The annual Race of the Methow, a two-day race weekend for skiers of all ages organized by the Methow Valley Nordic Team, will get underway at 9 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 4) at the Klipchuck campground located three miles up Highway 20 from Mazama.
Saturday’s venue will feature the skate sprints while Sunday (Jan. 5) will be devoted to the mass start classic.
Race costs range from free to $40 and participants can park at the wide spot at Early Winters and ride a shuttle to Klipchuck.
Saturday’s sprint races will utilize three courses, all variations on the campground loop with distances increasing according to age group. The adult team sprint race has been cancelled but organizers will run an individual sprint race for all adults 21 and over with a qualifying time trial and heats as needed.
The Lollipop race for U8 skiers will be held Sunday but not Saturday.
The race has been moved from its usual site at the McCabe Trails to Klipchuck owing to the unusual snow conditions. Snow and trail conditions at Klipchuck are excellent, according to MVNT sources, with packed powder and no exposed dirt or rocks.
For information call 996-6000 or visit http://methowvalleynordic.com/juniors/rom/.