Cross Country Skier articles from January 2004

Cross Country Skier archives from January 2004

Pet Peeves.(fresh Snow)
January 1, 2004... I'm an easy-going guy. Not much truly gets to me, but over the years two things about cross country skiing have crawled under my skin--perceptions and television. Pet Peeve Number One: The perception that cross country skiers are cheap....

A glaring oversight.(balanced Life)
January 1, 2004... The checklist for summer outings is etched in the mind: towel, bug spray, bottled water, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. But what's your checklist for out-door winter activities? If it doesn't include sunglasses, you're leaving yourself--your...

Distance learning: the key to unconscious effort.(technique & Training)
January 1, 2004... Time on skis is the ultimate teacher. Racing or long distance tours on lightweight equipment gives you even more time to learn and can teach you things that shorter ski outings can't. Competition or the simple need to reach your next bed...

Kick waxing for recreational skiers: there's no mystery here!(kick & Glide)
January 1, 2004... For classic recreational skiers, kick waxing often seems mysterious, illusive, a hard-to-master technique. But in reality, kick waxing can be simple, providing propulsion on the flats and a way to climb hills. And waxable skis will move...

Winter adaptations: how animals save body heat.(frozen World)
January 1, 2004... Moose were really designed for winter. Their thick coats of hollow-shafted hair keep them warm at 40 below zero--by the time the temperature reaches 20 degrees above, they're usually looking for shade. It's true, they can't reach their...

The Fine Art of Skiing: a celebration of art and Nordic skiing.(Cover Story)
January 1, 2004... The images we encounter as we ski through the winter landscape are brief and fleeting. Some are indelibly etched into memories, while others are replaced as soon as we crest the next hill or round the next corner. We are fortunate, however,...

The making of a cross country ski movie.
January 1, 2004... "When we were skiing, European television crews and camera technicians were not equipped to go out on a ski course. They would give us a camera and some coaching and ask us to shoot a certain kind of shot," recalled David McMahon, producer,...

Tips for shooting winter photography.
January 1, 2004... Recently a photographer in Ontario, Canada, asked: "I am happily snapping away, but having a bit of a problem keeping my camera warm and unfrozen in our cold, blustery weather. If I carry it bundled under my coat, should I keep it in a...

Racing? Me? You bet!(competitive Edge)
January 1, 2004... If you polled a hundred of your closest non-skiing friends, asking them what a cross country ski racer looks like, what do you think they'd say? Probably something along the lines of a drooling aerobic monster headed for a finish line...

Ski orienteering: develop your navigation skills.
January 1, 2004... "All you need to do is retrace your steps," believe those who think it difficult to get lost when out in the snow. Famous last thoughts! A little fresh or blowing snow can cover one's tracks, unraveling that naivete into a dangerous...

Ski town: Twin Cities, Minneapolis & Saint Paul, Minn.
January 1, 2004... "Minneapolis is the most fun city in America," concluded a survey commissioned by the maker the Cranium board games. For many years, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have been at the top of Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live"...

City of Lakes Loppet: brainchild of a skiing mayor.
January 1, 2004... "Coming into office, I set off on a campaign to get Minneapolis recognized as the most active city in America," said Mayor R.T. Rybak. Events such as the summer Lifetime Triathlon and autumn Twin Cities Marathon give credence to his...

Excellence a-la-Quebecois.(Far Hills Inn)
January 1, 2004... For 30 years, I had seen ads for The Far Hills Inn lauding "Eastern Canada's Premier Cross Country Ski Resort." Over that same duration, I've skied plenty of premier cross country resorts: Lone Mountain Ranch, Montana; Ontario's Stokely Creek...

Lake superior bookends: Rose Valley Lodge and Stokely Creek Lodge.
January 1, 2004... Sure, it's not a fair comparison--skiing a great Nordic resort in Canada is automatically going to cost about 35 percent less than its counterpart in the U.S. What's an American cross country skier to do? Go north, of course. at every...

10th Mountain Division: two boards upon cold powder snow.
January 1, 2004... Just follow the blue diamonds. Easily said, but not as obvious as skiing up the Yellow Brick Road! With a map, compass and every skill we'd developed for reading vague trail markings, we ascended the steep ridge to 11,600 feet. Just around...

