Group Getaways
By Georgina Tobiska

Ski, eat, sleep, ski, eat, sleep…For some who visit the Methow, these constitute the only necessary components of the perfect group ski vacation. Two hundred kilometers of pristine track glittering in the sunshine and escape from the throngs that usually clog high country ski resorts are enough reason to draw groups to the Methow year after year. However, given the vast array of entertainment, luxury (and down-home) services and unique events offered here, a group getaway need not be limited merely to the trail and a comfy pillow. Much of the Methow Valley economy is built around the MVSTA trail system, and that means that local businesses and organizations cater specifically to the needs and wants of skiers, snowshoers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Veteran ski groups know how to make the most of their time off the tracks. As MVSTA executive director, Jay Lucas, puts it, “in the Methow, every day is Saturday!” Here is an overview of how to maximize your group getaway in the Methow and some words of wisdom from veteran ski groups about having fun on and off the trails.

Return of the Regulars
Given the small size of the towns here (Winthrop’s population is 400, and Twisp counts 938 full-time residents), it is no surprise that folks wonder, aside from the trails, what’s to do for fun? Why do regulars return to vacation here year after year?

World-class ski trails, simplicity, top quality services, and love of the locals: these are the chief reasons noted by groups that have returned to ski the Methow, winter after winter. Excellent, reliable snow, fine dining coupled with front door trail access, and top notch ski instruction are other noted Methow perks.

The quality of the Methow trails and ski instructors is indisputable. Rana has been coming to ski in the Methow with her group for the last 30 winters, and says “anyone who wants to learn how to ski should go to the Methow to learn.” She recalls learning herself from Sun Mountain Ski School’s head man and MVSTA president, Don Portman. After 30 years of skiing, Rana says she still goes back to Portman’s words of years before when conditions get rough: “slow down, find your sweet spot, and go from there.” When asked why her group returns every year, she is adamant: “I’ve skied in a lot of places all over the world. You don’t have to go far for the best skiing because, in the Methow, you get prime world skiing. And, no matter how many cars you see at the trailhead, you don’t see other people on the tracks!” It’s that component of privacy that makes the Methow vacation so simple and unique. With 200K of groomed trails spread widely from Mazama to Twisp, the rarely found groomed, private ski is a regular find here in the Methow. Being able to achieve simplicity on a group getaway also reflects the many services and lodges that provide for a group’s every need.

One of these is North Cascades Lodge, where owner, Josh Kerns, says that groups return every year for the ease of trails right out the front door, fabulous food and personalized service. The staff at North Cascades Lodge are all Nordic and backcountry skiers who provide a wealth of first hand ski information.

Another veteran group reflects similar appreciation of the comprehensive service from the Mazama Ranch House hospitality: “we like the privacy of the Ranch House. You have the illusion that it’s all there just for you.” For those looking for a low key, private hide-away, there is no need to go lux. North Cascades Lodge and the Mazama Ranch House are superb options. And there are many others--your quiet corner in the woods can always be found in the Methow. Mary and her group, the Summit Alpine Club, have been coming to the Methow for their group getaway and staying at North Cascades Base Camp since the inn first opened. She says that after coming for close to thirty years, she and her husband still wouldn’t miss it. Mary is also part of the Washington Ski Tour Association, which organizes a group to ski in the Methow each winter. She says that the competitionfor such trips is heavy: “Both groups have many participants that come year after year and wait lists to fill any potential openings.” Her groups range from12 to 30 people and are mostly adult to senior age. She says that her groups appreciate the Mazama community center, where “there’s always something fun going on. Last time we were there, there was an ‘old-timer ski’—with woody skies and knickers required—no lycra!”

For groups seeking a complete luxury experience, Sun Mountain Lodge is unbeatable. Perched high above the valley with breathtaking views, Sun Mountain offers five star services, some of the best trails for skiing and snowshoeing, a four diamond dining room, weight rooms, hot-tubs and a wide variety of wintertime activities and entertainment. Jane Lewis, of Everett Parks and Recreation, has been leading ski groups (sometimes of 35 or more) on group getaways to Sun Mountain for many years. She says that the meals, games, front door skiing and the wide choices of varied terrain bring people back again and again. Lewis also appreciates the assistance available to such large groups from the MVSTA, which provides discounts on trail passes for groups of 12 or more.

