Ski, snowshoe, play cards on trails
Fun times for outdoor lovers is the theme of the 14th annual “Best Hand Fun Ski and Snowshoe,” next Saturday on the Fourth of July Pass trail system.
“Any ability level is welcome and people can do a shorter version of the course,” says Jim McMillen, president of the Panhandle Nordic Club. Snow lovers can ski a maximum of 8 kilometers (about 5 miles), or snowshoe on a separate 1.5K trail while being dealt five cards at points along the course. Prizes are awarded not for speed, but for the best card hands.
The event is held “rain, shine, snow or mud,” so if there is no snow, folks can walk the course. Refreshments will be served in the warming hut.
Check-in is from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., with starts from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Suggested donations are $7 for Panhandle Nordic Club members, $10 for nonmembers, $5 for 13 and under and $25 for a family up to five, with proceeds funding trail maintenance and support of area nordic skiing. This year’s new grooming equipment allows volunteer trail groomers to “break up the snow and lay down better tracks,” reports McMillen.
“We are a very friendly group and welcome all ages and ability levels,” McMillen says of the nordic club. Information and membership applications are available at the Fourth of July Pass ski hut.
Access from I-90: From Coeur d’Alene, drive east on I-90 for approximately 15 miles to the Fourth of July summit exit (exit 28), then take an immediate right for a quarter mile to the Park N’ Ski Area entrance (Park N’ Ski Pass required – see information below). For the Fourth of July groomed trails, walk from the parking area west to the trailhead and the warming hut. A snowshoe trail drops from the ski trail to the right. To access the ungroomed trails, backtrack from the parking area to the trail on the east side of the road
Length: Groomed trails consist of two main courses totaling more than 12 miles. The snowshoe trail is approximately 1.5 miles. Adjoining forest roads 614 and 905, with higher altitudes for more consistent snow, offer unlimited trekking, with connections to other forest roads.
Elevation: The Fourth of July summit is 3,500 feet. Trails offer a number of hills and elevation changes.
Use: Moderate.
Trail condition: Generally well-groomed conditions when there is enough snow. The trail deteriorates in above-freezing temperatures, creating icy runs with bare spots.
Difficulty: Most of the groomed trails have grades up to 6 percent grades suitable for beginning to intermediate skiers. Watch out for the steep downhill runs on the “Loose Moose,” “White Knuckles” and “Spencers.” With a grade of up to 15 percent, these trails are suitable only for intermediate to advanced skiers.
Restrictions: No pets, snowshoes or foot traffic on groomed trails (OK on forest roads 614 and 905); watch for oncoming skiers on all trails – even those designed for one-way use; downhill skiers have the right of way; pack out all trash; all signs and posted warnings must be obeyed and closed trails must not be used. Park N’ Ski Permits are required to use the parking lot at the Fourth of July Ski Area. Permits are available at the in the Coeur d’ Alene/Hayden area at the Army and Navy Store, Vertical Earth, All About Sports, Ski Shack and the Fernan ranger office, and in Kellogg at the Lookout Ski Shop. The Nordic Club will sell permits next Saturday at the club’s warming hut. Permits cost $25 for an annual pass or $7.50 for a three-day permit. Funds from the permits are dedicated for improving cross-country skiing areas in Idaho and entitle the holder to park and ski at 11 sites across the state. For details, visit the Web site, www.idahoparks.org/recreation/permits/crosscountryskiing.aspx.
What to see: Mountain views, along with skiers and snowshoers having fun.
Special features: Warming hut at the groomed trail entrance; restrooms in the parking lot.
Preparation: The public is welcome to get the feel for the Fourth of July course and meet nordic club members Sunday at the “Rock Soup Party,” beginning at 3 p.m. Everyone is asked to bring something to put in the pot and ski the loop or snowshoe. Free trail maps are available at the U.S. Forest Service, 3815 Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene, (208) 765-7223, or the Fernan ranger office, 2502 E. Sherman Ave., (208) 664-2318). Visit the state parks Web site at www.idahoparks.org/rec/ccskiing.html.
Gear: Layered winter clothes and snowshoes or cross-country skis (or hiking boots if there is a lack of snow). Dressing for changing conditions and carrying drinking water and a first aid kit are always good ideas.
Note: The Panhandle Nordic Club organizes ski trips and grooms the Fourth of July trails, all with volunteers. Club meetings are held the first Tuesday in the winter months in the basement of the Fernan ranger office at 7 p.m. In the spring and summer, the group organizes hikes and other adventures. With free lessons for beginners and lots of fun all season, the $10 per household annual dues are a bargain. New members and guests are always welcome. Contact Jim McMillen at (208) 667-0222 or visit the club’s Web site, www.panhandlenordicclub.com for more information.