Backcountry tele skiing with NOLS.
January 1, 2004... In the middle of a February snowstorm, we paused on our skis atop a ridge in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness on the Tetons' western slope. Huddled together, we looked at our ski gloves. Big snowflakes fell, landing on our black gloves. The...

Tour the backcountry with the Appalachian Mountain Club.
January 1, 2004... On my way to the Appalachian Mountain Club's Cardigan Lodge, I motored through the town of Alexandria, New Hampshire, and around New Found Lake, where people ice fished in huts and played ice hockey The road became hillier and rougher as it...

Winter Wildlands update: new fronts emerging in efforts to secure backcountry quiet.
January 1, 2004... It's no secret that quality backcountry skiing experiences aren't what they used to be, but skiers heading out to once-pristine snow on federal lands need to keep one eye trained on Washington as our land managers prepare to broker mounting...

Craftsbury Outdoor Center.... Craftsbury, Vermont.(Destination Guide)
January 1, 2004... VERMONT'S UNSPOILED NORTHEAST KINGDOM! Craftsbury Outdoor Center, the renowned four-season destination for cross-country skiing, biking and rowing, has accommodations for 90 guests. Eighty-five kilometers of scenic ski trail are...

North Valley Trails.... Ketchum, Idaho.(Destination Guide)
January 1, 2004... SKI THE NORTH VALLEY TRAILS AND GALENA! Breathtaking scenery, historic lodge,mouth-watering food, world-class Nordic skiing and snowshoeing all await you the heart of Idaho! 125 km of trails groomed for skate and classic skiing, snowshoe...

The Sterling Inn.... Poconos, Pennsylvania.(Destination Guide)
January 1, 2004... THE PERFECT WINTER RETREAT... cozy fireplaces, gourmet candlelight dining, hearty country breakfasts, excellent service. Winter fun includes miles of tracked cross country ski trails, x-c shop and lessons, sledding lakeside bonfires, ice...

The Lodge on Lake Clear.... Lake Clear, New York.(Destination Guide)
January 1, 2004... RUSTIC ELEGANCE FOR THE SOUL Updated 1886 lodge with rooms, suites and private chalets, some with jacuzzi baths and fireplaces. "Adirondack Alps" decor and cuisine. Miles of backcountry and groomed trails out your door, 20 min. to Lake...

Palmquist's "The Farm".... Brantwood, Wisconsin.(Destination Guide)
January 1, 2004... DISCOVER WHY guests return to Wisconsin's oldest cross country ski destination! Enjoy our northwoods inn featuring cozy, handcrafted log lodging with fireplaces, 35K of gently rolling trails, home-cooked meals, Finnish saunas, sleigh rides,...

Viking Nordic.... Londonderry, Vermont.(Destination Guide)
January 1, 2004... "SOME OF THE SWEETEST SKIING ANYWHERE," says leading ski and travel writer Jonathan Wiesel. Come glide Viking Nordic's 35 km trail system, voted #1 in Vermont in the 2003 XC Ski Resort Poll. Easy to get to in Southern Vermont. New kid's ski...

A visit to Sun Valley's North Valley Trails: so many trails, so little time.
January 1, 2004... I had budgeted too little time for this passionate hotbed of Nordic skiing. One short visit to the Blaine County area in Idaho's Sun Valley region would be inadequate to experience all cross country skiing opportunities here. With the he]p of...

Adirondack Nordic: High Peaks and the Jackrabbit Trail.
January 1, 2004... In my mind, New York's Adirondack region is the great American wilderness. Though I love my Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains, the dark forests and silent lakes of upstate New York are still for me the original wild places--almost...

Eine Kleine nacht skiing: a little night skiing.
January 1, 2004... In mid-winter, it used to be that by 4:30 p.m. your ski day was pretty much over. Sure, you could always ski by the light of the full moon, but the number of nights with this option is preciously few. And even under the fullest moons,...

Don't be afraid of the dark.
January 1, 2004... There's no reason to stay inside when the sun goes down this winter. Here's a selection of headlamps that can illuminate the night and extend the time you can ski your favorite trail. Black Diamond The Polar Star is a LED/halogen...

