.

See a promotional video for snow biking.

 “We are piloting fat biking with our eyes and ears wide open,” said James DeSalvo, MVSTA executive director. 

“We believe we can manage fat biking use so that it has no greater impact to our trail platform than that of our traditional skiing public,” he said, adding that feedback would guide the future of the program.

Also new this year on MVSTA trails:

• Youths 17 and younger ski free.
• A $5 daily pass is required for skiing with dogs on trails that are open for skijoring.

Fat bikes are available for rent at Methow Cycle and Sport in Winthrop.  Rack adaptors are available for customers so they can transport rental fat bikes to the riding area.

Fat bike demo days are scheduled in the Methow Valley Dec. 16 and Jan. 13.

Click here for info on these and other Methow Valley events.

Click here for the MVSTA grooming report.

Read on for the guidelines MVSTA has established for snow biking on the trail system:

SKY WATCHING — The Northern lights put on a great show over Washington's Methow Valley last night, and the nordic ski trail operators where on the job to see the spectacle.

“Our groomer Ed got this incredible shot last night,” says the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association Facebook page.

“Last night was pretty epic,” the groomer operator said. “I didn't drive off the trail looking at the sky, but it would have been a fair excuse. Photo was taken on View Ridge Trail about 12:30 a.m. Unfortunately I didn't have my tripod so this is hand held… braced against a shut off Pisten Bully! It is a 1.6 second shot.”

Read more about the unusual solar storm bombarding the night sky today and continuing tonight.

WILDLIFE WATCHING — The diminutive pygmy owl stands less than 7 inches tall, and it's easy to miss.

Birder Teri Pieper of Twisp used her eagle eyes to spot this little guy as she skinny-skied behind friends who had swooshed past the owl in the brush just above their heads without seeing it. She was skiing near Sun Mountain Lodge on the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association trails.

The pygmy owl is an aggressive little bird that preys on rodents and other birds as large as a mourning dove.

NORDIC SKIING — If you have plans to visit the 120 miles of Methow Valley ski trails this season, check out this great Groupon deal:   Pay $25 for a three-day trails pass that normally costs $51.

TRAILS — For the first time in its 33 year history, the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association is hiring a new executive director to lead a group that's developed one of the nation's top cross-country and cycling trail systems and associated events and programs. 

The job is being vacated by Jay Lucas, who's ruddered the organization for three decades.

Based in Winthrop, the northcentral Washington group is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting environmentally sound recreation on or near the trails in the Methow Valley. The MVSTA trail system includes more than 120 miles of cross country ski trails in the winter months, and is recognized as one of the finest trail systems in North America for nordic skiing, mountain biking, trail running and hiking. 

 Compensation: $45,000 to $60,000 with benefits.  Application deadline: July 15.

Read on for details.