Nordic skiers from across the northwest are expected to take part in the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association’s 30-kilometer Methow Valley Pursuit ski race on Saturday (Jan. 25).
Because of inconsistent snow conditions on the usual valley-floor race route, the Pursuit’s skate racing course has been shifted to start at the Cub Creek trailhead, climb over Rendezvous Pass, and drop into the Rendezvous Basin, following the terrain of the Rendezvous Mountain Ski Tour.
Racing begins at 9:30 a.m. Check-in begins at the Winthrop Barn at 7:30 a.m.; there will be a shuttle bus to the starting point.
The classic event has been cancelled because of snow conditions.
Cost of the race is $40, free for skiers under 17, which includes shuttle bus service and a commemorative ski hat. Awards will be given to winners in each age category. Register at www.mvsta.com. The Methow Valley Pursuit is sponsored by Winthrop Mountain Sports and 13 other local businesses.
Other events in the two-day Nordic Festival weekend include Backyard Ski Day on Friday (Jan. 24), with free skiing on 75 kilometers of expertly groomed trails, free cross-country ski rentals, and free lessons from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mazama Corral trailhead.
On Saturday, the Nordic Festival Party and Dinner, a fundraiser for the Methow Valley Nordic Team, will be at the Winthrop Barn from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dinner tickets are $10-$16 in advance, available by emailing mvntdirector@gmail.com.