Cloudveil Ambush jacket.(New stuff: a collection of the newest gear and apparel for winter enthusiasts)
January 1, 2004... The Ambush jacket is a great choice for any aerobic winter activity, The semi-permeable Fusion[TM] bonded membrane protects you from the wind and water. The breathable fabric keeps you comfortable when you're skating fast and the fast-wicking...

Arc'teryx introduces new Sigma SL with Windstopper[R] softshell.(New stuff: a collection of the newest gear and apparel for winter enthusiasts)
January 1, 2004... The new Sigma SL Jacket adds a third distinct classification to the softshell category. Featuring four-season, hard weather dependability, this jacket offers a durable two-way stretch, rip-stop face fabric while offering breathability,...

Black diamond Jetstream Gloves.(New stuff: a collection of the newest gear and apparel for winter enthusiasts)
January 1, 2004... Polartec Windbloc allows the Jetstream thin and dexterous. Jetstream Gloves molded design reduces bulk but not comfort and warmth. A reinforced suede palm adds durability and improved the connection between the glove and your ski poles....

Timbuk2.(New stuff: a collection of the newest gear and apparel for winter enthusiasts)
January 1, 2004... The Shortcut A 3-in-1 Convertible Waist Pack Made by a company that makes the leading bicycle messenger bags, the Shortcut is a great choice for carrying extra gear. Features include a ballistic nylon exterior, waterproof vinyl liner,...

Iceland's 66[degrees] North outerwear.(New stuff: a collection of the newest gear and apparel for winter enthusiasts)
January 1, 2004... 66[degrees] NORTH, a 77-year-old line of rugged outdoor apparel, will soon make its U.S. debut from Iceland. Most 66[degrees] NORTH garments are designed to be layered, depending upon conditions. Modern materials such as Entrant GII-XT,...

Tindur Windpro Strecth pants.(New stuff: a collection of the newest gear and apparel for winter enthusiasts)
January 1, 2004... From the 66[degrees] North High Performance line. Made from Polartec Windpro Stretch, zipped front pockets and back pocket, elastic drawcord at waist, reinforced knees and backside. Available in XS-XXL.

Tindur Windpro vest.(New stuff: a collection of the newest gear and apparel for winter enthusiasts)
January 1, 2004... From the 66[degrees] North High Performance line. Made from Polartec Windpro and Polartec Windpro Stretch fabrics vent pockets for extra ventilation without added weight, reinforced shoulders and sides elastic drawcord at hem and a pocket at...

Julbo advance.(New stuff: a collection of the newest gear and apparel for winter enthusiasts)
January 1, 2004... Julbo's proprietary Altichromic X4 photochromic lenses adapt to variations in light conditions by becoming darker or lighter. The Advance sunglasses offer increased visibility in changing light conditions. Users can adjust the glasses for a...

Manzella Expedition 580.(New stuff: a collection of the newest gear and apparel for winter enthusiasts)
January 1, 2004... The Expedition 850 combines Polartec[R] Power Shield[TM] and Skelletek[R] grip. The Power Shield reduces the bulk of base and shell layering into a one-layer system that gives all the protection, breathability and warmth in one glove. The...

Briko Dart Racing.(New stuff: a collection of the newest gear and apparel for winter enthusiasts)
January 1, 2004... Constructed from Grilamid nylon. It's strong, lightweight and durable. The Dart Racing system includes Briko's patented anti-fog treatment and two interchangeable lenses. The Syncro-Bridge System uses an adjustable nosepiece to adjust the...

Fireside.
January 1, 2004... This ski season, Roy Carlsted of St. Paul, Minnesota, plans to compete in four cross country ski marathons, including the Mora Vasaloppet and the American Birkebeiner, major accomplishments for any skier. However, having just celebrated his...

Aspen avalanche dog stars in commercial.(Nordic News)
January 1, 2004... Most working dogs view their job as a game--a chance to play and interact with their handlers while being rewarded. For some dogs, the reward includes saving a person's life. Take Tenzing, a three-year-old German Shepherd from Aspen,...

Natural resources defense council reports ski resorts backing global warming legislation.(Nordic News)
January 1, 2004... Global warming is a threat to the ski industry threatening shorter seasons for skiers and snowboarders--for whom winter is short enough already. There's a bi-partisan more in Washington to fix the problem and the ski industry is getting into...

