Jon Wiener and I skied Bennet Pass today, which is accessed from Hwy 35 on Mt Hood, across from Meadows. It is signed on the highway. There is parking which I would guess is pretty full on the weekends but was OK on a Tuesday that likely would have a big draw for skiers due to the crystal blue skies an amazing, amazingly rare, snow we had, and there is a restroom. There was about 12” of light fluffy, really true powder. Temperature ranged from 12-16F, so the snow preserved well, and likely was continuing to dry. We were both on AT gear, but I used to tele these slopes and the old clearcut mentioned below. We skied from a point about a mile up the road, just short of a junction with another road to the right. The left side of the road presents moderate slopes at that point and for several hundred yards before the junction, There are with some pillows, and it is treed, but they are well spaced. There is re-prod as you get to the bottom, but again, tree spacing was good..We had the area to ourselves. There were several other skiers in the pass area, either cross country or AT gear. We encountered one snow mobile. This is a great place to do some turns, easy access’s. I didn’t pack my altimeter, but I am guessing 5-800 vertical per run. There is an old clear cut further up the road that is very popular for downhill, but is pretty well sought after, making these short shots, not far from the parking lot, little used gems.
Attached is the GPX track if you wish to put it on your phone or GPS unit. From Kim Jones Gaia app –Title:Ray Benson – Little Nash
January 29, Saturday: eleven students and five mentors converged on Hoodoo’s groomed Nordic tracks for a resumption of our almost annual Ski School. PSIA Nordic instructors Bev McDonald and Mike Armstrong provided lessons on the fundamentals for both novice and intermediate skiers. In the afternoon students and mentors hit the tracks again to practice and just enjoy the excellent grooming, sunny weather and beautiful views. Everyone had a great time–including Bev and Mike who tell us they enjoyed working with everyone and that Ski School is the highlight of their season.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Please renew your membership for the 2021-2022 season. For only $20 you receive access to all the inside club news, and the satisfaction of supporting our efforts to promote and improve cross-country skiing for everyone. You can download a renewal form at https://oncwillamette.org/membership. Join us for a great season on the snow.
WEEKEND DAY TOURS
Under current COVID-19 safety guidelines it is possible to resume the club’s scheduled ski tours. However, individual members should assess their risk carefully before deciding whether to ski with a group. We are responsible for our own safety. No one should participate in a club tour if they have symptoms that might indicate Coronavirus infection or if they have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The Willamette Chapter will require everyone to be vaccinated to participate in club tours. Tour leaders may require proof of vaccination. Carpooling to the trailhead is an individual choice. Those who carpool should wear face coverings as a precaution. Tourers should maintain 6’ social distance at all times and wear face coverings when social distancing is not possible.
Guests are welcome on Willamette Chapter day tours. Please contact the tour leader for details and to ensure the tour matches your interests and skill level.
We need more tour leaders for weekend tours; please step up and lead a tour to your favorite destination. If you wish to lead a tour, suggest a tour destination or learn more about tour leading, contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003). Remember, impromptu tours are always an option. If you yearn for a day on skis phone Jim or a skier on the roster. Connect with your fellow Club members and get out when it snows.
February 12, Saturday: B Tour, Benson/Little Nash Traverse or Santiam Lake, depending on snow conditions. Contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003).
February 19 or 20, Saturday or Sunday: B Tour, date and location depending on weather conditions and group interest. Contact Bob Young (503x621x6626).
February 20, Sunday: A Tour, Santiam Pass area. Contact Jeanne Miller (503x588x0473).
February 21, Monday: A Tour, Three Creeks area south of Sisters. Contact John Hortsch (503x507x5727).
February 26, Saturday: B Tour, Santiam Pass Three Summits Challenge? Maxwell Butte? Four Lakes? Contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003).
March 5 or 6, Saturday or Sunday: A Tour, best snow in Santiam Pass area. Contact John Hortsch (503x507x5727).
March 5 or 6, Saturday or Sunday: B Tour, date and location depending on weather conditions and group interest. Contact Bob Young (503x621x6626).
March 19, Saturday: A or B Tour, John Craig Memorial Ski Event at McKenzie Pass. Tour or race from the Sisters snowgate on Hwy 242 to Dee Wright Observatory and back; the route should be groomed. Details and a link for sign-up are attached below.
Tour Ratings: A key to the Tour Rating codes:
“Beginner” = Easy, short distances on flat or gentle slopes; appropriate for first time skiers.
“A” = Easy, distances up to 5 or 6 miles with a few slopes; basic skills are required; some of these may not be suitable for 1st time skiers.
“B” = Intermediate or experienced; distances of 6 to 12 miles or possible elevation gains of 2000 feet; may include steeper sections; some downhill skills are required.
“C” = Advanced, longer with greater elevation gains; includes both trails and off-trail with frequent steep terrain.
“D” = Expert, very difficult or long; possible backcountry travel and/or ski mountaineering.
WEEK DAY SKI TOURS
Why not break the shackles that bind you to the calendar this season? Try a mid-week tour. Contact one of the enthusiasts below and arrange an escape from routine. If you want to be added to this list, send your phone and email to Jim Todd, and we’ll include it in the next Newsletter. Likewise, contact Jim, if you want your name removed for this season.
