Nordic group preps Mount Spokane trails, reveals winter programs
WINTER SPORTS -- The hard-working volunteers from Spokane Nordic -- more helpers would be much appreciated -- are gearing up for their last trail prepping day of the year, set for Sunday, Oct 27, at the Mount Spokane cross-country ski trails.
The group already has cut and split firewood for the Selkirk Lodge and Nova Hut and cleared about 60 percent of the trails to ready them for snowfall and grooming.
Last week, 14 people showed up to help. The group says it needs at least that many people this weekend to clean up the trails from Selkirk Lodge to Junction 2 and the teaching area; plus 2 or 3 people to work on the new 8.5 km of outer trail.
Meet at Selkirk Lodge at 9 a.m. Bring work clothes, gloves, a lunch, and a friend or family member. If you have loppers or a gas-powered brush cutter/weed eater with a blade, please bring it too. Work will continue until 3 p.m., but any time you can put in is appreciated, even if you have to leave early.
What's new this Season
Spokane Nordic's newsletter is on its way to members highlighting the following new developments for cross-country skiers focused on Mount Spokane:
- 8.5 km of new trails called the Outer Limits, bringing the perimeter to over 31 km
- WinterFest -- A fun new family festival set for Jan. 19
- Youth Rangers program for kids moving beyond Nordic Kids lesson -- very cool stuff
- A freshly-painted Selkirk Lodge
- A new trailhead sign up the little hill from Selkirk Lodge.
KIDS' TRADE-UP: as of this year, there are no local ski shops offering an entry-level trade-up program for kids, although Fitness Fanatics is allowing past participants to continue. A Nordic Kids ski swap is in the works, and beginner packages are available at local ski shops for under $200.