2004 National Cross Country Ski Education Foundation calendars available.(Nordic News)
January 1, 2004... The National Cross Country Ski Education Foundation (NCCSEF) has announced that its 2004 fundraising calendars are now available. Sales of last year's NCCSEF calendar raised over $60,000 for ski clubs, teams and the NCCSEF Future Fund. Funds...

Cross Country Ski Areas Association releases 2002/2003 visits study.(Nordic News)
January 1, 2004... In 2002/03, the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) conducted its seventh annual Cross Country Ski Area Visits Study. CCSAA surveyed 149 member ski areas (130 U.S. and 19 Canada). Actual skier visits reported were 1,867,871. In...

Snow boarding accident is the catalyst for new rescue toboggan.(Nordic News)
January 1, 2004... A snow boarding accident that left student Ryan Flynn with a broken pelvis was the catalyst that led him to design and develop a lightweight rescue toboggan--with suspension. Flynn developed the ASL--Altitude Safety Link while studying...

Yellowstone snowmobile lawsuit in court.(Nordic News)
January 1, 2004... Winter Wildlands Alliance, with several other conservation organizations, is suing the Department of the Interior over the National Park Service's decision to allow snowmobiles back into Yellowstone National Park. According to an Associated...

Seven named to U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame.
January 1, 2004... The U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame has selected seven new members, including Olympic ski champions Tommy Moe and Diann Roffe, World Championships medalist A.J. Kitt and Alex Cushing, who brought the 1960 Winter Games to Squaw Valley, Calif....

Viking Nordic expands family entertainment with new Cookie Cards and Terrain Park.(East)
January 1, 2004... Viking Nordic in southern Vermont recently expanded its entertainment menu for families. New this year at Viking is the Kids' Terrain Park, complete with miniature hills and valleys and cutouts of creatures that youngsters can ski around and...

Bolton Valley Resort.(East)
January 1, 2004... Bolton Valley Resort in Bolton Valley, NH, recently sold 3,000 acres of land adjoining the resort to Redstone Commercial Group from Burlington, VT. According to Bob Fries, Owner and President of Bolton Valley Resort, the new owners of the...

2002/2003 Northeastern Minnesota winter trails survey.(Midwest)
January 1, 2004... The University of Minnesota Duluth School of Business and Economics and Sea Grant Minnesota has conducted a winter trails survey. The technical report on the Cook County, Minnesota resident survey was developed as a part of the larger...

Minnesota's Cascade Lodge proposed for state park inclusion.(Midwest)
January 1, 2004... Excerpted from Cook County News. Herald In an address to the Cook County Board of Commissioners Jim Willford, DNR regional state parks manager, discussed plans to incorporate historic Cascade Lodge into the adjacent state park...

Midwest openings.(Midwest)
January 1, 2004... Several Midwest Nordic trails capitalized on snow making and early natural snow to jump start the season. Troll Hollow in Dresser, Wisconsin opened its 2.5 km manmade snow course in early November. Over the summer Troll Hollow installed...

Northwest Wisconsin trail info.(Midwest)
January 1, 2004... Skiers looking for information about regional trails in northwest Wisconsin can visit ww.norwiski.com for real time updates of trail conditions at over 60 Nordic ski trails. A new, free 24-page trail guide, Cross Country Ski Northwest...

Steamboat Springs Nordic ski areas announce joint pass program.(West)
January 1, 2004... For the first time, Nordic skiers will be able to purchase one pass good for up to five Steamboat Springs area Nordic centers. Three different season passes and two multi-day visitor's passes will be available. The sale of the Steamboat...

Galena Lodge benefit.(West)
January 1, 2004... More than $120,000 was raised for Galena Lodge and the North Valley Trails at the eighth annual benefit dinner and auction. The sold-out dinner in the Sun Valley Lodge Limelight Room attracted more than 450 attendees who bid on more than 100...

Early season openings--Silver Star & Callaghan country.(West)
January 1, 2004... Silver Star Mountain Resort Silver Star Mountain Resort in Vernon, B.C. perennially among the first Nordic centers to open in North America, opened 20 km of its upper-level Nordic trails on November 13, 2003. "The Nordic Trails are in...

