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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Quartz Mountain Ski Tour

By Rich Landers richl@spokesman.com(509) 459-5508

CHECK IT OUT

Distance: 7.5 miles (12.6K)

Difficulty: Moderate

Skiing time: 1-2 hours

Season: Mid-Nov. through mid-April

Maps: Mount Spokane Ski Trails, available at Selkirk Lodge

Info: Mount Spokane State Park, 456-4169

SKI TOURING TRIP NOTES

Access: Approach Mount Spokane State Park on Highway 206 (Mount Spokane Park Drive), accessible from north Spokane off U.S. Highway 2, or from Interstate 90 in the Spokane Valley by heading north on Argonne Road. Enter park just past Resort at Mount Spokane and drive 3-1/4 miles. As road bears left and downhill toward alpine ski area, turn right into Sno-Park area. Continue through first Sno-Park lot to second large lot. Nordic trail system begins at Selkirk Lodge.

Attractions: Featured route incorporates latest addition to Mount Spokane State Park’s 24-kilometer trail system. Quartz Mountain Trail, completed for 1997-98 season, is the system’s most remote stretch, beautifully designed by Inland Empire Nordic Club volunteers Bob Holcomb and Sam Schlieder to take advantage of topography. Trail is never dull. Combined with other recommended trails, this route forms loop that avoids trail system’s more extreme terrain. Skate this route for good hour-long workout, or take daypack and lunch to make afternoon tour.

Comments: Even though grooming usually is excellent on these trails, icy conditions can make even modest downhills fast and difficult for novice skiers.

Route begins with uphill on Brian’s Hill Trail to get you warm. Also has good view before dropping to Junction 1. Bear right and downhill onto Larch Trail, which eventually climbs to Junction 2. Follow gentle roadbed of Lodge Pole Trail to Nova Hut, which has warming stove, emergency gear and outhouse. Bear right around hut short way (toward Silver Trail), then drop down to left onto Quartz Mountain Trail.

First half of trail mostly downhill, with fast thrills at S-curve corners. Thrills end after about 4K at hairpin turn, where trail starts 1K-climb. Still, most skiers prefer doing Quartz Mountain Trail in counterclockwise direction.

At Junction 5, you can extend trip by making sharp right turn and heading out around Shadow Mountain. To continue the featured route, bear gently right at junction onto Raven Glide Trail, which generally stays shaded and can be fast.

At Junction 4, bear right onto Hemlock, which ends with climb to Junction 2. Make sharp right onto Sam’s Swoop. Stay right at Junction 1 for easy glide on Mountain View Trail back to Selkirk Lodge.

Washington State Sno-Park permit required for parking. Permits available at Resort at Mount Spokane (formerly Kirk’s Lodge), ski shops or state park offices. For updates on trail conditions, call (509) 238-4025.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map: Quartz Mountain Ski Tour

The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = COLUMN - Routes: Classic Trips in the Inland Northwest