Pederson to Deadwood Ski 12.22.10

Like someone said, the best ski ever... is the one you're on. Thirteen intrepid skiers from GPNSC and SONC drove up to Pederson Sno-Park and started out on the west side of Glasgow Loop. They then skied westward gently downhill through old growth, climbed across plantations, skied down along logging roads and beside an irrigation canal through 6 inches of heavy snow. Everyone had many chances to break trail and enjoy the glide of a firm track.The weather goddess cooperated: mild temperature, no precipitation, mixed skies of dark and light clouds, a bit of blue sky and some sun during lunch.

Christmas Party and Ski 12.18.10

Over 30 people from GPNSC and SONC showed up for skiing and a party at the Lake of the Woods. About 19 skiers skied a tour from the Marina through the cabins and Aspen Point Campground down to the junction with the Fourmile Lake Road. After carefully crossing Hwy 140, the group headed up the road on 3 inches of new snow and took a right for the Billie Creek trail. Taking the west side, we climbed through a few miles of woods including some nice old growth before heading back down on a fast glide through the woods. We were really moving, as fast as you wanted. A thank you goes out to one of Santa's elves who brought along a saw and trimmed a few snow-bent trees to make the downhill run safer and more fun.

Back at LOW there were ski lessons for beginners and a short tour enjoyed by over 10 skiers The party was great with pizza, hors d'oeuvres, snacks and treats galore. The traditional "ski-related white elephant" gift exchange was uproarious and even included a real white elephant ... on skis! Thank you to all who participated, volunteer leaders, set up crew and to the LOW Resort staff for the venue and decorations.

Mt Ashland Ski 12.08.10

Arriving at the Mt Ashland Lodge before the road was plowed, the group elected to ski from there. As the weather service predicted, it was blustery and snowing hard with whiteout conditions. After turning around about 2 miles from the Lodge, a brief break in the whiteout allowed this photo of the skiers on the back side of Mt Ashland. With the wind a blowin' at their backs, the skiers had a beautiful glide back down to the parking area. As the temperature had warmed a bit and it was sleeting, we then headed back to Ashland for coffee and conversation at the Apple Cellar. It was sure fun to get out.

Page Mountain Ski 12.01.10

Four skiers braved the rain on Wednesday, Dec. 1 to enjoy a nature-filled ski day at Page Mt. snowpark. We saw a juvenile bald eagle sitting in the top of a snag on the drive up. We skied to the top of the mountain, following bear tracks most of the way. At a trail juncture the bear went left and we went on up to the top. On the way down we decided to track the bear further and followed its tracks for another half mile or so until they went over a steep embankment. We left it to our imagination that the bear was holed up down there. We also saw some type of cat tracks (bobcat perhaps) and lots a rabbit tracks. Even though it rained on us most of the day the snow was still decent and we had a great time.


Ann