Regardless of where they lodge, veteran ski groups reflect their love of the locals. There’s nothing like people’s kindness and love of life to enhance a vacation experience. In the Methow, there is extra to go around. One visiting skier reflected that “whether in the shops, restaurants or out on the trail, I’ve never met an unfriendly local.”

Good Food
There is something delicious for all tastes and styles here in the Methow, but some locales for good vittles deserve special attention. If you are fresh off the trail at the Town Trailhead and Ice Rink, stop by The Valley Hub, and your stomach will be satisfied. The Hub serves a variety of perfect paninis, great local wine, coffee and many deli items to choose from. If you are coming in from a day on the trails at Sun Mountain, the Eagle’s Nest is a prime pick for menu variety. The warm spinach salad is amazing, the bar selection is wide and the service is top tier. Your group will also be satisfied with any pick-up from the Cinnamon Twisp Bakery, in Twisp, or the Rocking Horse Bakery, in Winthrop.

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Methow Valley Ice Rink is a Recreational Hub for All Seasons
By Georgina Tobiska

The Methow Valley Ice Rink has been up and running for less than a year, and already outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds are clamoring for their nitch in the schedule.

When the rink and town trailhead opened the day after Christmas last year, few imagined the volume of use the facility would have over the coming seasons. No lights? That didn’t stop Methow folks. Lack of lighting, parking and other basic amenities that first day could not stop the steady flow of skaters and skiers.

Now that all equipment is fully installed, and the facility is prepared for year round use, the stage is set for innumerable possibilities for skaters, soccer players, cross country skiers, school programs and the arts. Here’s an update on the latest at the rink, and what we can look forward to this winter.

The Summer Update
Since its transformation to a year round facility this spring, the rink has been thoroughly enjoyed throughout the summer. The process of converting the rink into a sports field was begun last March 2008. Tim Colvin, program coordinator for the MVSTA, reports that sod was laid, goals were built, and the soccer season kicked off with a soccer tournament that brought in teams from the greater Methow Valley area. The first game began at 7:00 a.m. and the last finished at 7:00 p.m. In between, there was music, food and all day outdoor fun.

Thanks in large part to the program development by Colvin, the rink has become a summer sports haven. Soccer camps for kids between 6 and 13 years old ran throughout the summer, and Colvin says that all were successful. He notes his thanks to Blue Star Coffee, of Twisp, for aiding with the camps and providing shirts for the players. The junior high age group also has made good use of the facility, taking the field each Thursday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. The Winthrop Fitness Gym offers a 13 week, strength building Power Camp for kids on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00 to 9:15 a.m. This camp is designed by Pete Dickinson to aid in off-season training for Nordic skiers.

Adults are invited to play soccer on Monday and Wednesday nights from 5-7:00 p.m. Colvin says that “at points this summer we have had as many as forty people in attendance getting fit and having a great time.” MVSTA will also be hosting a referee and coaches training weekend. This program is designed by Colvin, “for those wishing to learn how to be a soccer ref and coaches training for those wishing to learn how to be a youth soccer coach.”

The variety of activity has expanded with arts, music and local Montessori school children taking the field. Montessori pre-school and kinder attendees have rented the facility and report loads of fun with water sports, soccer and games on the field. Later this summer, Methow Arts Alliance is planning a concert on the field, and other like events are slated for the future. The field is available for day rent for such events, a great option for groups looking to plan large gatherings for half day or full day use.

