The John Craig Memorial Ski Race and Tour is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025. 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 2025, 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 15, 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. Proceeds from this event go to fund the High School XC Ski Racing Programs through OISRAN. ONC membership is NOT required for this event, just register below.
PDX Chapter members – Please login before registering.
Questions about the event? Please contact johncraigmemorial@onc.org or Kenneth Wenzel at 503-729-6571.
Want to volunteer? Click here to help create what’s always a fun event.
Problems registering?: Click here and send us a message.
Adult racer or ski tour participant – $ 20 by March 10, $25 after
Youth (under 18) – $5
A pizza buffet follows the event starting at 4 PM at Takoda’s in Sisters, sponsored by Next Adventure.
On the day of the event:
- Planned start time: 9 AM – 11 AM
- Course closes at 3 PM
- Pizza Party at Takoda’s 4-7 PM
Please have all in your party sign a waiver beforehand. Please sign online here. Portland chapter members need not sign again if they did earlier this season. For minors, parents and guardians, please sign here.
When you sign up, 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!