SuperTour sprints to Newell, Wagner.(Supertour)
January 1, 2004... Olympian Wendy Wagner collected her second victory on the $100,000 cross country SuperTour on November 29 in a freestyle technique 1 K sprint race on the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone, MT, while Andy Newell out skied Torin Koos in...

Chamberlain, Wagner win in "West".(Supertour)
January 1, 2004... Dave Chamberlain out sprinted Chris Cook over the final stretch to win the 15K classic technique SuperTour race in West Yellowstone while Wendy Wagner won the women's 10K CL by more than a minute and a hall. With temperatures in the...

Supertour Masters.(Supertour)
January 1, 2004... In 2004, three SuperTour hosts, Soldier Hollow, Presque Isle and Telemark Resort will introduce "SuperTour Masters" as a way to recognize the valuable participation in those events by Master and recreational competitors. Innovative,...

Freeman finishes in 20th at Kuusamo 15K CL World Cup opener.(World Cup)
January 1, 2004... Kris Freeman was 20th in a 15K classic technique World Cup race behind Norwegians Anders Aukland and Jens Arne Svartedal on the opening day of the self-styled "Nordic Opening" weekend in light rain and mid-30s weather. "It was quite a...

U.S. World Cup Biathlon Team readies for season.(World Cup)
January 1, 2004... In preparation for the season opening Biathlon World Cup in Kontialahti, Finland, the US Biathlon Team enjoyed ideal conditions at the Vuokatti Sports Institute in central Finland. According to Coach Algis Shalna, the snow conditions were...

Rottefella licenses Erik Sports to manufacture NNN XC boots.(sno biz news)
January 1, 2004... Effective November 13, 2003 Erik Sports is licensed by Rottefella to manufacture NNN cross country boots under a new brand, Whitewoods. Erik Sports will begin to distribute Whitewoods and Rottefella bindings effective January 2004, while...

Karhu to distribute Exel's Nordic walking poles.(sno biz news)
January 1, 2004... Both Karhu and Excel are banking that Nordic walking participation levels will grow in the United States as they have in Europe. In Finland, for example, approximately 10 percent of the population is estimated to participate in Nordic walking...

Snow Industry Summit launched.(sno biz news)
January 1, 2004... SnowSports Industries America (SIA), TransWorld Snowboarding and Mountain Sports Media are joining forces to produce The Snow Industry Summit, a high level business conference that will address global issues affecting all aspects of the snow...

SIA launches innovative suite of consumer websites.(sno biz news)
January 1, 2004... SnowSports Industries America (SIA) announced the launch of a new consumer oriented suite of websites designed to educate and entertain current and potential snow sports consumers. The snowlab.com suite consists of four sites: snowlinkjr.com,...

Bear Valley Cross Country.(California)
January 1, 2004... Nestled in the super scenic High Sierra and surrounded by two wilderness areas, Bear Valley Cross Country offers some of the finest striding and skating anywhere! With impeccable grooming, expansive meadows, scenic ridge tops, snowshoeing,...

Kirkwood Cross Country Center.(California)
January 1, 2004... Above all the rest with a base elevation of 7,800 feet and 80 kilometers of machine groomed trails; Kirkwood Cross Country offers the most spectacular scenery and the most exciting terrain in the west. Cross country day lodge, ski school, ski...

Montecito-Sequoia Winter Sports & XC Ski Resort.(California)
January 1, 2004... Ski 85km of groomed trails and miles of marked backcountry trails. PSIA instruction, tours and rentals. Snowshoeing, tubing with handle tow, outdoor spa, children's programs and dog sled rides. Comfortable lodging and delicious meals,...

Royal Gorge.(California)
January 1, 2004... 330km, 90 trails create North America's largest cross country ski area. Spectacular vistas, two interconnect trails, four ski lifts, 10 warming huts, four trailside cafes and two overnight lodges complete this extra-ordinary resort. P.O. Box...

Glen Eden Resort.(Colorado)
January 1, 2004... Surrounded by high country cattle ranches and National Forerst, this small resort north of Steamboat Springs offers the best lodging value in NW Colorado. More than 80km of perfectly groomed skiing. Unlimited backcountry trails and world...

Vista Verde.(Colorado)
January 1, 2004... Romance and adventure await at a secluded Western ranch 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs. 30km of groomed trails, unlimited backcountry in the surrounding National Forest, plus sleigh rides, horseback riding and more. Beautiful log cabins,...

