You could definitely say that Ski to the Sun was a colorful event.
Super Bowl weekend is always jam-packed, filling every venue with local events ranging from winter sports to arts and fundraisers. Here’s a recap of the weekend and a snapshot of what’s to come as winter winds down and we watch the brown patches grow on the foothills.
After last year’s dismal snowpack at the Loup Loup Ski Bowl, this previous weekend’s Wolf Chase race was a grand success with a solid base and excellent grooming that prepared the slope for hundreds of sticks. The Loup hosted downhill racers from across the region from Spokane to Stevens Pass in a friendly giant slalom course sure to go down as a highlight of the season.
Returning to the Loup Loup this year will be two events that fell to the wayside from hiccups due to low snow and pandemic restrictions. The Slopestyle freestyle competition will hit the park on March 4for snowboard and ski daredevils unafraid to show their stunts on the lips, rails, and drops. Pre-registration online via Eventbrite will cost $15 while day-of registration will run $20.
Also returning to the hill will be Women’s Snow Day, March 11. In honor of Women’s History Month, Women’s Snow Day honors and recognizes the role of women in winter sports. Empowering all people to take to the hill in any manner, the event will offer a free mid-level snowboard and ski clinic for intermediate athletes. Following lunch, a group photo session will be held at the summit and to wrap up the day, an Après ski event at 3 p.m. will include a women’s ski movie, appetizers, and discussion in the lodge. It’s sure to be a unique event to build camaraderie among the skiing community.
On the trails below, hundreds Skied to the Sun on Saturday in the Methow Trails marathon and relay event. More of a fun festival on skis than a serious race, relay teams dress in colorful costumes and support everyone on the course that goes from Mazama to Sun Mountain. A growing number of para-athletes joined in the race this year, adding to the event’s inclusive atmosphere. A fun and special treat for racers included ice-cast shot glasses filled with a little shot of energy for the last uphill climb at the Chickadee Trailhead.
Following the relay, laughter filled the Winthrop Barn as Methow Arts brought the big city comedy group from Second City all the way from Chicago to Winthrop. The improv and sketch comedy troupe amused the adult-only crowd with parodies on parenting, romance, and dating in the modern era.
What a special treat to have a class act like Second City in these parts, but for local entertainment, I am hearing good things about recurring events in Twisp on a regular basis that might just be what you need to get through mud season.
First, is the OSB open mic that captures the airwaves at the OSB Taproom each second Tuesday of the month, the next one being March 9. With so much local talent, it’s not a surprise that good tunes can be found there. Each Thursday at Thirsty Trivia night at the Twisp River Tap House, big brains pay a small fee to test their smarts in a friendly game where apparently the pot can be quite enticing. More competition can be found at the Branding Iron’s Wednesday pool tournaments or karaoke Fridays. Nothing short of a good time in Twisp during the melt-off.
