Subject line: Ski to Big Lake/Sand Mtn area via Ray Benson Sno-Park, Santiam Pass
When: Tuesday, December 31 at 9:00AM
Where: Start at Ray Benson Sno-Park, ski to Big Lake, then continue on snowmobile trails on a loop that extends west towards Sand Mountain.
Meeting time/place: 9 am. Petsmart/Ashley Furniture parking lot off NW Robal Ln, then carpool to Santiam Pass.
Meet at the parking lot between Petsmart and Ashley Furniture in Cascade Center. Petsmart is located at 63455 N Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97701, right off of NW Robal Lane and across from the new Costco. The trip leader will be driving a brown Ford Truck.
Distance/hours: Ski is approximately 9 miles RT. Plan on spending 5-6 hours including drive time to/from the trailhead.
Brief Trail description: This will be a ski tour primarily on snowmobile trails that are periodically groomed. The expectation for this trip is that most of the route will have been groomed within the last 4 days, providing conditions for relatively fast kick & glide skiing. If that is not the case and the snow is deep, the trip distance will be shorter.
The terrain is mostly gentle hills and flats, with a couple moderate hills. Conditions are not expected to be icy due to recent snowfall.
Level of Difficulty: Advanced-Intermediate Tour: This means that to go on this tour you must have proficiency in the basic skills of cross-country skiing including diagonal stride, sidestep, kick turn, step turn, snowplow, and snowplow turn and you must be able to traverse and herringbone on moderately steep terrain. You must be able to negotiate long moderately steep and short, steep hills and be able to follow marked ski trails.
These are general guidelines when considering a group ski with CONC. Please honestly assess your ability in order to feel comfortable and enjoy the day, but without hindering the enjoyment of others.
Conditions vary according to weather and trail conditions. Be aware that medical help may be limited or delayed.
You must be physically fit enough to participate safely in this activity within the anticipated time. If you have any doubts about your ability to meet these requirements, please contact me before the tour.
Note: the difficulty of any trail can change based on current conditions such as ice, and may necessitate changes to the route.
What to bring:
Skis should be designed for backcountry use, and be adequate for the type of trip and terrain likely to be encountered. In general, skis should have a no-wax pattern for grip and metal edges for control on ice or hard pack conditions. Minimum width at the waist of the ski should be 50 mm or greater.
Boots should be over the ankle for support and control, and compatible with the bindings on the skis.
Poles should have large baskets so they don’t sink up the handle in soft snow. Adjustable poles are good for varying terrain conditions.
Skis, boots and poles designed exclusively for skiing on machine groomed tracks are not recommended.
Ten Essentials
Proper winter clothing for insulation and protection from wind and rain. Dress in layers. No cotton!
Water, snack/lunch. Snacks and lunch are often eaten outside. Bring food that can be easily eaten quickly in case it is cold.
Number of Skiers: 9 skiers total.
Dogs are not allowed on this trip.
Contact: John Stephenson. Email: johnrstephenson495@gmail.com. Phone: (541) 968-3091
