John Craig Memorial Ski Race and Tour 2023

The John Craig Memorial Ski Race and Tour is scheduled for Saturday, March 18, 2023.  This event, commemorating John Templeton Craig, the pioneer mailman who died during a sudden winter snowstorm on McKenzie Pass in December, 1877, in an attempt to deliver mail to the Willamette Valley.  More of the historical story at onc.org.

For 2023, the John Craig Memorial Ski Event will consist of self-timed ski races of about 6 or 12 miles and casual ski tours of the same lengths.  The event will take place on Saturday, March 18, leaving from the East Snow Gate of Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass Highway), about 9 miles west of Sisters, Oregon. The ski trail will be groomed for both classic and skate skiing to make this wilderness ski event possible.  We plan to have course monitors, rest stops, rescue, and medical support.

Ski racers and tour participants can complete either the course of about 12 miles to the Dee Wright Memorial at the top of McKenzie Pass, or a shorter route of about 6-8 miles to Windy Point.

The cost of the event is low, to make it possible.  ONC membership is NOT required for this event.  If you have trouble registering, please contact johncraigmemorial@onc.org or Ted Scheinman at 503-914-9584

Adult racer or ski tour participant – $ 20 by March 15, $25 after

Youth (under 18) – $5

A pizza buffet in Sisters follows the event sponsored by Next Adventure.

A limited amount of lodging at a 15% discount is available in Sisters at Left Coast Lodge. Call them at 541-549-2551 with code ‘NORDICCLUB’ for the lowered rate. 

Also, Sisters Inn and Suites has a discounted rate of $126 per night, plus tax. Call them at 541-549-7829 and use code ‘Oregon Nordic Club/John Craig’.

For more information, please contact Ted Scheinman, John Craig Event Coordinator, at johncraigmemorial@onc.org or by phone at 503-914-9584.

Look for a confirmation email from webmaster@onc-pdx.org.  Check your spam filter if necessary.  We look forward to your ski enjoyment with us.