Looking forward to next year’s summer season, all of this year’s summer programs and events are expected to continue. Colvin says he also has several additional kids’ camps, adult camps, and music events planned to expand current programs. He says that the basic goal for the field is to be “an overall healthy place for kids to hang out in the summer.” To that end, Colvin says he plans to start beginner soccer lessons for those who have never played but wish to learn in a fun and easy environment. And, for those already skilled, Colvin plans next summer to host adult soccer tournaments. This will bring in teams from our state and beyond for an overnight setting with night time entertainment. Be on the lookout for expanded program announcements, for the fun on the field
has just begun.

Icing the Rink for Winter
“The lights are up!” And the rink is fully operational for winter, says Jay Lucas, executive director of the MVSTA. After making the rink a year round facility this spring and completing all construction, the grant providing for the rink has been maximized, says Lucas.

This winter, Methow Valley locals and vacationers can expect a full service skate and ski center at the rink and town trailhead. Skates will be available for rental in all sizes, as will skate lessons. General improvements and changes since the last skating season include ample parking, regular town maintenance of the property, party rental availability, concerts and events.

For cross country skiers, the Sun Mountain Ski School will be in residence as well. Run by MVSTA president Don Portman, the ski school provides lessons, trail passes, a full ski shop and equipment rental at the town trailhead. With the rink as a start location, skiers may enjoy a short stint on the community trail along the river, or a full day ski from Winthrop to Mazama.

Lucas sees great possibilities for the future of the rink. The director says that, with increased funding, a small piece of land adjacent to the rink could be used to add more facilities. A roof or refrigeration designed for increased energy efficiency could also be in the rink’s future. According to Lucas, the direction of expansion should be clear by the end of this winter season.

Methow Valley residents and visitors will enjoy an expanded and more refined rink schedule this winter. The rink is offering open skate times every day of the week, including evening open skate sessions on weekends. Those interested in programs at the rink and town trailhead may call MVSTA for information at 509-996-3287, contact the rink at 509-996-4119, email Tim Colvin at mvsasoccer@yahoo.com or check the MVSTA website.

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The Chair Workout for Simple Winter Fitness
By Pete Dickinson

Recent statistics are showing a poor state of fitness in America, and the winter season provides little relief to this trend. Daylight hours are shorter, indoor time is increased, and all our backsides see is a chair, most days. There is a way to turn this state of affairs to our advantage by using the chair for our fitness activities.

In my travels with the U.S. Ski Team’s “European hotel room tour,” we had to make due with what was in the room for our strength exercises. After jumping on the beds a lot, our attention turned to novel uses of the hotel room chair. The following four exercises will have you fit and strong for the coming winter sports season, even if all you have is a chair!

Tricep Dips
This is one of my favorite “get ready to ski” exercises. Dips are directed at strengthening the triceps and shoulders, the most notable areas of weakness during a first ski of the season. Strength of these muscles allows you to maintain a stable arm lever during the poling motion. If you haven’t done your fall roller ski sessions, in preparation for the winter, this exercise will help make up for it.

Sit on the chair, straighten your legs, and place your hands on the edge of the chair. Move your hips off the chair and lower yourself by letting the elbows bend. Straighten the elbows to return to the starting position. Perform three sets to fatigue. To make it a little easier, bend your knees, and allow yourself to push down through the feet to assist on the lift back up to the starting position. Our local Nordic team performs an advanced form of this exercise called “dip jumps.” This involves an explosive push up off the chair, with a catch and lowering of the body on the return.

Bench Hamstring
Skiing involves extensive use of the hip and hamstring muscles. In previous articles, I have talked about the “big house.” To locate this structure, stand up, place both hands on your back pockets. Those are the “big house” muscles. Also known as the gluteus maximus, these hip muscles combined with the back leg “hamstrings” provide a strong push off during skiing. Lie on the floor, and place both heels on the chair. With the knee at a 90 degree angle, lift your hips off the floor. To return, slowly lower the “big house” to the floor, and then rise again. Repeat 10-15 times for three sets. To advance this exercise, place just one heel on the chair with the free leg pointing toward the ceiling. This should get your attention as you use just one leg to lift the house up.

