The re-opening of the chairlift at the Loup Loup Ski Bowl is scheduled to happen on the ides of March (March 15). Albeit an ominous day for the long-awaited rebirth of the electrical panel that stole away the past two weeks of skiing, the reopening will hopefully mark a turning point from winter skiing to spring skiing. That is, if spring ever decides to arrive.
The Loup Loup downhill racing team enjoyed a great season despite the unreliable snow pack and cold temperatures. Parents report a lot of progress and enthusiasm from new and returning skiers who joined the Wolf Pack this season. As always, the team wants to encourage others to consider joining in the competitive fun next year.
Similarly, the Loup Loup Ski Patrol is actively seeking new members. Loup Loup Patrol members are members of the National Ski Patrol and enjoy great perks. We are first responders whose mission is to keep people safe on the mountain. Patrol members are trained in advanced first aid and basic life support as well as trained with specialty gear and rescue techniques designed specifically for mountain environments and ski area equipment.
Patrollers are eligible for pro deals where gear and equipment can be purchased at great discounts, access to on-going training, and earning free family passes to ski at the Loup. Also, many other ski areas offer free day passes to active members. So, while the job is volunteer, it pays to be a member.
I have heard people say, “I am not a good enough skier to be on ski patrol.” While skiing proficiency is an important skill, there’s no requirement to be a great skier, even knuckle-draggers out there can join! Plus, being on patrol gives you a lot of time to hone your skills. In fact, patrol has access to free clinics or discounted lessons for yourself and family at the mountain. What’s more important is a spirit of service and commitment. The Loup Loup Ski Bowl needs the patrol to operate each day, and the patrol needs new members. To find out more, inquire in the aid room or Top Shack when you’re on the mountain or contact the Ski Patrol director at loupdir@gmail.com.
Happy 50th to Keelyn Friesen-Roman. Keelyn checked off a bucket-list item as she enjoyed her mid-century mark fox hunting upon the grounds of the Joint Base Lewis McChord with other women riders. Accompanied by a mature-aged group of women dressed in traditional attire of tweed, wool and leather, she kicked of her golden jubilee at the Woodbrook Hunt Club in Lakewood where she mounted a spunky horse named Little Wing in search of foxes. An avid equestrian and founder of the local chapter of the Pony Club, Keelyn had always wanted to try this time-honored English tradition.
No foxes were actually hunted. Instead, the red fox urine scent was strategically placed by a runner (who happens to be a rider’s husband in tennis shoes) in various locations ahead of the hunt. Fox hounds head out in search of the scent, trailed by the field master and then followed by waves of mounted hunters as they gallop through the forest until they find the runner (a true silver fox, I am sure).
In keeping with the strange and irrefutable fact that all things are connected to the Methow, a fox hunting story wouldn’t be complete without a Methow connection. It turns out the field master at Woodbrook Hunt Club happens be Jennifer Hanson, sister of long-time resident Leah Hanson. It just goes to show that no matter how rare and unusual your path may be, it always leads back here to the valley.
Keelyn Friesen-Roman celebrated her 50th birthday by taking part in a fox hunt at Joint Base Lewis McChord (no actual foxes were involved).