Sugarloaf/USA Outdoor Center.(Maine)
January 1, 2004... Tucked away in the woods just minutes away from the Sugarloaf/USA Resort Base Area, the Outdoor Center is home to the state's largest Nordic trail network and the site of limitless adventure. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are welcomed...

Sunday River Inn & Cross Country Ski Center.(Maine)
January 1, 2004... Friendly mountain hospitality featuring a family style inn, 40 km of professionally groomed Nordic ski trails, innovative kids programming, terrain park and 12 km of wooded snowshoe trails. Amenities include a professionally staffed retail...

A Place in the Woods.(Minnesota)
January 1, 2004... Cozy, secluded, and newer log cabin resort on beautiful Turtle River Lake, Bemidji, MN is the perfect setting to enjoy nature and your favorite winter activities. 20 km xc ski trails begin at your cabin's door. Ice fishing, ice skating,...

Cascade Lodge.(Minnesota)
January 1, 2004... Located in the midst of Cascade River State Park overlooking Lake Superior. Historic main lodge, log cabins with fireplaces, some with kitchenette and whirlpool bath. Distinctive northwoods family restaurant. Great scenery on 50km of groomed...

Central gunflint ski trail system--Bearskin & Golden Eagle Lodges.(Minnesota)
January 1, 2004... Nationally renown skiing on 70k of snowcat-groomed trails with a dependable average snowfall of 120" Groomed for traditional and skate skiing accommodating all levels of difficulties. Night skiing, snowshoe trails, sauna, heated waxing room,...

Lutsen Resort.(Minnesota)
January 1, 2004... Experience the beauty and wonder of Lake Superior in the winter. Nearly 200km XC ski trails nearby Lakeside lodging includes historic lodge rooms, log cabins, and town homes/condos, In-room fireplaces & whirlpools available. Swimming...

Rainbow Resort.(Minnesota)
January 1, 2004... Located in Waubun, MN near the headwaters of the Mississippi River and beautiful Itasca State Park, Rainbow Resort offers 20 km of groomed private trails in heavily forested area adjacent Tamarack National Wildlife Refuge. Accommodations...

Izaak Walton Inn.(Montana)
January 1, 2004... A place where time stands still and lets you catch up. Located on the southern tip of Glacier National Park. This year round historic Great Northern Railroad Hotel hosts over 30km of groomed cross country ski trails. Ski shop, rentals,...

Norsk.(New Hampshire)
January 1, 2004... New England's oldest and finest Nordic Center, Norsk has 57 kilometers of groomed trails, which reflect over a quarter century of change and refinement. Cross country skiers and snowshoers will find ample snow just 90 minutes from Boston,...

The Nordic Center at Waterville Valley.(New Hampshire)
January 1, 2004... Ski over 70 km of trails or pristine backcountry wilderness in the splendor of the White Mountains National Forest. Wide trails, expertly groomed by new Pisten Bully cat for both classic or skate. Located in an alpine village w/shops,...

Lapland Lake Cross Country Ski & Vacation Center.(New York)
January 1, 2004... "Best in the Mid-Atlantic" 2002 & 2003, "Best XC Ski Resort for Families"2003, Best XC Ski Resort Poll Adirondack Splendor, Finnish Hospitality! Owned-operated 25+ years by Olympian Olavi Hirvonen and family 50km trails: 38km meticulously...

Trapp Family Lodge.(Vermont)
January 1, 2004... Home to the country's first and finest cross country ski center and the family who inspired "The Sound of Music." 0ver 100k of trails wind through 2,700 acres with magnificent mountain views. 700 Trapp Hill Rd., Stowe, VT 05672, 800/826-7000,...

Methow Valley.(Washington)
January 1, 2004... Located in North Central Washington, this destination area offers over 200 km of groomed trails. Experience blue skies, dry snow and rugged vistas. Ski from your front door, lodge to lodge or go hut to hut. Ready for more adventure--try heli...

Okanogan County.(Washington)
January 1, 2004... Home to nearly 300 kilometers of machine-groomed, unrepeated trails surrounded by more than a million acres of national wilderness and forest lands. The Methow Valley comprises one of the largest nordic centers in North America. From novice...