Methow Valley Ski Swap
The Methow Valley Winter sports swap returns on Saturday (Nov. 4) at the Winthrop Barn. The sale is organized by North Cascades Mountain Guides as a fundraiser for the Methow Valley Nordic Team, with 15% of sales going to support the team. Friends of the Winthrop Library will also be conducted a bake sale. There is a $2-$5 suggested donation entry fee for shoppers aged 16 and older.
Vendors can arrive starting at 8:30 a.m. to set up their tables. The Barn will be open for shoppers from 10 a.m.-noon. For information about participating, email info@ncmountainguides.com.
Nordic team fundraiser
The sports swap will be followed on Saturday (Nov. 4) by Avant-Ski, a fundraiser social to support the Methow Valley Nordic Team. The event starts at 5 p.m. at the Winthrop Barn, and will feature music, beverages, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and screening of the film “The Trails,” a half-hour documentary by valley resident Mike Tuggy about the history of the Methow Valley Trail system and ski team. There will also be brief presentations by coaches, athletes, and Nordic Team Executive Director Nathan Grothe.
Tickets are $20. Visit https://methowvalleynordic.com/events/avant-ski-pre-season-community-gathering-and-fundraiser for more information.
Loup fundraiser
“Fall for the Loup,” the annual community auction fundraiser to benefit the Loup Loup Ski Bowl, will be on Saturday (Nov. 4) from 5-9 p.m. at the Okanogan County Agriplex. There will be a buffet dinner, silent and live auctions and music for dancing provided by DJ Nolan Loucks. One goal is to raise money to offset ticket prices for youth up to the ages of 15. Tickets are $45; eight-person and 10-person tables are available. For information and to buy tickets, visit https://skitheloup.com.
Backcountry skiing clinic
Cascade Endurance coach Sam Naney offers a first-hand look at the gear you can use for the backcountry, side country and “skimo” racing in a free session on Saturday (Nov. 4) from noon-3 p.m., at the Cascade Endurance building in the old fly shop behind the Mazama Store courtyard. There will be a review of the different training methods you can use to get fit for the season Come dressed for light activity. Open to all ages. Email sam@cascadendurance.com to confirm a spot.
Sports nutrition for youth
Join registered dietician Abby Bange and Cascade Endurance coaches Alison and Sam Naney for an informative evening on “Sports Nutrition for Youth Athletes,” on Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Winthrop library. Nutrition is a key component to learn to recover well, prevent injury and improve health and performance, according to a press release about the free event. For more information, email alison@cascadeendurance.com or visit www.cascadeendurance.com/events.
Boomers Ski Club meetS
The Loup Loup Boomers Ski Club will have its annual preseason party on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Methow Valley Ciderhouse in Winthrop beginning at 5 p.m.
Sign-up sheets for new and returning members will be available as well as information about a December ski trip and details on discount ski privileges at Loup Loup Ski Bowl for this season.
Returning members and all skiers over age 55 are welcome to attend. Loup Loup Ski Bowl management will be on hand to answer questions about new developments at the Loup.
Open Skate Fridays
Open Skate Fridays are back at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp. The Open Skate program is held every other Friday through spring from 6-10 p.m. Entrance is $5 or $3 with your own skates. Check the schedule at https://methowcommunity.org/calendar. If you would like to volunteer as a helper, call Ronda Smeltzer at (509) 868-9632.
