Trail Highlights: This is an intermediate tour that wanders mostly off trail in the Swampy area. It heads up towards the Ridge Loop area from Swampy Snopark, then curves around towards Swampy Lake and back. This is best done when there are a few inches of snow over a firm base, so that breaking trail is fairly easy. It is easy to adapt to changing conditions, so a final assessment on the route will be made at the trailhead. The planned route will go up a hill or two, and there will be some easy descents through trees. Be comfortable with skiing off trail, and with turns down low angle terrain in variable snow conditions. Wider skis with metal edges would be best. I do this route a few times a year and call it the Pine Marten Loop (I saw a marten there once).
Level of Difficulty and Distance/Time expected: Intermediate level tour, 5 to 6 miles, with under 1000 feet of elevation gain. Usually takes a couple of hours.
Meeting Place/Time: We will meet at Swampy Snopark at the map at 10:00, sign waivers, and leave the trailhead by 10:15
What to Bring:
● Ten Essentials. Including tools & straps for ski/boot repairs.
● Proper winter clothing for insulation and protection from wind and rain.
● Glide wax
● Water, snack/lunch. There are no warming shelters on this route
Ski Equipment: wider skis (>68mm) with metal edges are best.
Number of Skiers: 8
Reservation Contact: Kei Fortier
The Central Oregon Nordic Club, PO Box 744, Bend, OR 97709, is chapter of the Oregon Nordic Club, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.Email: conordicclub@gmail.com
