Methow Valley Nordic is hosting a Para Nordic Clinic from February 7-9, 2023 culminating with the option to race in the Ski to the Sun race on Saturday February 10.
Registration Fee: $130
Includes - 3-day Trail Pass via Methow Trails
(Use Discount Code TRAILPASS if you have a pass and do not need to purchase one)
- Awesome coaching and Instruction
- Fun and friendships
- Organized social time outside of skiing.
- Guided skiing to one of the country's best groomed nordic areas!
The goal of the clinic is to build and strengthen the community of Para Nordic skiers in the Pacific Northwest, and we also encourage skiers from outside the region to come be a part of this event. We hope to provide a venue for both new and experienced skiers to come together to learn and train, and foster a love for skiing and outdoor adventure.
The formal kickoff of the clinic will be 12:30 PM on Wednesday the 7th, giving people time to travel to the valley, with options for people to arrive early for additional skiing and training.
All skier types and abilities are welcome - Sit Skiers, Standing Skiers, and Visually Impaired (VI) Skiers.
Interested in racing in the Ski to the Sun Marathon? Sign up Here
The Venue
Methow Trails grooms nearly 200km of trails across the valley. The trails range in difficulty from flat, gentle loops, to rolling terrain, and steep advanced terrain, and is serviced by over a dozen trailheads. There are multiple lodges and warming huts throughout the trail system which provide options for breaks, food and drink. We will utilize a variety of trails and trailheads during the clinic to suit the needs of the group.
This camp is based out of the Mazama trailhead, with indoor space available to stage in the AM and at lunchtime. Skiers will find food nearby at the Mazama store and the Mazama Public House.
The Activities
The anticipated agenda for the clinic will include two skiing sessions per day - one AM and one PM, locations and skill goals to be determined by skier ability and desire. Coaching and ski buddies will be provided through Methow Valley Nordic, and we aim to integrate new skiers with advanced skiers, so athletes can learn alongside each other.
Brief summary of skills for new skiers: Intro to equipment/snow, stationary skills (balance, stepping), slowing/stopping, falling/recovery, poling/double poling, diagonal stride, edging, downhill and uphill technique.
For advanced skiers: Training and technique tips/progressions, video feedback.
Lodging and Transport
Skiers will be required to find and book their own lodging, and it is recommended to do so sooner than later. Methow Reservations is a good starting point.
Flights - Seattle (4.5 hrs) and Spokane (3.5 hrs) are the closest major airports. Wenatchee Airport (2 hrs) is closer, but with fewer flight options. Car rental is available at major airports, and driving is required to reach the valley.
The ski locations/trailheads used during the camp require driving from the town of Winthrop. Driving between Winthrop and Mazama in winter is roughly 15-20 minutes.
If you have specific questions or needs for lodging, please reach out, we may be able to help.
Equipment
Skiers should be equipped with their own ski equipment for the clinic (appropriate clothing, skis, boots, and poles). For sit skiers who do not have their own sit ski, we can help orchestrate that equipment. If individuals need to rent skis, equipment is available for rent at several local locations:
Winthrop Mountain Sports - Winthrop
Cascades Outdoor Store - Winthrop
Methow Cycle and Sport - Winthrop
Methow Valley Ski School - Mazama
Methow Valley Nordic and Methow Trails have several sit skis available for use. We are happy to advise individuals on what they may need to rent, please contact us, or let us know if you need to reserve a sit ski.
Attendance numbers
Based on interest in the clinic, registration may be limited, but is currently not capped. We hope to host as many skiers as possible by providing adequate coaches and volunteers.
Ski to the Sun Race
Saturday Feb 11th will be the Ski to the Sun Race. Please see Methow Trails Website for more information. The full para racecourse is 11 km.
Cost
What is included:
- Awesome coaching and Instruction
- Three-day trail pass
- Fun and friendships
- Organized social hour outside of ski time
- Guided skiing to one of the country's best groomed nordic areas!
Skiers will be responsible for:
- Ski equipment
- Lodging
- Meals and snacks
- Transportation
- Ski to the Sun registration (if applicable)
Our goal is to keep direct costs for this camp to a minimum.
Proposed Schedule
Wednesday 2/7 - Check-in 12-1 PM.
Ski 1 - 330 PM
Wednesday PM - Dinner / Social - 530-730 - Location TBD
Thursday 2/8 and Friday 2/9 - Ski 9-1130. Lunch 1130-1, Ski 1-3