Weekday skiers:
Chuck Daellenbach 541x928x4256 daellenbachc at comcast dot net
Frank Hoffman 541x475x0185 hh_tex at msn dot com
Bianca Klar 503x949x9089 bianchiklar at yahoo dot com
Mark Olson 503x559x0728 mark at olson dot us
Foxie Proctor 503x581x0207 foxieproctor at comcast dot net
Denise Sanders 503x859x4597 o at wvi dot com
Jeff Starr 503x851x8403 jeffstarr3 at gmail dot com
Jim Todd 503x378x7003 toddwac18 at gmail dot com
Jerry Vessello 503x931x6344 jvess at comcast dot net
Craig Wojcik 503x931x2705 ccwojcik09 at comcast dot net
Pam Wojcik 971x312x3984 pjwojcik09 at comcast dot net
Bob Young 503x621x6626 arch.byoung at gmail dot com
TOUR REPORTS
January 8, Saturday by Bob Young
Well, the deep snowpack that then turned to hard pack has made for some challenging ski adventures this year. On January 8 while hoping for a little new topping, 6 of us opted to check out the roads out of Lava Lake SnoPark that we had scouted and walked on a return hike from Crescent Mountain. It turned out to have some reasonable surface conditions with some smoothed out area for most of the ski because these roads are snowmobile common corridor that connect to Big Springs SnoPark. Lisa Romano, a new member, valuable resource with the national forest, and a good skier, Bianca Klar, and I pushed ahead while Jim Todd, Peggy Mansfield and Roger Applegate took a more leisurely pace as we headed out to NF road 510 where some private land clear cuts tempted us to explore the slopes. Surface condition off the road was OK until you punched thru to soft snow which then became impossible and hazardous to turn in. Lisa reported a great view of Jefferson from the top of the clearing before the three of us continued to the next clearing where we had great views of Crescent Mountain, Washington, and part of North and Middle Sister whose tops wouldn’t quite show themselves through the clouds. After a gorgeous sunny lunch break we made our way back for a total of 8 miles with more gentle uphill than I remembered as downhill on the way out. Amazing how that happens. This area is not a bad option when the snow is good and the crowds at the pass are just too much. There were quite a few people at the SnoPark when we got back and the close in trails were heavily tracked. It could also make a nice traverse from Big Springs if you spot a car at Lava Lake for a mostly downhill ski.
1/08/22: photo by Bob Young
January 22, Saturday by Jim Todd
Two weeks of regular thaw/freeze cycles produced a firm, solid base at Santiam Pass and the inevitable early morning ice. We dealt with this by dawdling a bit at Santiam SnoPark, then taking a leisurely stroll over to the PCT access road before putting on our skis. By this time south slopes were softening a bit in the sun. We skied cautiously (some of us with skins) up over the Cascade Crest and eastward to the Heavens viewpoint overlooking Square Lake. After an extended lunch break enjoying the views we rambled back west across the divide and climbed northward in the general neighborhood of the PCT. From here we had more great views of Hoodoo, Hayrick, Washington and the Sisters and a fine downhill run back to the SnoPark.
01/22/22: photo by Bill Nelson
February 3, Thursday: by Ron Allowitz and Frank Hoffman
F. Hoffman, B. Caldwell, and R. Allowitz skied to Island Junction shelter Thursday, Feb.3rd under sunny skies and zero wind. There was a dusting of new snow (about 4”) and near perfect snow conditions. We ate our lunch soaking up the bright sunshine outside the shelter and viewed Mt. Washington and other nearby mountains. We returned on tracked trails; last mile of the main South Loop was the only less than ideal section, as it had gotten enough use to be hard-packed. We appreciated the fall trail maintenance: all trails were in good condition. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day to ski.
2/03/2022: photo by Frank Hoffman
February 5, Saturday:
Six School “grads” returned to Hoodoo’s Nordic tracks to enjoy warm sunshine, great views and smooth, groomed snow. Everyone in the group conquered the steep trails and enjoyed the day. As a bonus we got to watch Oregon’s high school XC racers doing some beautiful skate skiing—future Olympians?
2/05/2022: photo by Jim Todd
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Willamette Chapter has an active volunteer program assisting the Forest Service with ski trail clearing and marking; shelter construction and maintenance; and firewood stocking. Thank you volunteers! If you have questions about out volunteer projects or would like to join one, contact Mark Olson (503x559x0728) or Jim Todd (503x378x7003).
The Deschutes and Willamette National Forests do essential work keeping our ski trails open, marked and signed through the winter; but they are desperately short of winter recreation staff. We can help them use their limited resources efficiently by sending a Trail Report whenever we ski the marked trails. “Cascade Volunteers” records volunteer activity and reports directly to Forest Service offices. You can access their Trail Report form at: https://cascadevols.org/usfs-work-report/. (Note: the form requires a trail number, but our ski trails are not numbered; just enter any digits in the “Trail Number” field, then describe the trail in the “Trail Name” field). You can also report your observations by sending an email to Jim Todd: toddwac18 at gmail dot com.
SKI VIDEO CORNER
Ski School has passed; but if you are helping a beginner get started on skis or just want to refresh your basic skills, the Nordic Ski Lab has excellent videos of diagonal stride and skate technique.
