Sun Mountain Ski Tour

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Distance: 4-1/2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Season: Late November through March

Maps: Sun Mountain Ski Trails, by Methow Valley Sport Trails Assoc.

Info: Sun Mountain Lodge, (509) 996-2211

SKI TOURING TRIP NOTES

Access: From Highway 20, just south of Methow River bridge at south edge of Winthrop, turn west on Twin Lakes Road. Following signs to Sun Mountain Lodge, go about 3 miles and turn right onto Patterson Lake Road. Go about 5 miles and turn left to Chickadee Trailhead. (Main road bends right and heads uphill 1 mile to Sun Mountain Lodge.)

Attractions: While this route comprises only fraction of trail system, it incorporates some thrilling, well-designed single-track skiing - especially in fast snow conditions. Rodeo Trail has several short, steep drops designed to muster almost enough speed in fast conditions to carry momentum to top of subsequent short, steep uphills. Sun Mountain trails usually first to be groomed among Methow Valley’s 150-kilometer trail system. Trails groomed for classic or skating techniques. Full services at Sun Mountain Lodge, including ski rentals and instruction. New day lodge at Chickadee Trailhead has warming room and food.

Comments: All other trails at Sun Mountain seem tame after this tour - with exception of steep chutes coming down from top of Thompson Pass. Trails well-signed. Maps available at trailhead or Sun Mountain Lodge.

From trailhead, ski up Thompson Pass Road short way and turn right on Little Wolf Creek Road. Take first sharp right onto one-way Rodeo Trail, rated “most difficult.” Get ready for 1/2 kilometer of frantic fun before trail mellows in hardwood forest.

At junction, turn right and ski down past Homestead. Bear left onto wider double-tracked trail called Fox Loop. Bear right at next three junctions to head around Aqua Loop.

Follow Little Wolf Creek Road westward back to junction and turn left, then immediately right onto Yellow Jacket Trail. This is another one-way trail with several sweeping downhills that are less dramatic than Rodeo. At next junction turn left on Little Wolf Creek Road. Then backtrack downhill on Thompson Ridge Road to trailhead.

Speed seekers will love this tour when conditions call for violet klister. Skiers a little wobbly in icy conditions should beware.

Skiers must have Methow Valley Sports Trail Association passes, available at Chickadee Trailhead, Sun Mountain Lodge or ski shops and lodges in Winthrop. Adult cost $10 for half day, $13 for full day or $30 for three days.

Other helpful telephone numbers for skiers headed to area include Methow Valley Central Reservations (800) 422-3048 and Methow Valley Sports Trails Association recreation report, (800) 682-5787.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map of Sun Mountain Ski Tour area

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