Tuesday, Feb. 18 thru Thursday, Feb. 20
Deschutes National Forest, OR
Trip Rating: Advanced-Intermediate Backcountry Skiing
The scene: Central Cascades backcountry in mid-Feb. Think finding your way through a forest full of old growth in the snow with a friendly bunch. Away from the noise and bustle, we’ll ski hut to hut for 22 miles over 3 days over terrain described as “ungroomed and rolling with gentle slopes”. The ski is about 8 miles a day at around 6500’ elevation with variable snow conditions. Along the way are untrammeled views that most will never see. Each night we’ll cook a communal dinner with the provided and supplemented supplies, get warm and dry from the wood stove, prepare for the next day’s adventure, and crawl into our bunks with smiles from the day’s experiences.
So, you may be wondering, with two nights in the woods and staying in cabins, will I have to pack a lot? Not at all, the huts are fully stocked with food, cooking supplies, sleeping bags, everything we need to make the stay easy. You need only carry your lunches, snacks and any supplementals we choose. A sleeping liner is recommended and you may carry your own sleeping bag if desired.
What about equipment? This is from the huts company: “Bring Metal Edge Nordic skis with Scales or lightweight telemark skis with skins. Boots/Bindings: Beefy Nordic (NNN BC or 3 Pin/duck bill) and coordinated binding. Alpine Touring and Telemark gear that is more suited for descending might be a bit too heavy and bulky. Skate skis and track classic skis will be too light and flimsy.”
Logistics: We have a shuttle service from Three Sisters Sno-Park to Dutchman Flats the first morning. Since we must be at the shuttle at 8:00 AM there is an optional hotel stay the night before in Sisters, breakfast included. This makes for an easy transition to the shuttle point.
Special considerations: Skis with metal edges or skins, able to ski 8+ miles at 6500 ft. elevation, on time for the shuttle, the rest… enjoy the deep woods in winter!
Trip limit: 8 participants including trip leader.
Cost: $340 includes shuttle and hut stay with breakfast and dinner. Optional stay in Sisters on Mon., Feb. 17 @ $65, breakfast included
Carpool miles: 326 miles roundtrip from Portland
Trip leader: Richard Crimi, richard_crimi@hotmail.com
BOOKINGS
Bookings are closed for this event at this time. Contact the trip leader for any questions.