CROSS COUNTRY SKI RACING
The Winter Olympics began on February 4 in Beijing, and our sport will briefly appear in the spotlight. The usual powerhouses (Norway Sweden, Finland and Russia) are likely to dominate, but the US women’s XC team has a reasonable chance of bringing Olympic medals home. For information on Olympic cross country skiing visit https://olympics.com/en/beijing-2022/.
SNO-PARK PERMITS
The Willamette Chapter will not sell Sno Park permits in the absence of our regular monthly meetings. SnoPark permits may be purchased online at the Oregon DMV: https://dmv2u.oregon.gov/eServices/_/. Annual permits purchased directly from DMV cost $25—no handling fee. The process takes only a few minutes and includes a downloadable copy you can print and use immediately while waiting for your permit to arrive in the mail. Buy a permit and support SnoPark plowing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS The Newsletter now includes an Announcement Section. There members can post ski related items for sale, cross-country related questions, inquiries about conditions and suggestions for ski trips. Please send your announcements to Bob, Jim or Denise for inclusion in the Newsletter. Another good place for these items is on the website, ONCWillamette.org
1. Jeff Starr (503x581x8403) has a pair of Garmont Excursion 3-pin boots for sale. They are Euro size 26.5, in good condition, for $40.
2.
2020-2021 OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS:
Available President
Jeanne Miller Vice President
Bob Young Treasurer & Membership
Denise Sanders Webmeister
Genice Rabe Newsletter Editor
Jim Todd Day Tour Chair
David Forkner ONC State Board Rep & Board Member
Pam Wojcik Overnight Trip Coordinator & Board Member
Just as predicted in December, the snow, though a bit late, did come; and it came with a vengeance. The Cascades had nearly 200% of their normal snowpack on New Year’s Day. But almost drowning the cheers are the laments of skiers exhausted by hours of trail breaking. Such is the nature of our sport. Along with the joy of fresh snow comes the tedious slog through mounds of white. Carry on and take comfort in the prospect of extending our ski season into May or even June.
And it would scarcely be a January Newsletter without a reminder that Ski Shool is on January 29, and IT IS NOT JUST FOR BEGINNERS! Whether you have skied 10 years, 20 years or 40 years, a day spent honing skills on groomed snow should be part of your ski season. Tune your diagonal stride, develop a kick double pole, polish your snowplow, try a little skating or work on a telemark. These skills will save energy (and falls) on backcountry tours. You will ski greater distances on more challenging routes and you will enjoy it more. All these benefits will be yours with just one day at Ski School; and a day gliding on groomed snow will be a welcome change from trail breaking. Pass the word to your friends and get them out on the tracks with us.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Please renew your membership for the 2021-2022 season. For only $20 you receive access to all the inside club news, and the satisfaction of supporting our efforts to promote and improve cross-country skiing for everyone. You can download a renewal form at https://oncwillamette.org/membership. Join us for a great season on the snow.
WEEKEND DAY TOURS
Under current COVID-19 safety guidelines it is possible to resume the club’s scheduled ski tours. However, individual members should assess their risk carefully before deciding whether to ski with a group. We are responsible for our own safety. No one should participate in a club tour if they have symptoms that might indicate Coronavirus infection. The Willamette Chapter will require everyone to be vaccinated to participate in club tours. Tour leaders may require proof of vaccination. Carpooling to the trailhead is an individual choice. Those who carpool should wear a face covering as a precaution. Tourers should maintain 6’ social distance at all times and wear face coverings when social distancing is not possible.
Guests are welcome on Willamette Chapter day tours. Please contact the tour leader for details and to ensure the tour matches your interests and skill level.
We need more tour leaders for weekend tours; please step up and lead a tour to your favorite destination. If you wish to lead a tour, suggest a tour destination or learn more about tour leading, contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003). The tour schedule is sparse at present due to Holidays and uncertainties about early season snow conditions; more tours will be added as the season progresses. Remember, impromptu tours are always an option. If you yearn for a day on skis phone Jim or a skier on the roster emailed last month. Connect with your fellow Club members and get out when it snows.
January 8, Saturday: Beginner/A Tour, an easy road ski or perhaps the groomed tracks at Hoodoo. Contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003).
January 15, Saturday: A Tour, Santiam Pass or Maxwell SnoPark, depending on snow conditions. Contact Craig Wojcik (503x931x2705).
January 15 or 16, Saturday or Sunday: B Tour, date and location depending on weather conditions and group interest. Contact Bob Young (503x621x6626).
January 22, Saturday: B Tour, the Ray Benson/Little Nash traverse. Contact Jim Todd
(503x378x7003).
January 23, Saturday: A Tour, Santiam Pass area, depending on snow conditions. Contact John Hortsch (503x507x5727).
January 29, Saturday: A or B Tour, Ski School at Hoodoo. See details later in this Newsletter.
January 30, Sunday: A Tour, Santiam Pass area, depending on snow conditions. Contact John Hortsch (503x507x5727).
February 5, Saturday: A Tour, an easy road ski or a return to Hoodoo’s groomed tracks. Contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003).
February 5 or 6, Saturday or Sunday: B Tour, date and location depending on weather conditions and group interest. Contact Bob Young (503x621x6626).
