December 2011 Panhandle Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Club President’s Message
Snow has come early again this year but, unlike last year, we are only beginning to build a base at 4th of July. Last year we got too much snow to build a solid base early in December. The latest news is that ski conditions at 4th of July are not good enough for skiing. However, the railroad grade at Lookout Pass is ready for skiing. Go to the Idaho end of the parking lot and grooming is being done to the first chair, making a good base for skiing.
We are waiting for the end of hunting season on Dec 1 to begin to place the stoves and extra ski huts around the course.
The Best Hand Fun Ski will be on Free Ski Day, Saturday, January 7, 2012. The format has changed. Ten main prizes will be awarded built around outdoor recreation. Some of these prizes include trips or events hosted by Nordic Club members. There is also a change in the rules: everyone will receive 5 cards, but they will be able to turn in two of their cards and purchase two more cards for $1 each.
Please spread the news to your friends about Best Hand Fun Ski and the change in date to free ski day. It is our moneymaking event and very important to the club.
Next meeting is Tuesday, December 6 at USFS Fernan Station (drive around back) and this is the cookie exchange meeting. So please bring cookies to be exchanged. If you bring 6 cookies, you can pick out 6 cookies to take home. Some cookies will probably be brought in just for eating during the meeting. This meeting is also the meeting at which we exchange our old ski gear. You can rid yourself of extra gear or pick up some gear at this meeting.
The program will include a short talk by Glen Truscott on the essential gear a cross country skier should be carrying in their pack. After Glen’s presentation, John Latta of the Stevens Peak Backcountry Coalition will talk concerning this popular and accessible backcountry skiing and snowshoe area. John is a professional photographer, so we can expect some great views of this highly scenic area on the St. Joe and Bitterroot Divides
Hope to see everyone at the meeting.
Geoff Harvey