Balance Squats
Unfortunately, you generally use only one leg to push off during Nordic ski technique. Rowers have all the luck, being able to use two legs at once. To make up for this disadvantage, exercises forcing you to push with just one leg will help you prepare for the specifics of Nordic ski technique. For those of you with one leg a little weaker than the other, balance squats will let you focus on correcting this.

Facing away from the chair, take a large step forward, and put one foot back on the seat of the chair. This will place you in a “scissors” position. You will find this challenging to your balance. Slowly lower your hips toward the floor by bending the knee, preventing the knee from driving forward over the foot. Straighten back up for the return. Do not push up with the rear foot on the chair. Keep the load on the forward foot. If you are unable to maintain your balance, use an additional chair to hold onto. This is a difficult exercise, as you lower your entire bodyweight with just one leg. The advanced version of this exercise is to dynamically push up, creating a small hop. Typically three sets of 15 repetitions will get your attention.

Chair Pushups
Pushups are a standard upper body exercise for general chest and shoulder strength. The chair provides an additional challenge to the standard positions from the knees or feet. Using your body for extra weight, this can be very difficult.

Facing away from the chair, place your feet on the seat of the chair with hands on the floor. Lower your chest toward the floor while maintaining a strong plank position with your trunk and legs. Do not arch the lower back. Repeat for three sets to fatigue.

I guarantee you will never look at a chair in quite the same way after this chair workout. And, beware; there are plenty of other exercises using the stairs!

Peter Dickinson M.S., P.T., S.C.S., is the owner of Winthrop Physical Therapy and
coordinator of the Methow’s strength building Power Camp, designed to aid in off-season training of Nordic skiers.

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MVSTA Expands Dog-Friendly Trails
By Sunshine

Hi! My name is Sunshine. I am a Bernese mountain dog, and I ski. That’s right, I ski.
Here in the Methow, about the only thing people love more than skiing is skiing with their dogs. Because of the enormous popularity of skiing with dogs, this year the MVSTA has expanded the number of kilometers of dog-friendly ski trails at the Rendezvous.

Take it from me: Skiing with your dog is very rewarding. After all, dogs get cabin fever just like you do. Going from a summer of activity outdoors to a life of lying by the fire is not easy.

While winter can often be a hard time of year to exercise with your pet, the MVSTA dog-friendly trails provide the perfect solution. Many Methow dog owners recognize this, and that is why you will see me and many of my four-legged friends out on the trails nearly every day.

The dogs that come out to ski the trails are well socialized. They have to be, because it is quite a party, especially in the parking lot when we arrive. We love to greet each other right away and discuss the trails we plan to take. Our owners help dictate the time and distance we go based upon our age and fitness level. They also help us by packing dog treats and water because, as everyone knows, skiing is hard work. Some owners prefer to ski with their dog on a leash, while others allow their well-behaved, voice controlled dogs to run freely alongside. In both instances, it isimportant for skiers to remain alert and expect the unexpected when skiing with dogs. Like humans, we can get very excited over the thrill of fresh air, perfect snow and good friends. Jumping with joy and dashing in front of skiers is not uncommon.

To be safe, it is best if humans watch their ski poles, ski tips and knees, as these are the things that often cross our path when we get “doggy-ski-fever.” For the most part, we are going to be running alongside skiers on the packed, groomed surface because taking a step off the trail usually lands us over our heads in snow. So again, stay alert when skiing on dog friendly trails.

As we are sharing the trail, we ask that those of you with opposable thumbs please help us by picking up after us. Nothing throws off your perfect wax job more than dog deposits.

To locate dog-friendly ski trails, check out www. MVSTA.com as well as the local ski trail maps. An increase in dog-friendly trails means an increase in responsibility. At the trailhead, you’ll find a poster of Ginger, the MVSTA’s dog ambassador reminding you:

• Don’t chase wildlife.

• Come when your human calls or stay on your leash.

• If you are feeling grumpy or aggressive please don’t use this trail.

• Remind your human to pick up after you on the trail or near water.

So, be sure to bring a few extra bags, a few extra treats, a leash, some water and your canine best friend, and meet me on the trail. A tired dog is a happy dog!