March 19, Saturday: A or B Tour, John Craig Memorial Ski Event at McKenzie Pass. Tour or race from the Sisters snowgate on Hwy 242 to Dee Wright Observatory and back; the route should be groomed. Check February and March Newsletters and watch the website for details.
Tour Ratings: A key to the Tour Rating codes:
“Beginner” = Easy, short distances on flat or gentle slopes; appropriate for first time skiers.
“A” = Easy, distances up to 5 or 6 miles with a few slopes; basic skills are required; some of these may not be suitable for 1st time skiers.
“B” = Intermediate or experienced; distances of 6 to 12 miles or possible elevation gains of 2000 feet; may include steeper sections; some downhill skills are required.
“C” = Advanced, longer with greater elevation gains; includes both trails and off-trail with frequent steep terrain.
“D” = Expert, very difficult or long; possible backcountry travel and/or ski mountaineering.
WEEK DAY SKI TOURS
Why not break the shackles that bind you to the calendar this season? Try a mid-week tour. Contact one of the enthusiasts below and arrange an escape from routine. If you want to be added to this list, send your phone and email to Jim Todd, and we’ll include it in the next Newsletter. Likewise, contact Jim, if you want your name removed for this season.
Weekday skiers:
Chuck Daellenbach 541x928x4256 daellenbachc at comcast dot net
Frank Hoffman 541x475x0185 hh_tex at msn dot com
Bianca Klar 503x949x9089 bianchiklar at yahoo dot com
Mark Olson 503x559x0728 mark at olson dot us
Foxie Proctor 503x581x0207 foxieproctor at comcast dot net
Denise Sanders 503x859x4597 oncwillaweb at gmail dot com
Jeff Starr 503x851x8403 jeffstarr3 at gmail dot com
Jim Todd 503x378x7003 toddwac18 at gmail dot com
Craig Wojcik 503x931x2705 ccwojcik09 at comcast dot net
Pam Wojcik 503x362x3439 pjwojcik09 at comcast dot net
Bob Young 503x621x6626 arch.byoung at gmail dot com
TOUR REPORTS
December 14, Tuesday: by Frank Hoffman.
I skied from the 801 road to North Blowout Shelter. Blue sky, not much breeze. No broken trail, so I was moving pretty slowly—2-1/2 hr to the shelter, 1-1/2 back in my tracks. I was sinking in a foot or more and backsliding on the new snow, so I attached skins, which helped. No need for them on the way back in my tracks. Fortunately, the pond was traversable. I didn’t see anyone else.
12/14/21: photo by Frank Hoffman
December 17, Friday: by Jim Todd
Bill, Craig and I headed up Hwy 22 hoping to ski at lower elevation to avoid trial breaking at the pass. Unfortunately, the first place we could park was Big Springs SnoPark with 2’ of fresh snow. It was a slog in heavy, wet snow; but good exercise and the trees were beautiful.
12/17/21: photo by Jim Todd
January 1, Saturday: by Frank Hoffman
I skied the Little Nash and Nash/Potato trails New Years Day. Clear and cold, though it seemed snow had consolidated some since my trip to the pass a couple of weeks ago. I used skins, which helped on some of the climbs; my travel took me about 5-3/4 miles RT with 570’ gain. Trails were quite clear with the brushing/signing we did in mid-Nov. I saw one other skier when I reached the west end of FS 892, then a couple of snow shoe groups almost back to the snopark. Molly and her son Craig invited me to sit with them at the fire they’d built in the snopark near my car. It was an interesting, if unexpected, ending to my trip. Molly said she and her family had planned to snowmobile out of Ray Benson, but all parking was filled and the loop was gridlocked—police were there trying to sort it out. On my way back I noticed Potato Hill snopark was full with about 30 cars.
1/01/2022: photo by Frank Hoffman
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
The Willamette Chapter has an active volunteer program assisting the Forest Service with ski trail clearing and marking; shelter construction and maintenance; and firewood stocking. Thank you volunteers! If you have questions about out volunteer projects or would like to join one, contact Mark Olson (503x559x0728) or Jim Todd (503x378x7003).
The Deschutes and Willamette National Forests do essential work keeping our ski trails open, marked and signed through the winter; but they are desperately short of winter recreation staff. We can help them use their limited resources efficiently by sending a Trail Report whenever we ski the marked trails. “Cascade Volunteers” records volunteer activity and reports directly to Forest Service offices. You can access their Trail Report form at: https://cascadevols.org/usfs-work-report/. (Note: the form requires a trail number, but our ski trails are not numbered; just enter any number in the “Trail Number” field, then describe the trail in the “Trail Name” field). You can also report your observations by sending an email to Jim Todd: toddwac18 at gmail dot com.
SKI SCHOOL
CROSS COUNTRY SKI RACING
The Winter Olympics will be held next month in Beijing and our sport will briefly appear in the spotlight. The usual powerhouses (Norway Sweden, Finland and Russia) are likely to dominate, but the US women’s XC team has a reasonable chance of bringing Olympic medals home. In World Cup competition this season Jessie Diggins (gold medalist at the 2018 Olympics) has two golds (10K Freestyle and Sprint) and three silvers (10K Freestyle, Sprint & Team Sprint); Rosie Brennan has a bronze (10K Freestyle); Julia Kern has a silver (Team Sprint with Diggins); and the Relay Team of Diggins, Brennan, Kern and Hailey Swirbul placed 4th—just missing a bronze. For information on Olympic and World Cup cross country skiing visit https://olympics.com/en/beijing-2022/ and https://www.fis-ski.com/cross-country/.
SNO-PARK PERMITS
The Willamette Chapter will not sell Sno Park permits in the absence of our regular monthly meetings. Sno Park permits may be purchased online at the Oregon DMV: https://dmv2u.oregon.gov/eServices/_/. Annual permits purchased directly from DMV cost $25—no handling fee. The process takes only a few minutes and includes a downloadable copy you can print and use immediately while waiting for your permit to arrive in the mail. Buy a permit and support Sno Park plowing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS The Newsletter now includes an Announcement Section. There members can post ski related items for sale, cross-country related questions, inquiries about conditions and suggestions for ski trips. Please send your announcements to Bob, Jim or Denise for inclusion in the Newsletter. Another good place for these items is on the website, ONCWillamette.org
1. Jeff Starr (503x581x8403) has a pair of Garmont Excursion 3-pin boots for sale. They are Euro size 26.5, in good condition, for $40.
2020-2021 OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS:
Available President
Jeanne Miller Vice President
Bob Young Treasurer & Membership
Denise Sanders Webmeister
Genice Rabe Newsletter Editor
Jim Todd Day Tour Chair
David Forkner ONC State Board Rep & Board Member
Pam Wojcik Overnight Trip Coordinator & Board Member
I had a great day up at Marys Peak. Bit of a death march as it was 13 miles round trip for relatively few turns. I parked at the first high spot on the road about MilePost 3.5 in about 12 – 18” of snow. I skinned up to Conner Camp at MP5.5 but the East Ridge trail was blocked by fallen trees. Another day when I drive to there I will try it again but it was tough to tell if there was enough snow to ski it as there was less snow under the trees. So I continued skinning up the road to the main parking lot at MP 9.5. From there it is 1/2 mile to the summit. No wind to speak of but drifting overcast as you can see in the photos. Two other folks had skied to the top. There was a good 3 feet of light dry snow with some drifting. Gorgeous day. Nice ski back to the road below the parking lot and then a fun run down the road to 1/2 mile from my truck. Then boot tracked up the incline back to my truck. I could have put chains on and driven up further but I only saw 4 trucks coming down the road and they had chewed up the road pretty badly. Some trees had come down and some were bent over, so being by myself and no chain saw, decided to ski from lower down. More folks drove up later in the day. The only real downside to Mary Peak is that the road is not plowed (for the past 20 years) and a lot of knuckleheads drive up the road and get stuck blocking the road. Being parked low down helped a bit. But the road is drivable to the summit parking lot with a high clearance rig and chains (see pic). Best option is to go up early and hope for the best on the way down. It is likely best just to head up to Santiam Pass, but Marys Peak can be beautiful under rare conditions, like this week when it is cold and the snow deep.
Mary’s PeakMary’s PeakHoodoo
Hoodoo
Trip Report
From Bob Young: Too much of a good thing? Well, maybe. With clear skies on Tuesday a number of people were getting out to get on the anxiously awaited snow. Those who sought XC had to work hard to set deep tracks but the snow was cold, slick, and soft. Bianca Klar, Howard Simon, and I took advantage of Hoodoo not being open yet and did some climb and tele. Groomers were packing many of the main runs which helped with the climbing and there were plenty of untracked slopes for nice downhill runs. Howard and Bianca climbed to the top twice. I stuck to some lower runs but still got plenty of workout for a first day on the snow. Let’s all get out there soon and take advantage of scheduled tours. With a number of trail breakers we can get to some great destinations.
It’s December 5th as I write this and where is our skiable snow? Several light dustings have occurred, but each melted away. Thanksgiving is past, mid-December approaches and the Cascades still offer nothing but bare rock. When will we ski? Well, as on so many subjects, Shakespeare offers wise counsel to those forlornly waiting for the snow:
If it be now, ‘tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now,
yet it will come. The readiness is all.
Hamlet, Act V, Scene i
So heed the words of the Bard. Be patient…and wax the boards.
Footnote: 12/10/2021, nine inches of snow on Santiam Pass and more on the way!
WEEKEND DAY TOURS
Under current COVID-19 safety guidelines it is possible to resume the club’s scheduled ski tours. However, individual members should assess their risk carefully before deciding whether to ski with a group. We are responsible for our own safety. No one should participate in a club tour if they have symptoms that might indicate Coronavirus infection. The Willamette Chapter will require everyone to be vaccinated to participate in club tours. Tour leaders may require proof of vaccination. Carpooling to the trailhead is an individual choice. Those who carpool should wear a face covering as a precaution. Tourers should maintain 6’ social distance at all times and wear face coverings when social distancing is not possible.
Guests are welcome on Willamette Chapter day tours. Please contact the tour leader for details and to ensure the tour matches your interests and skill level.
We need more tour leaders for weekend tours; please step up and lead a tour to your favorite destination. If you wish to lead a tour, suggest a tour destination or learn more about tour leading, contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003). The tour schedule is sparse at present due to Holidays and uncertainties about early season snow conditions; more tours will be added as the season progresses. Remember, impromptu tours are always an option. If you yearn for a day on skis phone Jim or a skier on the roster emailed last month. Connect with your fellow Club members and get out when it snows.
January 1-2, Saturday or Sunday: B Tour, Santiam Pass area, date and location depending on snow conditions. Contact Bob Young (503x621x6626).
January 8, Saturday: Beginner/A Tour, an easy road ski or perhaps the groomed tracks at Hoodoo. Contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003).
January 22, Saturday: B Tour, the Ray Benson/Little Nash traverse. Contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003).
Tour Ratings: A key to the Tour Rating codes:
“Beginner” = Easy, short distances on flat or gentle slopes; appropriate for first time skiers.
“A” = Easy, distances up to 5 or 6 miles with a few slopes; basic skills are required; some of these may not be suitable for 1st time skiers.
“B” = Intermediate or experienced; distances of 6 to 12 miles or possible elevation gains of 2000 feet; may include steeper sections; some downhill skills are required.
“C” = Advanced, longer with greater elevation gains; includes both trails and off-trail with frequent steep terrain.
“D” = Expert, very difficult or long; possible backcountry travel and/or ski mountaineering.
WEEK DAY SKI TOURS
Why not break the shackles that bind you to the calendar this season? Try a mid-week tour. Contact one of the enthusiasts below and arrange an escape from routine. If you want to be added to this list, send your phone and email to Jim Todd, and we’ll include it in the next Newsletter. Likewise, contact Jim, if you want your name removed for this season.
December 3, Friday: well if you can’t glide, stride. Faced with a serious snow deficit, seven members opted for a mountain hike as the next best thing to skiing. We tackled Crescent Mountain trail and from the south face and summit (5750’) were rewarded with beautiful views of the Old Cascades and the peaks along the Cascade Crest. The higher peaks had essentially no snow below 8000’, but there was a small patch in the shade on top of Crescent Mountain. Perhaps we should have carried our skis!
12/03/2021: Three Sisters from Crescent Mountain photo by Frank Hoffman
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
The Willamette Chapter has an active volunteer program assisting the Forest Service with ski trail clearing and marking; shelter construction and maintenance; and firewood stocking. Thank you volunteers! If you have questions about out volunteer projects or would like to join one, contact Mark Olson (503x559x0728) or Jim Todd (503x378x7003).
VOLUNTEER REPORTS
November 2, Tuesday: Ron, Frank and Jim joined the Salamanders volunteer group to log, brush, and mark trails at Lava Lake SnoPark. The trails needed serious work, as the photo shows. But thanks to ten determined volunteers the logs were cut, brush cleared and 57 new diamonds installed. Check it out this winter.
11/02/2021: Lava View Loop at Lava Lake SnoPark photo by Jim Todd
November 17, Wednesday: David, Frank, Jeff and Jim joined three Salamander volunteers at Little Nash SnoPark for a last whack at winter trail clearing. Winter had definitely arrived. Though the snow was less than an inch deep, the parking lot was ice covered, it was 32F and a south wind was blowing at 15mph. But by moving briskly we stayed warm and managed to log, brush and place 35 new diamonds on the Nash/Potato trail. This trail joins the Potato Hill and Little Nash SnoParks. With a car shuttle it makes a nice one-way tour and it’s downhill all the way.
11/17/2021: Nash/Potato trail photo by Beth Dayton
SKI SCHOOL
We are still in the planning stage, but hope to resume our annual Ski School in late January or early February. Watch the club’s website ONCWillamette.org and the January Newsletter for details.
SNO-PARK PERMITS
The Willamette Chapter will not sell Sno Park permits in the absence of our regular monthly meetings. Sno Park permits may be purchased online at the Oregon DMV: https://dmv2u.oregon.gov/eServices/_/. Annual permits purchased directly from DMV cost $25—no handling fee. The process takes only a few minutes and includes a downloadable copy you can print and use immediately while waiting for your permit to arrive in the mail. Buy a permit and support Sno Park plowing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS The Newsletter now includes an Announcement Section. There members can post ski related items for sale, cross-country related questions, inquiries about conditions and suggestions for ski trips. Please send your announcements to Bob, Jim or Denise for inclusion in the Newsletter. Another good place for these items is on the website, ONCWillamette.org
1. Bob and Jim have their skis waxed and standing by the door. If you are ready to go, too; then when the first real snow happens, phone Bob (503x 621×6626) for a B Tour or Jim (503x378x7003) for a Beginner/A Tour.
2. Jeff Starr (503x581x8403) has a pair of Garmont Excursion 3-pin boots for sale. They are Euro size 26.5, in good condition, for $40.
2020-2021 OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS:
Available President
Jeanne Miller Vice President
Bob Young Treasurer & Membership
Denise Sanders Webmeister
Genice Rabe Newsletter Editor
Jim Todd Day Tour Chair
David Forkner ONC State Board Rep & Board Member
Pam Wojcik Overnight Trip Coordinator & Board Member
Welcome to the 2021-2022 ski season. La Nina conditions have formed in the Pacific, our long term forecast calls for a cooler, wetter winter and Santiam Pass received a couple of light snowfalls. We can hope for plenty of good skiing this year. Here are some preseason remarks from our Treasurer (and backcountry guru), Bob Young
Thank you members
I know it has been another trying year for all of us with normal routines interrupted, but ski season is just around the corner and it’s time again to renew your ONC Willamette Chapter membership. With the state dues increased to $10 per member unit we would be falling behind on account balance if we had meeting place fees to pay, which we have again decided to suspend for this year due to COVID protocols. Other fixed fees for us like the web hosting and post office box keep going up as well. So, thank you to all of you who continue to support our efforts to promote and further cross country skiing. We are going to work on setting up online membership payments but such technology is beyond my skill base so I’ll be relying on our webmaster. If all your member info is the same, all I need is your name and signature on the form and I won’t have to check all the rest. [a membership form can be downloaded or printed at https://oncwillamette.org/membership]
Also, because we are not having regular meetings, we will not be selling sno-park permits. Fortunately, ODOT has made online purchase very simple. You can print out a temporary pass and they mail you the real thing within days. Since I was hoping for the snow to continue to build this week, I already got my pass. Imagine my disappointment with all this moisture coming with warmer weather.
Thanks also to all our volunteers who have helped with trail work and firewood stocking at the shelters. We had everything in pretty good shape but already getting reports of more trees coming down across the trails. Keep us posted on what you see. The Detroit district has not officially opened their shelters but is not locking them off and we have Mountain View and the South Loop shelter stocked with wood.
So, get your skis prepped and your bodies conditioned and let’s get out there. We can do this safely and conscientiously. Our tour master will have more to say on all of this, but I for one am looking forward to seeing you on the trails (and off, of course).
Bob Young, treasurer
[STILL] SKIING IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
We had hoped rapid development and deployment of vaccines would end the Coronavirus pandemic and shift us back to normal skiing and club activities this season. Sadly, high rates of infection and hospitalization continue due to slow progress towards full vaccination and the highly transmissable Delta variant. Fortunately, restrictions have been eased as more and more people are vaccinated. Our club will resume some of our normal activities, but will continue our compliance with guidelines and restrictions placed by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), We strongly urge individual members to do the same. The OHA website is: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19. Check this site for current news and links to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other sources of reliable information.
We realize that individuals face different levels of risk from COVID-19 based on age, health, employment, family associations, vaccination and other factors. We urge members to consider their risks carefully before deciding whether (and how) to ski this season. If anyone chooses to forego skiing as a precaution, we respect that decision. But even if you are not skiing, we hope you will remain connected with our club to keep in touch with other members and stay abreast of skiing news. A club roster in attached with this Newsletter so you can contact other members. We also urge you to check the club’s website regularly for the latest information. Please feel free to contact Board members by email or phone with your comments and suggestions.
Here are the Willamette Chapter’s plans for this ski season:
The club will continue volunteer activities to improve and maintain ski trails and shelters; volunteer work is done under Forest Service guidelines designed to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection.
Although current Oregon guidelines permit indoor meetings, there are restrictions. Our club decided to forego meetings again this season and focus on our on-snow activities.
Overnight trips will be left to the discretion of individual members; but should follow all COVID-19 precautions.
The Willamette Chapter will resume schedule tours this season and will help skiers connect with each other to plan their own tours.
We hope to revive our Ski School this winter; more about this in the December Newsletter.
Ski tours (and volunteer projects) require the following precautions:
1. Skiers who feel ill, have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, sudden loss of smell or taste), receive a positive test for COVID-19 or have had recent contact with someone with a positive test; will stay home and avoid contact with others.
2. Skiers may choose to carpool or drive separately to trailheads; masks should be worn if carpooling and proof of vaccination may be required.
3. Skiers will maintain a social distance of 6’ (or more) at all times, in parking lots, on trails and during lunch stops and rest breaks.
4. Masks covering nose and mouth will be worn whenever social distancing cannot be maintained.
Skiing can be done with these COVID-19 precautions, though no set of precautions guarantees absolute safety. If you have assessed your risks of COVID-19, are comfortable with the known risks and are willing to adopt and maintain these precautions, our club is ready to help you ski this winter. For everyone’s sake, please take this pandemic seriously. Use these recommended precautions for your safety and the safety of other people. Let’s all stay safe and enjoy the winter.
TOUR REPORT (from last spring):
June 5, Saturday: we kept skiing as long as there was snow! Seven skiers turned out for the nearly annual Tam McArthur Rim tour. There were spectacular views as always; but the snow and weather were “suboptimal”. The pack had melted out to bare ground in numerous places requiring many detours and hikes, the surface was deeply pocked and rippled which added to the challenge, and there was a howling wind. Perhaps the worse Tam tour in ten trips. But the worst Tam tour is still very good. Next year can only be better and we hope you will join us.
6/5/21: Broken Top from Tam McArthur Rim photo by Jim Todd
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
The Willamette Chapter has an active volunteer program assisting the Forest Service with ski trail clearing and marking; shelter construction and maintenance; and firewood stocking. Thank you volunteers! If you have questions about out volunteer projects or would like to join one, contact Mark Olson (503x559x0728) or Jim Todd (503x378x7003).
This summer and fall eighteen club members logged over 500 volunteer hours on Willamette and Deschutes National Forest projects. We scouted trails for later clearing; logged, brushed and marked ski trails; and stocked firewood at five shelters. Special thanks to Mark Olson and Dave Carter for bringing their splitters to our wood stocking parties, to Mt. Jefferson Snowmobile Club for collecting and bucking logs for stocking Santiam Pass shelters, to Jessie and Ashley of Deschutes NF and Eric and Brandon of Willamette NF for bringing trucks and hauling wood to the shelters. Photos are attached below.
7/24/21: Brushing the South Loop Ski Trail photo by Jim Todd
9/25/21: Placing blue diamonds on Brandenburg Loop photo by Aaron Bremiller
10/02/21: Stocking firewood at North Blowout Shelter photo by Frank Hoffma
10/16/21: splitting firewood for Mt. View Shelter photo by Frank Hoffman
SNO-PARK PERMITS
As Bob noted above, the Willamette Chapter will not sell Sno Park permits in the absence of our regular monthly meetings. Sno Park permits may be purchased online at the Oregon DMV: https://dmv2u.oregon.gov/eServices/_/. Annual permits purchased directly from DMV cost $25—no handling fee. The process takes only a few minutes and includes a downloadable copy you can print and use immediately while waiting for your permit to arrive in the mail. Buy a permit and support Sno Park plowing. Bob and I already have ours!
ANNOUNCEMENTS The Newsletter now includes an Announcement Section. There members can post ski related items for sale, cross-country related questions, inquiries about conditions and suggestions for ski trips. Please send your announcements to Bob, Jim or Denise for inclusion in the Newsletter. Another good place for these items is on the website, ONCWillamette.org
1. Bob and Jim have their skis waxed and standing by the door. If you are ready to go, too; then when the first real snow happens, phone Bob (503x 621×6626) for a B Tour or Jim (503x378x7003) for a Beginner/A Tour.
2. Jeff Starr has pair of Garmont Excursion 3-pin boots for sale. They are Euro size 26.5, in good condition, for $40.
Tour Ratings: A key to the Tour Rating codes:
“Beginner” = Easy, short distances on flat or gentle slopes; appropriate for first time skiers.
“A” = Easy, distances up to 5 or 6 miles with a few slopes; basic skills are required; some of these may not be suitable for 1st time skiers.
“B” = Intermediate or experienced; distances of 6 to 12 miles or possible elevation gains of 2000 feet; may include steeper sections; some downhill skills are required.
“C” = Advanced, longer with greater elevation gains; includes both trails and off-trail with frequent steep terrain.
“D” = Expert, very difficult or long; possible backcountry travel and/or ski mountaineering.
2020-2021 OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS:
Available President
Jeanne Miller Vice President
Bob Young Treasurer & Membership
Denise Sanders Webmeister
Genice Rabe Newsletter Editor
Jim Todd Day Tour Chair
David Forkner ONC State Board Rep & Board Member
Pam Wojcik Overnight Trip Coordinator & Board Member
It’s not over yet! Tuesday, May 4th Howard Simon and I (Bianca Klar) skied towards North ridge of Mt. Washington. We took a chance on possibly facing some ugly conditions, but knowing that there is still plenty of snow left.
Day started out cool and drizzly but not below freezing, thus keeping the snow in good condition. We started out via South trail from Ray Benson snow park. There was some debris on the trail but we managed to even have a glide. Only a couple of barren patches that we easily skied around. Before we reached Brandenburg shelter, on the right side, facing Mt. Washington we found and a wide opening in the trees that gave us a good view of the terrain we needed to cross in order to reach the North side of the Washington ridge.
It was like a gate, (picture of it included). We basically took a bee line for the ridge, crossing old burned forest, climbing over gentle ridges, and going around some ravines between those ridges.
The crux was when we reached the last band of unburned forest. Now we were above 5500 ft. crossing some frozen steep patches with lots of debris on the snow. As we were exploring the terrain and looking for a best way through, we saw that there were more leveled sections way below us and way above us. Naturally we were between them:-).
It didn’t last too long and we came out on a beautiful open face with clean, soft snow right below the saddle for which we were heading. We zig-zagged our way up to the ridge at 6360 ft. and took a well earned break with glorious views.
Going down was fun! It took us 6.75 miles to get to it and on the way back we took a bit shorter route. Total 12.6 miles and 2199 ft. elevation gain with all our ups and downs.
…a little misty rain, some sleet, a dusting of snow and plenty of afternoon sunshine. It was all good. We had intended a last foray north of Santiam Pass, but the rapid melt left too many bare patches and lodgepole tangles for pleasant skiing on south facing slopes leading up to Three Fingered Jack.
Instead we parked at Hoodoo and pinned our hopes on the plateau west of the downhill runs. After a steep climb we found, once again, a hidden stash of skiable snow that holds later than most surrounding terrain. Even better, we discovered the Big Hoodoo thinning project has opened it up for rambles in all directions (CHECK IT OUT NEXT SEASON!). We wandered southwards around Hoodoo, yo-yo’d down and back up in a few places, enjoyed the views and cruised Hoodoo’s Skyline XC trail and Over Easy downhill run back to the lodge. Bob, Dayna, Fiona and I a fine day of spring skiing.
ONCWillamette 